Best places to spend the Christmas holidays
The Christmas holidays are a magical time to discover new destinations. With its fairy-tale markets, authentic traditions and wintry ambience, Europe unveils its finest finery to celebrate the festive season. Whether you’re looking for the authenticity of Alsatian markets, the charm of European capitals or the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, each destination offers a unique experience for an unforgettable Christmas holiday.
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DownloadSee also the Strasbourg guide :
- Where to spend Christmas? 11 magical destinations not to be missed
- Christmas traditions from around the world: 11 magical customs
- The 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace
- Where can you find the best Christmas markets in France this winter?
- Christmas in London: what to see, what to do and where to stay
- The best things to do in winter!
- How can you spend a New Year’s Eve that’s out of the ordinary?
1. Strasbourg, the Christmas capital of Alsace
Strasbourg certainly deserves its title of Christmas capital. Every year, the city is decked out in a thousand lights and hosts one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, the Christkindelsmärik, which has been bringing the Place Broglie to life since 1570. The cobbled streets of the historic centre are transformed into a veritable fairytale, while the half-timbered facades are adorned with sparkling decorations.
Strasbourg’s Christmas market takes place in several of the city’s most emblematic squares, including the Place Kléber, home to a spectacular giant Christmas tree. Between the stalls selling bredele (small Alsatian cakes), spiced mulled wine and local crafts, the fairytale atmosphere reigns throughout the city. Notre-Dame cathedral towers majestically over the landscape, illuminated for the occasion and creating an absolutely magical backdrop.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Strasbourg on foot and on your own
To make the most of your stay in Strasbourg over the Christmas holidays, let the Strasbourg tour guide you through 32 must-see places of interest. This audioguided tour takes you through Petite France, the Vauban Dam, Notre-Dame Cathedral and all the hidden treasures of this exceptional Alsatian city. Thanks to the interactive navigation and historical commentary enriched with anecdotes, you can explore Strasbourg on your own during the Christmas festivities.
Visit Strasbourg with the Navaway app to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the wonders of the Alsatian capital over the festive period.
2. Colmar, the authentic charm of Alsace
Just a few kilometres from Strasbourg, Colmar offers an equally magical experience, but in a more intimate atmosphere. This picturesque town, with its colourful half-timbered houses and romantic canals, becomes a real postcard setting during the Christmas holidays. Six different Christmas markets are dotted around the historic centre, each with its own special atmosphere.
The market on the Place des Dominicains has an exceptional architectural setting, while the Petite Venise market is enchanting because of its waterside location. Alsatian traditions are particularly well preserved here, where you can sample kouglof and gingerbread and discover authentic local crafts. Colmar’s warm, family atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for a successful Christmas holiday.
You can also take advantage of your stay to visit Colmar and discover its architectural treasures on an audio tour that will reveal all the secrets of this Alsatian gem.
3. Vienna, Austrian imperial elegance
The Austrian capital is transformed into a veritable fairytale kingdom during the Christmas holidays. Vienna has several exceptional Christmas markets, including the famous Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, with around 150 beautifully decorated stalls. The imposing illuminated Christmas tree and twinkling lights create an incomparable atmosphere.
The Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is also well worth a visit, offering a sumptuous historic setting for discovering traditional Austrian crafts. Between sips of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, you can admire the city’s baroque architecture and illuminated monuments. Austrian traditions, with Christkind (baby Jesus) bringing the presents rather than Father Christmas, add a unique cultural dimension to your stay.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Vienne on foot and on your own
To discover all the treasures of the imperial capital during your Christmas break, the Vienna sightseeing tour takes you to 26 major places of interest. From the Hofburg to St Stephen’s Cathedral, via the Opera House and Belvedere Palace, this audio tour immerses you in the fascinating history of the Habsburgs, while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets.
Let the Navaway app be your guide and visit Vienna like a true Viennese to enhance your festive experience.
