The Best Places to Visit in Europe in Winter

Winter in Europe is pure magic—a season of twinkling lights, steaming mugs of mulled wine, and cities dusted with snow like powdered sugar pastries. Streets glow with festive cheer, cozy cafés offer warm refuge from the chilly air, and winter traditions bring out the heart and soul of each destination.

Whether you’re wandering through Vienna’s Christmas markets, ice skating along Amsterdam’s canals, or soaking in a hot spring in snowy Reykjavik, Europe in winter is brimming with enchantment and adventure.

Here are the 10 best places to visit in Europe in winter.

Winter in Europe at a Glance

Best Christmas markets: Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, Bruges’ Markt Square, and Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

Most magical winter cityscapes: Snowy rooftops in Prague, Amsterdam’s canal ring, and fairy-tale Bruges.

Best cozy experiences: Fondue in Zurich, candlelit cafés in Paris, and hygge in Copenhagen.

Top winter activities: Ice skating in London, thermal baths in Reykjavik, and skiing in the Swiss Alps

1. Vienna, Austria

Why go in winter: Christmas markets, classical concerts, and imperial elegance.

Vienna in winter is straight out of a snow globe. The city’s grand palaces, elegant streets, and old-world charm feel even more magical under a thin layer of frost. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets, with wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, roasted chestnuts, and the all-important Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch).

Warm up in the opulent Café Central with a slice of Sachertorte (chocolate cake) and a steaming Wiener Melange (coffee with steamed milk), or step into a world of music with a classical concert at Schönbrunn Palace, where Mozart and Strauss are played in a setting fit for royalty.

Address

Schönbrunn Palace, Rathausplatz, 1010 Wien

Opening Hours

10:00 AM-10:00 PM, every day from mid-November to early January

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Why go in winter: Light festivals, cozy cafés, and frozen canals.

Amsterdam may be famous for tulips and biking, but in winter, it transforms into a glowing wonderland. The Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the canals with dazzling art installations, best admired on a winter evening canal cruise. If the temperatures drop low enough, locals lace up their skates and glide over frozen canals—a true bucket-list experience.

For something cozier, slip into a bruin café (brown café or pub) for a hot chocolate spiked with advocaat or indulge in Dutch oliebollen (warm, squishy doughnuts) at a winter market.

Address

Light Festival cruises depart from various canal locations in Amsterdam

Opening Hours

Light Festival runs from December to January

3. Paris, France

Why go in winter: Festive lights, winter shopping, and romantic charm.

Winter drapes Paris in a kind of quiet French elegance, as if the city itself is wrapped in a fluffy cashmere scarf. The Champs-Élysées twinkles like a scene from an old French film, the rooftops are sugar-coated in frost, and the scent of freshly baked pastry drifts warmly on the chilly winter air. The city’s boulevards turn into lavish holiday spectacles, with towering Christmas trees and intricate window displays worthy of a Louvre exhibit.

Indeed, some of the best European sights in winter can be found in this stylish city. Bask in some old-world glamour with a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, or take a starlit Seine River cruise, where the city’s lights shimmer on the water like something straight out of a Renoir painting.

Address

Moulin Rouge, 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France

Opening Hours

Open daily; check website for showtimes

4. London, England

Why go in winter: Christmas markets, ice skating, and holiday cheer.

London in winter? Absolute magic, mate. The Big Smoke shines brighter than a diamond in a jeweler’s window, and the festive spirit is as thick as a good dollop of gravy on your Sunday roast. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the star of the show, packed with ice skating, fairground rides, and more mulled wine than you can shake a candy cane at.

Meanwhile, the Tower of London takes on a whole new air of mystery in the winter mist, perfect for a royal fortress tour. And when your fingers are getting a bit too chilly, pop into a Covent Garden pub, wrap your mitts around a mug of Earl Grey tea, and tuck into a proper Sunday roast—Yorkshire puddings and all.

Address

Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom

Opening Hours

Open daily, 9:00 AM-4:30 PM

5. Reykjavík, Iceland

Why go in winter: Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs, and landscapes straight out of Norse mythology

If there’s one place that truly embodies the magic of winter in Europe, it’s Reykjavík. With its snow-blown volcanic landscapes, dark skies dancing with the northern lights, and steaming geothermal pools, Iceland feels like a fantasy setting in the wintertime.

It’s also among the top destinations to see the northern lights, so take a tour to chase nature’s most mesmerizing light show (conditions are ideal during the dark winter nights), or warm up in the famous Blue Lagoon, where steaming teal waters contrast beautifully against the frosty air. For those feeling adventurous, go glacier hiking at the Sólheimajökull outlet for an experience that feels straight out of a Nordic legend.

Address

Blue Lagoon, Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-10:00 PM

6. Kraków, Poland

Why go in winter: Christmas markets, snow-dusted medieval squares, and hearty comfort food.

Kraków in winter is something special—with Gothic and Baroque architecture coated in snow, its streets glow with Christmas lights and the scent of pierogi dumplings season the air. Visit the Krakow Nativity Scene Competition in Rynek Główny (the main square), where intricate, handcrafted szopki—miniature, multicolored recreations of Krakow’s landmarks—are proudly displayed. This beloved tradition, recognized by UNESCO, showcases the city's rich craftsmanship and festive spirit.

History lovers can explore Wawel Castle without the summer crowds, or take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where underground chambers shimmer like an ice palace. And if you need to warm up? Nothing beats a bowl of steaming żurek (hearty rye soup) from a cozy Kraków tavern.

