22 Best Christmas Cities in Europe for a Festive Experience

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December in Europe isn’t just about snow and scarves. It’s about medieval old towns glowing with lights, markets stacked with wooden toys and spiced biscuits, and cities that feel like they’ve been waiting all year just to show off.

Whether you want to sip mulled wine under a cathedral, ride a reindeer sleigh through Arctic forest, or find the perfect woollen hat in a snowy square, Christmas in Europe delivers.

This guide rounds up the best European cities at Christmas, from the snow-globe streets of Tallinn to the candlelit courtyards of Paris. It covers iconic favourites like Vienna and Budapest, rising stars like Zagreb and Riga, and a few underrated surprises worth a detour. If you’re planning a winter travel itinerary packed with lights, markets, music, and proper festive spirit, you’ll find something here to suit your December mood.

Christmas in Europe Map

How to use this Christmas travel map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam Christmas doesn’t rely on a single market or grand display, instead, the whole city becomes a glowing, festive playground. Canals are lit with seasonal displays for the Amsterdam Light Festival, shop windows turn theatrical, and ice rinks appear in front of the Rijksmuseum and on Museumplein. While the main Christmas market at Ice Village isn’t huge, it’s beautifully set up and great for browsing between mulled wine and skating sessions.

Amsterdam embraces the season with style. Local markets like Funky Xmas Market and Pure Markt add a creative edge, and Sinterklaas celebrations in early December bring parades, sweets, and lots of marzipan. The old town’s canals, gables, and cobbled lanes are already postcard-perfect, but in winter, with fog rolling in and lights reflected in the water, it reaches a new level of charm.

For those planning Europe Christmas travel with an artsy, relaxed twist, Amsterdam is an excellent choice. It’s easy to navigate, full of cultural events, and looks fantastic lit up at night.

Stay at Hotel Estheréa for cosy, elegant interiors right on the Singel canal and easy walking distance to the markets, lights, and museum district.

Basel, Switzerland

If you’re planning a Christmas in Europe itinerary that blends festive markets with art and culture, Basel should be high on your list. This elegant Swiss city lights up during December, with one of the best European Christmas markets tucked into its medieval old town. Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are the two main hubs, each lined with traditional wooden chalets selling crafts, candles, toys, and all the Alpine cheese you can carry. The twinkling lights along the Rhine only add to the cosy, crisp atmosphere that makes this such a classic winter travel destination.

Unlike some cities that just go through the motions, Basel fully embraces the Christmas spirit. There’s a storytelling forest for kids in the town square, Advent windows throughout the neighbourhoods, and an ice rink in the Stadtcasino gardens. You can duck into the Kunstmuseum or Fondation Beyeler if the snow kicks in too hard, or join a Christmas markets Europe river cruise that docks right in the heart of town. Everything runs like clockwork, and public transport makes getting around a breeze.

Basel feels calm but celebratory: a polished, low-key alternative to Germany’s more raucous markets. You won’t get overwhelmed by crowds, but you’ll still feel that satisfying mix of cinnamon, mulled wine, and Alpine chill in the air. This is a great base if you’re planning a Europe Christmas travel trip that loops through Switzerland, Alsace, and southern Germany.

Stay at Hotel Märthof Basel to be right on Marktplatz in a beautifully restored historic building, with views of the old town and markets just outside your door.

Bath, England

Christmas in Bath feels like walking through a Regency novel with fairy lights. The city’s honey-coloured Georgian buildings glow even warmer in December, when the Bath Christmas Market wraps around the Abbey and spills into little courtyards and cobbled lanes. Over 150 chalets pop up selling local crafts, woollens, glass, and excellent food; think Somerset cheeses, handmade fudge, and hot cider. It’s one of the best European Christmas markets for a compact, walkable setup with an old-world charm that’s hard to fake.

Beyond the market, you’ve got festive concerts inside the Abbey, lantern processions, and an outdoor skating rink by the Royal Crescent. The Holburne Museum puts on winter exhibitions, and the Roman Baths are lit with torches for late openings, adding just the right touch of drama to your Europe winter holidays. Bath’s compact size makes it ideal for a Christmas getaway, especially if you’re linking up with London or Bristol by train.

