Don't you hear what I hear? It's the sound of church bells set inside tall spires, Christmas music drifting through the air, and people of all ages chattering at Christmas markets. Christmas in Europe is magical. There is no better way to describe it. Is it cold? yes. Put on your warmest coat and fuzziest socks and admire the beauty of quaint villages, snow-covered rooftops and lavish Christmas decor. I've rounded up 25 photos that will inspire you to spend Christmas in Europe.
When I moved abroad, many people, especially around the holiday period, asked me if I was homesick. But my answer was a resounding "No". the reason? There is a lot to see and do on holidays. Big cities like London, Paris, Munich and Vienna do their best to decorate every inch of their shop windows and completely decorate their streets with lights. Small towns like Strasbourg, Colmar and Heidelberg are gingerbread towns alive with Christmas markets dotted alongside the half-timbered houses.
See the best Christmas markets in Europe here.
I thought the best way to show you these places is to give you some of the most beautiful pictures from winters in Europe. From Switzerland, France, Germany and beyond. The Christmas season begins with the start of Christmas markets across Europe, but is specific to places like Germany and Austria since Christmas markets originated here. The "Weihnachtsmarkt" (Christmas Market) or "Christkindelsmarkt" (literally the Christ Child Market) has traditionally been held in the city squares since 1310 in Munich. Vienna, Austria had its first market in December in 1296. So when you're at a Christmas market or spending Christmas in Europe, you're participating in a time-honored tradition. So grab your gluten and let's get to it!
proposed route
Start in Frankfurt, a major airport hub that allows easy access to many beautiful places, and make your way across Germany. I would suggest renting a car to make it easier to get from one place to another. But you can also find the train system very easily. Frankfurt Not a pretty place (sorry, Frankfurters) but they do have a market there. my suggestion? Skip it and go for it Heidelberg.
From Heidelberg make your way to a few others German Christmas Markets. those in Nuremberg, WormsAnd the Rothenburg ob der Tauberand Munich She is exceptional. Then make your way by car or train to the stunningly beautiful markets in France. I would suggest Strasbourg and Colmar. Both are on the border of Germany, so it's an easy trip across the border.
After that, I suggest heading south to Switzerland! Here you can go to intrepid, just a short trip across the German border. Check out the Christmas markets there, and then take a jaunt to a beautiful place Berne. You will find it in about an hour Lucerne Located on the lake.
There's a lot of ground to cover, but if you want to see more of Europe, keep heading east. You can then make your way to it Vienna, Austria One of the most magical Christmas markets in the world. If you don't have enough, go north to it Prague For Christmas markets all over the city.
The 25 photos below will represent the journey along the way.
Heidelberg, Germany
The true representation of the wonderful German Christmas market is Heidelberg. You'll find a hot tubing glüwein and an ice rink below the Grand Castle. The stalls are ornately decorated and there are so many options for shopping and dining!
Check out my full guide to it Christmas markets in Heidelberg.
Black Forest, Germany
I Move to Germany Traveling to Europe, I often forget how beautiful it is near Heidelberg. the black Forest It is a perfect example of that. We drove from town Baden Baden And I watched the sun set over the mountains. It really is a breathtaking sight. Here you can find skiing, pretty chalets and delicious Black Forest cake in the nearby cafes.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg It is one of the most famous and traditional Christmas markets in Germany. You can get a real sense of what Christmas markets were like in the 1300's, and some of the ornate stalls selling food and Christmas decor date back to the 1890's.
Worms, Germany
Worms is a small town but it does boast some serious history. Here Martin Luther is commemorated to be declared a heretic. The Christmas markets here are not as crowded, yet you will still have a traditional feel.
See my travel guide to Worms and Nuremberg for Christmas.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Yes, Rothernburg Ob Der Tauber has a long name, but it is alluded to by the fact that it is still surrounded by city walls. This medieval town will feel like Christmas no matter what time of year you go. But they do have nice markets and even a Christmas museum. Here you will find Käthe Wohlfahrt's wonderful Christmas shop.
Check out my full guide to it Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Munich Germany
The jewel of Germany is Munich. You'll find some of the most beautiful architecture, fun restaurants, and the home of Oktoberfest. But the snow-covered rooftops of Munich in winter are perhaps the most beautiful. Munich is said to be where the Christmas markets originated after Vienna, where Austria had its first primitive market.
Check out my The Complete Guide to Munich.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg at Christmas can be described in one word: magical. This classic Christmas fairytale town on the border from Germany looks like a wintery Currier and Ives pattern come to life. Golden lights twinkle over long swathes of individual market stalls decked out in fairytale Christmas settings—toyland, candy forests, dreamy snowscapes—all tinseled and glowing. Locals tempt the steady stream of roving market-goers with regional foods, hot drinks, handmade mittens, scarves, and an array of cool-weather clothing.
See my full guide to it Strasbourg at Christmas here and many photos!
Colmar, France
If you thought Strasbourg was pretty, wait until you venture to Colmar. The entire town looks like a gingerbread wonderland complete with multicolored houses selling macaroons, croissants, and hand-painted glass decorations. It's one of those places where I can't quite get it real.
Basel, Switzerland
When I traveled to Basel with my mom I wasn't expecting much. I was wrong. This pretty town is located on a river and the Christmas markets are brightly decorated full of ornaments and decorations.
Bern, Switzerland
One of the best desserts I've ever had at a Christmas market was in Bern, Switzerland. The melt-in-your-mouth caramel was divinely decadent and something I couldn't find anywhere else. The city has a giant cathedral, pretty tree-lined streets, and sheepskin fur on almost every chair. It just feels expensive. Maybe because it is. But it is worth to go.
Check out my full guide to it Bern, Switzerland.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lovely Lucerne Hotel is located on the banks of the lake of the same name. Walk across the oldest covered bridge in the world and marvel at the beautiful city lit up at night. The markets here are uniquely Swiss and remarkably lively. One woman sells her wool hats by showing how the items hanging from her chalet-style stall come from her sheep raised and herded together by her father on her family's farm nearby.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is known for its powerful architecture and powerful bridge. It is an ideal destination for Christmas as it reflects the way Christmas markets were organized in the past. The markets are filled with delicious pastries called TrdelnÃks and grilled meats.
See my guide for that Prague.
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. The sparkling Alps above and the gorgeous city below. No matter the time of year, it's a great time to visit Innsbruck. Feel like you are inside a snow globe in this colorful and cheerful city.
See my Your travel guide to Innsbruck, Austria is here.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is famous for its grandiose architecture. But when Christmas time comes, the place is even more luxurious with string lights on every building. I am particularly fascinated by the chandeliers that seem to hang in the air on the posh streets. The Christmas markets are clean and bright and you can't walk around this city without a smile on your face.
Check out my The complete guide to Vienna in 3 days.
London, England
England does it right when it comes to Christmas. The decor on every street is absolutely stunning. I remember walking down Oxford Street with my mouth wide open in amazement. There is also a Christmas market in Hyde Park which is super fun and the English version of the German tradition.
Check out my guide for that Christmas in London is here.
Here's a quick look at an infographic I created to make planning Christmas in Europe easier. (Stick it so you don't forget it!).
Christmas time in Europe is one of my favorite parts of my move abroad. There is an overwhelming sense of pure joy and the Christmas spirit feels authentic. Everyone needs to take a trip at least once in their life during the cold months. I promise, it's worth it!
See the best Christmas markets in Europe here.
See the Christmas Market Road Trip Itinerary here!
Note: I share more photos on my Instagram, @employee. All images have been edited using My Lightroom presets are found here!
Where is your favorite place for Christmas?
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