10 Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Northern Europe

Looking for a white Christmas in Northern Europe? Planning to celebrate your Christmas holidays traveling? Look no further than our article! Here, we will list the 10 best Christmas holiday destinations in Northern Europe and offer a variety of fabulous cities you can choose for your winter trip!

In fact, Christmas is an excellent time for travel. You can both revel in the Christmas atmosphere in a city that has gotten on a festive look and see its best attractions. In addition to seeing major attractions and exploring the snow-covered streets, you can visit vibrant Christmas markets, go ice skating, indulge in julebord, and drink warming gløgg. So, let’s now get to the best destinations for Christmas holidays in Northern Europe.

 

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, a small town in the Finnish Lapland near the Arctic Circle, is definitely among the best Christmas holiday destinations in Europe. Best known for being home to the residence of the Santa Claus, this Finnish town gets really crowded around Christmas time.

Naturally, visiting the Santa Claus Village is the number one thing to do in Rovaniemi, Finland. At his residence, you can meet Santa in person, get your passport stamped, and even send postcards to your friends! This single attraction is, indeed, the reason strong enough to travel to Rovaniemi around Christmas.

Also, this Finnish town is one of the world’s best locations to observe aurora borealis. In fact, we have even added it to our list of the few best places to see the northern lights in Northern Europe. You can set out on an aurora safari or stay in a glass igloo and hope to catch the northern lights from the comfort of your bed (by the way, there are glass igloos just next to the Santa Claus Village, too).

During your trip to Rovaniemi, don’t miss visiting the town’s Christmas market, where you can buy gifts for your family and enjoy hot drinks with delicious treats. Complement your winter adventure with a number of exciting activities – from dog or reindeer sledding to snowmobiling. In truth, if we were to list all of the available activities, this article would turn out to be too large.

All in all, Rovaniemi deservedly holds the crown place on this list of the best Christmas destinations. If you are in search of a winter trip of your dreams, don’t hesitate to travel to the Finnish Lapland.

Population: 65,321.

Best things to do in Rovaniemi around Christmas:

• Visit the Santa Claus Village. Meet Santa at his own residence, cross the magical Arctic Circle, and even get your passport stamped!
• Set out on an aurora borealis safari. Capture this beautiful phenomenon in one of the world’s best places for observing northern lights.
• Try reindeer or husky sledding. Try these exciting activities that are extremely popular in the Lapland!
• Visit the Christmas market in Rovaniemi. Take in the festive atmosphere, try delicious Christmas treats, and buy souvenirs for your family and friends.
• Try a variety of Arctic activities. Choose from a seemingly endless selection of exciting things to do in Rovaniemi and near the town – from snowmobiling and cross-country skiing to ice fishing.
• Stay in a glass igloo overnight. Spend a night in Lapland’s iconic accommodation, where you can just relax on your comfy bed and observe the beautiful nightly sky (with the dances of aurora borealis if you’re lucky).

 

Copenhagen, Denmark

The next on our list of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Northern Europe is Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital. Apart from the fact that this stunning city is worth a trip any season, Copenhagen turns into a genuine winter wonderland as the year’s end creeps on. And the number of amazing Christmas markets that pop up around Copenhagen is simply mind-blowing.

The Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park, transforms into the city’s most popular attraction around Christmas time, offering festive rides and dazzling light displays. Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s famous waterfront, becomes lined up with seemingly endless wooden stalls selling delicious food and unique handcrafts. Don’t miss visiting two other notable Christmas markets in the city – in Christiania (known for its bohemian vibe) and in the city center at Højbro Plads.

It’s those markets where it’s best to try delicious Danish Christmas snacks and foods. Start with smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches usually topped with salmon, herring, or roast pork. Relish delicious Danish desserts, such as æbleskiver (small, round pancakes with jam and sugar) and risalamande (a ride pudding with whipped cream, almonds, and cherry sauce). You can complement it with a cup of warm gløgg (mulled wine with spices and raisins). On top of that, make your experience unforgettable with a Christmas ride along the Nyhavn canal or go ice skating at one of Copenhagen’s rinks.

And as you visit Denmark’s capital, it would be unforgivable not to visit its impressive palaces and castles. Begin with a visit to the Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Queen of Denmark in the city center. Continue your exploration with visits to the Christiansborg Palace (a former royal residence) and Rosenborg Castle (home to the Danish Crown Jewels). And if you are not yet sated, you can take short train trips from the city to visit the Frederiksborg Castle and the Kronborg Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

To sum it all up, Copenhagen is a great city to visit at any season, and especially so around Christmas.

