Looking for the best Christmas towns in Europe? From Color to Hallstatt, Lake Bled and Trier, there are tons of those small-Hallmark-feel places that can bring you Christmas joy. Just because these towns are smaller than the major cities, doesn’t mean they’re any less festive!
We all know and love the main hubs. Christmas is great in Rome and London, for example. But what about those smaller destinations? There is always so many things to do in Europe in December. So, check out the best places to spend Christmas in Europe and know bigger does not always mean better!
15 Prettiest Christmas Villages and Towns in Europe
1. Colmar, France
Christmas market magic is brought to you in the form of a fairytale setting in Colmar! In the heart of historic town center, six markets pop up every year. They are warm and inviting! And themed!
Stroll around the wooden chalets and observe the stunning lights. This location is wonderland. The alleyways encourage exploration. And, as the capital of Alsatian Wine, this is a great place to enjoy one of the top European Christmas villages.
Best Things to do in Colmar
Enchanting Christmas Experience from Colmar
From Colmar: Christmas Markets Across 3 Borders
Dare to Alsace Wine with a Feminine Touch
Colmar City Tour Discovery Pack
2. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is the postcard-picture town. Just imagine: pastel colored houses overlooking lakes, and the town being surrounded by mountains. Often, this town is compared to Arendelle from Frozen!
The twinkling lights and icicles sparking from roofs are magical during the winter. Plus, if you go to the mountains, there are tons of thrilling winter sports around. On the lakes too! Stroll scenic streets, check out the skywalk, explore the Christmas market and more. This is one of the best Christmas locations in Europe.
Best Things to do in Hallstatt
Hallstatt & Ice Cave & 5 Fingers Private Tour From Salzburg
Special Christmas Tour Around Hallstatt
Hallstatt: Sunrise Hike with a Photographer
3. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled shimmers beyond the Julian Alps. Just imagine those snow-capped peaks during the winter season! During this season, the lake is turned into a dreamscape. Mist rises off the water and the surrounding paths are filled with snow.
The Bled Winter Fairytale is magic. The charming lakeside town hosts this annual market. All the twinkling lights and vast rage of food, drinks and gifts are worth exploring alone. Winter sports are also continently located! Skiing, snowshoeing, dog sleeping, ice climbing– oh my.
Best Things to do in Lake Bled
Visit to Santa’s Village and Snowmobiling to Reindeer Farm
Christmas Walking Tour: History, Culture and Arts
From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bled Castle Tour
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
Of all the Christmas towns for vacation in Europe, check out Zermatt! This town is truly magical. Mountains come alive in the snow, and the cobblestone streets feature fairly lights and laughter. And there is guaranteed snow every year! White Christmas!
Zermatt features the highest ski resort in Europe. You can also enjoy the mountain village: rustic roofs and cozy chalets are everywhere. Mulled wine is a constant scent, and there are charming views and churches to explore. When you talk about these Christmas mountain towns in Europe, know this is one of the best.
Best Things to do in Zermatt
Zermatt: Alpine Village Tour 2 Hours
Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket
Majestic Matterhorn: A Christmas Journey in Zermatt
Zermatt Village: Professional Photoshoot at the Best Spots
5. Trier, Germany
The most Christmassy town in Germany is Trier! It is truly so lovely, and the medieval Main Market, that stands beyond the Trier Cathedral, is the main start of it all. Plus having the Moselle River nearby is so perfect.
Trier is welcoming for all guests. And when you add in the festive street decor, you’ll feel at home! The yuletide feels are everywhere with Kathe Wohlfhart Cabin, a rotating Christmas pyramid and more.
Best Things to do in Trier
Trier: Private Christmas Market Tour
Trier Private Guided City Tour Highlights
Kellerendeckerfuhrung Altester Weinkeller Deutschlands
6. Nago-Torbole, Italy
Holidays in Nago are truly a dream. The lake itself is a stunning backdrop for the season, and when those Christmas lights turn on you’ll be wonderstruck. The town brings lots of little surprises during the season.
Guests love tastings of local products– there is lots of lake fish! Music and choirs line the streets. There are Boxing Day Concerts, too. And don’t forget how Aunt Natalia’s house opens with elves and reindeer. Because this is a smaller town, there aren’t a lot of things on Get Your Guide unless you travel out of the town on day excursions, or into the town from other locations.
7. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
A parade of angels? Sign us up! Walk around this stunning town and listen to the carols being sung. The festive atmosphere of Cesky Krumlov is worth visiting during the holiday season. The charm alone is unforgettable!
With the poetic lighting of a Christmas tree, traditional markets, concerts, Santa Clause at the post office and more, everyone will enjoy something. Don’t miss the programs that feature nativity scenes and Advent concerts!
Best Things to do in Cesky Krumlov
2,5h Chateau Interior, Castle Tower, Coffee & Dessert!
Cesky Krumlov: Private Christmas-Themed Walking Tour
Magical Christmas Journey in Cesky Krumlov
8. Strasbourg, France
One of the best Christmas towns for vacation in Europe is Strasbourg! Home to the oldest Christmas Market it France, they know how to do the holiday season right. Stroll through Christkindelsmark and look at the 300 wooden chalets– it is a fariytale.
