Christmas is the most awaited event in Europe at the end of the year in December. It is a time of huge preparations, decorations, and sales everywhere. Everyone makes some special arrangements to celebrate this event. It’s vacation season in Europe and everyone tries to celebrate this event by shopping for their favourite brands, food, and decorating their homes and surroundings with beautiful lights, flowers, and Christmas trees. In this article we will help you to find the best Europe cities at Christmas to celebrate.
What is Christmas? A Short History of Christmas
Christmas is a Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. It is a feast central to the Christian liturgical year. It is preparation for the season of Advent or Nativity, which begins four weeks before Christmas Day, ends on Christmas Eve, and is in some churches still known as Advent.
The original Christian feast day was December 25, but in the 4th century it was moved to January 6. It was not until 367 that December 25 was again declared to be the date of Jesus’ birth. The Roman Catholic Church’s official recognition of December 25 as Christmas Day is attested to in 336, when Pope Julius I included it in his list of acceptable feasts (“feriae”). In 380, Emperor Theodosius I established January 1 as New Year’s Day to honour the birth of Christ, and when January 1 became a holiday in 1582, there was no longer any reason for Christians to celebrate on December 25.
The best Europe cities at Christmas
So, how do you know which city to choose during these Christmas holidays? It’s not easy. There are so many different cities available, each with their own advantages for living. If you want to make your choice easier and plan your next trip in a short time, here is the list of the 10 best Europe cities at Christmas to go to and make this event memorable.
Prague, Czech Republic
Christmas is a great time of year to visit Prague, with lots of markets and events taking place all over the city. The main Christmas market is located at Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti), but you’ll also find smaller ones scattered around the city centre. The best part about these markets is that they are open not only during the day but also during the evening and until late at night.
Christmas is a magical time of year, when the whole city comes to life with Christmas decorations and lights. The city is full of Christmas markets, concerts, and parades. You can also find many events in this beautiful city, like ice skating in Wenceslas Square or enjoying a traditional Czech Christmas meal in a local restaurant.
The Christmas market at Old Town Square is the biggest market in Prague and has been running since 1434. It features a variety of vendors selling traditional handmade crafts such as wooden toys, jewellery, and glasswork. You can also find food stalls selling traditional Czech cuisine, such as roasted pork knuckles or grilled sausages.
The Old Town Hall Square is also home to an annual Christmas concert that takes place every year on December 24th. This free event attracts crowds from all over Prague, who come together to celebrate Christmas by listening to music played by local musicians backed by an orchestra led by conductor Zdenek Kosler. Prague is at the top of the list in best Europe cities at Christmas.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city that has many things going on at Christmas. There are plenty of events, especially for children and families. The city is filled with Christmas markets, fairs, and concerts. One of the most famous events is the Budapest Advent Festival, which takes place every year at the National Theatre between December 1st and 31st. The festival includes musical events and performances for everyone to enjoy.
Christmas as an event in Budapest, Hungary began in the 14th century and has been celebrated ever since. In fact, it was during this time that many people from Hungary moved to other countries such as England, Germany, and France to spread Christianity throughout Europe and beyond.
The Christmas season in Budapest starts in mid-November and lasts till January 6th, when it ends with the feast of Epiphany, also called Three Kings Day. This holiday marks the arrival of three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus on his birthday. It’s celebrated as a religious holiday but also as a secular holiday by most people.
The Christmas tree is decorated at the end of November or early December, and people start preparing their Christmas dinner after that day. For example, they make traditional Hungarian dishes like stuffed cabbage or paprika chicken with noodles. They also prepare typical desserts like poppy seed cake or gingerbread biscuits, which are eaten with chocolate milk.
In Budapest, there are many places where you can find beautiful Christmas lights or decorations. You can see them on the river bank along the Danube or in the park near Margaret Island (Margitsziget). There are also many small boats decorated with lights sailing along the Danube River that you can take a ride on during your stay in Budapest during December. Budapest has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. It is located on Váci Street in front of City Park (Városliget) next to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath complex (Széchenyi fürd). The market offers lots of different snacks, such as roasted chestnuts and sausages.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is well known for its Hogmanay celebrations on the 31st December, with an amazing fireworks display lighting up the sky over the castle at midnight. However, it is also famous for its Christmas celebrations too. The biggest of these takes place at Princes Street Gardens, with a huge Christmas tree which is lit up every year on the first Saturday in December. The ceremony begins at 6pm when Santa arrives by helicopter at the gardens, followed by fireworks and a concert by local school children, with all proceeds going to charity. The event usually takes place between 6 PM and 10 PM, depending on the weather, whether it’s sunny or cloudy.
Christmas in Edinburgh is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by all. People decorate their homes with colourful lights, hang wreaths on doors and windows, put up trees, and exchange gifts among family members. The festive season begins with the shopping season, where there are exclusive sales on various items like clothes, toys, jewellery, etc.