Population: 660,842.

Best things to do in Copenhagen around Christmas:

• Visit the numerous Christmas markets in the city. Set out on an exciting trip to the city’s vibrant Christmas markets at the Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Christiania, and Højbro Plads.
• Go ice skating on Copenhagen’s outdoor ice rinks. Glide across the ice on the rink at the Frederiksberg Gardens.
• Set out on a Christmas canal tour. Witness Copenhagen from a different perspective with a Christmas canal tour (yes, they take place even in the winter season).
• Explore Copenhagen’s impressive castles and places. Be fascinated by the city’s impressive royal and historic heritage at the magnificent Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and Rosenborg Castle.
• Relish traditional Christmas treats and drinks. Celebrate Christmas with traditional Danish foods and drinks: smørrebrød, risalamande, æbleskiver, and gløgg.

 

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn’s Christmas market has been voted the best in Europe multiple times. Coupled with its UNESCO-listed old town, the Estonian capital is a perfect destination for a Christmas trip. Once you find yourself in Tallinn, the first thing you should do is visit its extensive Christmas market, where you can buy Estonian handcrafts, delicious snacks (such as gingerbread and blood sausages), and glögg (mulled wine).

The other absolute best thing to do in Tallinn is stroll the cobbled streets of its historic old town. Its highlight is the Gothic town hall on the main square (just where the Christmas market pops up around Christmas time). You can also drop by the St. Catherine’s Passage to find charming handcrafts at small artisan shops or simply enjoy aromatic coffee at one of the local cafés.

Another popular attraction in Tallinn is the splendid Kadriorg Palace, which is surrounded by a beautiful park. The territory around this palace is filled with some of the city’s best museums and other notable points of interest, including the Kadriorg Art Museum and Kumu Art Museum.

Overall, Christmas in Tallinn is truly a magical time when the city turns into a fairytale, making it one of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Northern Europe. Don’t hesitate to book your trip here.

Population: 453,864.

Best things to do in Tallinn around Christmas:

• Visit the Christmas market at the Town Hall Square. Wander between the wooden stalls selling Estonian handicrafts and delicious Christmas foods and drinks and admire a huge Christmas tree in the center of the square.
• Wander through the cobbled street of Tallinn’s Old Town. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic part of the city, with its beautiful medieval architecture and cobbled streets that, together with snow, create a fairytale setting.
• Get a spectacular view from Toompea Hill. Take in fabulous views from the Kohtuotsa viewing platform (and you can also visit the Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on this walk).
• Visit the Kadriorg Palace. Discover the opulent castle and stroll through its beautiful gardens; see extensive art collections at the Kadriorg Art Museum and Kumu Art Museum.
• Attend a Christmas concert at the St. Nicholas’ Church. This beautiful church is adorned with festive decorations around Christmas time, and you should definitely come for a concert for a truly special experience.

 

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is another awesome destination for your Christmas trip. The city’s most popular Christmas market (and also its oldest one) takes place in Gamla Stan (or old town), where you can buy traditional crafts, taste Swedish delicacies (stay away from surströmming), and warm yourself up with a cup of glögg. Skansen, Stockholm’s famous open-air museum, also hosts a Christmas market but with a historical twist – you will even have a chance to witness Swedish folk dances (if you come at the right time).

And Sweden has some truly authentic Christmas traditions that you must definitely see. On December 13th, you will have a chance to witness the beautiful Santa Lucia procession, when you girls dressed in white clothes sing carols and bring light to the darkest time of the year. Also, you can indulge in Julbord, a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, where you can usually find herring, ham, meatballs, and Janssons frestelse (a creamy potato gratin).

On top of that, there are several amazing towns near Stockholm that you can visit on a day trip – and they become even more beautiful around Christmas time. Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest town, is famed for its Gothic cathedral, where you can attend festive performances around Christmas. The Uppsala Castle becomes home to a charming Christmas market, and many of the town’s restaurants offer julbord. Sigtuna, a charming historic town near Stockholm, also hosts a traditional Christmas market in the town center.

Before we conclude the description of this city, we must say that it takes days to see all of Stockholm’s attractions without any Christmas celebrations and day trips. So, plan your trip accordingly, with everything you want to see in mind. All in all, Stockholm is a perfect city to visit on your short Christmas trip.

Population: 984,748.