This is the kind of place where even a cup of mulled wine feels like a cultural event. Everything is tasteful, traditional, and gorgeously lit. Whether you’re here for the shopping or just soaking up the Christmas city aesthetic, Bath has enough charm to last you through New Year.

Stay at The Z Hotel Bath for a central, affordable stay just steps from the market, Abbey, and Thermae Spa, perfect for warming up after a chilly evening stroll.

Bruges, Belgium

If your idea of Christmas in Europe involves canals, cobbles, and chocolate, Bruges should be your first stop. This fairytale town comes alive at Christmas time with lights strung across the Markt, a skating rink set beneath the Belfry, and a Christmas market that somehow feels more magical for being a bit smaller and more intimate. While the best Christmas markets in Europe can get overwhelming, Bruges keeps things relaxed, scenic, and just the right amount of festive.

There’s something surreal about sipping hot glühwein while horse-drawn carriages clop past Gothic spires and frozen canals. The market stalls focus on quality over quantity: handmade lace, wooden toys, ceramics, and of course, Belgian chocolate in every festive shape imaginable. Bruges also makes a great base for exploring other Belgian cities at Christmas, with direct trains to Ghent, Brussels, and Antwer, all equally festive in their own right.

For travellers coming from the United States or further afield, Bruges feels like stepping into a European snow globe. It’s small enough for a weekend but rich in atmosphere, making it one of the best European cities at Christmas for a cosy, classic experience.

Stay at Hotel Academie Bruges in the quiet Saint-Anna district for easy access to the centre while enjoying peaceful evenings near the canals.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a heavyweight when it comes to European Christmas markets, with Vörösmarty Square and the Basilica setting the tone. The Basilica market wins serious style points with its 3D light projections, skating rink, and beautifully arranged stalls selling handcrafted gifts and Hungarian delicacies. The city has two major markets and dozens of smaller ones, making it one of the most dynamic Christmas destinations in Europe.

If you’re into history and hot baths, this is your winter travel dream. You can go from the Széchenyi thermal baths straight to the market for goulash in a bread bowl and chimney cake, then ride the festive tram along the Danube under twinkling lights. Budapest is a top pick for a Christmas in Europe itinerary that mixes sightseeing with local culture and epic food.

With strong public transport, affordable prices, and some of the best mulled wine in the game, Budapest ticks all the boxes for a memorable Christmas getaway. It’s also part of many European Christmas markets by train routes, connecting easily with Vienna and Prague.

Stay at Hotel Moments Budapest on Andrassy Avenue for stylish rooms and walkable access to the Basilica, Opera House, and all the market action.

Cologne, Germany

When it comes to the best Christmas markets in Europe, Cologne is in a league of its own. The city hosts seven main markets, each with its own theme, from the classic one under the twin spires of the cathedral to the more playful Harbour Market by the Rhine. Expect ornate wooden stalls, live music, and a serious commitment to festive cheer. The scent of roasted nuts, sausages, and mulled wine fills the air, and every square feels like a different chapter of your Europe Christmas travel story.

The city’s layout makes it easy to hop between markets on foot or by public transport, with the Old Town tying everything together in a wintry bundle. Children’s carousels, artisans hammering metalwork, and costumed performers all add a bit of theatrical flair. There’s even a “Heinzels Wintermärchen” gnome-themed market in the Altstadt that leans into Cologne’s quirky local folklore. For travellers interested in a Christmas markets Europe river cruise, Cologne is often a highlight stop.

If you’re planning your Christmas in Europe itinerary around market-hopping and want maximum variety without switching cities, Cologne is hard to beat. The festive energy here is full-on, but in the best possible way.

Stay at CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom for unbeatable proximity to the Cathedral market and a cosy modern room right in the heart of the Old Town.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen does Christmas with typical Scandinavian flair: elegant, understated, and deeply hyggeligt. Tivoli Gardens is the main draw, turning into a glowing wonderland of snow-dusted trees, rides, food stalls, and seasonal shows. It’s arguably one of the best European Christmas markets in terms of atmosphere, with everything from Nordic decorations to Danish pastries and mugs of gløgg. The lights alone are worth the trip, drawing visitors from across Europe during Christmas.

