London Joins Amsterdam, Croatia, France, Prague, Copenhagen and Others as Top Christmas Travel Destination for this Year- Discover the Magical Holiday Hotspots of Europe

Published on December 16, 2025

London: The Ultimate Christmas Wonderland in 2025

London, United Kingdom, is a perennial favorite for Christmas tourists. The city’s streets transform into a winter wonderland, with sparkling lights illuminating famous landmarks such as Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of experiences, including historic walking tours at Greenwich and Southbank or exclusive visits to iconic palaces decorated for the season. While accommodation costs average $274 per night, free attractions like the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and the stunning Covent Garden decorations make this a must-see destination for Christmas lovers.

Festive Fact: London’s Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a yearly gift from Norway, a tradition since 1947 as a token of appreciation for Britain’s support during World War II.

Amsterdam: A Magical Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Amsterdam, Netherlands, offers a perfect mix of traditional holiday charm and contemporary festive experiences. Visitors can take boat cruises along the canals to see the city’s homes lit up for Christmas, sample delicious Dutch treats like oliebollen and speculaas, and visit iconic Christmas markets. With average accommodation rates at $267 per night, Amsterdam is slightly less expensive than London, with tours averaging $23 per hour in five languages.

Festive Fact: The Dutch Sinterklaas celebration on December 5th is a precursor to modern Christmas customs, influencing the Santa Claus tradition.

Nuremberg: A Bavarian Christmas Tradition Like No Other

In Nuremberg, Germany, the Christkindlesmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, dating back over 400 years. The city’s medieval Old Town becomes a charming, snowy village, offering visitors the chance to enjoy Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and browse traditional wooden toys and handcrafted ornaments. Accommodation here is the most affordable among the top destinations at $197 per night, making it a fantastic value destination.

Festive Fact: The Christkind (Christ Child), played by a young woman, opens the Christkindlesmarkt with a traditional prologue, welcoming two million visitors annually.

Zagreb: Eastern Europe’s Best-Kept Christmas Secret

Zagreb, Croatia, has become a top destination in Eastern Europe, thanks to its growing reputation as a Christmas hotspot. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Upper Town, explore traditional Croatian holiday customs, and sample regional specialties. With accommodation costs averaging $165 per night and tours priced at $46.98 per hour, Zagreb offers excellent value for travelers.

Festive Fact: Zagreb was named Europe’s best Christmas market three years in a row (2016-2018), thanks to its charming ambiance and mix of traditions.

Strasbourg: France’s Capital of Christmas Awaits

Strasbourg, France, known as the Capital of Christmas, boasts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570. The city offers a blend of French and German holiday traditions, with markets around the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral and a focus on sustainability. However, accommodation is pricey, averaging $322 per night. Visitors will find the experience well worth the cost, with the grand Christmas tree in the Place Kléber as a stunning centerpiece.

Festive Fact: Strasbourg’s Christmas tree often stands 30 meters tall, decorated with hundreds of lights and topped with a star, becoming a symbol of the Alsatian Christmas spirit.

Prague: Fairy-Tale Architecture Meets Christmas Magic

In Prague, Czech Republic, visitors step into a fairy-tale Christmas, with the stunning Old Town covered in festive lights. The city’s Baroque and Gothic architecture is even more enchanting under the glow of Christmas lights. Tours, costing around $39 per hour, showcase Czech holiday traditions, including the tasting of trdelník (cinnamon pastries) and mulled wine, while accommodation averages $277 per night.

Festive Fact: The Old Town Square Christmas tree, sourced from Czech forests, is illuminated with national pride and marks the start of the Christmas season.

Budapest: Thermal Baths and Christmas Markets in One

Budapest, Hungary, is the perfect destination for those seeking both Christmas magic and relaxation. Visitors can experience Christmas markets along the Danube, relax in outdoor thermal baths while snow falls, and enjoy Hungarian holiday delicacies. The city is relatively affordable, with accommodation at $227 per night and tours priced at $55 per hour.

Festive Fact: The Advent Feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica features a spectacular 3D light projection show synchronized to classical music, creating an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Quebec City: Experience Europe’s Christmas Charm in North America

Quebec City, Canada, offers a European-style Christmas with a French-Canadian twist. Visitors can explore holiday markets, visit the Ice Hotel, and take horse-drawn carriage rides through snowy streets. At an affordable $201 per night for accommodation, Quebec City is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic winter wonderland.

Festive Fact: Plains of Abraham transforms into a winter playground, featuring skiing, ice slides, and illuminated trails that captivate visitors during the holiday season.

Copenhagen: Danish Christmas Magic in Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen, Denmark, celebrates the hygge approach to Christmas, where cozy contentment and traditional holiday experiences take center stage. Tivoli Gardens, with its vintage-style decorations, holiday lights, and æbleskiver pancakes, offers the ultimate Danish Christmas experience. Accommodation is $242 per night, and tours are available in three languages, costing $57 per hour.

Festive Fact: Tivoli Gardens inspired Walt Disney’s Disneyland, and its Christmas traditions—like the Tivoli Guard’s Christmas parade—continue to enchant visitors each year.

Rome: A Mediterranean Christmas Experience in the Heart of Italy

Rome, Italy, offers a unique Mediterranean twist on Christmas, combining religious significance with festive charm. Visitors can attend midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, explore presepi (nativity scenes) in churches, and experience the historic Befana Market. While accommodation costs an average of $331 per night, Rome’s rich holiday traditions make it worth the visit.

Festive Fact: Piazza Navona’s Befana Market celebrates the legend of La Befana, a kind witch who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve, adding a touch of Italian folklore to the holiday season.

Keep In Mind :

As the holiday season approaches, these top 10 Christmas destinations for 2025 offer a captivating mix of tradition, festive charm, and cultural experiences that will make any traveler’s Christmas unforgettable. From the enchanting streets of London and Amsterdam to the historic Christmas markets of Nuremberg and Strasbourg, each destination presents its own unique holiday spirit. Whether you’re seeking traditional celebrations, culinary delights, or stunning winter landscapes, these cities provide the perfect backdrop for a magical holiday experience.

While traveling to these destinations promises unforgettable memories, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about potential travel disruptions and safety concerns, especially in regions with heightened security or adverse weather conditions. As you plan your Christmas getaway, consider the rich cultural heritage, festive activities, and the overall value each city offers. With these destinations leading the charge in holiday magic, 2025 promises to be a year filled with heartwarming experiences, cherished traditions, and the joy of the season.

Wherever your Christmas adventure takes you, these cities ensure that the magic of the holiday season will be felt at every corner.