Discover the best Christmas City Breaks 2024 in the most beautiful destinations in Europe. Enjoy their Christmas decorations, their beautiful Christmas trees, the best place to find original Christmas gifts for the whole family in one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe.

We have selected the best Christmas City Breaks in Europe for a perfect Christmas holiday at the best price. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your Christmas Tours & Activities and discover the Best Christmas City Breaks in Europe. 

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Lights in Europe, the Most Beautiful Christmas Trees in Europe, Best Sunny Christmas Destinations as well as the Best Christmas Markets in Germany, Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom and Best Christmas Markets in France, Switzerland, Poland, Austria,...

1. Geneva

Switzerland

Geneva: Awarded Best Christmas City Break in Europe for 2025

For its debut in the prestigious competition for Europe’s top holiday destinations, Geneva has proudly claimed the title of "Best Christmas City Break 2025", as voted by travelers worldwide. This accolade cements Geneva's reputation as one of Europe's Best Christmas Destinations and highlights "Noël au Quai" as the premier Christmas market in Switzerland.

Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva at Quai du Mont-Blanc, "Noël au Quai" offers visitors an enchanting festive experience. The market is filled with unique gifts from talented local artisans, with new craftspeople introduced weekly, ensuring each visit feels fresh and exciting.

With over 30 food stalls, guests can savor everything from street food and hand-warming raclette to mulled wine and specialties at the iconic Chalet à Fondue. The joyful atmosphere is further enhanced by antique carousels and a charming children’s yurt offering games, crafts, and storytelling sessions.

Geneva goes beyond the traditional holiday market, offering a variety of unique winter activities. Visitors can try invigorating winter swimming followed by sauna sessions, indulge in local chocolate delicacies, and participate in watch-making workshops. For a cultural touch, enjoy brunch at the Grand Théâtre, explore the city’s rich heritage, or dine at its world-class restaurants.

Geneva’s blend of festive charm, cultural vibrancy, and stunning natural beauty makes it the perfect destination for a Christmas city break. Its award-winning Christmas market, unique winter activities, and elegant ambiance ensure an unforgettable holiday season. Discover why Geneva is truly deserving of its title as Europe’s Best Christmas City Break for 2025.

 Opening dates: 21st November to 24th December 2024.

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Geneva.

 Where to stay: Consider "The Ritz-Carlton, Geneva," situated in the heart of the city, offering luxurious accommodations and proximity to the festive activities. .

2. Zagreb

Croatia

Zagreb is for sure one of the Best Destinations for a Christmas City Break in Europe!  Zagreb was voted three times in a row the Best Christmas Market in Europe by worldwide travellers.

The Croatian capital's Advent programme expanded rapidly, reaching all corners of the city, with a rich programme of events, concerts, gastronomy, ice skating, kids’ activities, and more, all tastefully lit up with festive lighting. 

This year it's the return of the magical offer that made it the very best in Europe three years in a row, and which had hundreds of thousands of tourists heading to Croatia. The return to Advent Zagreb in all its glory is perhaps best symbolised by the return of the popular ice skating rink on King Tomislav Square, a magnet for the little ones and a great socialising point for parents watching their kids skate. 

Book your flights, your activities and tours in Zagreb as well as your accommodation at the best price in the Capital of Croatia which is also your European capital of Christmas!

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Sunny Christmas Markets, the Most Beautiful Christmas Lights as well as the Most Beautiful Christmas Trees in Europe. 

 Opening dates: 30th November 2024 - 7th January 2025

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Zagreb.

 Where to stay: Situated in Zagreb city centre, right next to the Zagreb Main Railway Station, 5-star Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a fitness centre and sauna.

3. Edinburgh

Scotland

Edinburgh is for sure one of the Best Christmas City-Break in Europe and one of the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom.

World-renowned Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations will spread the festive cheer across the Scottish capital between 24th November 2023 and 3rd January 2024. From mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets, from Harry Potter-themed gifts to local handmade produce, the stunning Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens will offer treats for all!  Santa Land will return to East Princes Street Gardens with rides for people of all ages to enjoy, whilst Santa’s Grotto once again will take residence on Castle Street.

