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Christmas time. It’s so far away yet so close. Only 1.5 months always until we really start celebrating the holiday season. Or if you’re like me, right about now is the time to start celebrating. I planned my Christmas trip already, have you? If not – here are the 8 best European cities to visit during Christmas!
Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. I’m always getting in the holiday mood around the beginning of November when the Dutch weather gets gloomier and after the winter time begins. Not ashamed to admit it, I already listened to Christmas music. Friends of mine reading this – you’re not surprise, are you? My Christmas trip is taking me to Paris. Surprise surprise. Me and my friend were kind-off struggling to find the best city to go and were deciding between London, Prague, Paris or Vienna. We decided to go to Paris and experience the Paris winter. I. Can’t. Wait. Okay, let’s get into these European cities to visit during Christmas.
The capital of the Czech Republic is an amazing city to visit during Christmas. The city is always full with historical and cultural sights and these are even more beautiful when it’s lit up with Christmas lights and Christmas markets to visit. Enjoy a hot chocolate in one of the many cafes while enjoying the Christmas music.
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If there is one place you have to visit during Christmas – it’s Santa’s town!! Explanation points!!! You guys, I absolutely want to visit this city during the upcoming Christmases. Is there really another place in the world that’s screams Christmas more than Santa’s town? Did you know that you can see the northern lights above the city? Enjoy the lights while sipping your cup of tea in your cabin with snow surrounding you all around. Yes. This is on the top of my list.
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Vienna is a pretty city to visit during every season. There’s so much to do and to see – watch the horses in the Spanish Riding School, go for a shopping spree, visit the many, many museums and visit the Christmas markets while maybe even enjoying the snow. Salzburg is another great city to visit in Austria if you’ve already been to Vienna and want to explore a different city.
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I think Germany is the king (of queen?) of the Christmas markets. A lot of us Dutchies go to Germany during the holiday season to visit one of the many Christmas markets. Cologne is a great choice, but Essen, Düsseldorf, Nuremberg and Berlin are great to visit as well. Cologne has 8 different Christmas markets next to the Rhine river. This must be an impressive sight with all the incredible historic buildings around it.
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Bruges is another perfect city to visit all-year-round and especially during Christmas. One of the lovely things in Bruges are the townhouses who give so much joy and a warm feeling to the city. Add the Christmas lights, a Christmas tree and Christmas decorations and you have a Christmas heaven to visit. This city was made for Christmas.
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Did you know that, if you’re really lucky, you can catch the northern lights in Scotland? This country has an amazing landscape with volcanoes and rocky hills rising from the flat landscape. And if there’s a city to visit when you’re going to Scotland, it’s Edinburgh. With the many castles around the city, cosy streets and amazing café’s – this is the place to be!
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Ah, here it is. Paris has many, many Christmas markets all throughout the city like on the Champs Elysées, perhaps the most famous one. I’m already excited to see the Christmas lights on the Camps Elysées and visit the Christmas markets while drinking my hot chocolate with an insanely amount of cream on top of it. It doesn’t matter during Christmas. And we probably need it to keep ourselves warm!
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Rome might not be the first city that comes to mind when you’re booking your Christmas trip. However, imagine this – the ancient buildings on the background, faith and tradition are one of the most important things here and the culture make it a wonderful city to visit. It might be warmer and that’s great for the ones of us who do not like the cold. Like me.
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I’m hoping that this list of the 10 best European cities to visit during Christmas gave you inspiration if you haven’t already booked your trip. Let me know if you have a favorite city or if you have already booked a trip away. I’d love to know where you are going!
Love,
Melissa.
I NEED to get to Europe – maybe a holiday holiday trip!! These places look fabulous!
Ahhhh you should if you can! There are so many great places and it’s so easy to do a (small) roadtrip and visit multiple countries. I think a holiday holiday trip sounds amazing. 😀
Rome is my favourite place in the world! I’ve wanted to go to Cologne for so long!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
The architecture and history in Rome is incredible. Cologne is gorgeous as well! 😀
I have heard great things about the German Christmas Markets. I would like to visit there. The places sound great, pretty pictures. Thank you for sharing this great list!! Xx
The German Christmas markets are magical, every year! It’s definitely one of the best places to go during Christmas. 😀
We have one here in Bournemouth too, so festive! Xx