Christmas in Europe!

12/14/25- 12/20/25

I take Christmas time very seriously, so when I had the chance to spend my first week off of school traveling around Europe to see some of the world’s best Christmas markets that was an offer I couldn’t pass up. On this trip, I knew I wanted to experience the magic of Christmas with none other than the only other person in this world that loves Christmas more than I do… my Dad.

Riverwalk in Strasbourg, France

Our ambitious tendencies showed through our itinerary of this trip given that we had gave ourselves approximately seven days to visit three countries and seven of their major cities. In order to prepare for this trip, I scoured the internet for the ‘best Christmas markets in all of Europe.’ Eventually I was able to narrow down our trip to markets that resided in Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Germany

Our first three stops of the trip led us to Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Munich in Germany. Being concise in comparing these three places, Nuremberg won over our hearts a lot quicker than Frankfurt or Munich did.

Fireplace at Frankfurt Christmas market

Although entertaining, Frankfurt’s market and overall vibe felt to lack a certain kind of European appeal that many past cities I have visited had. I loved the common areas that filled the markets as they gave a warm sense of belonging while standing next to the fire pits. There were fantastic markets full of homemade goodies and traditional decorations, but when put side by side next to Nuremberg, the two cities almost seemed incomparable.

Illuminated Christmas tree in front of Frauenkirche Church

Nuremberg, on the other hand, felt as close as you could get to an authentic European town. It was full of cobblestone streets, plenty of Christmas lights, and multiple towering pieces of architecture that made me feel like I was being brought back in time. The history that Nuremberg holds is very apparent when walking through it’s cozy streets. When I am traveling, I particularly appreciate towns such as this one more becuase not only do they cater to my modern- day wants of entertaining Christmas markets, but I can enjoy them while being surrounded by reminders of how ancient towns like this truly are.

Pink lights at Pink Christmas Munich

Our final stop in Germany was to Munich. I thoroughly enjoyed Munich becuase it had very origianl things that I had never seen before. It felt authentic, originally, and entertaining. For starters, every day at noon there is a life- sized figurine show on the Glockenspiel clock in the main square that lasts about five minutes. In addition, Munich has a sub section of their Christmas markets dedicated to promoting an inclusive LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere called Pink Christmas. Pink Christmas is known for subverting old- fashioned Christmas traditions by decking their booths out with bright pink lights and modern day Christmas music. Having a unique experience such as this in Munich made me appreciate their alternative ways of celebrating and spreading Christmas cheer.

Switzerland

Switzerland, in my opinion, has some of the most impressive architecture that I feel encapsulates the true Christmas spirit. However, despite the ambiance that comes with such qualities, the towns we visited didn’t quite live up to our expectations in regard of their Christmas markets.

Carousel ride in Basel, Switzerland

Our time spent in Basel was short lived. This was not only because I had been here before the previous year, but also because we felt as though we were able to see everything within a three hour time spam. Other than the Christmas markets, there didn’t seem to be many additional aspects of Basel that would make it a place to stay more than a couple of days. Given we were only there for one day, but that felt as though it were plenty of time to gather a good feeling of what Basel had to offer. I will say Basel is a great place to kill time if that is what you are looking for, since it has a lovely riverwalk area that stretches across the entirety of the city.

Our other stop in Switzerland was Zurich, and I will say if you are looking for a Christmas destination with markets that have a very wide range of food options more so than decorative booths, this is the place for you. Personally, I didn’t find much of the city to have the kind of bustle of Christmas that I was looking from, but I was easily able to overlook that expectation once I saw a line of international food booths lined up outside one of the markets.

France

Christmas lights on the streets of Strasbourg, France

France may very well be the capital of Christmas. Not only is Strasbourg, France advertised as that, but after being there it is safe to say that not only is Strasbourg a central spot for Christmas, but Colmar is as well.

Strasbourg was decked to the brim with Christmas lights. Every single street, alleyway, corner, twist and turn seemed to have more and more lights illuminating your path at all hours of the day. Advertised as the capital of Christmas I honestly expected nothing less, and they delivered. The decorations distracted from the small number of Christa’s markets. There was a main square right outside the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg that had many interesting trinkets, but a majority of Strasbourg’s reputation for Christmas capital seemed to ride on its decorations rather than interactive Christmas festivities.

Christmas lights on Colmar’s storefront buildings

Finally, we made our way to Colmar, and this town is absolutely a 10/10. I had been to Colmar the year before and loved it just as much then as I did now. Only this time, it was better since the Christmas markets were up and running. I would argue that Colmar should be in competition with Strasbourg for the title of ‘ Capital of Christmas,’ but I believe it has been given to Strasbourg simply because more people know about it. I have no complaints about Colmar being more unknown becuase part of its charm is that there is not a grand influx of tourists. There is a simplicity and quietness to Colmar that many European cities and towns do not posses anymore, especially during this time of year.

Colorful homes lining the streets of Colmar

Colmar has been, and I believe it may always be, one of my favorite places ever to visit. I mean, what’s not to love about a colorful, off the beaten path town sitting delicately on a French river? Colmar genuinely feels like you are being transported into a fairytale with it’s colorful, pastel homes, bright storefronts, and authentic food stalls everywhere you turn. If you are an avid Christmas lover, then there is no better destination for you to visit than Colmar.

All in all, every city, in and of itself, has beautiful qualities that are incomparable to the rest. The strengths of some trump the weaknesses of others, and vice versa. In my analyses I was purely making my observations and opinions based on how each city expressed Christmas time.

If you’re interested in seeing more about all fo these places, watch my YouTube video linked below!