Zagreb Joins Zurich, Riga, Lisbon, Craiova, and more as Europe’s Winter Explorers Choose New City Gems — Reshaping Travel Trends for 2025–26

Published on December 2, 2025

Winter tourism across Europe is experiencing a renewed surge as travellers look for destinations that offer both seasonal atmosphere and cultural warmth. A new group of cities is driving this shift. Zagreb, Zurich, Riga, Lisbon, Craiova, Montbéliard and Debrecen have emerged as standout winter destinations for 2025–26, each offering its own distinctive character and winter-ready visitor experience.

Tourism authorities across Croatia, Switzerland, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, France and Hungary continue to promote winter as a season of discovery. Instead of focusing only on traditional ski resorts or major capitals, travellers are increasingly seeking places where festive markets, illuminated districts, mild weather, thermal relaxation, heritage walking routes and cultural institutions combine to create a balanced winter experience. These seven destinations reflect this new trend, providing winter travellers with variety, depth and atmosphere.

ZAGREB: A CITY WHERE WINTER BECOMES A FESTIVAL

Advent Zagreb Creates a City-Wide Celebration

Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, has established itself as one of Europe’s premier winter destinations. Official Advent Zagreb information highlights a winter festival that spans the city centre with markets, music, seasonal food, skating areas and illuminated walkways. From Zrinjevac Park to Ban Jelačić Square, the city becomes an inviting landscape of lights, wooden stalls and live entertainment.

Historic Districts Full of Seasonal Charm

The Upper Town (Gornji Grad) provides a classic European backdrop. Its cobbled streets, old lanterns and panoramic viewpoints create a memorable winter atmosphere. Visitors blend cultural activities with outdoor celebrations, making Zagreb a well-rounded winter city break.

ZURICH: SWISS WINTER ELEGANCE WITH SCENIC BEAUTY

One of Europe’s Most Iconic Indoor Christmas Markets

Zurich is a staple of Swiss winter tourism. Zürich Tourism showcases its Hauptbahnhof Indoor Christmas Market as a major attraction during the cold season. This covered market, one of Europe’s largest, gives travellers a warm, comfortable festive experience sheltered from Swiss weather.

Urban Lights and Lakefront Winter Walks

Zurich’s winter identity is enriched by light displays along Bahnhofstrasse and in the Old Town. Lakeside promenades and scenic spots near the Limmat River offer peaceful winter walks. For those wanting panoramic views, Uetliberg Mountain provides a vantage point where visitors can see the winter landscape stretch across the city and surrounding Alps.

RIGA: A BALTIC CITY WHERE HERITAGE LIGHTS THE WINTER NIGHTS

A Historic Market in the Heart of a UNESCO District

Latvia’s capital, Riga, presents a winter experience deeply rooted in tradition. Its Old Town Christmas Market at Doma Square is one of the Baltic region’s most atmospheric seasonal attractions. Surrounded by medieval architecture, the market offers traditional Latvian crafts, winter treats and holiday décor reflecting local customs.

Architectural Beauty in the Art Nouveau District

Riga’s Art Nouveau District stands out as one of Europe’s most impressive architectural areas. Winter adds a quiet charm to its ornate facades, creating a calm and elegant backdrop for heritage strolls. Museums, concert venues and indoor cultural spaces add depth to winter itineraries.

LISBON: EUROPE’S MILD-WEATHER WINTER CAPITAL

Sunny Days and Comfortable Temperatures All Winter

Portugal’s national tourism authority highlights Lisbon as one of Europe’s warmest capitals during winter. The mild Atlantic climate allows visitors to enjoy outdoor sightseeing throughout the season. Pleasant temperatures and many hours of daylight support an extended winter tourism window.

Iconic Neighbourhoods Without the Summer Crowds

Lisbon’s hillside neighbourhoods remain lively in winter. Alfama’s viewpoints, Baixa’s boulevards and Belém’s riverside monuments offer comfortable walking routes during months when other European cities face harsher conditions. Seasonal lights illuminate central avenues, while museums, theatres and modern cultural centres offer indoor alternatives.

CRAIOVA: ROMANIA’S GREEN AND CULTURAL WINTER SURPRISE

A City Built Around One of Europe’s Largest Urban Parks

In southern Romania, Craiova is becoming a notable winter destination thanks to unique cultural and natural assets. Romanescu Park, one of Europe’s largest landscaped parks, stays open year-round and offers lake views, bridges and walking paths that remain scenic even in cold weather.

A Distinct Cultural Signature

The Craiova Art Museum, with its collections linked to sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, adds a strong cultural identity. The Oltenia Museum and Botanical Garden provide indoor spaces for winter exploration. The restored Old Center and active theatres strengthen the city’s tourism appeal during the winter season.

MONTBÉLIARD: FRANCE’S WINTER CITY OF LIGHT

Lumières de Noël Lights Up the Historic Centre

In eastern France, Montbéliard turns into a winter spectacle through its annual Lumières de Noël festival. Thousands of lights decorate facades, towers and arches across the historic “Cité des Princes.” Official municipal tourism information highlights the event’s reputation as one of France’s most enchanting winter festivals.

An Authentic French Christmas Market

The Christmas Market around the Saint-Martin Temple features regional foods, crafts and local products. Historic lanes lined with decorations and artisan stalls create a festive atmosphere rooted in tradition. Château de Montbéliard further enhances the winter setting.

DEBRECEN: HUNGARY’S WINTER WELLNESS AND NATURE DESTINATION

Thermal Comfort During the Coldest Months

Hungary’s Debrecen presents a winter offering centered around wellness and nature. The Aquaticum Thermal Baths provide year-round relaxation with warm pools and spa treatments that attract travellers seeking winter comfort.

A Forest Landscape That Softens Winter

Nagyerdő, the Great Forest surrounding Debrecen, offers walking paths and green spaces that remain accessible in winter. The Reformed Great Church, Déri Museum and the city’s cultural venues add depth to a visitor’s stay, making Debrecen ideal for a relaxed winter escape.

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CONCLUSION: EUROPE’S WINTER TRAVEL SEASON ENTERS A NEW ERA

Winter travel across Europe is no longer defined by a narrow set of traditional destinations. The rise of Zagreb, Zurich, Riga, Lisbon, Craiova, Montbéliard and Debrecen shows how travellers are embracing new winter patterns shaped by culture, comfort, nature, mild weather and authenticity.

These cities highlight a more personal kind of winter journey. Zagreb offers warmth through community celebrations. Zurich blends luxury with scenic tranquillity. Riga preserves centuries of heritage in its festive streets. Lisbon opens its sunny waterfront to winter visitors. Craiova offers parklands and cultural spaces that stay charming in the cold. Montbéliard glows with one of France’s most atmospheric winter light festivals. Debrecen provides healing through thermal waters and peaceful forest landscapes.

Together, they represent a changing European winter map—one that celebrates diversity, creativity, and local identity. As the 2025–26 winter season unfolds, these cities are shaping a new vision of winter travel, where every visitor finds a destination that feels welcoming, inspiring and full of seasonal character.