Best things to do in Stockholm around Christmas:

• Visit charming Christmas markets at Gamla Stan (the old town) and Skansen. Revel in the festive atmosphere at the city’s oldest Christmas market at Gamla Stan and the market with a more historic twist at the Skansen open-air museum.
• Take part in Swedish Christmas traditions. Indulge in delicious food at Julbord, a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, and witness the Santa Lucia procession.
• Attend festive concerts and performances. Seek out beautiful Christmas performances at the city’s numerous concert halls and, especially, Folkoperan (the national opera theater in Stockholm).
• Go skating at one of the city’s outdoor ice rinks. Have fun gliding across the ice at one of the city’s multiple ice rinks, with the one in Kungsträdgården being the most popular.
• Take day trips to charming small towns near Stockholm. Enjoy exciting day trips to Sweden’s fourth-largest town, Uppsala, and the country’s oldest town, Sigtuna.

 

Oslo, Norway

Norway’s capital would also be a great choice for a Christmas trip in Europe. In mid-November, Christmas markets start popping up all over Oslo. The main one is the Christmas Market at Spikersuppa, located in the city’s heart at Karl Johans gate. There, you can not only buy food and gifts for your family and friends (as well as warm yourself up with glögg) but also observe Oslo from the observation wheel.

But in addition to the festive market at Spikersuppa, Oslo has several other Christmas markets you may visit. There, at Spikersuppa, you can go ice skating or choose to go sledding at Korketrekkeren or cross-country skiing in Oslo’s forests. If you are a first-timer in Oslo, you can even combine sightseeing with a visit to the Christmas market on the Discover Christmas Spirit in Oslo walking tour of our daughter company.

The National Theater (located just next to the Spikersuppa) frequently stages the classic festive play “A Christmas Carol” – be sure not to miss it. Or you can head to the Oslo Cathedral to see one of the performances taking place there.

After all, finish your Christmas trip to Oslo with a day trip to Drøbak, which is also known as Norway’s Christmas town. There, you can visit Julehuset (the Christmas House) and send a letter to Santa from his official post office! After all, pay a visit to the charming Tregaarden’s House that stays decorated for Christmas all year round.

Population: 709,037.

Best things to do in Oslo around Christmas:

• Visit the Spikersuppa Christmas Market in the city’s heart. Take in the festive atmosphere at the city’s main Christmas market and get a spectacular view from the observation wheel.
• Enjoy exciting winter activities outdoors. Experience the thrill of cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating during this festive wintertime.
• Catch festive performances at the National Theater or Oslo Cathedral. Attend amazing Christmas concerts, especially the classic “A Christmas Carol” at the National Theater (available with English subtitles).
• Take a Christmas walking tour in Oslo. Join the bestselling Discover Christmas Spirit in Oslo walking tour and combine sightseeing with a visit to the Christmas market.
• Set out on a day trip to the Christmas town of Drøbak. Make a day trip to this charming town and visit the Christmas House together with the Santa’s Post Office.

 

Bergen, Norway

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city famous for its colorful Bryggen Wharf, is also on our list of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Northern Europe. While definitely not the first choice that comes to mind, Bergen offers an amazing Christmas escape and warrants an unforgettable couple of days.

As you walk down Bergen’s famous seafront adorned with Christmas decorations, you get to feel the festive ambiance all around you. Don’t miss a visit to the city’s main Christmas market at Festplassen, the central square in Bergen. There, you can taste Norwegian Christmas foods like ribbe (roasted pork ribs), pinnekjøtt (dried and salted lamb ribs), and lutefisk (dried cod). And, of course, top it all up with a glass of warming gløgg.

The city’s major attraction, which you must absolutely visit around Christmas, is the impressive Pepperkakebyen. Translated literally as the gingerbread city, it is a delightful exhibition at the Bergen Art Museum. Every year, the locals of all occupations come together and recreate this unique gingerbread creation. Also, don’t miss festive performances that take place at the King’s Hall (the medieval Håkonshallen) and Bergen Cathedral.

In the end of the day, hop on a funicular to reach the top of Mount Fløyen and take in spectacular views of the city. But make sure to take a ride in the evening and sit near the windows in the funicular car: the views will turn out simply breathtaking.

Population: 291,940.

Best things to do in Bergen around Christmas:

• Stroll down the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, adorned with lights and decorations. Visit the city’s major landmark at a time when the festive atmosphere is up there in the air!
• Visit the world’s largest gingerbread city. Witness this spectacular attraction that gets recreated by the locals at the Bergen Art Museum every year.
• Take in the festive atmosphere at the Christmas market at Festplassen. Browse handmade crafts and enjoy traditional Norwegian Christmas food with gløgg.
• Set out on a scenic ride to Mount Fløyen. Enjoy a spectacular funicular ride as you witness the beautiful snow-covered city from the windows.
• Attend festive concerts and performances at popular venues. Check out Christmas performances at the city’s famous scenes, such as Håkonshallen and Bergen Cathedral.