Christmas celebrations start on November 1st, when people begin buying gifts for their loved ones. This continues till December 25th, which is Christmas Day, when people get together to celebrate this day with much pomp and show. The festivities kick off with the Christmas Lights Switch-On Ceremony on 1st December, which is also a great chance to see some amazing light installations around the city centre.
The Festival will be packed full of events throughout December, including a tree lighting ceremony at St Giles’ Cathedral followed by free carol singing in Princes Street Gardens at night; a Santa Parade along Princes Street; concerts featuring Scottish musicians such as Amy Macdonald and Gerry Cinnamon at The Assembly Rooms; a bonfire party on Calton Hill; a firework displays over Arthur’s Seat on 17th November; as well as many other events across the city centre during the festive period.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the best Europe cities at Christmas because it is beautifully decorated for this event. It is the second largest city in Poland and one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city is famous for its mediaeval architecture, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals in Poland. The Christmas season officially begins on December 24th, when children receive presents from Santa Claus.
Christmas is celebrated in Krakow, Poland, with a lot of enthusiasm and dedication. The people of Krakow celebrate this festival with great passion. The city is beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. The best time to travel to Krakow is during the Christmas season. The city is decorated with lights and offers many events and activities for tourists.
One of the most popular attractions in Krakow at Christmas is Wawel Castle, which overlooks the Vistula River. It was built by Casimir III the Great in the 13th century and served as a royal residence until 1795, when King Stanislaus II August Poniatowski moved his court to Warsaw. Today, it houses a museum with exhibits related to Polish history from ancient times through World War II.
Horse-drawn carriages are available for tours around Krakow’s Old Town Square and other areas of interest within walking distance of each other (several carriages meet at one location). The drivers offer commentary on what you’re seeing along the way and will stop if requested.
London, England
Christmas in London is celebrated with a traditional Christmas Market in Hyde Park. The market has over 200 stalls selling handmade products from all over the world, as well as entertainment and food stalls. If you’re looking for something more traditional, there’s also an ice rink at Somerset House, where you can skate under the stars accompanied by live music. There are plenty of shopping opportunities around London at this time of year too. Oxford Street has some of the best stores and there are always sales on.
London has several other famous Christmas markets that attract thousands of visitors every year. These include the Covent Garden Market and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. There is also a Christmas market at Trafalgar Square, which offers a wide selection of gifts and food items that you can take back home as souvenirs. There is a huge Christmas market in the city centre, where you can buy gifts for family and friends. The London Eye and Big Ben are also illuminated at night during the festive season.
London is one of the best Europe cities at Christmas if you want to make this event memorable for life. It has been a tradition since Victorian times, when it was first introduced by Queen Victoria’s German husband, Prince Albert. The tradition continued through her children, who became monarchs following her death in 1901. They carried on with the tradition, and it has become a great part of British culture ever since.
Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland is a city in northern Switzerland on the Rhine, located between the borders of France and Germany. It’s known for its mediaeval old town and Renaissance buildings, and it’s considered one of the best Europe cities at Christmas to celebrate this mega event.
The Christmas season in Basel starts with Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. In Basel, this celebration is called “Adventzeit” (Advent time). Businesses take advantage of the holiday season to offer special deals and discounts. During the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day, there are many events and activities for visitors.
A Christmas market is held every year from November until December 23 in the main market square (Marktplatz). It has become popular among locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy local artisanal goods such as handmade toys, ornaments, sweets and much more. There are also street performances, including live music concerts, that take place throughout the day at various locations around town.
A procession that takes place during Advent every year on December 4th at 6 pm at St. Johanns Church (Johanneskirche), where participants carry candles. Basel is considered to be one of the most important cultural centres in Europe and has been named a UNESCO City of Literature and a European Capital of Culture for 2019. Additionally, it hosts the oldest university in the Swiss Confederation, the University of Basel, dating back to 1460.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has a lot to offer when it comes to Christmas. It is one of the most beautiful cities at Christmas time with its many decorations and lights. All around the city you will find Christmas trees of all sizes and colours, from small ones to huge ones up to 20 metres tall. They are placed in squares, streets, or parks throughout the city and are decorated with lights, baubles, and sometimes even stars that twinkle at night. You can also find gingerbread cookies shaped like stars or hearts at most bakeries. These are very popular during December, as are gingerbread houses, which can be found all over Copenhagen during this time of year too.
The Christmas market in Copenhagen is one of Europe’s largest markets with more than 200 stalls selling everything from hand-made jewellery to traditional Danish delicacies, food, toys and other gift items made for the Christmas event. The city’s main attraction during this time is its Christmas Market, which takes place at Tivoli Gardens, where you can enjoy traditional Danish delicacies such as hot dogs, fried fish, and other must-try items on your holiday vacation in Copenhagen.
The city also offers many activities, such as ice skating at Tivoli Gardens and visiting Santa Claus at his workshop in the amusement park. The Christmas market that takes place in Copenhagen is called “Bazar Deluxe”. It is located on Rdhuspladsen (City Hall Square) and it offers a lot of different activities for children as well as adults. You can buy gifts for your loved ones, listen to music, or just walk around and enjoy the Scandinavian winter weather.
