Top 10 Christmas Cities to Visit in 2025
Christmas brings a fresh kind of energy to cities around the world. Some places feel warm and familiar, with old streets and timeless traditions. Others shine with bright lights, busy markets, and big celebrations. Whether you want a snowy escape, a holiday market, or a lively city full of events, these destinations offer something different for every traveler. Here are ten cities that stand out during the festive season.
To create this top-ten ranking, we looked at the factors that matter most to holiday travelers. We compared each city using a mix of seasonal atmosphere, Christmas market quality, cultural traditions, local food, decorations, weather, and overall value for money. We also considered how easy each place is to reach, the types of winter activities offered, and how unique the city feels during December.
This ranking also draws on insights from Travel Crafters by Exoticca, a team of travel specialists who visit dozens of destinations around the world each year. Their first-hand experience adds an on-the-ground perspective that helps highlight which cities deliver the strongest Christmas experience.
10. Rovaniemi, Finland
The Official Hometown of Santa Claus
Rovaniemi sits on the edge of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places for a true winter setting. Perfect for families, Santa Claus fans, and anyone hoping to see the Northern Lights.
Key Highlights:
Visit Santa Claus Village, meet Santa any day of the year, and receive a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle.
Must-Do Activities:
Ride in a reindeer sleigh, look for the Northern Lights, or stay overnight in a glass igloo. Warming up in a Finnish sauna is part of the experience.
Travel Tip:
Daylight is limited in winter, so reflective clothing is helpful when walking outside.
9. New York City, USA
The Cinematic Holiday Spectacular
New York feels like a Christmas movie throughout December. Streets glow with lights, shop windows turn into mini shows, and crowds gather to see the city’s famous decorations. Perfect for movie lovers, energetic travelers, and anyone who enjoys big city lights and crowds.
Key Highlights:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the rink below it are at the heart of the season. Fifth Avenue’s window displays make a simple walk feel special.
Must-Do Activities:
See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes or The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet. Visit Dyker Heights in Brooklyn for bold neighborhood displays. Skate at Bryant Park or Central Park, and ride the Holiday Nostalgia Train on select Sundays.
Dining:
Rolf’s is known for its heavy Christmas decor. Serendipity 3 is a longtime favorite for its frozen hot chocolate
8. London, United Kingdom
A Dickens-Style Christmas
London mixes royal history with classic Christmas charm. The city feels warm and lively with seasonal lights, concerts, and festive markets. Best for fans of Dickens-style nostalgia, pub lovers, and travelers who enjoy traditional holiday music.
Key Highlights:
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is one of the city’s best-known traditions. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland brings together rides, markets, an ice bar, and shows.
Must-Do Activities:
Join a carol concert at St. Paul’s Cathedral or take part in a holiday singalong at the Royal Festival Hall. Skate at Somerset House or outside the Natural History Museum. Visit Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, and Covent Garden for Christmas shopping.
Food and Drink:
Mince pies, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted chestnuts appear everywhere during the season. The Churchill Arms is famous for covering its entire facade with Christmas trees and lights.
7. Vienna, Austria
The Capital of Imperial Elegance
Vienna’s grand buildings and classical music create a calm, elegant Christmas atmosphere. The city has more than twenty markets spread across its historic districts. Perfect for music lovers, culture seekers, and travelers who enjoy refined markets and historic settings.
Key Highlights:
The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the most famous, with more than 150 stalls selling handcrafted gifts.
Must-Do Activities:
Skate at Vienna Ice World, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town, or enjoy a classical concert.
Food and Drink:
Warm up with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and Austrian pastries.
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The perfect getaway to the heart of Europe featuring stops in Austria and Hungary to discover history, culture and markets.
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6. Nuremberg, Germany
The Traditionalist’s Choice
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world and is known for keeping long-standing customs alive. Nuremberg is ideal for traditionalists, gingerbread lovers, and anyone who enjoys long-standing holiday customs.
Key Highlights:
Rows of red and white stalls fill the main square, each offering handmade items and local products. The market opens the Friday before the first Advent.
Must-Do Activities:
Families can enjoy the separate kids’ market, which has a merry-go-round and a small steam train.
Food and Drink:
Try Nuremberg gingerbread, spiced nuts, and mulled apple juice.
5. Quebec City, Canada
A Snow Globe Come to Life
Old Quebec feels like a European village, with cobblestone streets and historic stone buildings covered in snow. For those romantics, fans of old-world charm, and active travelers who enjoy sledding and winter fun Quebec seems like the perfect city to visit.
Key Highlights:
The German Christmas Market brings more than 90 vendors and choral music to the heart of the old town.
Must-Do Activities:
Ride the classic toboggan run at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac or take part in a holiday treasure hunt through the streets.
Food and Drink:
After exploring the market, warm up in a café with hot chocolate or a seasonal pastry.
4. Riga, Latvia
A Budget-Friendly Winter Escape
Riga offers a strong chance of snow and great value, making it a solid choice for a festive break. Ideal for travelers dreaming of a White Christmas, thanks to one of the highest snow probabilities in Europe.
Key Highlights:
The Dome Square market is a favorite for its cozy and traditional layout. Riga also claims to have hosted the world’s first decorated Christmas tree in 1510.
Must-Do Activities:
Listen to weekend choirs and enjoy local folk music.
Food and Drink:
Try grey peas with bacon, gingerbread, and rye bread with cheese.
3. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, France. Christmas Market in Petite France old district of Strassburg in Alsace.
The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, and its historic center becomes a full festive display. The best city for authenticity seekers and travelers who love classic European markets.
Key Highlights:
The main markets sit in front of the cathedral and in Place Broglie, offering around 100 stalls.
Must-Do Activities:
Visit the OFF Market for Fairtrade items and second-hand goods. Walk through Petite France, known for its timbered houses and small canals.
Food and Drink:
Try Alsatian pastries and regional dishes sold at the stalls.
2. Vilnius, Lithuania
A Creative and Affordable Holiday Break
Vilnius offers low travel costs and a creative take on the season. For those budget-conscious travelers, art lovers, and fans of creative design, Vilnius stands out among the ideal choices.
Key Highlights:
The Cathedral Square Christmas tree is known for unique designs that change each year.
Must-Do Activities:
Visit Design Square in Vinco Kudirkos Square, where local designers present holiday creations. You can also skate at the seasonal rink in Town Hall Square.
1. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, Austria. Christmas Market in the old town.
A Baroque Holiday Escape
Salzburg offers a warm, romantic Christmas setting with mountain views and a historic old town. The city’s musical heritage makes the season feel even more special. Perfect for music lovers, Mozart fans, and travelers who enjoy peaceful, scenic cities.
Key Highlights:
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt in Residenzplatz is surrounded by baroque buildings with views of the fortress above.
Must-Do Activities:
Browse Austrian crafts, admire the snowy rooftops, and listen to festive music throughout the old town.
Food and Drink:
Enjoy local pastries and seasonal treats sold at the stalls.
The Universal Magic of Christmas
Cities around the world celebrate Christmas in their own way. Each one reflects its history, culture, and personality. The magic of the season feels familiar, yet it looks different wherever you go. You can find it in a quiet snowy place full of old traditions, like Vilnius or Nuremberg, or in a large city glowing with lights and energy, like New York or London.
These celebrations are more than moments on the calendar. They show how each city sees itself and how it shares that story with visitors and locals. The variety is part of what makes this season meaningful. If you’re already thinking about your next holiday trip, take a look at Exoticca’s Christmas vacations for some incredible getaways for the holidays.
