The holidays are right around the corner. Ever thought of heading somewhere out of the country to celebrate other cultures’ holidays? Whether you’re seeking snow-covered villages or historic Christmas markets, here’s the place to be. With that, here are 9 countries that offer the best Christmas experience for the entire family.
9. Estonia
The historic Tallinn Christmas markets are located in the charming Estonian city, which has displayed the Christmas tree in front of the town hall since 1441. You’ll also get to see snowy medieval walls, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Town Hall Square hosts its annual traditional Christmas market, featuring decorations, crafts, and local delicacies, including black pudding and sour cabbage. It’s one of the best Western European destination for travelers who wants to save.
8. Canada
Quebec City boasts a European charm, as it hosts the German Christmas Market, which transforms into a festive village. There’s also Vancouver’s Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park with a unique display. If you want some real Canadian experience, then head to Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains for outdoor activities and celebrate the holiday in their mountain lodges.
7. Denmark
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens Christmas market offers a hygge-inspired atmosphere, providing a quintessential Danish holiday experience. Even the pedestrian street Strøget becomes a festive shopping paradise, while the Nyhavn harbor has colorful buildings that reflect in the water. Danish Christmas traditions also include a Christmas Eve feast of roast pork or duck and rice pudding with almonds while dancing around the Christmas tree.
6. Switzerland
Want to head somewhere snowy? Then there’s Zermatt, Switzerland, which offers alpine slopes and mountain vistas. It’s just an hour’s drive east to St Gallen! They offer everything from handcrafted wooden toys for your kids to artisan chocolates. Their snowy mountains are also perfect for skiing.
5. Czech Republic
Prague has two main Christmas markets, which are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The best part? They’re only a five-minute walk from each other. It even features a stable of animals for children to pet and a Christmas tree straight from the northern Czech mountains. There are wooden huts that line the streets and carols that will get you in a holiday mood. Try out their sausages and klobása, which is sandwiched between a white bread roll.
4. Poland
Add Poland to your bucket list and visit Krakow’s Christmas market in the Rynek Glówny (Main Square). There are wooden stalls that sell traditional crafts, ornaments, and Polish food. Visit Gdańsk, located on the Baltic Coast of northern Poland, as it features Gothic architecture that’s magical to see in winter. Some delicacies to try include pierogi and oscypek, a type of smoked cheese.
3. France
Head to Strasbourg in eastern France, which is the home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets. Yup, their first market took place back in 1570, now with 10 locations and 300 stalls! Meanwhile, Alsace, France, also offers Christmas markets in half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets that will transport you back to the past.
2. Finland
Finland is among the best Christmas destinations, as Rovaniemi alone is the official hometown of Santa Claus, sitting right on the Arctic Circle. You can even cross to visit Santa’s post office and ride on the reindeer sleigh to witness the Northern Lights. There’s also a Christmas market in Senate Square featuring 100 artisans and vendors, along with a vintage carousel.
1. Austria
Want to go shopping? Head over to the number one Christmas market in the world, which is Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christmas Market. It stands in the city of Hall. Also, head to Innsbruck, located in the Tyrol region, for Alpine vibes with snow-capped mountains. But if you want a little more traditional, there’s Salzburg, which is the city’s main Christmas market right in the middle of the town.