If you want to experience something more traditional, then I suggest visiting one of the many churches in Copenhagen, such as St. Nicholas Church, which has been standing since 1150 A.D. You can also see how they celebrate Christmas here by joining their choir or singing with them. Do consider this city in the list when you are looking for best Europe cities at Christmas.
Vienna, Austria
Christmas in Vienna is a wonderful event. It is celebrated on December 24th and 25th. The city looks beautiful with lights and decorations hanging everywhere. The main square, Stephansplatz, is decorated with a huge Christmas tree, which is lit up on December 1st. Christmas in Vienna is celebrated in a big way, with a number of events taking place throughout December. There are many concerts, musicals, plays, and other cultural events that are free for everyone to attend. You can also watch some amazing fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve if you are in town at that time.
The Christmas markets are open from November until December 24th and offer lots of food, drinks, and gifts for sale. The most famous market is located on Rathausplatz, where you can enjoy samples of mulled wine and hot chocolate as well as buy all kinds of souvenirs such as ornaments, dolls, and toys for children. There are also plenty of stalls selling handmade jewellery made out of glass beads or wooden pieces, which look very pretty when worn by children and adults alike.
The Christmas market at Michaelerplatz (Square) is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. It was first held here in 1620, when Emperor Ferdinand II decided that he wanted to present his subjects with a gift before Christmas day. He decided on a wooden pyramid, decorated with candles and fruits, which was then placed on top of the fountain in this square. This tradition has continued ever since, and today there are over 100 stalls selling gifts and foodstuffs, as well as plenty of musicians playing Christmas carols throughout the day.
The Christmas markets in Vienna are located at many different places throughout the city centre, including Rathausplatz, Rathauspark (Rathauspark) and Karlsplatz (Karlsplatz). These markets are open every day except on Sundays until January 22nd, 2019. The opening hours vary from market to market, but generally they start at around 10:00 am and close at around 11:00 pm or midnight, depending on which day it is and how busy it gets.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is also one of the most amazing and best Europe cities at Christmas for entertainment purposes. The city is known to be a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with a unique blend of French, German, and Alsatian influences. It has been a centre for trade between France and Germany for hundreds of years, and this can still be seen today.
The Christmas market in Strasbourg is a must-visit event. The market is located in Place Broglie and it is open from November 17th to December 31st. There are hundreds of wooden stalls set up with food, drinks, decorations, and other gifts for sale. The Christmas market also has some attractions such as puppet shows, choirs and dancing groups performing throughout the day. There are also musical performances from different bands playing on stages throughout the market area, which makes this an even better experience.
Strasbourg has a huge Christmas market, every year where people can buy gifts, food, drinks and enjoy the atmosphere. There are lots of different types of food sold at this market, including classic French dishes like raclette, crepes, and quiche Lorraine, which will definitely make your mouth water. You should also try some delicious mulled wine or hot chocolate while there.
The Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of the best in Europe. It is very well organised, and you can easily walk around without getting lost. The city is decorated with lights and every street corner has its own Christmas spirit. The streets are full of people buying gifts for their loved ones and enjoying the festive atmosphere. They even have Christmas trees all over the city.
The Christmas market in Strasbourg starts on November 20th and ends on December 31st, so you have plenty of time to visit it if you plan your trip for this period of time. One thing that makes this market special is that it has been going on since 1570.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the sixth-largest city in the European Union. It is located within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the former duchy of Westphalia. Cologne has become one of the most important cultural centres in the country and hosts more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries. Cologne will host EXPO 2025.
Cologne is one of the most popular destinations for people who want to enjoy Christmas in Europe. It has many parks, shopping centres, and other places where you can spend your time with family and friends. Cologne also has many restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes while listening to live music or dancing.
Christmas as an event in Cologne was first celebrated in December 1091, when Henry IV was crowned King of Germany. The celebration was held at Saint Peter’s Cathedral on December 25th, where he received his crown from Pope Urban II. But after his death on May 5th, 1098, his wife Judith began to rule instead, until their son Conrad took over the throne later that year on November 21st after defeating his mother’s army at Nuremberg.
In Cologne, Christmas is celebrated as an event with family and friends on Christmas Eve, on December 24th. The main Christmas market is held at the Alter Market square in front of Cologne Cathedral. The market dates back to 1510, when it was first opened by Archbishop Dietrich II von Moers-Koln (1486–1515). The fair was closed twice because of war and several times due to epidemics. For example, during the plague years of 1611/12 and 1703/04. In 1791, it was moved to its current location at Alter Market, where it has remained ever since, apart from short interruptions during World War II (1939–45).
This was our list of Top 10 best Europe cities at Christmas to enjoy and celebrate this event. So which place do you like and planning to celebrate this mega event of Christmas with your family and friends. Do let us know by commenting below. Also check out cheap places to visit in Europe along with best cities to live in Europe.
