Vienna, Austria
few cities steep themselves in the festive spirit like Vienna. The Austrian capital's first Christmas Market was held in 1298 and today the city has more than 20 events to choose from.
First timers, though, should make a beeline for the Viennese Christmas Market, which takes place in front of City Hall (Rathaus).
With around 151 stalls serving everything from boozy Christmas punch to gut busting Austrian sausages, the market also boasts a huge ice rink for skating, reindeer rides for kids and a classic nativity scene.
This year's event will run from November 16 to December 24.
What makes it special: This might be the most traditional Christmas market going, but be sure to try out curling on the dedicated ice rink. A bizarre and brilliant winter sport to keep off the chill.
Valkenburg, Netherlands
From 15 November until 5 January 2020 Christmas Town Valkenburg is buzzing again. Visit Europe’s best Christmas destination and be swept of your feet by Valkenburg’s enchanting underground caves. Hundreds of stalls, thousands of lights, impressive sand sculptures and metre-long miniature villages make the underground experience unsurpassed.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland may be the best place on earth to celebrate Christmas. Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Finns argue that it makes a much likelier home for Santa than even the North Pole. What better place to meet the jolly ol’ fellow than in a frozen winter wonderland of deep snow and pine forests. Here, children can make cookies with Mrs. Claus and even enroll in Elf School. Other highlights during this time of year include husky-dog rides, tobogganing in the deep, pristine snow, viewing the Northern Lights, or even taking a sled-led reindeer safari at the Sirmakko reindeer farm. If you want an especially frosty experience, stay at the Arctic Snow Hotel, constructed entirely of snow and ice, though it does come with hot tubs and saunas to offset the frozen temperatures.
Nuremberg, Germany
Germany’s Nuremberg Christmas market draws over two million visitors each year with its 200 select vendors putting up incredible displays while competing for the Most Beautiful Staff Design award. And, you won’t find any fake, mass-produced plastic decorations and other items – here, the market council is said to be very serious about making sure that only traditional handmade toys and holiday goods are sold. As you wander through, you’ll enjoy the tempting aromas of mulled wine along with gingerbread, sausage and sweet roasted almonds, all in an unforgettable holiday atmosphere in the Old Town, decorated in all its Christmas glory. Kids and the kids-at-heart will love the Toy Museum as well as the magnificent two-tiered carousel based on old originals – complete with reindeer and Father Christmas sleighs.
Bruges, Belgium
Medieval Bruges is stunning all year round, but it truly comes alive in winter, with its center transformed into a Christmas parade, partially sliding on its large ice rink. Visitors who arrive just before Thanksgiving through New Year’s can also enjoy the spectacular Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival. This year’s festival will be based on the “land of the hobbits,” with 40 artists making amazing creations out of 300 tons of ice and some 400 tons of snowflakes. Enjoy it with a mug of hot cocoa in this chocolate lover’s paradise.
Tallinn, Estonia
The Estonian capital is known for its wonderful Christmas spirit, with its medieval old town dusted in snow and lanterns lit after dark providing a glow to the cobblestone streets. The world’s first Christmas tree was erected here in 1441 – and today, Tallin’s holiday traditions still include the legendary tree on Town Hall Square. The famous tree is surrounded by little huts selling their wares and you’ll also find a number of handicraft specialists hard at work along with snow sculptures, Estonian food and drink, and a mini-zoo. An international Christmas market, outdoor ice rink and Estonian Open Air Museum’s elaborate Christmas Village are all mainstays of the holiday season too.
Reykjavik, Iceland
While it may be a bit chilly, doesn’t that make it even more Christmas-like? The capital of Iceland offers a spectacular Yule Town Christmas and all sorts of rather unique holiday traditions, like the 13 “Yuletide Lads,” or scruffy Santas, that bring gifts to kids who’ve been good for the 13 nights leading up to the big day. The Yule Town Christmas market is filled with rows of small, picturesque huts where locals and visitors can pick up some great gifts, holiday decorations and treats. Every day you’ll find something different as some of the craft-makers and artisans set up their stalls just for one day. Of course, the highlight of a winter excursion to Reykjavik is the chance to see the brilliant northern lights flash across the night’s sky with the city covered in snow and dazzling Christmas lights.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is well-known for its magnificent gothic architecture and unique folkloric traditions, and at Christmas, it’s truly unlike any other city of earth. From its famed Christmas markets with beautifully decorated wooden huts filled with festive treats including everything from craft gift items and ornaments to fantastic delicacies like spit-roasted hams and trdelnik, a traditional hot sugar-coated pastry. In the Old Town Square, you’ll find a stable, complete with goats, donkeys and sheep set around a traditional nativity as well as lots of holiday lights and music.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, set on the eastern edge of Washington State’s Cascade Mountains, is a Bavarian village that that is transformed into a virtual snow globe of Christmas magic during the holidays. The Christmas Lighting Festival features plenty of old fashioned caroling, Christmas characters and practically an endless amount of dazzling lights. On Fridays, St. Nikolas himself welcomes children with song and fruit. The A&E Network even crowned Leavenworth the “Ultimate Holiday Town USA.”
Woodstock, Vermont
Vermont is one of the best places in the U.S. to celebrate Christmas and one of the most picturesque New England towns, with the ground typically covered with at least a light dusting of snow and the scent of pine needles wafting through the air. In the historic town of Woodstock, the city really does the holiday upright with its Wassail Weekend, a pre-Christmas festival with 19th-century Norse culture traditions. It includes a parade featuring over 50 horses and riders donning holiday costumes and period dress, along with wagon and sleigh rides as well as a 19th century Christmas celebration at the Billings Farm & Museum. Visitors also enjoy a wassail feast, and all the local shops, with beautiful holiday window displays, stay open late throughout the festival.