 

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, Norway’s largest city within the Arctic Circle, is another amazing destination on our list. Renowned as the capital of Northern Norway, Tromsø is one of the best places in Europe to observe the northern lights (just like Rovaniemi, it is included in this list of the best destinations for observing the aurora lights). But the sheer number of winter activities you can take here will leave you speechless.

Tromsø is a paradise for those travelers seeking a lot of fun and outdoor activities in winter. You can start with a visit to a reindeer or husky farm and try reindeer or dog sledding right there. Or go for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, Arctic fjord cruising, cross-country skiing, and so much more… Well, you can learn more about activities during winter holidays in Norway in our previous article. But Tromsø is the place where you can try them all!

You can also try reindeer or dog sledding at Camp Tamok, which is 95 kilometers away from the city and home to the most incredible park of ice sculptures. Also, while in Tromsø, make sure to take a Fjellheisen cable car ride (it takes just 4 minutes) to Storsteinen to get an amazing panorama of the city and (if you are lucky) catch the northern lights.

Don’t forget about visiting the city’s major points of interest, the main of which is, of course, the Arctic Cathedral, which features the distinctive A-framed exterior. Another place you must visit is Polaria (which also has a peculiar design), an aquarium and an educational center about the Arctic. But, after all, Tromsø is not merely the city of winter fun; it’s also the city of cozy cafés and bars. Make sure to drop in one to have a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer.

Population: 78,745.

Best things to do in Tromsø around Christmas:

• Catch the elusive northern lights on an aurora safari. Observe the beautiful phenomenon in one of the best places in Europe for that!
• Visit the iconic Arctic Cathedral and Polaria. Step foot in the extraordinary cathedral (and the city’s main attraction) and learn about the Arctic wildlife at Polaria.
• Have fun while trying all kinds of Arctic activities. Experience the thrill of dog or reindeer sledding, go snowmobiling or snow-skiing, and so much more what Tromsø has to offer!
• Take a Fjellheisen cable car to get panoramic views of Tromsø. Enjoy spectacular vistas from Storsteinen at an altitude of 421 meters above sea level (the cable car takes you there in just four minutes!).
• Witness the impressive Tromsø Ice Domes at Camp Tamok. Make a short trip from Tromsø to explore this amazing ice sculpture park (you can have all kinds of Arctic activities here).

 

Riga, Latvia

Riga must definitely be on the list of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Northern Europe. The Latvian capital can boast some of the most vibrant, fun-filled Christmas markets, especially the one at the Dome Square in Riga’s Old Town. There, you can try pīrāgi, small pastries filled with bacon and onion, enjoy warming drinks, and buy handcrafts. There is a more local, intimate Christmas market at Esplanade Park with a special focus on authentic Latvian crafts and foods.

Christmas is the time when Riga’s Old Town (beautiful any season) turns into a fantastic place straight from a fairy tale. And that’s the perfect time to walk those cobbled streets and explore the medieval part of the city adorned with Christmas decorations. Its highlight is the House of the Blackheads, which you can admire simply from the outside or pay a visit to see a Christmas performance.

As you walk Riga’s streets, don’t miss your chance to walk your way up to the tower of St. Peter’s Church and admire Latvia’s snow-dusted capital from high up. After all, you can learn about the local Christmas traditions at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. Or experience them first-hand by indulging in julebord, a traditional Christmas buffet that usually features grey peas with bacon, roasted pork, and gingerbread cookies.

Population: 605,273.

Best things to do in Riga around Christmas:

• Visit charming Christmas markets. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Dome Square Christmas Market (located in the heart of the Old Town) or go to a more local market at the Esplanade Park.
• Wander the streets of Riga’s snow-dusted Old Town. Explore Riga’s fairytale-like Old Town covered with snow and adorned with twinkling lights.
• Try to catch a performance at the House of the Blackheads. Admire Riga’s iconic building and, if you are lucky, visit one of the Christmas concerts held there.
• Enjoy panoramic views from the St. Peter’s Church Tower. Get an amazing perspective of snow-covered Riga from the tower of St. Peter’s Church.
• Learn about the Latvian Christmas traditions. Visit the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum and indulge in julebord, a traditional Latvian Christmas buffet.

 

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is another awesome destination for your short Christmas trip. Visit the charming Christmas market at Senate Square, which is a must-do in Finland’s capital. There, you can try delicious Finnish treats (such as joulutorttu, star-shaped pastries with plum jam), warm yourself up with glögi, and buy local crafts. Maybe you will even catch a glimpse of Joulupukki (Santa Claus)!