4. Prague, the pearl of Bohemia
Prague reveals all its magic during the Christmas holidays. The Czech capital is home to a number of Christmas markets throughout the old town, the main one on Old Town Square, at the foot of the Astronomical Clock. The huge Christmas tree and wooden chalets brimming with specialities create a unique, magical atmosphere.
The Prague Castle Christmas Market offers a breathtaking view of the illuminated city. Here you can discover Czech traditions, including the famous Christmas carp and delicious trdelník (cinnamon rolls). Prague’s Gothic and Baroque architecture, sublimated by the Christmas lights, creates an absolutely enchanting setting that will delight lovers of beautiful European cities.
5. Brussels, the European capital in celebration
Brussels offers one of the biggest Christmas events in Europe with its Winter Fun. The Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is decked out in a breathtaking sound and light show that illuminates the gilded facades of the guild houses. The Christmas market stretches across several squares in the city centre, creating a veritable fairytale trail.
The giant ice rink set up on Place de la Monnaie and the Ferris wheel offering a panoramic view of the city add a fun dimension to this Christmas holiday. Don’t forget to sample some Belgian specialities: waffles, chocolates and Christmas beers will keep you warm as you explore. To discover all the treasures of the Belgian capital, visit Brussels on an audio tour that will reveal the fascinating history of this major European city.
6. Copenhagen, the magic of Scandinavia
The Danish capital offers an authentically Scandinavian Christmas experience. Tivoli Christmas Market, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park, is transformed into a veritable Andersen fairytale during the Christmas holidays. Millions of lights illuminate the park, creating a magical atmosphere that is unique in Europe.
The Danish concept of “hygge” (warm comfort and well-being) takes on its full meaning during this period. With its illuminated merry-go-rounds, mulled wine stalls and Danish pastries, this is a truly Nordic Christmas. Nyhavn market, the colourful waterside district, also offers a picturesque setting for enjoying the festive atmosphere. For a complete discovery of the city, visit Copenhagen with the Navaway itinerary, which will show you every aspect of the Scandinavian pearl.
7. Lyon, the French capital of enlightenment
Lyon celebrates Christmas in spectacular style with its famous Fête des Lumières at the beginning of December, followed by its Christmas markets, which keep the city alive right through to the festive season. Place Carnot hosts the main market, with its Ferris wheel offering a panoramic view of the city. The quays of the Saône are also adorned with chalets selling local crafts and Lyonnais specialities.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lyon on foot and on your own
The city of two hills reveals its treasures during the Christmas holidays. The Lyon itinerary guides you through 26 entertaining audio guides, from Vieux-Lyon to the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, via the peninsula illuminated for the festive season. This audioguide tour will enhance your discovery of France’s gastronomic capital during the magical Christmas period.
Make the most of your stay to visit Lyon and sample its specialities in the authentic bouchons lyonnais, which are particularly welcoming in winter.
8. Rovaniemi, in the heart of Finnish Lapland
For a truly exceptional Christmas holiday, head for Rovaniemi, Santa’s official town in Finnish Lapland. This unique destination offers a magical experience, particularly popular with families. You can visit Santa’s village, meet the famous character in person and cross the Arctic Circle.
Rovaniemi also offers unforgettable winter activities: sleigh rides pulled by reindeer or huskies, snowmobile safaris in the snow-covered forest, and above all watching the Northern Lights illuminate the Arctic sky. The sub-zero temperatures add authenticity to this unique Christmas experience, where the snow is guaranteed and the atmosphere truly polar.
9. Salzburg, in the footsteps of Mozart
Mozart’s birthplace is transformed into a fairytale setting during the Christmas holidays. Salzburg is home to several traditional Christmas markets, including the Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz, in the heart of the Baroque Old Town. The backdrop of the snow-covered Alps adds a spectacular dimension to the festive atmosphere.
Austrian traditions are particularly alive in Salzburg, with classical music concerts in the churches, traditional nativity scenes and local culinary specialities. The Hohensalzburg fortress, illuminated for the occasion, majestically dominates the city and offers a panoramic view of the glittering markets. To discover all the treasures of this musical city, visit Salzburg on an audio tour that will immerse you in the history of Mozart and the prince-archbishops.
