10 Best Places To Visit In Europe This Christmas And New Year’s Eve

With the spirit of Christmas around and the approaching New Year, you can feel the festivity in the air. Ask anyone about a continent with some of the most breathtaking natural and man-made panoramas and Europe will be an immediate answer. And why not, the landscapes of Europe are dreamy and beyond expression. Pack your bags and head to Europe this year for a fitting farewell to the last year and a glorious welcome to the new year.

How Do Europeans Mesmerizingly Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is celebrated in December to mark the birthday of Jesus Christ. Christmas is important for Europeans. The festivities begin four weeks preceding the 25th of December. It marks the start of the Advent. After Advent, the Catholic nations celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas on 6th December. This can be noticed in those countries that celebrate Christmas the traditional way. The main day celebrations include being a part of the Midnight Mass and having a fulfilling meal with friends and family.

Most charming places to visit in Europe:

1.Rovaniemi, Lapland

Ever wondered how fun it would be to be at a place where Santa lives during Christmas? Rovaniemi will give you the exact idea and the true spirit of Christmas. With Santa Claus village only 8 km away, this place is alive and feels magical at the time of Christmas. The frosty landscapes and the brightly lit Christmas trees give you a feeling as if you have come to a fantasy land. There is no doubt that this place feels the most Christmassy. With an eclectic mix of winter sports such as reindeer sledding, snowmobile safaris, Northern lights tours, and a visit to the museum, the pink-hued vibrant Santa Claus village are some of the magnificent experiences you can enjoy in Rovaniemi during Christmas and New Year.

Must-have experiences : Meet Santa at the Santa Village, experience a Reindeer ride, tour the city with huskies, let northern lights charm you, explore the Arctic zoo, enjoy snowshoeing during Christmas, and more.
The temperature in December : An average of -11°C
Languages spoken : Finnish
Famous cuisine or food item : Bread Cheese

2.Copenhagen, Denmark

Rich in legends, this Danish capital city is brimming with lights, holy festive spirit and things to do in Italy during Christmas and New Year. The cozy and hygienic cafes offer a unique experience. The entire city is bedecked with Christmas decorations and special Christmas markets which gives the city a unique Christmas atmosphere. Visit the world-famous Tivoli gardens that is wrapped up in the magic of festivities.  This second oldest amusement park of the planet is decorated in Christmas spirit and is turned into a winter wonderland and little stalls selling Christmas stuffs and exciting rides pop up. Take a stroll along the beautiful Nyhavn water front, or take part in the Royal Copenhagen Christmas table tradition that’s 50 years old which features six designer tables with a story of its own. With multiple options to enjoy your Christmas and New Year, Copenhagen is one of the best places to visit in Europe.

Must-have experiences : Stroll through the majestic gardens of Tivoli, enjoy mulled wine at the unique Hotel d’Angleterre, go ice skating at Frederiksberg Have, dine at one of the Royal Copenhagen’s Christmas tables, and more.
Temperature in December : An average of 2°C
Languages spoken : Danish, English
Famous cuisine or food item : Durum Shawarma

3.Prague, Czech Republic

Popularly known as the most beautiful city in Europe and the world, Prague comes alive every new year. With clubs and bars filled with Party goers and the city filled with crowds of revellers there’s nowhere else you’d want to be. The Old town square and Wenceslas Square are the places where most of the fun takes place. The sky is filled with fireworks of all magnitude, with the best displays happening around Letna Gardens.

Must-have experiences : Experience dining with Mozart, shop till you drop in the best Christmas market at the Wenceslas Square, walk through the Old Town Square, savour the traditional Czech Christmas meal, and more.
Temperature in December : An average of 2°C
Languages spoken : Czech
Famous cuisine or food item : Trdelník

4.London, England

This is the city on which the Charles Dicken’s Christmas Story was based. And it won’t be an exaggeration to say that this is one of those European destinations where the Christmas spirit is the most fun to celebrate. With spectacular skating rinks, beautifully sung carols, and Victorian themed events you can have all the fun you want. Be it Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland or St. Pauls Cathedral, the amazing performances will win your hearts. Visit the Christmas Market at Tate Modern and go on binge eating the best of festive delicacies. With the entire city decorated in the festive spirit you are sure to have a memorable Christmas and New Year.

Must-have experiences : There are tons of things for you, starting from Christmas light witnessing, midnight mass at Westminster Abbey to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, and much more.
Temperature in December : An average of 6°C
Languages spoken : English, Bengali, Polish, Turkish, French and many more
Famous cuisine or food item : Fish & Chips

5.Paris, France

There’s no place like Paris. The city of love is bedecked and decorated for the eve of Christmas and New Year. The entire city glows in lights amid the snow that looks stunning. With open-air rinks, merry go-rounds, performances and Christmas markets. With Parisian restaurants putting together special Christmas and New Year menu, you will be spoilt for choices. Take your family and your loved ones this New Year to Paris and capture precious memories for life.

Must-visit experiences : Shop at the Christmas markets, Shimmering lights at the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral
Temperature in December : 3°C to 8 °C
Language spoken : French
Famous cuisine : Yule Loke sponge cake

6.Vienna, Austria

If you wish to visit a place that celebrates the eve of Christmas with elegance and grace, then its got to be Vienna. They have Christmas markets, the charm of old streets and café culture that exudes elegance. The imperial culture at the backdrop of beautiful nature makes it an experience in itself. Visit the snow globe museum or go ice skating on ice rink or attend any of the concerts for Christmas and New Year in beautiful churches and live the festive spirit.

