In these European cities, you can also celebrate Christmas very well.
Celebrating Christmas in London, New York, Vienna… All very nice of course, Christmas is fun anyway, but maybe a bit standard? Not that it’s necessarily less fun, but I personally always find it very enjoyable to discover new cities. Cities that you might not immediately think: I must go there, but that surprise you. And Christmas does add an extra nice atmosphere to many of those cities. Well, I think all cities just become nicer with Christmas. So are you looking for some inspiration to celebrate Christmas somewhere other than in the Netherlands? For this year it might be a bit short notice (although spontaneity is fun and maybe also a good resolution), for next year you are well in time. And then you want to go here, I promise you.
Rovaniemi, Finland. Never heard of it? That’s not so strange, but you definitely know the most famous resident. That is Santa Claus. Yes, yes, Santa Claus originally comes from this village of about 35,000 inhabitants in Finland. So it won’t surprise you that the Christmas atmosphere can be found here all year round, but in December it becomes Christmas 2.0. Officially it is located in Finnish Lapland and you also have a good chance to spot the northern lights. te spotten.
Ljubljana, Slovenia.
This one probably also comes as a surprise on this list, but Ljubljana is almost becoming the Christmas capital of Europe. Christmas is actually celebrated here throughout December, with many people going out (yes, even in that cold) and drinking mulled wine together at the big Christmas market or around the gigantic tree in the central square. Funny: they even have ‘living’ nativity scenes where you can view the Christmas story.
View this post on Instagram
Strasbourg, France.
Fun fact: the very first Christmas market in Europe was held in this city. In 1570 already, quite a long time ago. But well, that’s why it has absolutely earned a spot on this list. The city also has the nickname ‘The Capital Of Christmas’, so it would be strange if it wasn’t included. Christmas markets, Christmas trees, and ice rinks; here you have the ultimate winter and Christmas feeling.
View this post on Instagram
I was here recently and fell a little in love with the city, if I were to be here again at Christmas, that love would absolutely turn into a deep affection. Dublin is so cozy and snug, especially with Christmas markets, including a floating one on the water. Meanwhile, enjoying a Guinness (okay, or of course mulled wine) in a pub, because bar hopping can be done very well here. A big plus for me is that you can get there in less than two hours by plane and it’s not expensive at all.
View this post on Instagram
Again a city where the short distance is a big advantage. You can even go here for a day or two, just by car or train. The big Christmas market in the square is the eye-catcher of the city during the winter months. Also not unimportant: in December there are sales almost everywhere in Antwerp. So that means of course… A lot. Of. Shopping.
View this post on Instagram
Nuremberg, Germany.
In this town, you will find the oldest Christmas market in Germany and according to many, also the most beautiful: some even say the most beautiful in Europe. Well, one way to find out, of course. The Christmas market also seeps through all the narrow streets, where you see many nativity scenes. Of course with mulled wine, but also just bratwurst in the German way. And beer. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Ferris wheel for the most beautiful view.
View this post on Instagram
Budapest, Hungary.
Okay, this city also has a Christmas market — which capital doesn’t? — but this is especially a recommendation if you don’t necessarily have a lot to do with Christmas and just want to get away. Not because the whole Christmas atmosphere isn’t there, because it absolutely is, but Budapest is mainly a very nice city that has much more to offer than just Christmas. It’s an impressive city, has a lot of coziness, and of course, also take a bathhouse with you. A warm dip in winter seems like a good plan to me.
View this post on Instagram
Now, Barcelona as a choice for a city trip might seem very obvious, I think that in the winter months. On average, it’s about 14 degrees, not very warm but certainly not very cold, and ideal for people who want to escape that cold on a smaller budget. Because a week in Bali is of course not feasible for everyone. They do have Christmas markets here, and the coziness in El Born is not less in winter. A beach walk in December here is also not a punishment. Not at all.
View this post on Instagram