In winter, Esplanadi Park becomes a genuine winter wonderland, featuring an incredibly popular ice rink and attracting people from all over the city. It’s the perfect place to take in the Christmas atmosphere. If you want to find escape from the city’s festive noise, take a ferry and visit Suomenlinna, a historic island fortress that was originally built by the Swedes against the Russian threat. This defensive complex is home to several fascinating museums, such as the Suomenlinna Museum and Ehrensvärd Museum.

When it comes to exploring Helsinki, its iconic landmark is the Helsinki Cathedral, which becomes adorned with festive decorations around Christmas time. Located in the center of Senate Square, you can’t miss this neoclassical masterpiece when visiting the central Christmas market. Another captivating point of interest is the Temppeliaukio Church, a unique church that was carved into a solid rock.

But above all, Helsinki is a fun destination to go on a winter trip! It is known for its pikkujoulut, pre-Christmas parties with friends and colleagues. And, of course, how would you do without going to the classic Finnish sauna? After all, Christmas is a perfect time to relish delicious Finnish meals, such as laatikko (casseroles made with potatoes and carrots), rosolli (beetroot salad), and roasted ham. To sum it all up, Helsinki must definitely be on your radar for an exciting Christmas trip.

Population: 681,802.

Best things to do in Helsinki around Christmas:

• Enjoy the Christmas mood while visiting the market at Senate Square. Visit Finland’s largest Christmas market at the historic Senate Square and try Finnish treats, such as joulutorttu.
• Have some winter fun at Esplanadi Park. Go ice skating and enjoy the festive atmosphere in this winter wonderland.
• Take a ferry to the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress. Set out on a peaceful escape from the city and witness this amazing historical fortress.
• Visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and Temppeliaukio Church. Step foot in the snow-white Helsinki Cathedral, which is a symbol of the city, and the unique rock church.
• Experience Finnish Christmas traditions firsthand. Indulge in local Christmas foods, embrace pikkujoulut (pre-Christmas parties and gatherings), or go to a traditional Finnish sauna.

 

Vilnius, Lithuania

The Lithuanian capital concludes our list of the best Christmas holiday destinations in Northern Europe. And this exciting city has a lot to offer (just check out our guide to the holidays in Lithuania).

Once you find yourself in Vilnius in December, head to the Christmas market at Cathedral Square, which is a truly magic place with a towering, decorated Christmas tree. There, you will find countless wooden stalls selling local crafts, delicious treats, and warming drinks. If you are up for a more local, somewhat intimate experience, you can choose to go to the Town Hall Square Christmas market, where you can find more authentic Lithuanian products.

Christmas is the time when the Old Town of Vilnius takes on a festive look, becoming adorned with countless lights and decorations and covered with ever-renewing layers of snow. It is the ideal time to explore it, especially its main highlight – the Gates of Dawn and the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As you explore the Lithuanian capital, don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Gediminas’ Tower and admire the snow-covered city from above.

And, of course, December is the perfect time to learn and partake in the Lithuanian Christmas traditions. For starters, you can enjoy kūčios, a traditional Christmas dinner of 12 meals that symbolize the twelve apostles. Then, you can attend festive performances at the city’s most popular venues, including the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Vilnius Cathedral. And, at the end of the day, simply enjoy your stay and relish the best examples of Lithuanian cuisine.

Population: 605,270.

Best things to do in Vilnius around Christmas:

• Visit the city’s Christmas markets at Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the popular Christmas market at Cathedral Square or go for a more intimate feel at the Town Hall Square Christmas market.
• Explore Vilnius’ Old Town. Stroll the snowy streets of Old Town of Vilnius and visit the Gates of Dawn, a historical site where you can admire the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary decorated for Christmas.
• Learn about Lithuanian Christmas traditions. Have kūčios, a traditional Christmas dinner of 12 meatless meals, and attend festive performances at the city’s most popular venues.
• Get a spectacular view of the city from the Gediminas’ Tower. Climb the historic tower to get an incredible perspective of the snow-covered Vilnius.
• Enjoy traditional Lithuanian Christmas foods and treats. Indulge in delicious Lithuanian meals as kūčiukai (poppy seed pastries), kugelis (potato pudding), and silkė (herring); and, of course, top it all up with glögg.

 

Did you find our article about 10 best Christmas holiday destinations in Northern Europe useful? Check out our article about the Christmas traditions in Norway, too!

Share this post: