Malta Joins Latvia, Finland, Norway, Slovakia, and More to Dominate Christmas 2025 City Breaks — Here’s Why You’ll Want to Be There!

Published on December 5, 2025

Malta joins Latvia, Finland, Norway, Slovakia, and more to dominate Christmas city breaks across Europe. These destinations are set to experience a surge in tourism like never before. As the festive spirit spreads across Europe, Malta, with its rich history and Mediterranean charm, will attract travellers eager to explore its beautiful Christmas markets and warm atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Latvia, Finland, Norway, and Slovakia will offer everything from snowy landscapes to festive traditions that make Christmas unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a traditional European Christmas or a new, exciting destination, these countries offer something for everyone. With such diverse and unique experiences awaiting, it’s clear that these cities will be the ultimate Christmas getaways in 2025, and you won’t want to miss out!

Malta: The Mediterranean Jewel’s Soaring Popularity This Christmas

As we approach Christmas 2025, Malta is emerging as one of Europe’s hottest destinations for a winter getaway. According to the latest data from the European Commission, the small Mediterranean island saw a stunning 13.0% increase in foreign overnight stays during the first half of 2025. The numbers speak for themselves — Malta is attracting more visitors than ever before, and this surge is expected to continue through the holiday season.

What makes Malta such a compelling destination for Christmas? Its mix of rich history, stunning coastal views, and festive charm offers the perfect blend for city breaks. The island’s capital, Valletta, transforms into a magical winter wonderland, drawing crowds eager to experience its vibrant Christmas markets and historic landmarks. This surge in tourism isn’t just a flash in the pan — it’s part of Malta’s growing reputation as a year-round tourism hub, with the Christmas season now being a key driver of this success.

Latvia: The Hidden Gem of the Baltic Region

Latvia is another country set to shine this Christmas season. Overnight stays rose by 12.8% in the first half of 2025, according to official statistics from the European Commission. This data suggests a steady increase in tourism, making it one of the most promising destinations for winter city breaks in Europe.

Riga, Latvia’s charming capital, is particularly popular for its Christmas atmosphere, offering beautiful medieval streets lined with festive lights, traditional Christmas markets, and the renowned Riga Christmas Tree. The city has become a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic European Christmas experience. With its affordable prices, charming atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings, it’s no wonder that more people are flocking to Latvia this year.

Finland: Embrace the Magic of the North This Christmas

Finland is no stranger to winter tourism, and Christmas 2025 promises to be another big year for this Nordic nation. Finland recorded a 12.3% increase in overnight stays in the first half of 2025. For those dreaming of a white Christmas, Finland offers the ultimate winter getaway, with the added magic of Lapland — the home of Santa Claus.

In cities like Helsinki and Rovaniemi, visitors can expect to experience the quintessential Christmas atmosphere, with snow-covered streets, dazzling lights, and a wealth of winter activities. The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is one of the most popular attractions, drawing families from all over the world. Finland’s deep connection with Christmas traditions, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, makes it an unmissable destination this winter.

Norway: Winter Magic in the Land of the Vikings

Norway is another standout in the European tourism boom for Christmas 2025. According to the latest data from the European Travel Commission (ETC), Norway saw a 13.2% rise in arrivals and a 15.3% increase in overnight stays in early 2025. These figures suggest that Norway is well on its way to becoming a top Christmas destination in Europe.

Oslo and Bergen are particularly popular for their winter charm. In Oslo, the festive season is marked by Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and the renowned Vigeland Park blanketed in snow. Bergen, known for its historic wooden buildings and scenic fjords, becomes a picture-perfect Christmas destination, offering visitors an enchanting holiday experience. Norway’s strong winter tourism appeal, combined with its deep-rooted Christmas traditions, makes it a destination that will undoubtedly see a surge in visitors during the Christmas season.

Slovakia: The Heart of Central Europe’s Winter Wonders

Slovakia is experiencing an unexpected rise in tourism, and Christmas 2025 will likely be no exception. With a 14.3% increase in arrivals in 2025, according to ETC data, Slovakia is on track to become a popular winter destination for city breaks. Known for its stunning Carpathian Mountains and charming medieval towns, Slovakia is attracting visitors eager to explore its winter beauty.