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities at the best price such as a ghost bus tour.

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation for the next edition of this Christmas market.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom, the Best Sunny Christmas Markets, the Most Beautiful Christmas Lights as well as the Best Hidden Gems in England and Best Castles in England.

 Opening dates: From 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Edinburgh as well as your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile" located in the real heart of Edinburgh.

4. Tallinn

Estonia

For a perfect Christmas City Break book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities & tours in Tallinn!

Snow is guaranteed at Christmas in Estonia. The Tallin Christmas Market is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the region. Come discover the Estonian's most famous Christmas tree surrounded by little snow huts selling food, drinks and crafts. 

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Trees in Europe, the Most Beautiful Christmas Lights in Europe as well as the Best Sunny Christmas Destinations in Europe. 

 Opening dates: From 22nd November 2024 to 7th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Tallinn as well as your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Telegraaf". The Christmas Market is 160 m away.

5. Budapest

Hungary

Budapest is one of the Best Destinations for a Christmas City Break in Europe! The Advent Basilica, winner of the Best Christmas Market in Europe award 2020-2021-2022, is without doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe. 

Where love takes your hand - with this slogan, the Advent Basilica, Budapest's uniquely beautiful Christmas fair, opens its doors again.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Europe, Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom, Best Christmas Markets in Germany, Best Christmas Markets in France, Austria, Poland.

Book your flights, accommodation, tours and activities in Budapest such as a night cruise with champagne and discover THE most beautiful Christmas market in Europe.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your stay in Budapest at the best price. 

 Opening dates: From 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Budapest as well as your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Kempinski Hotel  Corvinus" situated close to Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Probably the best hotel in Budapest.  For smaller budgets "Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall" is one of our top picks in Budapest.

6. Brussels

Belgium

Brussels Christmas Market is the perfect choice for an amazing Christmas City Trip in Europe. Five weeks filled with enchanting encounters, perfumes, colorful stalls, fantastic gift ideas and original tasting sessions. Joy and lights sparkled, bathing visitors in the festive atmosphere embodying the event. Winter Wonders’ attractiveness is now legendary, making it a key event in Brussels during the festive season. This unmissable happening greatly contributes to make our capital city into a privileged city-trip destination for Christmas. The ice-skating rink, a gorgeous Christmas tree, a magical and original light and sound show, videomappings, a festive Christmas Parade, the traditional Ferris wheel, the merry-go-rounds… All these amazing activities enchant big and small alike and make the course unique.

Book your flights, accommodation, tours and activities in Brussels such as a Belgium Chocolate Workshop with Tastings and discover the Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Belgium.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your stay in Brussels at the best price. 

 Opening dates: From 29th November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Brussels as well as your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hotel des Galeries". Stay in the historical heart of Brussels. 

7. Bath

United Kingdom

Regularly voted amongst the Most Beautiful Christmas Market in the United Kingdom, the 18-day Christmas shopping extravaganza is the perfect Christmas City Break in Europe and the biggest Christmas Shopping event in the South West and consists of more than 170 beautifully decorated wooden chalets in the heart of Bath’s World Heritage Site. 

This year there will be lots of new and exciting stallholders from across the South West. In keeping with Bath Christmas Market’s tradition of being distinctively British, each chalet will be selling a variety of high-quality artisan products. 

Over 70% of stallholders are businesses from Bath and the surrounding region, and 60% of goods available at the market are handmade in the UK.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom, Best Castles in England and Best Hidden Gems in England. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your tours & activities in England and visit one of the Best Christmas Market.

 Opening dates: From 28th November to 15th December 2024. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Bristol (45 min by car) or Southampton (1h45min).

 Where to stay: "The Z Hotel Bath" is in a prime location in Bath.

8. Manchester

United Kingdom

For your next winter holiday, explore one of the UK's largest and most beautiful Christmas markets. The most original, biggest and - arguably - the best Christmas markets in the country, Manchester Christmas Markets are an ideal destination for a Christmas City Break in Europe.

