When it comes to popular Christmas destinations in Europe most of us imagine chocolate box German towns, or the dreaming spires of Prague.
A recent report by ForwardKeys has shown some surprising choices for long haul visitors arriving into Europe this winter. So if you’re looking for a European Christmas break with a difference, there could be some inspiring options on this list.
The survey shows the European destinations with the biggest growth in flight bookings from outside the EU economic area. If you’re based in Europe, making a quick break to Bruges or doing some last minute Christmas shopping in Koln is always an option with those many budget flights.
But, arrivals from China, the Far and Middle East and the Americas show some interesting choices. Much of this is down to the introduction of new intercontinental routes or cheap flight offers.
So what are the most popular European Christmas destinations by growth this year?
1. Helsinki, Finland
Heading to Lapland is a Christmas tradition, so perhaps it’s no surprise that Finland is in the top choices for European Christmas destinations. In fact, Helsinki has seen nearly 30% growth in international bookings for the coming Christmas season. The city has a strong Christmas offering, including festive markets, lights and activities like ice skating.
Although snow isn’t guaranteed, there is a higher chance of a white Christmas this far north. But you’ll definitely need to pack your cold weather gear! Average daytime temperatures hover between 1c and -4c (24 ish for those who do fahrenheit).
2. Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian capital has been a darling destination for a few years now, so there is little surprise that she has seen a surge in Christmas bookings. With beautiful architecture, hot spas and lots of rich warming cuisine, Budapest is seeing growth of just over 29% for international arrivals this festive season.
The reason for Budapest’s new popularity is most likely down to direct connections to the USA and Middle East. If you’re looking for a magical Christmas break, Budapest still has that Olde Worlde charm and is also one of Europe’s most affordable big city breaks.
3. Bucharest, Romania
Keeping it in the east, Bucharest has seen a climb of just over 28% in Christmas visitors for 2019-2020. The Romanian capital hosts a huge Christmas market and a whole smorgasbord of festive events from parades to Santa’s grottoes. It might not seem like an obvious choice, but there is definitely festive magic in the air in Bucharest.
Another reason why this might climb quickly onto best European Christmas destination lists is the good value for money. Romania still doesn’t have the Euro and is one of the cheapest places to visit and travel around in Europe.
One more selling point for Bucharest: The chances of a white Christmas are high!
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Fans of sunshine rejoice! Although you probably won’t be sitting on the beach on Christmas day, you could be sitting on the terrace with your sunglasses on enjoying an exotic Christmas dinner. International arrivals to Lisbon are up 27% for Christmas this year, boosted by an Asiana connection to Seoul.
This hilly city is one of the most charming capital cities in Europe, with colourful houses, rickety old trams and a vibrant street culture. Christmas in Portugal is more of a family and cultural thing than the markets and snow of northern Europe.
But if you want to keep the chill away, Lisbon might be one of the best European Christmas destinations.
5. Porto, Portugal
Just a short hop up the Iberian coastline, Porto offers a slightly more sedate version of the capital city. It’s smaller and with less of a buzz, but don’t let that put you off…! There is still incredible food, lots of beautiful architecture and plenty of nightlife (and great wine).
The 26% boost to Christmas bookings comes mostly from a new connection to Sao Paulo in Brazil.
Although you’re likely to see a sunny Christmas, temperatures rarely climb higher than the mid teens in Portugal in December. Bring a warm coat AND your sunglasses.
6. Athens, Greece
Another option for winter sun, Athens has seen a 22% increase in Christmas bookings for 2019/20, thanks to a new direct Boston and NYC connection.
You probably won’t be on the beach, with temperatures hovering around the low to mid teens for most of December. But Athens does see some beautiful lights, Christmas markets and lots of festive events for the whole family. Fancy wandering the Acropolis on Christmas Day? Or enjoying a few ouzos in a taverna overlooking the Aegean sea? It’s certainly a tempting alternative to the cold of northern Europe.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Onto more familiar festive destination territory, Denmark has been a popular European Christmas destination for many a year. With new connections to the USA, the Danish capital is picking up with 18% in new bookings, where Stockholm has lost out with around 22% less.
Pretty Copenhagen has lots to offer the festive visitor, including the popular Tivoli Gardens (a theme park in the heart of the city), as well as colourful architecture and great food.
Despite being cold, your chances of a white Christmas are slim. But if you’re choosing Copenhagen this Christmas, definitely bring a warm coat and hat!
8. Madrid, Spain
Barajas Airport in Madrid is fast becoming one of the major hubs for airlines into Europe. This makes it the perfect stage for AirAsia’s return to the continent, with flights from Sydney to Madrid for $199 selling out in record time.
Madrid is also seeing new connections to both the USA and South America, making the Spanish capital a great gateway for travellers and a tempting Christmas destination. In fact, international bookings for 2019/20 are up 18% on the previous year.
Sunny in Spain? In December, in Madrid, not so much. But you will get to enjoy the Christmas lights, enjoy delicious festive treats like turron and churros, and soak up the splendour of one of Europe’s most dynamic capital cities.
9. Prague, Czechia
Never mind Christmas, Prague is popular all year round. With new connections to Russia and the USA starting in late 2019, the Czech capital has seen an extra 16.5% in festive bookings.
With countless spires and probably one of the most beautiful medieval old towns in Europe (possibly the world), it’s easy to understand Prague’s appeal. And, as popular European Christmas destinations go, it’s a reliable option. You’ll find plenty of Christmas markets, sparkling lights and plenty of places for a warming drink…
A white Christmas in Prague is a possibility, although not 100%. It will be guaranteed to be cold though with temperatures struggling to get above 5c in the day.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Like Madrid, Amsterdam is a European flight hub, so the annual growth of 14.4% in tourism visitors is no surprise. Those canals look beautiful in the winter light and there is lots to do for festive visitors to Amsterdam including Christmas markets and ice skating in front of the Rijksmuseum.
When it gets too cold, head to one of the many beautiful bars and cafes next to canal, find an epic party or enjoy many of the family events in the city.
Other Popular European Christmas Destinations
Although this list highlights the growth in international (i.e; non EU) tourist visitors to European destinations over the festive season, the actual most poplar destination list looks a little different. This list is the amount of tourist bookings, per city, by market share.
- London
- Paris
- Rome
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Frankfurt
- Amsterdam
- Lisbon
- Milan
- Munich
You can take a look at the full report by ForwardKeys on their site.
If you’re thinking of booking a Christmas getaway, check out our handy widgets below. We’ve also recommended several other partners throughout this article, who all offer great deals to the listed destinations. Have a browse and see what you can find!
Our recommended flight booking partner is Skyscanner.
If you’re looking to compare hotels, Airbnbs and hostels you can’t beat Trivago. Check out the latest Christmas hotel deals on the widget below.
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