Christmas in Europe: Unmissable Holiday Destinations

Europe is known worldwide for its splendor during the Christmas holidays. From the charming French celebrations to the vibrant festivities in Greece, Italy, and Spain and the captivating traditions of Croatia, Portugal, and England, among other countries, here you will find everything you need to know about Christmas in Europe.

If you dream of a different Christmas, continue reading and learning about the most exceptional destinations to celebrate Christmas with Greca.

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1. Christmas in France

Christmas in France is a charming mix of centuries-old traditions and a festive atmosphere that fills the streets with magic and joy. France celebrates this season with a special charm from Paris to the most remote corners.

Paris: Elegance and Bright Lights

The capital, Paris, is transformed into a dazzling spectacle during Christmas. The illuminated Champs-Elysées, the majestic Eiffel Tower adorned with twinkling lights and the Christmas markets in Montmartre and Notre Dame create a magical atmosphere.

In addition, there are outdoor ice skating rinks in emblematic places such as in front of the town hall. If visiting Paris is always a pleasure, it is even more so at Christmas.

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Strasbourg: Christmas Capital

Strasbourg is not known as the "Christmas Capital" for nothing, as it offers one of the oldest and most charming Christmas markets in Europe. With its decorated wooden houses and the illuminated Notre Dame Cathedral, this city breathes the essence of Christmas. If you are thinking of spending Christmas in Strasbourg you should know that there you will find street performances, light shows, and a Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of this magical city.

Lyon: Lights and Tradition

Lyon dresses in splendor during the festivities. Its famous light festival, the Fête des Lumières, transforms the city into a spectacle of lights, projections, and artistic events that capture the essence of Christmas. If you are considering treating yourself to a trip to Lyon to celebrate Christmas, we tell you that Place Bellecour becomes a nerve center, where the giant Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the entire city.

Nice: Elegance on the Côte d'Azur

On the sunny Côte d'Azur, in Nice, Christmas is celebrated with all the glamor of the Mediterranean. Christmas markets such as the famous Place Masséna come to life, and the main avenue, the Promenade des Anglais, is illuminated with Christmas lights creating a spectacular view, making visiting Nice a majestic experience.

2. Christmas in Italy

Christmas in Italy is an unparalleled experience that fuses rich cultural traditions with a passion for festive celebrations. From the north to the south, the entire country is immersed in an atmosphere full of joy and tradition during this special season. From the majestic events in Rome to the beautiful markets in Milan, each city offers its interpretation of the festive season, keeping Italy's centuries-old traditions alive.

Rome: Splendor and Centennial Tradition

The capital, Rome, comes to life with unique magnificence during Christmas. St. Peter's Square in the Vatican is the epicenter of the celebrations, with the country's largest Christmas tree and Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. Spending Christmas touring Rome means encountering the warmth of its people, discovering a world of traditions, being surrounded by wonderful postcards, and tasting delicious delicacies.

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Naples: Nativity Scenes and Living Traditions

Naples is famous for its nativity scenes, where the streets become living scenes of the Christmas story thanks to these fascinating nativity scenes. The street markets offer artisanal nativities and typical sweets that reflect the essence of Neapolitan culture. If you dream of a trip to Naples you should consider it at Christmas, because Neapolitan joy is easily spread.

Bologna: Markets and Gastronomy

Bologna is dressed with colorful markets, where you can find artisanal products, culinary delights, and regional wines. Gastronomy is a focal point, with Christmas Eve dinners filled with traditional dishes such as cappelletti en brodo. Bologna at Christmas is an amazing experience, especially for lovers of gastronomic tourism.

Milan: Elegance and Charming Markets

Milan, known for its sophistication, offers captivating Christmas markets in Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Castello. Its illuminated streets and designer shops are filled with an incomparable festive atmosphere. Discovering Milan at Christmas is to encounter concerts, theater shows, and cultural events, from classical music concerts to ballet and opera performances, with Christmas motifs.

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3. Christmas in England

Christmas in England is a time of traditional charm, where towns come to life with twinkling lights, festive markets, and deep-rooted traditions. From the cosmopolitan capital to historic cities, England offers an enchanting celebration during this special season.

London: Dazzling Lights and Magical Markets

London transforms into a fairy tale during Christmas. Christmas markets at Winter Wonderland and Southbank offer unique gifts and culinary delights, while the lights on Oxford Street and Covent Garden dazzle visitors. Celebrating Christmas visiting London entails a mandatory stop by the stars of the city: the ice skating rinks and the local pubs and restaurants.

York: Medieval Christmas

The charming medieval city of York is filled with Christmas magic. The Christmas Market at St. Nicholas Fair, located in the heart of the city, offers local crafts and a festive atmosphere within the ancient walls. Horse-drawn carriage rides are popular around this time, offering a charming way to explore the city. There are also family activities, such as a visit from Santa Claus and shows for children.

Bath: Elegance and Historic Markets

Traveling to Bath at Christmas is very attractive, as its Georgian architecture becomes a magical setting. The Christmas market at the historic Abbey Churchyard is perfect for finding unique gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Additionally, a temporary ice rink is often set up in Royal Victoria Park, offering a fun ice skating experience in a historic setting.