Some 300 beautifully crafted stalls located across the city, offer mouth-watering international food, drinks and finely crafted Yuletide gifts in the heart of the buzzing city centre. Spread across 10 individual sites - each with its own distinctive character, the Manchester Christmas Markets have something to offer every festive visitor.

Book your flights to Manchester as well as your accommodation and tours and activities, such as a Manchester food tour with a local guide. Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom, Best Castles in England and Best Hidden Gems in England. 

 Opening dates: From 8th November to 22nd December 2024.

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Manchester and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly" offering a central-city location.

9. Vienna

Austria

Vienna is one of the Best Christmas City-Breaks in Europe. From mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s prettiest squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of Christmas bakery items and hot punch creates a pre-Christmas atmosphere. 

One of the most well-known Christmas Markets is the traditional "Vienna Magic of Advent", which turns the City Hall Square into a shining fairytale land. Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warming drinks are awaiting you as well as a carousel and craft fun Christmas Workshops for kids. The trees of the surrounding City Hall park are festively decorated and radiate in a sea of lights - a Viennese experience, you'll definitely don't want to miss! 

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Christmas Markets in Austria as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Austria, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Austria and Best Places to Visit in Austria. 

Book your flights, your accommodation as well as your activities and tours and discover the best of Vienna at Christmas.

 Opening dates: From 13th November to 23rd December 2024.

 Nearest airport: Book your flights to Vienna and your transfer.

 Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Das Tigra is a family-run hotel with a very central location in a quiet street.

10. Strasbourg

France

It was in Strasbourg in 1570 that the very first edition of the oldest Christmas market in Europe took place, then called the "Christkindelsmärik" (market of the Infant Jesus).

Since this time, Strasbourg has continued the tradition of a traditional, authentic, warm and generous Alsatian Christmas and these are all the reasons why "Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas" continues to enjoy repeated success.

Discover one of the Best Destinations for a Christmas City Break in Europe by booking your flights, your accommodation as well as your tours & activities in Strasbourg. 

During your stay, do not miss to visit the Best Christmas Markets in France, Best Hidden Gems in France, Best Ski Resorts in France and Most Beautiful Castles in France. 

 Opening dates: From 27th November to 27th December 2024.

 Nearest airport: Book your flights to Basel or Strasbourg and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Regent Contades" located in Strasbourg City Centre.

11. Gdansk

Poland

Gdansk is one of the Best Destinations in Europe for a Christmas City Break. The Gdańsk Christmas Fair is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Poland. You elected it on the podium of the best Christmas markets in Europe, making it the most voted Polish Christmas market since the creation of this competition in 2009.

The amazing ambience of the Christmas Fair is mostly created by its unique and mood-setting scenery. The Three Wise Men, angels and saints look at you from Angel Mill, high above. You can ride a horse or take a spin on a fabulous Venetian carousel or find a moment of solace at the Holy Family Shrine.

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities at the best prices in Gdansk such as a "Gdansk: City Sights and History Guided Walking Tour."

 Opening dates: From 22nd November to 23rd December 2024.

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Gdansk Airport.

 Where to stay: "Radisson Blu Hotel". The Christmas Market is 700m away".

12. Bruges

Belgium

The romantic city of Bruges is one of the Best Christmas City Breaks in Europe and you are guaranteed to fall under its spell during your stay. From the end of November, the historic city centre of Bruges will be transformed into a giant Christmas market.

In addition to a wonderful atmosphere and plenty of seasonal jollity, you will also be able to find that unusual last-minute present for someone special.

The Bruges Christmas and winter market will be located on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, in the cosy city center. There will be a good range of stalls offering all kinds of scrumptious local food and drinks. Home-made hot chocolate, ice-cold jenever, spiced glühwein... along with Belgian beers, cheeses and hearty dishes. There will be something for everyone.