Thousands of Christmas lights and decorations sparkle through the town. There is no surprise that this is known as the Capital of Christmas. The town is a live with music, shows, concerts, and more. This is one of the best European Christmas towns!
Best Things to do in Strasbourg
Strasbourg 7 Hour Christmas Markets Tour
Strasbourg: Christmas Market by Night with Mulled Wine
Strasbourg: Escape Game Crazy Christmas City
Strasbourg City: Discovery Pack
9. Dresden, Germany
While the Striezelmarket (the Christmas Market of Dresden) is world famous, it is not the only reason to visit Dresden during the holidays. There are, actually, a ton of small and large markets in the town. In fact, the “Christmas Mile” extend down to the river.
This backdrop makes for festive walks and exploration. The winter lights of Dresden is also worth investigating, and is swoon worthy with its giant Christmas tree. This town even has international markets, so going here is worth it for all! Christmas getaways in Europe are magical when you stay places like this.
Best Things to do in Dresden
Dresden: The Original Night Watchman tour in Lantern Light
Dresden: 360 Panorama Amazonia Entry Ticket
Dresden: 1-Day Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Dresden: Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner
10. Gothenburg, Sweden
While this may be a bit larger than your traditional town, we needed to include it. This is Sweden’s ultimate Christmas destination. It is full of festive surprises! Including the Liseberg Christmas Market.
This market is in an amusement park. It is known for its delicacies, spiced wine, and the ability to see indigenous reindeer and their herders! visit the Lane of Lights as well.
Best Things to do in Gothenburg
Magic Christmas Tale in Gothenburg Walking Tour
Entry Ticket to Gothenburg Museum of Art with Pickup
Gothenburg: Universeum Entry Ticket
Gothenburg: Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour
11. Rovaniemi, Finland
Who wouldn’t want to visit the “Official Hometown of Santa Clause” during the holidays? Rovaniemi is a magical location and you can take a train here from Helsinki. The spirit is in full spring during the winter!
You can also stay in igloos here! How fun! Santa Park is an underground theme park that lets you visit Santa. There are also dance shows and ice bars. And if you’re lucky, you can go ice fishing or even see the Northern lights! It’s worth a trip!
Best Things to do in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi: Snowman World Entrance Ticket
Rovaniemi: Husky Safari on a Snow Trail
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Camera
Rovaniemi: Snow Sauna Experience with Dinner in Kota
12. Sozopol, Bulgaria
This is an ancient town! Located in the southern peninsula of Bulgaria, the history of Sozopol adds a special backdrop to Christmas. Picture the cobblestone streets and red-roofed houses. Most overlook the Black Sea!
There are also sand beaches, ports lined with fishing boats, and Mediterranean cuisine with trying. Visiting during the holidays promises a great insight to traditions and cultures. Local churches, caroling, parades and markets are only the beginning of your winter exploration here.
Best Things to do in Sozopol
Magical Christmas Tour to Sozopol: A Winter Wonderland
A romantic Escape to Sozopol: Bulgaria’s Seaside Heaven
13. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Christmas towns always have a magical feel to them due to their backdrop. The striking designs and architecture of Rothenburg is breathtaking. It is traditionally German and in the center of Bavaria. In fact, the design feels like Christmas even in the off season!
A mythical creature, the “Reiterle” visits this town on the holiday. His arrival is tradition, and he brings the Reiterlesmarkt every year. Because of such, the space of this town becomes cultural and fun: the simple pleasures of food and alcohol and gifts line the streets! We recommend this as one of the top Christmas towns for vacation in Europe.
Best Things to do in Rothenburg ob de Tauber
Rothenburg .d.T. & Wurxburg: Romantic Christmas Moments
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Private Christmas Market Tour
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Medieval Musical Tour
14. Valkenburg, Netherlands
Located in the southern Netherlands, this town has all the traditions of European Christmas. Imagine the charm of the lights, stalls, trees and gluhwein. However… imagine it underground.
This town’s Christmas Caves have become renowned over the years. The stalls sell festive gifts and show off festive decor. But there’s not only underground things: check out tours of the Valkenburg’s castle too! The town is wonderful.
Best Things to do in Valkenburg
Valkenburg: Thermae 2000 Spa Entry Ticket
Valkenburg: Municipal Cave Guided Tour
Valkenburg Pub Trail: Excitement and fun in Valkenburg
15. Ambleside, England
If you’re looking for a calmer, more nature-inspired Christmas, visit Ambleside. This sweet town is at the cusp of the Lake District. The village features cozy pubs and independent shops. It has its own culture! Christmas villages in Europe like this one are worth exploring.
You can visit the frozen Lake Windermere during the winter, or even do some winter sports near Loughrigg Fell. Keep an eye out for outdoor art sculptures if you look through the woods! But, also just make sure to enjoy the local Christmas cruises, community stalls, live music, festive atmosphere and Father Christmas himself.
Best Things to do in Ambleside
Scenic Tour of the Lake District in Winter
William Wordsworth and Dove Cottage Half-Day Tour
And there you have it folks! 15 of the best Christmas towns in Europe. Now, please note that these are not in any order, and while they share similarities, each are unique in their own way! So, do your research, book a trip, and enjoy the festivities!
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