Bratislava, the capital, is emerging as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for Christmas. The city’s Christmas market is a must-see, featuring traditional food, festive crafts, and a welcoming atmosphere that draws visitors from across the continent. Slovakia’s affordable pricing, coupled with its picturesque towns and vibrant culture, positions it as a prime destination for those looking to escape the crowds of more traditional Christmas destinations.

Cyprus: Mediterranean Magic with a Christmas Twist

Cyprus may not be the first place that comes to mind for Christmas travel, but the island is steadily climbing the ranks as a winter escape. Cyprus recorded a 16% increase in visitor numbers in 2025, according to ETC data, and this surge is expected to continue during the Christmas period.

Nicosia, the capital, offers visitors a unique blend of Mediterranean warmth and holiday charm. The mild winter temperatures make Cyprus an ideal destination for those seeking a Christmas break without the harsh winter weather found in northern Europe. The island’s festive markets, combined with its rich history and coastal beauty, offer an unforgettable holiday experience.

Spain: A Classic Christmas Destination for All

Spain is one of Europe’s most enduringly popular destinations, and Christmas 2025 is set to see a surge in bookings. Madrid and Barcelona are experiencing significant growth in bookings, with hotel booking engines reporting increases of 75% for Madrid and 46% for Barcelona in the run-up to Christmas.

Both cities come alive during the Christmas season, with Christmas markets, nativity scenes, and holiday lights lighting up the streets. Madrid’s Plaza Mayor hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in Spain, while Barcelona offers a Mediterranean twist on the holiday season, with festive events and a unique atmosphere that continues to attract travellers year after year.

Italy: A Winter Wonderland in the Heart of Europe

Italy’s Christmas tourism is also seeing a significant rise, with Rome and Milan at the forefront of this surge. Both cities are among the most sought-after European destinations for city breaks, and Christmas is no exception. The festive season brings Christmas markets, midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, and winter illuminations to the heart of Rome, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a traditional Italian Christmas.

In Milan, the Duomo Cathedral and Sforza Castle become the backdrop for an unforgettable Christmas experience, with the city’s famous shopping districts adorned in festive decorations. Italy’s combination of art, history, and festive spirit makes it an excellent choice for Christmas city breaks in 2025.

Poland: A Snowy Dreamland for Christmas Lovers

Poland is another country seeing a surge in interest for city breaks during Christmas 2025. Warsaw and Kraków are two of the most popular destinations, with a growing number of visitors choosing Poland for their holiday getaway. Poland’s Christmas markets are famous for their festive food, handmade crafts, and holiday cheer. Kraków’s Main Square becomes a magical winter wonderland, while Warsaw’s Old Town glistens with Christmas lights, offering a picture-perfect setting for a winter break.

Poland’s affordable prices and rich cultural heritage make it an appealing option for travellers seeking an authentic Christmas experience in Eastern Europe.

Hungary: A Christmas Fairytale in Budapest

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is another city experiencing a surge in bookings for Christmas 2025. Hungary recorded strong growth in city breaks over the past few years, and the festive season is proving to be a major driver of this trend. Budapest’s Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in Europe, set against the backdrop of the historic St. Stephen’s Basilica. The city’s festive lights, combined with its thermal baths and rich cultural scene, make it a magical destination for Christmas city breaks.

The Christmas Surge Is Real — And It’s Happening Now

As we look ahead to Christmas 2025, Europe is bracing for an unprecedented surge in city breaks. From the historic charm of Malta to the winter wonderlands of Finland, Norway, and Slovakia, Europe is transforming into a holiday haven for those looking to embrace the magic of the season. Cities like Madrid, Milan, and Budapest are already seeing increased bookings, while countries like Latvia, Cyprus, and Poland are poised to become top destinations for Christmas travel.

The numbers don’t lie: European city breaks are on the rise, and Christmas 2025 will be the perfect opportunity for travellers to experience the continent’s festive spirit like never before. So, whether you’re dreaming of a snowy Christmas in Finland or a Mediterranean escape in Cyprus, there’s a European destination ready to make your Christmas unforgettable.