2. Salzburg (Salzburg), Austria
The birthplace of the famous composer Mozart becomes particularly festive during the happiest time of the year. In Salzburg, you can stroll through the traditional market where handmade Christmas ornaments are sold, taste traditional treats like candied apples and roasted chestnuts, and attend classical music concerts and street performances featuring traditional Christmas carols. The pleasant atmosphere throughout the city and the market attracts thousands of tourists every year, and it is highly recommended to visit at least once to experience the beauty of this season.
3. London (London), England
The capital of England was the setting for Charles Dickens's famous book "A Christmas Carol," and the city does not forget its renowned heritage. Along the Thames River and the famous Hyde Park, you can stroll among the lights adorning iconic city buildings such as the London Eye, try ice skating at various rinks, and taste the rich Christmas pudding prepared using an ancient, secret medieval recipe.
4. Barcelona (Barcelona), Spain
For those who missed the Christmas celebrations elsewhere in Europe, don't worry. In Spain, the festivities continue even after December 25, culminating on January 5 (Epiphany) with unique traditions. In the city’s port, there is a 200-meter swimming event on Christmas Day, and on the evening of January 4, a ship with characters dressed in red velvet robes and white beards docks at the port. On this day, cannons fire, fireworks light up the sky, and a special parade takes place featuring giant floating balloons of camels, elephants, giraffes, and people in spectacular costumes.
5. Brussels (Brussels), Belgium
The capital of Belgium is famous for having two Santa Claus figures—Saint Nicholas and Père Noël—so it’s no surprise that its Christmas market has earned the title of “most original.” The unique market stretches over two kilometers and includes stalls selling local goods, a Ferris wheel, a snow skating trail, an ice rink, and a variety of light and music shows in the grounds of Brussels’ famous Grand Hotel. If you get tired and hungry during the walk, you can head to the food area, where Belgian waffles, sugar donuts, and the famous Belgian chocolate are served.
6. Prague (Prague), Czech Republic
The awe-inspiring Gothic buildings scattered across the capital of the Czech Republic take on a softer, more delicate appearance during Christmas, as they are adorned with thousands of colorful and beautiful lights. In the Old Town Square, you can explore various stalls, enjoy traditional Czech pastries prepared by bakers in traditional attire, enter wooden cabins to purchase delicate handmade Christmas tree decorations, and even pet donkeys, goats, and sheep at a nativity scene recreating the birth of baby Jesus.
7. Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi), Finland
No list of Christmas celebrations would be complete without mentioning the home of Santa Claus—Rovaniemi, Finland. While the rest of the world believes the bearded man lives at the North Pole, in Finland, they disagree, and evidence of this is everywhere. In the city, Christmas is celebrated all year round, but during the holiday itself, the city transforms into a breathtaking fairytale zone. In Rovaniemi, you can visit the Christmas village, which includes shopping areas, souvenir shops, and unique snow structures, as well as spend time with the bearded character of Christmas, who plays with children and tells them fairy tales.
8. Montreux (Montreux), Switzerland
Few sights rival that of the snow-covered Alps in Switzerland, especially during Christmas, making it a perfect destination for this time of year. In Montreux, you can ascend to the mountain peak, where there is a Christmas village featuring a park with reindeer like Santa’s, as well as a cave designed especially for him. From this spot, you can overlook the snow-covered city, illuminated beautifully in honor of one of the region's most significant holidays.
9. Strasbourg (Strasbourg), France
The lights scattered between ancient buildings across various cities in France attract visitors all year round, but during Christmas, this beauty is amplified several times over. In Strasbourg, you can find Christmas villages specially built for this time of year, like Alsatian and Bredal, where traditional treats such as spiced cookies are served. While snacking, you can enjoy performances of traditional Christmas music and local bands.
10. Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Germany
Like the rest of Europe, Nuremberg, Germany, dons a white snow cloak during Christmas, decorated with traditional holiday colors of red and green. In Nuremberg, you can enjoy a traditional Christmas market in the old city, featuring over 200 vendors offering unique goods, including Christmas tree decorations, handmade wooden toys for children, and, for adults, mulled wine. The market also features attractions like a wooden Ferris wheel, a steam train, and a carousel for the whole family to enjoy together.
11. Għajnsielem (Għajnsielem), Malta
In Malta, Christmas is taken very seriously, leading to the annual construction of a replica of Bethlehem in the village of Għajnsielem on the island of Gozo. This reconstruction is carried out by a group of professional actors surrounded by oil lamps, grazing animals, stalls demonstrating traditional crafts, and inns designed as they were 2,000 years ago. This unique performance attracts thousands of visitors who can later tour the reconstructed city and learn about life thousands of years ago.
12. Copenhagen (Copenhagen), Denmark
Although the days are short at this time of year in Copenhagen, Denmark, the atmosphere is anything but gloomy, thanks to Christmas decorations and twinkling lights everywhere. The famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen transform into a complete Christmas city with a medieval-style carnival, an ice palace, and a vibrant light show above the lake. Adults and children alike enjoy the special sights in this beautiful city, enhanced by the wonderful atmosphere unique to Christmas.