Cambridge: Traditional Charm

Cambridge at Christmas transports you to a world of university charm and centuries-old traditions. With its festive markets, Christmas hymns echoing from colleges, and its illuminated streets, the city becomes a charming setting to celebrate the festive season. Christmas in Cambridge is without a doubt a magical experience, as its majestic parks and splendid universities offer the perfect backdrop for movie-like festivities.

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4. Christmas in Spain

Christmas in Spain is a charming fusion of religious tradition, colorful festivities, and a welcoming warmth that fills the cities with a unique festive spirit. From the coasts to the historic cities, Spain offers a vibrant Christmas experience full of deep-rooted traditions.

Madrid: Dazzling Lights and Lively Markets

The capital, Madrid, lights up with impressive decorations. Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol are highlighting, while the Christmas markets in Plaza Mayor and Plaza de España offer unique gifts and culinary delights. A trip to Madrid is always a great option and even more so during Christmas when the city dresses up to honor its traditions.

Barcelona: Tradition and Festive Spirit

Barcelona is filled with a unique festive atmosphere. The Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas are dressed in lights, and markets like Santa Lucía offer local crafts and special Christmas decorations, making discovering Barcelona at Christmas a canonical event.

A very funny custom celebrated in Barcelona is “El Tió de Nadal”: a Catalan tradition where a wooden log is decorated and placed in homes, often in the dining room. He is fed treats every night and is beaten by children on Christmas Eve to make him "defecate" gifts and candy.

Seville: Andalusian Charm and Lively Celebrations

Seville offers a Christmas full of tradition and joy. The Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral become festive scenes, while the cobblestone streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz shine with Christmas lights. Visiting Seville for Christmas is a great option to enjoy the holidays with all their magic as this wonderful city becomes very welcoming.

Valencia: Markets and Mediterranean Tradition

Valencia dresses up with colorful Christmas markets. The City of Arts and Sciences and Town Hall Square are highlighted, offering unforgettable festive experiences. 

If you dream of a trip to Valencia during Christmas, you should know that the entire city dresses up and gives a privileged place on Christmas Eve, an opportunity to get together with your family and enjoy a special dinner with typical dishes such as turkey, seafood, nougat, and regional wines.

5. Christmas in Portugal

Christmas in Portugal is a charming mix of deep-rooted traditions and festive celebrations that fill the cities with a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere. From Lisbon to the picturesque towns, Portugal offers a unique and charming Christmas experience.

Lisbon: Bright Lights and Lively Markets

The capital, Lisbon, lights up in splendor during Christmas. Praça do Comércio and Avenida da Liberdade are central destinations, with Christmas markets full of artisanal gifts and traditional cuisine. In addition, the city offers concerts, cultural events, and religious services, which makes a trip to Lisbon during these dates an excellent option to enjoy, as there are options for all tastes.

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Porto: Tradition and Festive Spirit

Porto dresses up during the Christmas season. The Ribeira and Avenida dos Aliados are filled with lights, while markets such as Mercado do Bolhão offer local products and a festive atmosphere. Visiting Porto at Christmas is guaranteed a joyful and special holiday. Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners are moments of family reunion in which typical dishes such as cod, and lamb, traditional sweets such as "sonhos" and "filhós" are enjoyed, as well as Portuguese wine.

Coimbra: Tradition and Lights

Christmas in Coimbra is dressed in tradition and charm. Its cobblestone streets light up, the markets in Praça do Comércio offer unique gifts, and the festive spirit fills the air. Coimbra at Christmas is special, because since it is a university city, many of its educational institutions are also decorated with Christmas decorations, and sometimes they organize festive events related to the season.

6. Christmas in Greece

Christmas in Greece is a magical and authentic experience, where each city has its characteristic charm. From the majesty in Athens and Thessaloniki to the Mediterranean essence in Crete and the festive spirit on islands like Rhodes, each location offers a unique experience to enjoy the festive season. Enjoy spectacular Greece at Christmas!

Athens: Bright Lights and Holiday Spirit

The capital, Athens, shines during Christmas. Syntagma Square and the Plaka Quarter are filled with lights, while markets like Monastiraki offer unique gifts and culinary delights.

Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners are moments of family reunion in which typical dishes of Greek gastronomy are enjoyed such as lamb, baklava (traditional dessert), kourabiedes (Christmas cookies), and other festive dishes.

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Thessaloniki: Tradition and Northern Charm

Thessaloniki is filled with a special Christmas atmosphere. Places like Aristotelous Square and Christmas Square (Plateia Dikasterion) are often specially decorated, creating a magical atmosphere. In addition, you can witness different street performances, which make visiting Thessaloniki at Christmas very special.

Crete: Mediterranean Essence

Crete offers a Christmas with Mediterranean charm. Its cities like Chania are dressed in lights and decorations, while the markets in the squares offer local products and a festive atmosphere. A trip to Crete at Christmas is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the splendid decorations, especially in areas such as Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos.

