Ten Festive European Destinations

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

Northern Europe is especially popular during Christmas time because it offers snowy landscapes, festive traditions and beautiful architecture.  

“While it’s said that there’s no place like home during holidays, seeing these extra-festive locations may convince you otherwise. Holiday spirit is guaranteed in these destinations, as they feature beautiful Christmas markets and offer plenty of winter activities for the entire family.” -James Cole, the founder and managing director of Panache Cruises

Here are Panache Cruises’ top ten most festive destinations: 

1. Lapland, Finland 

The snowy forests in Lapland are considered to be the home to Santa Claus. Tourists can have a true winter experience by lodging in igloos and visiting Father Christmas Village and Santa Park, where they can go on a reindeer safari and sled with huskies. 

2. Copenhagen, Denmark 

Ice skating is a very popular holiday tradition in Denmark, so there are several ice rinks spread out all throughout Copenhagen. Another important Christmas tradition is a trip to the Tivoli Gardens amusement park where visitors can go on rides, meet Santa and see water and light performances.  

3. Reykjavik, Iceland 

Tourists visiting Reykjavik can experience a very special Christmas under the glowing northern lights. There are plenty of winter activities to engage in, such as visiting ice caves, glacier hiking and snowmobiling. Visitors can try traditional Icelandic Christmas food at a Yule Buffet and try Christmas craft beers at markets.  

4. Tallinn, Estonia 

Tallinn’s Old Town becomes truly magical in the winter months. The cosy and authentic Christmas Market held at the Town Hall Square was named Europe’s best in 2019. Its enormous tree and wooden stalls invite people to explore handmade goods and watch festive shows while enjoying a warm cup of glögi and nibbling on gingerbread cookies. 

Wonderful Places

5. Vienna, Austria 

Vienna has some of the best Christmas markets in the world, with the oldest dating back to the 13th century. The markets have an old-fashioned charm with festive carousels, twinkling holiday decorations, nativity displays and legendary Vienna Boys Choir concerts.  

6. New York City, US 

Many festive films are set in New York and there’s a good reason for it – Christmas time in New York is truly magical. There are many festive sights to enjoy, from the iconic tree and ice skating rink at Rockefeller Centre to festive window displays on Fifth Avenue.  

7. Strasbourg, France 

Strasbourg is known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’. The villages in Strasbourg come alive during holidays with festive illuminations and the whole city transforms into one big Christmas market spread over ten sites.  

8. Prague, Czech Republic 

Prague’s main Christmas market is set up in the middle of the beautiful, gothic Old Town. Visitors can go ice skating, sing carols, explore the stalls and indulge in local delicacies.  

9. Edinburgh, Scotland 

The streets of Edinburgh are filled with holiday lights, music and markets during Christmas. Tourists should definitely go and watch the Christmas at the Botanics festive light display show at the Royal Botanic Garden.  

10. Nuremberg, Germany 

In Nuremberg visitors can experience the real old-fashioned German Christmas Market. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is crammed with wooden booths where traditional yuletide treats such as gluhwein, bratwurst and gingerbread can be bought.