Top 10 Traditional and Exciting Christmas Destinations Worldwide

Christmas in Vienna is a magical time, starting from around mid-November with traditional Christmas markets, welcoming concerts, festive dinners, and heartfelt gifts. Streets are adorned with glittering lights, towering Christmas trees embellish town squares, and it's easy to get swept away in the festive atmosphere. Every holiday season, the front space of the Belvedere Palace transforms into a beautiful Christmas market. The market focuses on high-quality arts and crafts, and there are plenty of food stalls selling traditional Christmas fare, including crepes, roasted chestnuts, Carinthian cheese, and punch.

Vienna at Christmas turns into a glittering wonderland, full of festivities and a gateway for business activities. The largest Christmas market in Austria is held at Rathausplatz, the main square in front of Vienna's city hall. It runs from mid-November until December 26th and features about 150 stalls selling holiday foods, bespoke gifts, toys, and jewelry. The markets shimmer with Christmas lights, and even the trees are adorned, with the Heart Tree being a local favorite. The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace opens its doors again to delight crowds with elegant wares and festive treats.

Christmas in Vienna is an annual renowned concert and gala held at the Viennese Concert House (Wiener Konzerthaus). Talented soloists perform each year with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Academy, and St. Florian's Boys' Choir or Vienna Boys' Choir. Each year, an impressive performance of the Nativity scene is staged at St. Peter's Church in Vienna.

Despite now being a city of France, Strasbourg still bears many influences of Germany. Christmas in Strasbourg truly resembles a magical town of lights, rich decorations adorning every window, the scent of mulled wine lingering in the air, and Christmas music flowing through the picturesque town. The Christmas market in Strasbourg is world-renowned, and the giant Christmas tree in the city square can leave visitors awestruck. The Alsace region of France may be one of the most beautiful areas in Europe, but Strasbourg stands out even more when it comes to Christmas.

The city Strasbourg is adorned from one street to another with lights, wreaths, and decorations. The Christmas market typically begins in the last week of November (on the 22nd) and ends on Christmas Eve (December 24th). The opening times for the Christmas markets in Strasbourg in 2022 are from November 25th to December 26th, 2022. Even after Christmas, some markets remain open. The tradition of Christmas markets bears the hallmark of the Germans, so it is special that this tradition still exists in France. The Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest markets in Europe.

Required to be at least 30 meters tall, the Christmas tree towering above the square of Strasbourg is illuminated with 7km of sparkling lights. On weekends and close to Christmas, you can enjoy live music right next to the Christmas tree. It's one of the most enchanting areas to experience Christmas throughout Europe. Stroll along the canals to admire the 14th-century towers and wander through the cobblestone streets to reach traditional restaurants and shops is a must-do during the Christmas season.

Prague is the vibrant cultural capital of the Czech Republic, known for its architectural landmarks, historical sites, colorful buildings, and rich history. It's commonly known as the 'City of a Hundred Spires,' and there are plenty of activities during the Christmas season. The city can be particularly enchanting if the squares are covered in snow or thick frost, giving it a truly charming 'old-world' feel. There are sightseeing and entertainment activities, as well as restaurants to dine in, but not everything is open: only certain tours are organized, only a select few restaurants and shops are newly open, and operating hours are limited.

Christmas Eve is the biggest festival day of Christmas in Prague and the Czech Republic. Czechs typically spend the afternoon of Christmas Eve at home, decorating the Christmas tree and preparing food for the evening celebration. During the daytime, traditionally, Czechs are not allowed to eat meat. Instead, they will eat something like cabbage soup. This ensures they will see the golden piglet (bringing them wealth in the coming year). This continues until after the sun sets when the Christmas Eve dinner is served. Carp is the main component of the Christmas Eve dinner in the Czech Republic. The fish is often bought directly from street vendors in the days leading up to Christmas or on the morning of Christmas Eve.

In Prague, carp is sold at Republic Square (Namesti republiky). Once the carp is brought home, it's usually kept alive in the bathtub until it's cooked. On the evening of Christmas Eve, the carp is prepared, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy. It is then served at the beginning of the evening with potato salad as the main dish. Fish soup (rybí polévka) is the appetizer, with apple strudel or Christmas sweet bread (vánočka) for dessert. Gifts are brought by Ježíšek (Little Jesus), not by Santa Claus or Father Christmas.

The charm of classic holiday deeply ingrains into this picturesque Christmas town and that holds especially true during the annual Wassail Weekend, where the entire place transforms into a splendid Christmas haven. Vermont stands as one of the prime spots in the U.S. for Christmas festivities and is one of the prettiest towns in New England, with the ground often blanketed in at least a light dusting of snow and the scent of pine needles wafting through the air. In the historic town of Woodstock, the city truly celebrates the holiday season with Wassail Weekend, a pre-Christmas festival with 19th-century North European cultural traditions.

The highlight of Wassail Weekend is the parade through the village featuring over 50 horses and riders dressed in holiday and medieval attire, along with horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, as well as 19th-century Christmas celebrations at Billings Farm & Museum. Each year, the residents of Woodstock adorn their town with sparkling lights, trim their Christmas trees into towering marvels, and turn every aspect of the destination into a winter wonderland. Nearly every restaurant features sleigh bell cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and decadent Christmas desserts.

Voted one of Vermont's top ten winter events, Wassail Weekend is a must in Woodstock. From the town center, you can explore rows of beautiful historic homes, holiday decorations, as well as fantastic shops and restaurants. The Vermont Holiday Festival is held annually at the Killington Resort and is a fun event for the whole family. Visitors can also enjoy a feast and all the local shops, with beautifully decorated holiday windows, staying open late throughout the festival.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, Finland, located in the Arctic Circle, and it's also the official hometown of Santa Claus, who can be visited daily throughout the year at the Santa Claus Village right on the Arctic Circle, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually from around the world. Santa's original home is in Korvatunturi ('Ear Fell'), a mysterious location in Lapland, Finland. As the exact location is a secret known only to a select few, he decided to establish an office in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, in 1985. Rovaniemi was recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus in 2010.

Rovaniemi, Lapland, is a magical and joy-filled Christmas destination surrounded by sparkling wilderness and vast expanses of wilderness. Rovaniemi offers the opportunity for close and personal encounters with wildlife, participating in family-friendly adventures, and choosing from countless entertainment activities. In winter, Finnish Lapland is a perfect destination for those dreaming of a winter wonderland. The average temperature ranges from -16°C to -3°C from December to February, and one can witness snowflakes all around.

During the Christmas season, most of Rovaniemi experiences many days, even weeks, without sunlight. However, a magical shimmering light appears everywhere thanks to the reflection of the moonlight and the appearance of the Northern Lights casting down on the snow-covered landscape, creating a breathtaking scene. Lapland is not only the home of Santa Claus but also the habitat of numerous reindeer. Reindeer husbandry activities in Lapland have been taking place for centuries. It's not uncommon to find these animals roaming the streets.

Tens of thousands of readers of the UK travel magazine Wanderlust voted Tallinn as the second most attractive city in Europe to visit in 2022! From late November, visitors can come and make wishes under the towering fresh Christmas tree on the Town Hall Square. December brings excitement, dazzling lights, and festive atmosphere to the churches, shops, and streets of Tallinn. The main attraction of Tallinn is the famous Christmas market held in the Town Hall Square. In 2019, the Tallinn Christmas Market was honored as the Best Christmas Market in Europe and still remains one of the best Christmas markets in Europe to visit in 2022.

Tallinn turns into a true Christmas wonderland with beautiful Christmas trees placed in squares; streets and parks decorated with Christmas lights and an atmosphere filled with joy. Handcrafted artisan shops; woolen gloves, sweaters, and wooden decorations create memorable gifts. Tallinn's medieval old town is the ideal place to stay during a trip to Estonia to experience traditional Christmas festivities. Along one of the winding streets with historic buildings, you'll easily reach the Town Hall Square and the famous Christmas tree.

In the authentic Estonian Christmas dinner, you'll find potatoes and roasted pork, sauerkraut, black pudding with soaked pumpkin, and lingonberry jam. Try some of these typical foods at the Tallinn Christmas market. Events taking place in Tallinn include the Christmas jazz music festival and Gingerbread Mania, an exhibition entirely dedicated to gingerbread displays.

Germany is where many beloved Christmas traditions originated. The country hosts festivities throughout December with Christmas markets, magical lights, and the scent of mulled wine wafting through the streets. Germany has turned Christmas into an art form. In Nuremberg, visitors will find information about the best Christmas markets, customs, and traditions of Germany, as well as practical information about what to expect during the Christmas season regarding holidays, shopping, decorations, driving, and public transportation.

Germany's Christmas market tradition dates back to the 15th century and shows no signs of slowing down. Today, the country has thousands of markets throughout December. For many, the Christmas markets are more about the atmosphere than actual shopping. Locals go there to eat sausages, drink glühwein, and immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit beneath the decorated trees. Larger markets will also feature entertainment such as live music or choirs and special games for children. The Nuremberg Christmas market attracts over two million visitors each year with 200 vendors displaying their goods.

Christmas in Germany can be one of the most unique Christmas experiences you'll ever have if you visit at the right time. The way Germans celebrate Christmas is not much different from how Americans do. Nuremberg is one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in the country. The old town area of Nuremberg is truly beautiful and alongside the illuminated Schöner Brunnen, the market has a magical feel. However, it draws large crowds and has fewer locally crafted items.

The city of Cologne in Germany becomes warm and utterly enchanting with the spirit of Christmas. Every year, the 'City of Cathedrals' is beautifully decorated inviting visitors to stroll through Cologne during the holiday season. The large, lavishly decorated Christmas markets in the city center shine brightly. Each market is dedicated to a different theme and is well worth a visit. Art and crafts from across Europe, high-quality goods, delicious food, and entertaining programs for both adults and children will make you look forward to Christmas even more.

Considered to have the 'Largest Christmas Tree in Rhineland', Cologne wouldn't celebrate the holiday season if it didn't put all its efforts into making each Christmas event the biggest and most wonderful. The city center not only has one themed winter market until December but has up to 7 Christmas markets, each meticulously decorated like the next market. The Neumarkt Christmas Market near the city's main shopping area is Cologne's oldest market and inside the market, you'll find dozens of illuminated wooden stalls selling some handmade gifts.

Visitors can also explore many smaller Christmas markets outside the city center, in different neighborhoods called “Veedel” in Cologne. These markets range from neighboring markets offering goods from local businesses to markets selling only culinary specialties and unique weekend markets. Germans are known to love outdoor activities and you'll see them enjoying the endless beauty of Christmas regardless of whether the weather is favorable at that time. Visiting Cologne during Christmas is the perfect opportunity to experience the wonderful festive atmosphere.

Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the medieval Belfry of Bruges, The Belfort, with its bell tower overlooking the Grote Markt square. The medieval town, in the Flemish region of Belgium, carries the atmosphere of a fairy tale as it lights up with sparkling lights, Christmas markets, and Gothic churches. The most beautiful Christmas decoration shops are covered with lights, cobblestone streets echoing the sound of horse-drawn carriages, and chocolate shops lining the narrow streets. A visit to the Bruges Christmas market is sure to make you feel warm, sparkling, and full of festive spirit. That's why you should visit Bruges at Christmas and what you must do in Bruges in December.

The historic center of Bruges, The Markt, is surrounded by grand Gothic and medieval architecture as well as charming gabled houses. They are painted in festival colors and decorate gingerbread houses with Christmassy foliage. Christmas music fills the air along with the scent of mulled wine and winter spices. Fairy lights adorn trees and rows of Christmas trees are on sale to enhance the Christmas atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along medieval cobblestone streets, past beautiful canals, gabled buildings, and through the city's squares, admiring the beautifully decorated Christmas trees.

Chocolate makes the perfect Christmas gift and there are around 50 chocolate shops in Bruges. Wooden-style stalls sell handmade gifts, decorations, and local specialties. Food stalls sell crispy traditional cinnamon cookies topped with smooth Belgian chocolate sauce, gingerbread, and gluhwein. Bruges is famous for its lace-making and local artisans have incorporated this art into their Christmas products. Characters from fairy tales and rustic jewelry sway in the wind and knitted scarves and hats will keep you cozy in the cold weather of Christmas.

Sparkling lights illuminating the night sky make the long winter nights feel less heavy in the cold of winter. For the people of Breckenridge, Downtown Breckenridge holds their traditional Christmas lighting ceremony. On December 3rd, 2022, Main Street and much of the town come alive with lights thanks to the Breckenridge Lights System. The downtown holiday lighting display is strung with over 13,000 feet of lights and over 250,000 LED bulbs. In fact, their holiday light show is one of the most photographed spots in winter.

With snow-covered peaks, frost-laden trees, and breathtaking scenery, Breckenridge is the perfect destination to get into the holiday spirit. Breckenridge turns the small town's festivities into fun with the Breckenridge Light Up & Santa Race. The first weekend of December kicks off the lively holiday scene on the streets of Breckenridge. Hundreds of people dressed as Santa will race down Main Street in a dash to start the holiday season.

Breckenridge is a year-round destination in Colorado but it becomes even more radiant in winter when it comes alive with beautiful lights, festivals, and other special events. The holidays in Breckenridge are truly a magical time with the quaint, cozy town aglow with festive lights. There's no better place to gather with family and friends and celebrate the most festive time of the year than in Breckenridge, Colorado. This charming town is renowned far and wide for its world-class outdoor entertainment.