10. Edinburgh, the Scottish Christmas spirit
Scotland’s capital offers a unique Christmas celebration spanning several weeks. Princes Street Gardens hosts a huge Christmas market with over 80 stalls selling Scottish crafts, culinary specialities and festive decorations. The Ferris wheel, installed especially for the occasion, offers a breathtaking view of the illuminated Edinburgh Castle.
The Scottish atmosphere adds a special touch to these Christmas holidays: bagpipe concerts, whisky tastings and haggis are all part of the experience. The tradition of Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year’s Eve, extends the festivities into early January with spectacular celebrations. For a complete city experience, visit Edinburgh and explore its medieval lanes steeped in history on the Navaway itinerary.
11. Barcelona, Christmas under the Mediterranean sun
For those who prefer to celebrate Christmas in milder weather, Barcelona offers a sunny alternative to northern destinations. The Catalan capital maintains its Christmas traditions while enjoying a pleasant climate. The Fira de Santa Llúcia market, which has been held in front of the cathedral since 1786, is one of the oldest in Europe.
Catalan traditions add an original touch: the “Caga Tió” (the log that spills presents) and the nativity scenes with the “caganer” character will surprise visitors. The Ramblas are lit up, and you can take advantage of the beaches that are still accessible for a stroll along the seafront. Visit Barcelona during this period to discover Gaudí’s work in a unique festive atmosphere, following the audioguide itinerary that will reveal all the secrets of the beautiful Catalan city.
12. London, between tradition and modernity
The British capital offers an incomparable Christmas experience, combining Victorian traditions with modern entertainment. Hyde Park is home to Winter Wonderland, Europe’s largest Christmas market and winter theme park, with over 200 chalets, a huge ice rink and a host of rides. The festive atmosphere extends throughout the city, from Covent Garden to illuminated Oxford Street.
British Christmas traditions are particularly strong, with puddings, mince pies and mulled wine warming visitors up. The windows of the major department stores, notably Harrods and Selfridges, vie with each other in creativity to offer enchanting decorations. To discover all the treasures of the British capital, visit London with the Navaway audio tours, which will take you on a tour of the Royal Tour, the City and Camden Town.
In conclusion, the Christmas holidays offer a host of exceptional destinations to experience the magic of the festive season. Whether you opt for the authenticity of Alsatian markets, the elegance of European capitals or the mildness of the Mediterranean, each destination reveals its traditions and unique atmosphere. To enhance your experience and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the treasures of these enchanting cities, let yourself be guided by the Navaway audioguide tours, which will turn your Christmas holiday into an unforgettable cultural adventure. Bon voyage and happy holidays!
FAQ: Everything you need to know about the Christmas holidays
When should you visit the Christmas markets?
Most Christmas markets open at the end of November (usually around 25-28 November) and close a few days after Christmas, around 30 December. To avoid the crowds, choose weekends in early December rather than those close to Christmas.
How much should you budget for your Christmas holidays?
The budget varies according to the destination you choose. Expect to pay between €80 and €150 per night for a city-centre hotel in popular European destinations. Add another 30 to 50 euros per person per day for food and activities. Scandinavian destinations are generally more expensive than Central Europe.
How to avoid the crowds at Christmas markets?
Visit during the week and during the day rather than in the evening and at weekends. Markets are generally less crowded in the early afternoon. Some towns, such as Strasbourg and Colmar, also have markets in more outlying districts, which are just as charming but less crowded.
Is it necessary to book accommodation well in advance?
Yes, absolutely. Accommodation in popular Christmas towns fills up quickly, sometimes as early as September-October. To get the best rates and the widest choice, ideally book 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for December weekends.
What culinary specialities can you try at Christmas markets?
Each region has its own specialities: mulled wine and bredele in Alsace, hot chestnuts and Punsch in Austria, trdelník in Prague, waffles and hot chocolate in Belgium, and mince pies and mulled wine in London. Don’t hesitate to try the local specialities for a complete immersion in Christmas traditions.
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