But Tivoli isn’t the whole story. Kongens Nytorv and Højbro Plads host smaller markets framed by historic buildings, while Nyhavn’s coloured houses look even better lit up at night. If you need to warm up, the city’s cafés are perfect for cinnamon buns and people-watching. Copenhagen combines festive aesthetics with excellent design, great food, and a very walkable layout. It’s easy to include in European Christmas markets by train if you’re coming from Hamburg or Stockholm.

This is a great pick for travellers who want their Christmas getaway to be festive but not kitsch, atmospheric but not chaotic. Everything feels tasteful, but still joyful.

Stay at Hotel Danmark by Brøchner Hotels for its stylish interiors, rooftop views, and easy access to Tivoli, Strøget, and the city’s main markets.

Dresden, Germany

Dresden is home to the Striezelmarkt, which dates back to 1434 and proudly claims the title of the oldest Christmas market in Germany. It’s the centrepiece of a city that takes the holiday season very seriously. Expect candle pyramids, handmade wooden toys from the Ore Mountains, and a strong scent of stollen drifting through the air. This is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for travellers who want tradition without the tourist overload.

The city’s baroque architecture and wide squares set the perfect stage for twinkling lights and Advent concerts. There are multiple markets to explore, each with a slightly different focus, but the overall effect is one of consistency and charm. You can ride a vintage carousel, sip mulled wine by the Frauenkirche, then pick up hand-carved decorations in the medieval stall village. Dresden also fits nicely into a Christmas in Europe itinerary linking Prague, Leipzig, and Berlin by train.

Even if you’re not here on Christmas Day itself, December in Dresden delivers that classic Christmas city aesthetic people cross continents to find.

Stay at Hotel Indigo Dresden – Wettiner Platz for a sleek and quiet base close to both the Striezelmarkt and the Altstadt’s cultural landmarks.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana punches far above its weight at Christmas time. The Slovenian capital is small but packed with festive atmosphere, with a riverside Christmas market that wraps around the Old Town and fills the air with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. The whole centre glows with creative light installations, not just fairy lights, but swirling galaxies, constellations, and surreal festive designs suspended above the streets.

There’s live music most evenings, an open-air ice rink at Kongresni trg, and lots of local crafts on sale; ceramics, wool products, and honey-based treats in particular. It’s a brilliant choice if you’re after European Christmas markets by train, especially when linking up with Vienna or Zagreb. The castle above the city gets its own lights and events, while food stalls along the river keep everything lively without it feeling crowded.

Ljubljana has a relaxed, friendly vibe that makes it one of the best European cities at Christmas for travellers who want to soak up the festive spirit without being swamped by crowds. Everything is walkable, prices are reasonable, and the setting, bridges, Baroque buildings, and all, is quietly magical.

Stay at Hotel Cubo for boutique comfort right next to the Old Town, with excellent breakfasts and easy access to both the castle and the riverfront markets.

London, England

Christmas in London is full of pageantry and polish. The lights switch on in Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street are major events, and the whole city joins in. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest Christmas events in Europe, with rollercoasters, food stalls, an ice kingdom, and more festive chaos than you can possibly fit into one visit. If you’re looking for maximum energy and variety, Christmas in London delivers.

There are markets across the city, from the Southbank to Greenwich, each with its own personality. Covent Garden goes all-in on decorations, and Somerset House hosts one of the most atmospheric ice rinks in the UK. Department stores like Liberty and Fortnum & Mason become seasonal attractions in their own right, with windows and interiors transformed into Christmas fantasies. Whether you’re doing a Christmas markets Europe trip by train or flying in from the United States, London is an easy and rewarding stop.

December suits the capital well. It’s busy but exciting, expensive but worth it, and packed with Christmas events for all ages. If you want a Christmas in UK experience that blends heritage and hype, this is the place.

Stay at The Resident Covent Garden for an unbeatable central location with quiet, comfortable rooms right near the heart of the West End’s festive action.

Munich, Germany

Munich goes all-in for Christmas. The main Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz delivers the full Bavarian fantasy: a massive Christmas tree, brass bands playing from the Rathaus balcony, and rows of chalet-style stalls stocked with ornaments, gingerbread, and steaming glühwein. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Europe if you want a traditional setting with big-city buzz.

Beyond the main square, the city hosts a medieval market near Odeonsplatz, a quirky pink LGBTQ+ market in Glockenbachviertel, and a forest-themed market at the Munich Residenz. Public transport makes it easy to hop between them, and you’re never far from a beer hall if the cold starts to bite. Munich also makes a strong contender for a Christmas markets Europe river cruise or train itinerary through southern Germany.

There’s a confidence to how Munich does the holiday season: polished, festive, and surprisingly varied. Whether you’re here for Christmas Day, New Year, or just a December weekend, it delivers on all fronts.

Stay at Platzl Hotel for a classic Bavarian feel and unbeatable location right between Marienplatz and the Hofbräuhaus, perfect for market-hopping on foot.

Paris, France

Paris might not be the first city that comes to mind for Christmas markets, but it knows how to put on a show. The Champs-Élysées and Tuileries markets offer a grand, glittering version of the tradition; think Ferris wheels, raclette stands, ice skating, and stalls dripping in gold. Paris doesn’t do rustic, but it absolutely nails the Christmas city aesthetic.

There’s festive magic in the details: elaborate window displays at Galeries Lafayette, hot chocolate at Angelina, lights twinkling on the Seine bridges, and carousels spinning beside the Eiffel Tower. The Montmartre and Saint-Germain markets add a bit of neighbourhood charm, and everything is easily navigated by metro. It’s a great option for those pairing Christmas in Europe with museums, wine bars, and actual shopping rather than souvenir trinkets.

Paris is an ideal Christmas getaway if you want festive vibes without sacrificing style. It blends classic sights with a uniquely Parisian version of the holiday season, equal parts spectacle and sophistication.

Stay at Hotel Le Six in the 6th arrondissement for a peaceful base close to Saint-Germain’s market and easy metro access to the city’s festive hotspots.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague knows how to do winter properly. Its Old Town Square turns into one of the most atmospheric spots in Europe during Christmas, with a towering tree in front of the Astronomical Clock and rows of wooden stalls selling handmade decorations, sausages, trdelník, and spiced wine. There’s something about the way the Gothic spires loom in the evening light that makes this one of the best European Christmas markets for sheer visual impact.

Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle also host markets, and there are plenty of smaller ones tucked into the neighbourhoods. Add in classical concerts, lantern-lit river walks, and cosy pubs with Czech beer and goulash, and it’s easy to see why Prague is such a strong contender for a Christmas in Europe itinerary. It’s also well-connected to Dresden, Vienna, and Bratislava by train, so it fits perfectly into a multi-city trip.

December suits Prague. The crowds are thinner, the architecture looks even better in the cold, and the prices, especially compared to western Europe, are still reasonable. This is European Christmas at its most photogenic.

Stay at Hotel Golden Crown for a central base just a short walk from both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with modern comforts in a historic setting.

Other Low Season Vacation Ideas

Riga, Latvia

Riga doesn’t try to copy the big players. It leans into its own blend of Baltic cool and medieval charm, making it one of the most original Christmas getaways in Europe. The Riga Latvia Christmas Market is held in the city’s atmospheric old town, with snow-dusted rooftops, hand-carved ornaments, woollen knits, and lots of hot grey peas with speck. Locals say the world’s first decorated Christmas tree was set up here in 1510, and Riga has been working that festive legacy ever since.

There’s a real sense of community to the market here, with Latvian choirs, craft workshops, and performances in Dome Square and beyond. You’ll find gingerbread stalls, winter pop-ups, and plenty of local food, look out for honey, rye bread, and black balsam liqueur. The Daugava River adds a bit of Nordic drama to the setting, especially when the fog rolls in.

For a Christmas city aesthetic that’s both authentic and slightly off the usual trail, Riga hits the sweet spot. It’s easily one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe without getting stuck in the tourist machine.

Stay at Neiburgs Hotel for stylish Art Nouveau design and views of the Cathedral Square market right outside your window.

