There is something super special about a Christmas in the wintertime. To start with, Christmas Carols actually make sense and you can sing ‘let it snow, let it snow’ and it actually is snowing! Secondly, most European cities get fully into Christmas, super festive and it is just so nice to be around. The smell of crepes, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts – there is nothing in the world that is more festive.

If you’re like us and living in the Southern Hemisphere, then you will be no doubt dreaming of a White Christmas. Who doesn’t? We have had the luxury of a white Christmas once before and it was magical. This was, of course, our first year living in London and we visited St Anton for a ski trip. I believe everyone has to experience this at least once in their life!

Before you travel over Christmas, be sure to check out these top tips! And, if you need some advice about spending Christmas abroad, take a look here.

So, below we talk about the top 7 European Destinations to spend Christmas. Do you recommend one that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments below!

Top 7 White Christmas destinations in Europe

Rovaniemi, Lapland

If there is one place in the world that feels like Christmas, it is Rovaniemi in Lapland. Could this be because Santa Claus lives only 8km away from this village?

If you’re lucky enough to spend Christmas here, you will be able to enjoy activities such as snowmobile safaris, reindeer and husky rides and not to mention see the Northern Lights.

To top it off, you can visit Santa Claus Village yourself and see what all the fuss is about!

photo credit: visitinglapland.com

Copenhagen, Denmark

We absolutely loved Copenhagen in the summer and can only imagine what it would be like during Christmas time.

You will be surrounded by Christmas markets which will be sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. You absolutely must visit the famous Tivoli Gardens which is the second oldest amusement park in the world! It is transformed into a Christmas Winter Wonderland, amazing light displays and plenty of Christmas stalls for you to pick up a few bits and pieces.

In addition to visiting Tivoli Gardens, you will find more markets in Nyhavn – they are called Christiania Christmas Market. You may have also heard of the Royal Copenhagen’s Christmas Table tradition? It is an incredible 50-year-old event and features around 6 Christmas tables which each have their own story.

photo credit: Urban House Copenhagen

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest Christmas Markets in Germany and a visit to this Bavarian medieval town is right up there for places to visit over Christmas.

You will find yourself surrounded by many Christmas stalls, an old-fashioned wooden Ferris Wheel, plenty of arts and crafts and of course the famous gingerbread of the region, lebkuchen.

photo credit: unknown

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg – home to the oldest Christmas market in France! Surround yourself with the quaint UNESCO listed old town, this town borders Germany and is a perfect little spot to spend Christmas.

The markets will offer you around 300 different stalls each filled with beautiful bits and pieces, ornaments and food. There are plenty of carols being sung, nativity plays and of course an ice skating rink!

photo credit: unknown

Vienna, Austria

Vienna turns to Christmas and it is wonderful, and an easy to get to destination to spend Christmas. Visit the famous Chriskindlmarkts and wander through the market stalls, go ice skating or pop in to see the Snow Globe Museum. And if that’s not enough, you can visit one of the famous Christmas concerts held in the churches during Christmas time,

photo credit: holidayguru.ie

London, England

After living in London for a couple of years, we really enjoyed visiting Winter Wonderland. We stopped by a few times and it never disappointed. The smell of mulled wine, crepes and waffles – what’s not to love! Located in Hyde Park, it is truly spectacular and offers plenty of things to do including ice skating.

You can also jump on a bus, or walk the streets of Oxford and Regents streets and really enjoy the Christmas festivities and lights that are on display.

photo credit: unknown

Prague, Czech Republic

This Gothic fairytale city in Europe is just beautiful. The most famous Christmas Market in Prague is located in the Old Town Square and is breathtaking. You can find plenty of goodies here from ornaments, toys and traditional food. There is of course music, lights and nativity scenes to keep you in the spirit of Christmas.

photo credit: tripsavvy

“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.” – Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway