In the run-up to Christmas and New Year, the European capitals and all the cities have dressed up and are waiting for the visitors. From fairy-tale, classical Vienna and cosmopolitan London to more… alternative destinations such as Valkenburg in the Netherlands, there is definitely a travel proposal for all tastes.

Christmas equals Rovaniemi

In Finland’s Lapland, visitors can go to Santa’s Village all year round. However, the combination of snow and the festive atmosphere in the city as Christmas Day approaches, makes things seem even more magical.

Vienna – The ultimate fairytale atmosphere

Vienna

Christmas in the ornate Austrian atmosphere with the… imperial architecture is right out of The Nutcracker. And while the towering Christmas tree and iconic Christmas market outside the spectacular Rathaus, Vienna’s Town Hall, are must-see stops, the Spittelberg market is definitely worth a stroll.

Bruges, Belgium – Medieval architecture and gingerbread houses

Bruges

The UNESCO-protected medieval center of Bruges is filled with buildings that, when lit up with festive lights, look like fairytale gingerbread. Every year, the annual Winter Glow festival transforms the entire city into one big Christmas celebration.

There are two Christmas markets, a path of light and – best of all – a floating ice rink on Minnewater, the Lake of Love.

Valkenburg, Netherlands – Walk in the underground Christmas caves

Valkenburg

Valkenburg at Christmas offers its visitors everything that the usual European cities have: lights, trees, markets and plenty of gluhwein.

However, what makes it special is the fact that all of this is also… underground.

The Christmas Caves – markets of the city have become internationally known for their special atmosphere.

The largest Grotto of the Municipality hosts one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe.

Dating back to around the 11th or 12th century, Velvet Cave was used as a mine for the stone used to build Valkenburg Castle and as a shelter during World War II.

Gothenburg, Sweden – Frozen Christmas just like the Snow Queen

Gothenburg

Sweden’s ultimate Christmas city is full of festive surprises for those willing to venture north and brave the Nordic chill.

The main attraction is the Liseberg Christmas Market, located in a 100-year-old historic amusement park. Visitors can take endless strolls through an ‘icy’ white Christmas backdrop as well as sample delicacies from around the country such as pickled herring, reindeer and glögg spiced wine.

The three-kilometer Path of Light, with countless lanterns, stretches from Liseberg to the city’s harbor and is worth walking. In general, dress very well and enjoy endless walks.

Colmar, France – Dollhouse atmosphere in a magical setting

Colmar

There are many wonderful Christmas markets all over Europe. But few capture the imagination or amuse visitors as much as the fairy-tale markets of the fairy-tale Colmar, in Alsace, France – it was in this town that French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve inspired the setting for her story of Beauty and the Beast. Monster’ in this atmospheric city.

At least six markets are located in the center of the city, connected to each other by lighted streets and cozy wooden chalets to rest from the walks until the final fall.

Around 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, a children’s choir takes to the local canal, known as Petite Venise, or Little Venice, singing carols, making the atmosphere even more festive.

Tromso, Norway

Run away

This fairytale town in Norway, perched high above the Arctic Circle, offers plenty of winter magic this time of year.

During the festive season, when there is no daylight, the city becomes a must-see.

The streets are decorated with lights, while Christmas market stalls are scattered everywhere, including next to Macks Ølbryggeri, the northernmost brewery in the world.

By day visit the stunning arctic cathedral which hosts regular concerts and events.

In the evening take the cable car and climb above the city to admire the northern lights.

With information from CNN