Rome, Italy

Rome might not be snowy in December, but what it lacks in frost it makes up for in atmosphere. Christmas in Rome is a more spiritual, cultural affair, where nativity scenes and church concerts take centre stage. Piazza Navona hosts the city’s main Christmas market, surrounded by Bernini fountains and baroque façades, with stalls selling roasted chestnuts, toys, decorations, and sweets like torrone and panettone. It’s one of the most memorable ways to experience Christmas in Italy.

Vatican City becomes the focal point for many visitors, especially around Christmas Day when thousands gather in St Peter’s Square for the Pope’s blessing. Midnight Mass at the Vatican is a sought-after experience, but smaller churches across Rome host beautiful services and choral music too. The lights on Via del Corso, seasonal pastries in every café, and presepi (nativity scenes) in every neighbourhood add texture to the season.

Rome in December is ideal for travellers who want festive culture with fewer crowds, better hotel prices, and a city that never stops being impressive. Christmas in Rome won’t be snow-covered, but it will be full of history, food, and soul.

Stay at Hotel Artemide for central access to the markets, churches, and decorated streets, with a rooftop bar perfect for evening views of the Eternal City.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi bills itself as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and while that might sound gimmicky, the experience feels surprisingly magical. Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, this is where you come for the full snow-globe experience: husky rides, reindeer sleighs, and a proper chance of a white Christmas. It’s not your typical Christmas market Europe trip, but it’s one of the most memorable.

Santa Claus Village is open year-round, but December is when it comes alive with lights, snow, and excited children from all over the world. You can visit the post office, cross the Arctic Circle line, and even get your passport stamped. The city itself also hosts smaller markets and events, and the Northern Lights are a regular visitor if the skies cooperate.

This is Christmas as adventure: not just twinkling lights and mulled wine, but forests, frost, and fairy tale landscapes. For families, couples, or anyone tired of predictable city breaks, Rovaniemi offers something entirely different.

Stay at the Arctic Light Hotel for a boutique, warmly designed base right in the city, with easy transfers to Santa’s village and Lapland’s winter activities.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is exactly what most people imagine when they think of Christmas in Europe: snow-dusted rooftops, baroque spires, and choirs singing in candlelit squares. The main Christmas market in the Domplatz dates back to the 15th century and still feels timeless, with carefully curated stalls offering ornaments, gingerbread, and local snacks like Bauernkrapfen. As Christmas markets go, this is one of the most atmospheric and musically rich in Europe.

This is Mozart’s hometown, after all, and music is part of the city’s DNA. You’ll find Advent concerts in the churches, classical performances in Mirabell Palace, and carol singers drifting through the old town. The Hohensalzburg Fortress towers over it all, offering views across the snowy rooftops and the Salzach River below. It’s a great stop on a Christmas market Austria itinerary, especially if you’re linking with Vienna or Innsbruck by train.

Salzburg has a romantic, almost theatrical quality during the holiday season. The city’s historic backdrop does a lot of the work, but the quality of the markets, the music, and the Alpine setting make it one of the best European cities at Christmas.

Stay at Hotel am Dom for a quiet, central location inside the old town and just steps from the main Christmas market and cathedral concerts.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg proudly calls itself the capital of Christmas, and it has every right to. This Alsatian city has been hosting its Christkindelsmärik since 1570, making it one of the oldest and most influential Christmas markets in Europe. The historic centre, a UNESCO-listed island, transforms into a labyrinth of festive stalls, fir trees, and glowing lights, with a towering Christmas tree in Place Kléber that sets the tone.

The market is spread across several squares, each with its own character. Place Broglie and Place de la Cathédrale are the busiest, while smaller markets like Place du Château offer quieter charm. Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses are decorated with such over-the-top enthusiasm; think stuffed bears, baubles, and garlands, that the whole city feels like it’s performing Christmas. It’s a must for anyone planning a Christmas in Europe itinerary focused on historic towns and big festive energy.

With strong German and French influences, the food here is a highlight too: tarte flambée, vin chaud, kugelhopf, and hearty choucroute all make an appearance. Strasbourg is also a key stop on many Christmas markets Europe river cruises, with easy onward travel by train to Germany and Switzerland.

