Europe's 10 Most Christmasy Towns

When you currently reside in a country that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving (hint: anywhere except the US and Canada) and you like to spread Christmas cheer for all to hear, there is absolutely no reason to refrain from decorating until the end of November!  Your friends and neighbours can say, “Isn’t it a little early?” but they can’t say, “Wait until Thanksgiving!”  That said, I stretched the decorating boundaries even further this year by decorating, wrapping Christmas gifts, and listening to Christmas music in mid-October.  

"May all your troubles soon be gone, those Christmas lights, keep shining on."

Halloween is celebrated here, but not nearly to the extent as in America.  Rest assured, I did carve a pumpkin.  Like the year I studied abroad in London, I served as the “American pumpkin carving expert” and helped a friend carve her first pumpkin. 

​My pumpkin competes in the Miss America Organization and won the Miss Pumpkin local. ;)

I recently blogged about how the entire town ofStykkishólmur, Iceland belongs under a Christmas tree.  Here are  additional towns that desire a spot on your Christmas travel list.  Some of these towns I travelled to at Christmastime, others were at other times in the year, but they still had Christmas cheer for all to hear all year!  

10) Budapest, Hungary

Based on appearance, Budapest has the coolest trains. Based on door closing safety, Budapest has the worst trains.

Budapest is a city like no other.  As soon as I arrived, I felt like I had been transported back to the 1970s Soviet Union.  Even during the sweltering heat of my May 2015 visit, the city held a Christmas vibe.

9) Vienna, Austria

This photo makes me laugh: multiple jackets, all my luggage, and four hours of sleep total in two nights.

Even though my most vivid recollection of Vienna is the sleep-deprived state I was in when I wandered about the city, the gorgeous architecture would lend itself well to Christmas time. I've also been told they have excellent markets!

8) Stockholm, Sweden

I think this photo of an owl belongs on a winter greeting card.

With its gorgeous harbour, the charm of Old Town, and Scandinavian design, hints of Christmas were already popping up when I visited in October 2014.  Some of the stores had started selling Christmas ornaments and other decorations.  

7) Prague, Czech Republic

People from around the world gather for Prague's famous Christmas markets

Prague: the Fairy Tale city.  With its Gothic Architecture, cozy bonfires, candles, and the smell of cinnamon everywhere, Prague is a dream destination for Christmas time.  There are amazing Christmas markets on every corner and I could have spent the entire Christmas season just wandering around one of them! I've been lucky enough to visit Prague twice, once in December 2014 and once in May 2015.

Trdelniks are sold along the streets of Prague year-round

7) Interlaken, Switzerland

A picturesque view from the top of Harder Kulm

Interlaken is one of those places that drew me in immediately and is also home of the Baby Brown Swiss Dairy Cow Incident.  Christmas is in the Swiss spirit year round, with the wooden buildings and log cabins.  The wood carver shop I visited specialized in wooden nativity scenes, which are available for purchase year round. 

6) Copenhagen, Denmark

Colours, cobblestones, and cycling make up the ambiance of Copenhagen

Scandinavian countries generally excel at celebrations.  I visited Denmark over Easter this year and loved its markets and cycling culture.  With its colourful buildings and cobblestones, I am sure it is lovely at Christmas time as well.

5) Akureyri, Iceland

There's not a whole lot that can top a real life gingerbread house!

​Nothing beats a Christmas shop that looks like a real life gingerbread house! Except perhaps a gingerbread house with the world’s largest Advent Calendar and a location geographically close to the Arctic Circle and, presumably, Santa’s workshop and the North Pole! 

4) Oxford, England

I always feel like I've entered Narnia when I see this lamppost

The historical, charmingtown of Oxford and I go way back. (Or only a couple of years really, but it feels so familiar). I've lost count of the number of timesI've visited. Oxford knows a thing or two about markets with its Covered Market and various pop ups throughout the year.  The charming buildings and bright lampposts lend themselves well for Christmas cheer. 

3) Berlin, Germany

This Christmas shop in Berlin keeps the Christmas magic going year round.

Though I visited Berlin in the spring, I did make a stop at the Christmas store.  Germany is well-known for its Christmas markets, decorations, and traditions and I can only imagine how incredible it must be in the winter! 

2) London, England

In awe of Oxford Street's light up night

​Oh, London.  This city is so deeply intertwined with my identity and love of travel that it would be impossible to omit it from this list.  Right now, Londoners are enjoying light up nights across the city.  With a large amount of Christmas markets, window decorations, mince pies, Christmas themed high teas, traditional carol services, and holiday plays, there is an endless amount of Christmas cheer.  And shhh don’t tell anyone, but I just might be making an appearance in London just before Christmas again this year!

London has no shortage of outdoor rinks!

Rocking my Scottish attire at Dean Street Townhouse for Christmas tea

1) Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

The view of the city as I stepped into the fairy tale.

​I firmly believe this is the most underrated town in Europe, especially at Christmastime.  When I arrived by the castle, I was greeted to a view of the sun dipping behind the town.  Little lights glowed across the market and town and I felt like I had walked into a Christmas fairy tale.  The market featured a glowing bonfire, a nativity scene, cinnamon roasted nuts, hand carved toys, and traditional ornaments.  This town is one of those places that just has a special magic to it!

Cozy corners and bright tunnels add to the town's charm

Leave a comment below about other towns have you visited that had a special Christmas magic to them, no matter what time of year!