Rhodes: Festive Spirit in the Islands

Rhodes, in the archipelago, celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm. Its cobblestone streets light up, and the markets in Martyrs' Square offer a unique Christmas experience. Traveling to Rhodes is always a unique experience and even more so during the holidays, as the island offers a variety of concerts, musical events, folk dances, and shows during the Christmas season. Theaters and cultural spaces often organize special performances related to Christmas.

7. Christmas in Ireland

Christmas in Ireland is a time of tradition, warmth, and charm, where cities come alive with festive celebrations and a welcoming atmosphere. From Dublin to the smallest towns, Ireland offers an unforgettable Christmas experience.

In Ireland, Christmas is a celebration full of fun and tradition, with each city offering its festive interpretation.

Dublin: Dazzling Lights and Holiday Spirit

The capital, Dublin, lights up in splendor during Christmas. Grafton Street and O'Connell Street are filled with lights, while the markets in St. Stephen's Green offer unique gifts and culinary delights. If you dream of a trip to Dublin for a magical Christmas, you are right, because the city has a great love for this holiday and that can be seen in every corner.

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Galway: Festive Charm in the West

Galway shines with a special Christmas atmosphere. Shop Street and Eyre Square are highlighted, offering festive markets and street entertainment. Traveling to Galway for Christmas is a promise of fun, as the city offers a variety of Christmas events and entertainment, including concerts, music shows, theatre, street performances, and parades that enliven the streets and squares. And Santa's arrival in Galway is usually an exciting event for the little ones. There are parades and celebrations when Santa Claus comes to town to officially kick off the Christmas season.

Cork: Tradition and Celebration

Cork dresses up with a Christmas charm. St. Patrick's Street and Grand Parade Square are filled with lights, while the markets in City Square offer local produce and a festive atmosphere. Traveling from Dublin to Cork is a great idea to experience Christmas in the style of each city. Cork offers family activities such as ice skating, light shows, horse-drawn carriage rides, and other attractions for the family to enjoy during the festive season.

Limerick: Festive Spirit in the South

Limerick offers a lovely Christmas. O'Connell Street and Cathedral Square are special places if you are wondering what to visit in Limerick, as both places offer festive markets and street performances.

Local churches often host special church services and Christmas music concerts, providing a festive and reflective atmosphere for those who celebrate Christmas from a religious perspective.

8. Croatia at Christmas

Christmas in Croatia is a celebration full of traditional charm and festive spirit that envelops historic and charming cities. From Zagreb to the coastal cities, Croatia offers a unique and cozy Christmas experience.

Zagreb: Dazzling Lights and Charming Markets

The capital Zagreb shines with a special Christmas atmosphere. Ban Jelačić Square and Tkalciceva Street are great options if you're wondering what to see in Zagreb, as they are filled with lights, while markets like Dolac offer unique gifts and culinary delights.

In addition, special activities are organized for the little ones, such as creative workshops, children's theater, meetings with Santa Claus, and other recreational activities.

Split: Tradition and Mediterranean Spirit

Split dresses up with Christmas charm. The Riva promenade and Old Town Square are highlights, offering festive markets and street performances. Visiting Split is a fabulous idea to celebrate a different Christmas, especially because the city offers multiple activities for all ages and tastes.

Concerts, musical events, theater shows, and themed cultural events are organized in different parts of the city. These events typically include live music, folk dance, and street performances.

Rovinj: Elegance on the Coast

Rovinj offers a very beautiful Christmas thanks to its cobblestone streets that light up, and the markets in St. Euphemia's Square that offer a unique festive experience.

The city takes on a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with street musicians, themed decorations, and the presence of locals and visitors enjoying the Christmas spirit.

Dubrovnik: Historical Charm and Celebration

Dubrovnik is filled with a special Christmas atmosphere. Stradun Street and Luza Square are highlighted, offering festive markets and street entertainment.

If you are thinking about taking a trip to Dubrovnik for Christmas, it is an excellent idea, since this coastal city in Croatia, known for its historical beauty, celebrates Christmas with a combination of cultural traditions, festive events, and a charming atmosphere and although it is a city smaller, offers a unique Christmas experience.

9. Slovenia at Christmas

Last but not least, Christmas in Slovenia is a celebration full of charm and traditions rooted in a cozy atmosphere. Cities like Ljubljana and Maribor are decked out in twinkling lights and festive markets, where you can find unique gifts and traditional culinary delights.

Throughout Slovenia, traditions such as the living nativity scene, carol singing, and culinary delights such as "potica" (walnut cakes) and gingerbread cookies are an integral part of Christmas celebrations, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that captivates locals and visitors alike.

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Ljubljana: Storybook Christmas

The capital, Ljubljana, becomes a fairy tale with its festive decorations on Preseren Square and Ljubljana Castle. The Christmas markets on Town Hall Square and the Ljubljanica River Bank offer local crafts and a festive atmosphere.

Maribor: Christmas among the Vineyards

Maribor, known for its vineyards, hosts a charming Christmas market in the Old Town Square, where you can taste local wines and enjoy Christmas music.

Conclusion

Now that you know a little more about the festivities taking place on the European continent, why not check out our travel packages? Visit our website and book your next adventure!