Hello explorers! 
This winter, get ready to visit the places where Christmas lights aren’t just decorations, but are a part of the way the town breathes, places where hot wine actually warms your hands, not just your Instagram stories.
These are the six Christmas and winter destinations you really don’t want to skip. Think fairy-tale towns, mountain snow, and one straight-up Santa hometown.
Slide in and see which one your December self belongs in!
1. Transylvania, Romania
In Transylvania, you get something unusual for Europe in winter: medieval towns that feel atmospheric, not overcrowded. Sibiu, Brașov, and the villages around Bran Castle lit up with warm lanterns, chimney cakes stalls, and locals actually shopping at their own markets – not just tourists. Christmas market trips around Transylvania now bundle several towns together, so you see more than just one square with a tree.
Best things to do in Transylvania
- Wander Sibiu’s main square after dark, when the Christmas lights reflect off the snow.
- Day-trip to Bran Castle for winter views over the Carpathian hills.
- Warm up with kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and hot mulled wine at Brașov’s market.
why choose Transylvania now?
December here feels festive but still local. Prices are lower than Western Europe, markets run through Advent, and snow is common in the higher towns, so you actually get that “storybook white Christmas” look without fighting huge crowds.
2. Tatra Mountains, Slovakia & Poland
The Tatra Mountains are where you go when you want a real snow escape but the Alps feel too familiar (or expensive). On the Polish side, Zakopane sits under a wall of peaks; on the Slovak side, small villages and cable cars take you right into the High Tatras.
Best things to do in winter in the Tatra Mountains
- Ski or snowboard during the day, then hit the wooden taverns in Zakopane at night.
- Take a cable car in the Slovak High Tatras for short winter hikes with big views.
- Spend an evening in thermal baths near Zakopane or Poprad, snow outside, steam inside.
why the Tatras is special?
The Tatra region is seeing more people choose it as a cheaper alternative to the Alps, but it’s still far from “overrun.” You get proper snow, proper mountains, and a mix of Polish and Slovak culture in one trip.
Pro tip: If you’re skiing near Zakopane, aim for Monday–Thursday; Polish school holidays make Saturdays packed. Check Polish holiday dates before you book.
3. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges turns into a full medieval snow globe in winter. Cobblestone streets, canals, and gabled houses are layered with lights and garlands. From late November 2025 to early January 2026, the Winter Glow festival takes over the city with markets, a light trail, and seasonal food everywhere.
Best things to do in Bruges
- Browse the Christmas markets at Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein as they’re the heart of Winter Glow.
- Follow the Winter Glow Light Experience Trail after dark to see Bruges’ monuments lit in completely different ways.
- Warm up with waffles, spiced biscuits, and Belgian hot chocolate between canal walks.
what makes Bruges a perfect spot?
For a compact city break, Bruges is perfect: you can walk almost everywhere, the markets run from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, and the Winter Glow light installations make even a random Tuesday night feel festive.
4. Sölden, Austria
Sölden is where people who actually like skiing go for Christmas, two glaciers, high-altitude slopes, and a season that stretches from autumn into spring. The village itself is small but busy, with après-ski bars, mountain restaurants, and a very efficient lift system feeding into the huge ski area.
Best things to do in winter in Sölden
- Ski both glacier areas, Rettenbachferner and Tiefenbachferner, for amazing views.
- Ride the lifts just for the panoramas, even if you’re a beginner.
- Spend a non-ski day at the nearby Aqua Dome thermal spa, especially on a snow day.
why choose Sölden now?
For winter 2025/26, Sölden’s glacier and winter ski areas are scheduled to run right through the core of the season, with winter ski operations typically opening from mid-November. That means good snow reliability if you’re planning a December or early-season Christmas ski trip.
Pro Tips: In peak weeks, English-speaking instructors sell out fast; comparing ski-school reviews before booking can save you both money and frustration.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of those places that already feels like a movie set – winter just adds lights, food smells and choirs. From 29 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, the Christmas markets fill Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with wooden stalls, roasted chestnuts, and cups of svařák (Czech mulled wine).
Best things to do in winter
- Drift between the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets.
- Try trdelník and grilled sausages at the food stalls while watching the tree lighting.
- Join an evening walking tour that includes viewpoints over the lit-up castle and river.
why choose Prague in Winter?
Prague’s markets run right through New Year, so you can do a Christmas trip, a NYE trip, or both in one go. Because multiple smaller markets run in different squares, you can escape the main crowds without leaving the city centre.
6. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa, home to Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, and a base for chasing the Northern Lights, reindeer safaris, and snow activities.
Best things to do in winter
- Visit Santa Claus Village for the post office, Santa meet-and-greet, and crossing the Arctic Circle line.
- Book a Northern Lights chase on a clear night.
- Try dog-sledding, snowmobiling, or reindeer sleigh rides in the surrounding forests.
Winter special – why choose Rovaniemi?
It’s the ultimate “bucket list Christmas trip” and the 2025 season is likely to be busy again thanks to new routes and media buzz around Santa Claus Village. You get reliable snow, well-organised tours, and that “I actually went to the North Pole (almost)” feeling.
Your Turn!
The snow is waiting, and the lights are already on. This year, make your winter travel story count. Which of these six incredible destinations are you booking? Let us know in the comments!
Happy exploring! 