From Christmas magic to snowy escapes: 10 of Europe’s best winter travel destinations

Dotted with historical cities, rich culture and spectacular nature, Europe is packed with exciting places for short breaks and longer adventures during the winter season.

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Christmas markets bring light and bustle to historic squares, while snow transforms mountain villages and forest trails. Beyond the festive season, there are thermal baths to linger in, museums to explore and ski slopes to tackle, with plenty of reasons to plan a trip well into the new year.

From soaking up the sun in Spanish coastal towns to chasing the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland, here we pick out 10 of the best winter destinations to explore across the continent.

For skiing and mountain views: Zermatt, Switzerland

This year, Zermatt was No.1 on Trip.com’s ranking of Europe’s top 50 ski resorts. Nestled in Switzerland’s German-speaking section of the Canton of Valais, Zermatt is described as a “skier’s paradise” with up to 360 kilometres of pistes across the linked Swiss-Italian ski area. Against a backdrop of Alpine peaks, ski lifts can reach the 3,883m-high Klein Matterhorn peak and skiing is possible year-round.

For train lovers, you can arrive in Zermatt by taking an iconic Alpine journey from St. Moritz. Known as the "slowest express train in the world", the Glacier Express is a great way to get to Zermatt, with a journey lasting about eight hours and covering 291 kilometres. The scenic route through the Swiss Alps features stunning views of valleys, mountains and picturesque villages.

For winter walks and snowy landscapes: Seefeld, Austria

The Seefeld region in Tyrol, Austria, is about 25 kilometres northwest of Innsbruck. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can explore 142 kilometres of groomed winter hiking trails. Routes wind through forests, valleys and the broad plateau, with mountain huts offering warming refreshments along the way.

For an atmospheric evening stroll, follow the 1.8-kilometre "100,000 Lights Path" past glowing installations and the illuminated Seekirchl chapel.

Those seeking a longer adventure can tackle the Seefeld High Plateau Winter Multi-day Hike, covering around 65 kilometres over five days. Linking the region’s five villages, its stages take in lakes, woodland and mountain views, while allowing walkers to return to the same accommodation each night, using public transport to reach their daily starting points.

For Christmas magic: Strasbourg, France

With its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Strasbourg is always charming, no matter what time of year. In winter, however, it comes into its own as the “Capital of Christmas”. A festive market has been held here since 1570, and hundreds of colourfully decorated stalls are scattered through the streets and squares of Grande Île, the city’s historic island centre.

Twinkling lights also glitter over the River Ill and along the banks of narrow canals threading past 400-year-old half-timbered buildings. Head to Place Kléber to see Strasbourg’s huge Christmas tree or try local specialities like bredeles (traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuits) and vin chaud (hot wine mulled with fruit).

For winter sunshine: Andalucía, Spain

Andalucía’s Mediterranean coastline and 300 days of sunshine per year make it an ideal choice for winter sun holidays. In the cooler season, you'll share top attractions like Granada’s Alhambra, the iconic 13th-century walled Moorish palace, with fewer tourists.

Winter is also a great time for sightseeing in cities like Seville, where midsummer temperatures can reach 40C. Explore landmarks such as the Palacio de las Dueñas, with its eye-catching colonnades and arches, or sip sangria at outdoor cafes under the winter sun.

Over Christmas, towns and cities across the region are decked with festive lights. And while you’re unlikely to see snow on the Costa del Sol, the Sierra Nevada National Park some 30 kilometres east of Granada offers white-capped peaks and winter sports.

For the Northern Lights: Abisko, Sweden

Deep in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Abisko is one of the best places in the world to take in the Northern Lights. Its inland, lakeside location north of the Arctic Circle is right in the middle of the “auroral zone”, boosting your chances of witnessing the spectacular phenomenon.

To see the sky glow in ethereal greens, blues, pinks and purples, take a tour into light pollution-free Abisko National Park during wintertime, or take a chairlift ride up to the mountaintop Aurora Sky Station observation centre.

Abisko has plenty more to offer visitors as well. Go husky-dog sledding through forests, ride a snowmobile over frozen lakes or learn about traditional Sámi culture and reindeer-herding traditions.

For waterfall walks and lush forests: Madeira, Portugal

With mild winter weather and green landscapes, Madeira offers a different kind of seasonal escape. This Portuguese Atlantic island is home to UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest, where ancient trees cloak steep valleys. Follow paths beside the island’s levadas, traditional water channels, to discover waterfalls and secluded corners of the interior.

The popular Levada das 25 Fontes leads to a lagoon fed by cascading springs, while Levada do Rei takes walkers through dense vegetation to Ribeiro Bonito, a peaceful forest sanctuary.

Pack waterproofs and sturdy walking shoes, and check official trail conditions and reserve your entry slot before setting out; advance booking is mandatory for Madeira’s classified walking routes, with access fees generally applying.

For chocolate and canals: Bruges, Belgium

The tiny medieval trading port of Bruges is criss-crossed with narrow canals spanned by arched footbridges and lined with tall, thin buildings. Beautiful throughout the year, Bruges ramps up the romance each winter with pretty Christmas markets and plenty of places to enjoy a warming cup of hot chocolate.

Belgian chocolate is famous for a reason, and Bruges is one of the best places to try it. It’s no exaggeration to say that you’ll find some of Europe’s tastiest offerings here. Stock up on handmade treats at favourites like The Old Chocolate House, Olivier’s Chocolate Shop, or Chocolates & Happiness. Add in a dash of history with a trip to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a relic traditionally believed to contain Christ’s blood.

For ancient monuments and fewer crowds: Athens, Greece

The big draw of visiting Athens in winter is that there are far fewer crowds compared with the busy summer season. You can stroll relatively peacefully through world-famous landmarks like the Acropolis, a walled complex containing grand Ancient Greek structures like the Parthenon.

Winter days in the Greek capital can be mild, although rain and colder spells are possible. Armed with an umbrella, wander past vibrant street art in the modern centre and devote any especially wet days to the fascinating museums. Top picks include the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum.

For thermal baths: Budapest, Hungary

Add twinkling lights and a dusting of snow to Budapest’s romantic architecture and it becomes even more magical. Hungary's capital is also famous for its Christmas markets that spring up during the festive season. Head to Vörösmarty Square for some of Budapest’s best traditional local foods, like lángos (a deep-fried flatbread) and kürtőskalács (a sweet pastry covered in sugar).

The city’s thermal springs come into their own in cold weather, so don’t miss the spas, sauna rooms and multiple pools at the neo-Baroque Széchenyi Baths. Once you’re feeling thoroughly relaxed, lace up a pair of skates for laps of the Városligeti Műjégpálya outdoor ice rink, one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.

For music lovers: Vienna, Austria

No other city is quite as synonymous with classical sounds as Vienna. Music history thrums through the Austrian capital’s Baroque streets and grand architecture. To immerse yourself in Vienna’s musical heritage, explore museums dedicated to Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert or visit historic concert halls.

Winter is also ball season, so spending an evening whirling to Viennese waltzes is one of the city’s most unmissable experiences. The coldest months are a busy period in Vienna’s concert calendar: look out for performances at the State Opera House and other venues.