Book your flights to Brussels Airport (1h30 by car or train) as well as your accommodation and your tours and activities in Bruges, such as a chocolate and beer tasting tour.

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price, without obligation. 

 Opening dates: From 22nd November 2024 to 5th January 2025

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Brussels Airport (1h30 by car or train).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Patritius". Stay in the heart of Bruges.

13. Prague

Czech Republic

Prague is one of your favourite destinations for a Christmas City Break in Europe. The Christmas markets in Old Town Square in the centre of Prague are the biggest project of its kind in the Czech Republic. Set in the very heart of the city is a traditional Czech marketplace, where, in dozens of wooden stalls, merchants offer typical Christmas goods such as traditional Czech blown glass balls, products made of glass pearls or straw, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, biscuit cutters and many other things.

Grown-ups will enjoy the typical mulled wine, and all gourmet, young and old, will enjoy Czech Christmas biscuits, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread biscuits or typical Czech grilled sausages and skewered foods.

Book your flights, accommodation and tours and activities in Prague such as a sightseeing dinner cruise and discover the most beautiful Christmas market in the Czech Republic. Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Germany, Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom as well as the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria, Switzerland, Poland. 

Select the "free cancellation" option and pre-book your accommodation at the best price without obligation.

 Opening dates: From 30th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.

 Nearest airport: Book your flights to Prague and your transfer.

 Where to stay:"Grandior Hotel Prague", located in the ciy centre. 

14. Dresden

Germany

If you like Christmas, you’ll love Dresden, one of the Best Christmas City Breaks in Europe.  A grand total of eleven completely different Christmas markets, from the by no means Dark Ages to the après ski charm of alpine huts, makes for wonderfully conflicting decisions.

Holiday sounds fill the air throughout the city. From the many oratorios, Advent, organ and gospel concerts, Dresden’s churches brim with festive insider tips.

Christmas tales also come to life in the city’s theatres whilst museums host special exhibitions and boats bejewelled with lights glide along the Elbe. If only Christmas could last more than just a few weeks…  Book your flights to Dresden, Leipzig (1h) or Prague (1h30), Book your accommodation in Dresden as well as your tours and activities in Dresden such as a "Dresden: Festive Christmas Concert".

 Opening dates: From 27th November to 24th December 2024.

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Dresden, Leipzig (1h) or Prague (1h30) and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hyperion Hotel". Stay in the heart of Dresden.

London is one of your Best Christmas City Breaks in Europe. London’s spectacular Christmas destination - Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns on 17th November for six exciting weeks of winter festivities with FREE admission and even more entertainment than before. With more than 100 rides and attractions on site, there's something for everyone.

For those Christmas shoppers, there’s the traditional German Christmas market with over 200 chalets. The Angels Christmas Market offers unusual and handmade gifts and crafts, including ceramics, candles, jewellery, wooden toys, nativity scenes and Christmas decorations. 

Book your flights to London as well as your accommodation and tours and activities in London.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom, Best Castles in England and Best Hidden Gems in England. 

  Opening dates: From 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025.

 How to get there: Book your flights to London.

 Where to stay:  "The Chamberlain" near to the Tower of London.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in London.

16. Birmingham

United Kingdom

For a perfect Christmas City Break in Europe, visit Birmingham! 

Birmingham has the largest authentic German market in Europe outside of Germany and Austria, with 5.5 million visitors in 2019. Consisting of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and the Craft Market, the market has grown from just 24 stalls in 2001 to 180 this year, covering New Street, Victoria Square and Centenary Square.

The Frankfurt Market offers a wide range of products, including Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery, carved wooden toys, sausages, beer and pretzels, while Christmas Craft Market will offer handmade crafts, soaps and candles by local artisans, as well as a wide range of unique and quirky items imported from around the world. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the popular ice rink and big wheel.

 Opening dates: From 1st November to 24th December 2024.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Birmingham Airport.

 Where to stay: "EasyHotel Birmingham" offers budget accommodation in the heart of Birmingham.

Select the "free cancellation" option and book your accommodation at the best price in Birmingham.