Writer: Helena Bergström
Would you like a city weekend in December? We recommend ten European cities that offer a Christmas feeling, cozy lights and cozy Christmas markets. Perfect for a relaxing weekend before Christmas really starts!
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European cities with Christmas atmosphere
Where can you find Christmas spirit in Europe? In fact, there are many beautifully illuminated cities and many lively markets. We recommend ten cities that offer that little bit extra in December.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague dazzles in December with illuminated squares, bridges and charming cobbled streets. The Christmas markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square offer Czech crafts and traditional food, with an impressive Christmas tree in the middle. In addition to the markets, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the city’s many cafes invite you to take a break from the winter cold.
2. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is a city we love very much, with the harbour, the boats, the bridges, the shops and all the sights. We haven’t necessarily been here at Christmas, but we can understand that this is a nice December city! Hamburg is illuminated with lights along the shopping streets and in the harbor. The Christmas market at the Rathausmarkt is the city’s most classic, with crafts, mulled wine and roasted almonds.
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Christmas market on Town Hall Square is one of the most picturesque in Europe, with medieval buildings and narrow alleys in the background. The Christmas tree is impressive and the entire old town shines with light decorations. The stalls offer Estonian handicrafts and traditional winter delicacies. In addition to the markets, you can enjoy the view from Toompa or warm up in the city’s cozy restaurants.
4. Salzburg, Austria
We visited Salzburg at a different time of year, but it’s not hard to see why this is a beautiful December destination! The Christkindlermarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz is the heart of the city, with choral singing, handicrafts and warm canteens. In between markets you can visit Mozart’s birthplace or perhaps take the cable car to Hohensalzburg Fortress.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest shines in December with bright decorations along Adrassy Boulevard and the Danube Bridge. Vörösmarty tér and St. Stephen’s Basilica have the city’s largest Christmas markets with crafts, food and music. In addition to the Christmas markets, you can warm up in the city’s thermal baths or enjoy good food in all the city’s restaurants.
6. Colmar, France
We didn’t visit Colmar in December, but we have been here at both Easter and late summer and we are absolutely certain that Christmas here must be magical. At Christmas, Colmar looks like something out of a Christmas movie, with half-timbered houses sparkling with light and colour. The city has several Christmas markets located throughout the old town, all selling handicrafts and local delicacies. If you want to experience more, you can enjoy wines, restaurants and museums.
7. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb has been voted the best Christmas city in Europe several times and when we were here we could really understand this. Croatia’s capital offers lively markets, music and creative light installations during the Christmas season. Zrinjevac Park and Ban Jelačic Square are particularly magical, with glittering trees and pavilions. If you want to experience even more, you can take the cable car to the upper town or visit the city’s charming little museums.
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8. Krakow, Poland
Krakow has one of Central Europe’s most traditional Christmas markets, Rynek Glówny, with crafts, music and Polish delicacies. String lights and decorations create a warm atmosphere, and the market is perfect for Christmas shopping and sampling the local cuisine.
9. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is celebrating in a big way Winter wondersthat fills the center with markets, light installations and ice rinks. The Grote Markt is spectacular with a sound and light show every evening. The stalls offer food, crafts and carousels, and the whole city feels festively lit up. In addition to the Christmas atmosphere, you can discover chocolate shops, museums and impressive architecture.
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10. Riga, Latvia
Riga offers a quiet and charming Christmas atmosphere with Cathedral Square as the center of the market. String lights and Christmas decorations highlight the city’s Art Nouveau, Gothic and Hanseatic styles. Here you will find local crafts, wool products and winter foods. If you want to explore more, there is the Old Town, the Art Noveau district and restaurants.
What other European cities for Christmas decorations would you recommend?
There are of course many nice cities in Europe that are ideal for a Christmas weekend. Which weekend cities in December would you like to recommend?
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