Must-visit experiences : Capture Belvedere Palace in perfect light, taste the culinary delights served in the most creative forms, gulp down the Christmas punches called Weihnachtspunsch, take a hop on hop off bus tour in the evening, attend the nativity play at St. Peter’s Church, and more.
Temperature in December : An average of 3°C
Languages spoken : German
Famous cuisine or food item : Wiener Schnitzel

7.Rome, Italy

With festive season around the corner, Rome comes alive with holiday lights and historic surroundings. Soak in the beauty of historic ruins and the impressive spread of delicious dishes to savour. No wonder so many people apply for tourist visa to Italy in December. Enjoy the eve of Christmas and New Year in the lap of history, architecture, and love all over, only in the enchanting city of Rome.

Must-visit experiences :Visit the iconic Colosseum, historic streets of the Trastevere neighbourhood St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.
Temperature in December : 3°C to 13°C
Famous cuisine : Cacio e Pepe- a pasta dish

8. Amsterdam, Netherland

The Dutch city of Amsterdam is a beautiful town famous for its uniquely built houses, narrow roads, and streets made of shaped stones. The Amsterdam Light Festival will be lit in the city to welcome the fresh year. The HUSH centre hosts many parties and events including a unique silent disco. It seems unusual, but it does entertain partygoers. People celebrate and start their New Year’s Eve on the streets of Amsterdam. The best places to visit include Dam Square, the Nieuwmarkt, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein. In Dam Square, there are beer tents and live music. Different types of deep-fried sweet dough are available like oleibollen and appel beignets. Amongst the Dutch people, they consume oliebollen along with a glass of champagne on the eve of New Year’s to celebrate. Another way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is by buying an oudejaarslot in the Netherlands. On the day of New Year’s Eve, a lottery is organized where a special ticket containing the highest reward of the entire year can be won.

Must-have experiences : Attend the Amsterdam Light Festival, enjoy a special Canal Cruise, be a part of the Amsterdam Winter Parade at the Amsterdam RAI convention centre, experience the second Christmas Day or Boxing Day in Amsterdam, and more.
Temperature in December : An average of 4°C
Languages spoken : Dutch, English
Famous cuisine or food item : Stroopwafel

9. Berlin, Germany

A perfect time to visit Berlin is during New Year’s Eve. The city celebrates the last evening of the year with extreme happiness and fireworks.

If you want some quieter celebrations, dinner and a concert from Berlin Philharjson on New Year’s Eve could be an option. If you want to have dinner and drinks at one of the clubs here, you need to reserve a ticket online from the site of that club. Another method to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your loved ones is to go to the city’s official party at Brandenburg Gate. To celebrate the upcoming Silvester (New Year) in Berlin, the traditional way is to eat a Berliner donut which is filled with jelly.

Must-have experiences: Shopping at Gendarmenmarkt, Spandau and market outside Charlottenburg Palace
Temperature in December : Ranges between 0°C – 4°C
Languages spoken : German
Famous cuisine or food item : Currywurst

10. Brussels, Belgium

A way to spend your daytime in Brussels is to visit the Christmas market. There are more than 200 chalet stalls from where you can buy gluhwein, chocolate, and a lot of other items. You can enjoy the ride at the Ferris wheel and spend your time at the skating rink located nearby.

There is a variety of music styles and mood options available in the evening. If you want to have lunch from a traditional Belgian restaurant, I’m up for it. You can try La fin de siècle, Viva M’boma or la porteuse d’eau to taste traditional Belgian dishes such as stoemp, Flamish carbonades, and vol-au-vent. Humus & Hortense is one of the well-known restaurants to enjoy a cruelty-free meal. This restaurant is located in Brussels and is awarded a green Michelin star. If you want to have a taste of the best DJs from the hip-hop, rap, hardcore, trance, and techno sectors, and certainly the best way to end 2021 and start 2022, head to Paleis 12 for the 6th edition of the FUCKNYE festival.

In addition to this, the city also contains Belgian pubs where people can celebrate New Year’s Eve party together. To have the best taste of Belgian fries in Brussels, visitors should stop at Monk Café, Café Central, and Le Coq.

The Atomium is one of the best places to be if you want to enjoy fireworks and make the most out of your evenings.

On the day of New Year, in Brussels public transport is free this is so helpful to move to and from different areas of the city.

Must-have experiences : Adore the huge Christmas tree at the Grand Palace, witness the soul-stirring light and music show, go skating at the Marché aux Poissons, don’t miss out on savouring the best beef stew in town, treat your sweet tooth with some chocolate waffles at the Christmas markets of Place Sainte-Catherine, and more.
Temperature in December : An average of 5°C
Languages spoken : French, Flemish
Famous cuisine or food item : Moules-Frites

New Year In Europe: Top Tips For A Successful Trip

• If you are applying for a Schengen visa then having valid travel insurance is necessary.
• Create a travel itinerary and inquire about important details whether you need a Schengen visa or not. Also, your travel plan must include the duration of your stay. The documents like flight and hotel bookings must be with you.
• The European travel rules have been revised. The 63 nationalities that did not require a visa to enter the Schengen zone now need to apply for ETIAS. An email address and passport are required to apply. Also, the non-refundable ETIAS fees need to be paid through debit and credit cards.

Conclusion

There can be innumerable places in the world but nothing like Europe. Don’t believe us? See it for yourself. Book a Europe trip today and enjoy a world of beauty, fascination, charm, and ecstasy.

FAQs about Best Places to Visit in Europe