Address

Wawel Castle, Rynek Główny 3, 31-042 Kraków, Poland

Opening Hours

The Krakow Nativity Scene Competition takes place on the first Thursday in December and begins at 10:00 AM

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Why go in winter: Hygge vibes, Tivoli Gardens, and Christmas magic.

Winter in Copenhagen is pure hygge—the Danish concept of coziness, warmth, and good company. The scent of the aptly named gløgg (mulled wine) and cinnamon-dusted æbleskiver (delicious fried dough treats) fills the city. Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, transforms into a whimsical winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, festive markets, and enormous Christmas trees.

Explore like a true Dane, take a winter bike tour past frost-kissed palaces, then snuggle into a café with a steaming cup of hot chocolate—because nothing says hygge like staying warm while watching the world go by.

Address

Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark

Opening Hours

Tivoli’s Christmas season runs from mid-November to late December

8. Zurich, Switzerland

Why go in winter: Festive markets, fondue feasts, and dreamy alpine escapes.

Zurich in winter is as Swiss as it gets—elegant, orderly, and wonderfully cozy. Snow blankets the rooftops, and just beyond, the majestic Alps beckon you to panoramic glaciers and some of the best winter sports and skiing in Europe. Flumserberg is the closest major resort, perfect for a quick getaway, while Engelberg-Titlis offers epic off-piste runs. For a luxury alpine escape, Davos-Klosters and Laax deliver top-tier slopes and après-ski vibes.

For the ultimate Swiss winter experience, join a local family for a traditional fondue night, dipping warm bread into gooey melted cheese as snow falls softly outside. And for the perfect indulgent dessert, visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, just 15 minutes from Zurich, where a massive chocolate fountain and endless pralines await.

Address

Lindt Home of Chocolate, chokoladenplatz 1, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland

Opening Hours

Open daily, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM

9. Bruges, Belgium

Why go in winter: Fairytale streets, Belgian hot chocolate, and festive charm.

Bruges in winter is so absurdly charming it feels like it was engineered in a lab by people whose job is to make things look festive—cobblestones, canals, fairy lights, the works. The city wafts with warm waffles and spiced ale, the canals shimmer with dainty golden lights, and the whole place just feels like it was built specifically to make you believe in holiday magic.

Go ice skating in the shadow of the Belfry, take a canal cruise, then consume your weight in pralines and Belgian beer with a beer and chocolate pairing tour. For a hit of Renaissance splendor amidst all the Gothic charm, visit the The Museum of the Church of Our Lady, to see some of Michelangelo's masterful Madonna and Child.

Address

Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, Mariastraat, 8000 Brugge, Belgium

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM; Sundays, 1:30 PM-5:00 PM

10. Prague, Czech Republic

Why go in winter: Gothic beauty, festive markets, and cozy winter vibes.

Some cities wear winter well, but Prague? Prague really owns it. The whole city sparkles through a soft veil of snow, its Gothic towers and cobbled streets made even more enchanting in the cold, crisp air, while in Old Town Square, the Christmas market flickers with ambient lantern light.

Up on the hill, the stately Prague Castle is armed with icicles, looking every bit like it belongs in a medieval legend. It’s an absolute must-visit in the City of a Hundred Spires. And when the chill sets in? Duck into a candlelit beer hall for a frothy Czech lager and a steaming bowl of goulash (beef stew)—the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.

Address

Prague Castle Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia

Opening Hours

Winter Season (November 1 to March 31): Open daily, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

FAQs

Generated with the help of AI

What are some unique winter activities to enjoy in Europe?

Europe offers a plethora of unique winter activities. In Norway, you can chase the Northern Lights, while in Switzerland, skiing in the Alps is a must. For something different, try ice fishing in Finland or enjoy a thermal bath in Budapest. Each destination provides its own special winter charm, from ice skating on frozen canals in the Netherlands to dog sledding in Sweden.

Are there any winter festivals in Europe worth attending?

If you’re wondering where to go in Europe in winter, then check out all the cultural festivals taking place across the continent. The Carnival of Venice is famous for its elaborate masks and costumes. In Germany, the Cologne Carnival is a lively event with parades and parties. Scotland's Hogmanay in Edinburgh is renowned for its New Year's celebrations.

What is the typical winter weather like in Europe?

Winter weather in Europe varies greatly depending on the region. Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, experiences cold temperatures, often below freezing, with snow. Central Europe, such as Germany and Austria, has cold winters with occasional snowfall. Southern Europe, like Spain and Italy, enjoys milder winters, with temperatures ranging from 40-60 F (5-15 C), making it a pleasant escape from the harsher climates.

Which European cities are known for their Christmas markets?

Some of the best European destinations to visit in winter are renowned for their enchanting Christmas markets. Nuremberg in Germany is famous for its Christkindlesmarkt, offering traditional crafts and treats. Vienna's markets are known for their stunning backdrops and festive atmosphere. Prague's Old Town Square transforms into a winter wonderland, while Strasbourg in France is often called the 'Capital of Christmas' for its extensive market offerings.

Can you recommend any winter hiking destinations in Europe?

Winter hiking is one of the best things to do in Europe in winter. The Dolomites in Italy provide breathtaking trails with snow-capped peaks. Norway's Lofoten Islands offer dramatic scenery and the chance to spot the Northern Lights. Scotland's Cairngorms National Park is ideal for winter hikes, with its rugged terrain and snow-dusted hills. These destinations offer a unique way to experience Europe's natural beauty in winter.