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The Christmas spirit is only complete when the world is covered in snow. The Christmas lights sparkle more, the trees and plants look like cotton wool and even the stars twinkle brighter. But, with the climate changes we all experience, snow isn’t a certainty when it comes to Christmas destinations.
After looking at locations in Europe that are most likely to have snow and their average snowfalls in December, I was pleasantly surprised that there are quite a few places where a white Christmas is practically guaranteed together with adorable Christmas markets, decorated Christmas trees, and Santa Claus wishing you a Merry Christmas.
These places are a delight to locals and visitors who might have to travel quite a distance to spend Christmas holidays but are rewarded with a winter wonderland in cities that are beautiful and remarkable at any time of the year — only more so when covered in snow and lit with adorable Christmas lights.
Not surprisingly, several of these places are in the north of Europe, but there is France, Austria, and Germany too. Here they are:
11 Best Places in Europe for Christmas – Popular Snowy Destinations With Charming Christmas Markets
1. Tallinn, Estonia
The capital and cultural center of Estonia, Tallinn, is located in the north of the country on the Bay of Finland, a part of the Baltic Sea. The old town, called Kesklinn, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a lot of interesting and historical buildings (i.e. the cathedral and over 60 museums). With an average of 18 days of snow in December, you have an excellent chance of a white Christmas so Tallin is our top pick of all the Christmas destinations in Europe we considered.
Estonia is often referred to as the nation of song. Music is important and there is an open arena where a summer music festival is held. In winter, however, it is converted into a playground for winter sports activities like ice skating and snowboarding. All you need is a bit of snowfall to make it perfect.
If you want to be out of the cold for a little while, there is the Estonian Art Museum and Kiek in de Kök, an old watch tower that is part of the Fortification Museum with access to underground tunnels and passages — all giving a unique insight into the history of this city. Tallinn hosts a lovely Christmas market too, with plenty of the local specialty: marzipan.
Pro Tip: Estonian is the local language but nearly everybody speaks a second language, mostly English, German, or Russian. But an aitaeh, “thank you,” is always appreciated. The currency is the Euro.
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2. Vilnius, Lithuania
With an average of 18.5 days of snow in December, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is another candidate for a white Christmas. Renowned for the Baroque architecture of the medieval part of town — with castles, a viewpoint of the Three Crosses, and vibrant street art — Vilnius is a fabulous town to visit any time of the year.
Visit the Gate of Dawn and one of the many museums to get out of the cold. Just a few miles out of town, you can enjoy snowfall in the ski resort of Liepkalnis. The Vilnius Christmas market, held from November 27 to January 7, is a must-see for Christmas markets lovers because of the beautiful Christmas tree and lovely decorations. A small, decorated train takes you around the town and Cathedral Square where you can see Christmas trees with Christmas decorations, and Santa Claus happily enjoying this fairy-tale winter wonderland together with locals and visitors.
Pro Tip: Lithuanian is the official language, but 80 percent of the younger generation speaks English; it wasn’t taught under the Soviet occupation. For Christmas shopping, the currency is the Euro.
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3. Turku, Finland
Turku, Finland’s oldest city, is located on the country’s southwest coast and is crossed by the Aura River. The river plays an important role in city life. In summer, swimming and sunbathing are popular, but in winter, due to the low temperatures, it completely freezes over. That’s when the fun begins because locals and visitors just strap on ice skates and go on a sightseeing tour of a different kind. They glide past the 13th-century castle and decide which of the cute little streets they are going to explore on foot.
Turku is one of the most festive Christmas cities in Europe. It is also known for its coffee culture so there are plenty of cafés to warm you with a hot drink. In 1996, Turku was declared the “Christmas City of Finland.” Do you adore Christmas markets? A Christmas market is held in the Old Great Square on the four weekends running up to Christmas.
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4. Erfurt, Germany
Erfurt is located in the heart of Germany in Thuringia and in the basin of the wide Gera River. Part of the city is called “Little Venice” because of the over 140 bridges that cross the river. Erfurt also has one of the best-preserved medieval town centers in Germany and, historically, is closely connected to Martin Luther, the protestant reformer.
Snowfall in December is consistent, and although it doesn’t stay long, it’s enough to dust the beautiful buildings with a layer of powdered sugar. After being canceled last year, the Erfurt Christmas Market returned to the medieval old town’s Domplatz (Cathedral Square) in 2022.
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5. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is located on the Baltic Sea. The port town was a member of the Hanseatic League and has an average of 15 days of snowfall in December. Riga’s Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site mostly because of its Art Nouveau and wooden architecture. Imagine all the elaborate Art Nouveau designs covered in snow to be marveled at in a pedestrian-only zone without having to watch out for cars.
If you love charming Christmas markets, Old Riga Christmas Market returns this year with the Lighting of the Christmas tree in Doma Square (Cathedral Square) on November 27.
Pro Tip: The official language is Latvian, also known as Lettish. English is mostly spoken by the younger generation but rarely outside of Riga. You are well-advised to learn a few courtesy words. The currency is the euro.