Stay at Hotel Le Rohan for a stylish location just behind the cathedral, giving you front-row access to the heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas festivities.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm’s Christmas season is a bit quieter than other major European cities, but it still offers one of the most elegant and atmospheric festive experiences. The main Christmas market in Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval old town, is intimate and traditional, with red stalls set in a cobbled square surrounded by ochre-toned buildings. It’s small, but everything is high quality: handmade gifts, cured meats, pepparkakor, and warm cups of glögg.

Beyond Gamla Stan, the city hosts other seasonal markets, including a grand one at Skansen open-air museum and a food-focused option in Södermalm. Lights are tastefully strung through the parks and around the harbour, and shops go all in on festive displays. Stockholm during Christmas feels peaceful but not sleepy: it’s all about good design, quiet celebration, and natural beauty.

For travellers who want a mix of city life and snowy landscapes, Stockholm is ideal. It also pairs well with Copenhagen for a stylish, Scandinavian Europe Christmas travel route.

Stay at Hotel Rival on Södermalm for a boutique vibe, local feel, and easy metro access to Gamla Stan and the city’s top Christmas spots.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn feels tailor-made for Christmas. Its walled medieval old town looks magical under a dusting of snow, with the Christmas tree in Town Hall Square continuing a tradition that dates back to 1441. The market here isn’t huge, but it’s beautifully done: cosy wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, spicy Estonian sausages, sheepskin slippers, and steaming blackcurrant glögi. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Europe for a truly wintry, intimate vibe.

You can climb the city’s towers for sweeping views of snow-covered rooftops or wander through narrow alleys lit with lanterns and old-fashioned lamps. Street musicians, folk dancers, and fire pits keep the atmosphere warm even as the temperatures drop. It’s a strong choice for travellers who want a slower pace and something a little off the main tourist track, without sacrificing charm.

Tallinn is ideal for Europe winter holidays with character. It’s compact, affordable, and packed with seasonal atmosphere that feels authentic rather than stage-managed.

Stay at Hotel Telegraaf for five-star comfort in the heart of the old town, with a spa to warm up in after exploring the frosty market streets.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna doesn’t just do Christmas, it performs it. The whole city transforms into a festival of lights and music, with over 20 markets spread out across elegant squares and palace gardens. The main event is the Rathausplatz market, where stalls line up beneath the Neo-Gothic city hall, framed by illuminated trees and a skating trail through the park. If you’re after the best Christmas markets in Europe, Vienna absolutely delivers.

There’s a refined quality to how the city celebrates: mulled wine comes in proper mugs, the pastries are flawless, and the classical music never stops. Smaller markets at Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere, and Spittelberg offer quieter alternatives, and the museums stay lively with seasonal exhibits. Vienna is also a favourite stop on Christmas markets Europe river cruises and fits easily into train itineraries with Salzburg, Budapest, or Prague.

This is one of the most polished and festive cities in Europe during Christmas. The combination of imperial architecture, timeless music, and carefully curated markets makes Vienna a Christmas classic.

Stay at Hotel Kaiserhof Wien for a quiet, elegant retreat near Karlsplatz and walking distance to several markets and major concert venues.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb has come from behind to become one of the most talked-about Christmas destinations in Europe, winning awards for its Advent celebrations several years running. It’s a surprise favourite: less famous than Vienna or Strasbourg, but full of energy, creativity, and genuine festive fun. The Christmas market spreads across several central squares, with live music, dance performances, ice skating, and glowing pavilions creating a party atmosphere.

You’ll find traditional Croatian food stalls alongside craft markets, mulled wine stands, and interactive art installations. Zrinjevac Park is one of the highlights, with hundreds of lights strung through the trees, while the European Square and Upper Town host their own smaller events. Zagreb’s mix of Austro-Hungarian elegance and Balkan warmth gives it a distinct edge that makes it stand out from more predictable Christmas cities.

For anyone looking for Christmas markets in Europe that are still a little under the radar, Zagreb is a top pick. It’s affordable, festive, and very easy to explore on foot or public transport.

Stay at Hotel Jägerhorn for a charming old-world feel tucked between the main square and the Upper Town, with great access to all the festive action.

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