Christmas and New Year in Europe is a time when cities transform into winter wonderlands with fairs, illuminations and festive events. Find out which European destinations are considered the best for Christmas and New Year travel

The holiday season in Europe is one of the most anticipated times of the year for travelers. At this time, cities turn into real winter fairy tales with Christmas markets, illuminations, concerts and grand New Year celebrations.

Germany, Austria, France, Czech Republic, Belgium, Poland, Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia and Portugal are among the most popular destinations for traveling for Christmas and New Year - and here's why you definitely shouldn't miss them.

Read which Christmas places in Europe were recognized as the best places for Instagram content.

Top unusual gifts for Christmas in this material.

Electronic vignette is a convenient digital way to pay for toll roads and motorways in European countries. It completely replaces paper stickers: all information about the car is stored in the official database and is automatically checked by license plate.

The e-vignette is mandatory for traveling by your own or rented car in many European countries.

Apply for an e-vignette online in advance – and hit the road without unnecessary risks and fines!

Austria – Vienna: Imperial elegance and Christmas charm

Vienna is rightfully considered one of the most atmospheric Christmas cities in Europe. From mid-November to early January, the Austrian capital is immersed in a festive atmosphere: historic squares are decorated with lights, and the main attraction is the Christmas market on Rathausplatz.

Here you can taste traditional Austrian pastries, warm up with mulled wine, buy handmade decorations and enjoy live classical music.

On New Year's Eve, Vienna impresses with concerts at the Vienna State Opera, festive events at the Hofburg Palace and large-scale fireworks.

Why you should go: a combination of imperial architecture, musical heritage and authentic Christmas traditions.

France - Strasbourg: the official capital of Christmas

Strasbourg has long secured the title of Capitale de Noël. It is here that one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe operates - Christkindelsmärik, founded in the 16th century.

Festive chalets are located on several squares in the historic center, and the Gothic cathedral and narrow streets create a unique atmosphere. During the New Year period, the city complements the festive program with fireworks and concerts.

Why you should go: a deep Christmas tradition, a UNESCO historical center and a true European spirit of Christmas.

Germany – Nuremberg: The heart of German Christmas markets

Germany is associated with Christmas like no other country, and Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous in the world. Its history dates back several centuries, which is why it attracts millions of tourists every year.

Here you can taste the legendary Nuremberg gingerbread, buy crafts from local craftsmen and enjoy open-air Christmas concerts.

Why you should go: Authenticity, strong traditions and a classic German Christmas without the tourist hype.

Czech Republic – Prague: A medieval Christmas fairy tale

Prague looks especially magical in winter. The Christmas markets on Old Town Square combine medieval architecture with a warm festive atmosphere. They offer Czech delicacies, hot mead and handmade products.

New Year's Eve in Prague is fireworks over the Vltava, concerts and street celebrations that create unforgettable impressions.

Why you should go: the romance of the old town, affordable prices and bright New Year's events.

Belgium - Brussels and Bruges: winter wonders and medieval charm

Brussels hosts the Winter Wonders festival every year with Christmas markets, light shows and festive installations on the Grand Place.

Bruges turns into a real postcard: canals, medieval buildings and cozy fairs create a fabulous atmosphere.

Why you should go: a combination of gastronomy, history and an exquisite festive atmosphere.

Poland – Krakow and Warsaw: Eastern European Christmas Traditions

Krakow’s Market Square is famous for its handmade goods, traditional dishes and the Gothic backdrop of the old town.

In Warsaw, festive events combine modern light installations with classic Polish traditions.

Why you should go: Authenticity, lower prices compared to Western Europe and a warm festive atmosphere.

Netherlands – Amsterdam: a city of light and tradition

Winter Amsterdam is known for the Amsterdam Light Festival, which transforms the canals into an open-air gallery of contemporary art.

Another important event is the celebration of Sinterklaas – the traditional Dutch Saint Nicholas.

Why you should go: A unique combination of art, tradition and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Denmark – Copenhagen: festive hygge

Copenhagen in winter is the embodiment of hygge: coziness, warmth and peace. Tivoli Gardens transforms into a magical park with thousands of lights, fairs and concerts at Christmas.

Why you should go: a peaceful festive atmosphere, coziness and a high level of event organization.

Estonia - Tallinn: medieval Christmas

The Tallinn Christmas Market on the Town Hall Square is one of the oldest in Europe. The medieval streets, traditional dishes and historical atmosphere create a feeling of time travel.

Why you should go: an authentic Christmas in one of the best-preserved old towns in Europe.

Portugal - Lisbon: festive warmth without snow

For those who don’t want frost, Lisbon offers a mild climate and bright festive events. Wonderland Lisboa with ice rinks and a Ferris wheel, as well as large-scale New Year’s celebrations at Praça do Comércio make the city a popular alternative to classic winter destinations.

Why you should go: warm weather, festive atmosphere and an unusual Christmas experience.

European Christmas and New Year destinations offer a unique combination of history, culture and festive spirit. From the snowy fairs of Nuremberg and Tallinn to sunny Lisbon, each city offers its own version of winter magic.

These trips are not just about fairs and fireworks, but about getting to know the traditions, atmosphere and spirit of Europe. That is why Christmas and New Year are the perfect time to discover the most charming cities of the continent.

When traveling around Europe for Christmas and New Year, more and more tourists choose road trips to visit Christmas markets in Vienna, Prague, Nuremberg or Strasbourg without being tied to transport schedules. It is on such trips that the electronic vignette becomes a mandatory and indispensable element of the route.

An e-vignette is a digital document that confirms the payment of toll roads and motorways in European countries. It does not require sticking or paper confirmations: control is carried out automatically by the car number. This is especially convenient during the winter holidays, when queues, checks and fines can spoil the festive mood.

Planning a Christmas or New Year's trip to Europe by car?

Apply for an electronic vignette in advance and focus on the festive atmosphere, not on road formalities.

Let's remind you! Planning an inexpensive city break in Europe? We have already talked about 10 budget cities for travel in 2026: prices, tips, cheapest months and life hacks for tourists.

Photo - generated by Gemini

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