10 Cities In Europe To Visit in Winter

Vienna, Austria – The Christmas Market Capital

Vienna really knows how to do the holidays. As soon as November rolls in, the whole city turns into a festive wonderland—lights everywhere, stalls selling treats, and a buzz in the air that just feels magical. Schönbrunn Palace is stunning, inside and out. Seriously, you have to see it. Same goes for Hofburg and Belvedere Palaces, and honestly, you can’t skip the quirky mosaics at Hundertwasserhaus either.

The Christmas markets are legendary here, especially the one at Rathausplatz. Picture this: you’re sipping hot Glühwein, maybe skating under a canopy of sparkling lights, laughing with friends. The Snow Globe Factory is always a hit, no matter your age. And if you’ve got time, head to Prater Park—rides, restaurants, those classic beer gardens. It’s pure joy.

Prague, Czech Republic – Fairytale Winter Charm

Prague in winter feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook. The Old Town Square Christmas Market is one of the prettiest in Europe, all gothic towers and the Astronomical Clock keeping watch. By the end of November, the whole city is humming with holiday excitement.

Wandering the markets with a mug of hot mead in one hand and a fresh trdelník (that’s the classic chimney cake) in the other—yeah, that’s the way to do it. I still dream about the one filled with Nutella and almonds. Take the funicular up to Petrin Tower for crazy-good city views (it really does look like a mini Eiffel Tower), and make a stop at the John Lennon Wall and the nearby pub. Totally worth your time.

London, England – Festive Winter Destination

London in December is pure holiday magic. Carnaby Street is a must if you love lights and festive vibes. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland brings rides, ice skating, and even a whole kingdom made out of sculpted ice—how cool is that?

Shopping here is next level, especially with Covent Garden and Oxford Street all decked out. For those classic London winter photos, hit up Tower Bridge or stroll along the South Bank at night. And don’t leave without checking out the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, then wander the riverfront. With so many markets and things to do, you’ll never get bored.

Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens Magic

If you want cozy, Copenhagen is your spot. The city lives and breathes “hygge,” especially in winter. Tivoli Gardens turns into a sparkling wonderland with festive rides and glowing lights. Wandering Nyhavn’s waterfront, sipping hot chocolate, and picking out handmade Danish ornaments at the Christmas markets—it’s all so charming.

Don’t miss Royal Copenhagen’s Christmas table tradition, going strong for half a century. The city’s castles are some of the best in Europe, too, so carve out some time for those. And if you’re planning to see a lot, grab the activity bundle that covers 80 attractions and the metro.

Paris, France – Winter Romance in the City of Lights

Paris in winter? It’s romance dialed up to eleven. The Champs-Élysées sparkles, department stores go all out with decorations, and you can even ice skate on top of Galeries Lafayette. Grab a café crème in a cozy bistro, or take a cruise on the Seine while the Eiffel Tower puts on its nightly show.

The city really lives up to its “City of Lights” name during the holidays—every corner, boulevard, and market glows. Just don’t forget your warm clothes. Paris gets chilly in December, but all the lights and that holiday spirit make it the perfect spot for a romantic winter escape.

Cologne, Germany – Gothic Splendor and Festive Fun

Cologne lights up in December with Christmas markets scattered all over the city, each with its own vibe. The big one sits right under the shadow of the massive Cologne Cathedral—it’s impossible to miss and honestly, it feels a bit magical with the lights against those gothic towers. If you’ve got the energy, climb the cathedral’s south tower. The view up there? Totally worth it. For another great lookout, check out the KölnTriangle observation deck. Sunset is when the city really glows.

World War II left deep scars here—about three-quarters of Cologne got flattened. But somehow, a lot of the Old Town survived. Wander those streets and you still catch that old-world feeling, like stepping back in time.

Edinburgh, UK – Scottish Winter Spirit

Edinburgh just knows how to do winter. The whole city dresses up for the season—shops are strung with lights, and you can actually smell minced pies baking as you stroll around. There’s tartan everywhere you look, which just amps up the holiday mood.

The Christmas markets draw crowds—locals and travelers both. The one in Prince Street Gardens is always buzzing, and they serve up mulled wine in reusable cups you can rent (or, let’s be real, just keep refilling all evening).

Bruges, Belgium – Storybook Winter Glow

Bruges looks straight out of a fairy tale, and during Winter Glow, it turns even more magical. The city center bursts with lights and decorations, like someone sprinkled holiday spirit everywhere. It’s one of those places that makes a European winter trip unforgettable.

There’s a winter bar, an ice skating rink, and plenty of holiday traditions spinning up the festive energy. Don’t skip the classic Belgian waffles or a steaming mug of thick hot chocolate—they’re seriously the best way to warm up.

Grindelwald, Switzerland – Alpine Winter Escape

Grindelwald sits tucked between two rugged alpine peaks, and the views are just jaw-dropping. The village itself is pretty enough any time, but layer on some fresh snow and it turns downright enchanting. If Switzerland’s on your mind, put Grindelwald on your list.

This is the kind of place where you wake up to snowy mountains, then spend the day skiing, sledding, or just wandering through the village soaking in the Christmas spirit. The Jungfrau peaks looming above make the whole scene feel almost unreal.

Tallinn, Estonia – Medieval Winter Fairytale