Nowhere does festive charm quite like mainland Europe. The north of the continent is the ideal location for those searching for a perfect winter wonderland.

Visit this underrated European capital for a holiday market experience unlike anywhere else. It even has a Christmas tree tradition that dates back to 1441!

Cities across Europe hold Christmas Markets every year - with tens of millions of people descending on city centres across the continent. However, perhaps nowhere takes it more seriously than Cologne, with the German city's Christmas attractions bringing more than four million visitors into the city in the run up to December 25.

Excitingly, that’s now the case for Vilnius, Lithuania’s charming capital city. The Christmas Cities Network has named it the European Capital of Christmas for 2025, citing its ‘dazzling displays, iconic Christmas Tree, and rich programme of events’.

From festive markets to new cultural experiences, find out why Americans are leaving behind their local traditions to celebrate this iconic holiday in Europe.

From the most-awarded Advent Basilica Budapest to the 2025 Best Christmas Market in Gdansk, these are the 'all star' Christmas markets from European Best Destinations.