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6. Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck, the capital of the state of Tyrol in Austria, is located in a privileged position. Along the Inn River and surrounded by the high mountains of the Karwendel, it’s protected on the one hand, and on the other, preserving the cold and snow when it arrives. This location is also the reason that Innsbruck is such a popular winter sports area, having hosted the Olympic Winter Games twice in 1964 and 1976.
With an average snowfall of 8.3 inches in December, there is a very high chance of a white Christmas. Innsbruck is rather small but full of beautiful historical buildings and guild houses along the river promenade. The best-known attraction is probably the 15th-century Golden Roof crowning a building in the Old Town. It was created to celebrate the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I and consists of 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Innsbruck has a beautiful Christmas market too, staged right under the Golden Roof.
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7. Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania, is located on the confluence of the Nemunars and Neris rivers and has been designated as one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2022. The most important attractions are the 14th-century castle and, in the streets of the old town, plenty of murals and gigantic street art; Charlie Chaplin among them.
Another attraction is not one but two original funiculars, first opened in 1935. An interesting museum is The Devil’s Museum. This extraordinary museum stores over 3,000 exhibits of horned creatures. There is a tradition that visitors may bring a devil for the ever-growing collection.
With an average of 16 days of snow in December, a white Christmas is very probable in Kaunas. To warm up in the cold, try the traditional dish called cepelinai, which is a big potato dumpling filled with pork and served with sour cream and bacon sauce. Generally, Europe has a lot of cities you should consider visiting in December if you want a White Christmas.
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8. Grenoble, France
Located in the Isere department in southeast France, Grenoble calls itself the “Capital of the French Alps” because it is surrounded by mountains, making it the location of the 1968 Winter Olympics. There are on average 15.5 snowy days in December and the temperatures are well below zero, so the snow and cold are pretty much guaranteed.
Skiing and winter sports are popular in Grenoble. A main attraction is going up from the town center to Bastille Hill in spherical cable cars called Les Bulles, “the bubbles.”
Grenoble’s Christmas market is a delight and lasts until Christmas Eve. It’s a combination of entertainment, a lively Christmas atmosphere, and gourmet food, as can be expected in France.
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9. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is located on the Baltic Sea. It gets very cold in winter and the Baltic Sea freezes over, which brings out the locals to walk, skate, ski, or cut a hole in the ice to fish. Join in the fun, but mind any warnings as to the thickness of the ice. With an average of 16.5 snowy days in December, you can enjoy a wintery Helsinki with lots of activities inside and outside.
Another fun thing to do is go sledding. They have special plastic sleds called pullka that you can buy everywhere for a mere €10 to just join the locals in the parks. After the outdoor fun, a visit to a public sauna to warm up after a few hours in the Designmuseo design museum.
Also, visit Helsinki’s Art Deco train station. There are a lot of things you can do in Finland during Christmas, too.
Pro Tip: You can enjoy the Helsinki Christmas Market in Market Square until December 22.
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10. Strasbourg, France
Holding the distinguished title of France’s Christmas capital, Strasbourg becomes a spectacle of lavish decorations and imaginative lighting each year as the entire city center is turned into a Christmas market.
Nearly two million visitors flock to the city during five weeks of festivities to enjoy performances, choir concerts, and chamber ensemble recitals held in various churches and auditoriums.
With a thick blanket of snow, and the wafting aroma of cloves, almonds, and mulled wine, Strasbourg is transformed into a city straight out of a fairytale, giving the Alsatian capital an ethereal glow and a memorable Christmas atmosphere.
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11. Bruges, Belgium
When the festive Christmas lights light up, Bruges’ UNESCO-protected medieval center is full of buildings that resemble gingerbread houses. Every year, the Winter Glow festival transforms Bruges into one big festive celebration inviting visitors to spend Christmas there.
There are two Christmas markets, adorable fairy tale buildings, Christmas carols, delicious Belgian hot chocolate paired with waffles, seasonal decorations, enchanting Christmas lights, and, best of all, the Lake of Love, a floating outdoor ice skating rink on Minnewater Lake.
For these reasons, spending a holiday in Bruges is often compared to stepping inside a Christmas card.
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FAQs
Where Should I Go For an Inexpensive White Christmas in Europe?
The cost of European Christmas destinations varies significantly depending on the country. Still, the most affordable white Christmas can be had in Eastern European and Baltic cities like Bucharest, Riga, and others.
What City Is Dubbed “The French Capital of Christmas?
Strasbourg, France is often hailed as the capital of Christmas in that country. Renowned for hosting the continent’s oldest Christmas market, the city attracts visitors with a rich tradition of Christmas celebrations.
How Many Christmas Markets Are There in Europe?
Thousands of Christmas markets can be found across Europe in December, so no matter where you go, you’ll never be far from one as most cities, big or small, have their own Christmas markets. To know if the small towns you plan to visit have Christmas markets, check their website.
Where Am I Most Likely to Have a White Christmas in Europe?
If you want a snowy Christmas in Europe, as a general rule, the further north and further inland you go, the higher your odds of seeing snow. Another way to enjoy White Christmas is to visit the Christmas markets in central Europe.
Where Can I Have a White Christmas in Europe Without the Crowds?
Baltic countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are a sure bet with a 50% chance of snow falling on Christmas Day for the whole region. Yet it is often overlooked in favor of more popular European Christmas destinations.