If you’re more likely to be hibernating than planning a city break in the middle of winter, think again – because there are some places which are at their best in the coldest months, especially if you want to swap grey clouds and slush for the best snowy city breaks in Europe.
Whether you’ve got your sights set on somewhere with a fantastic Christmas market or a winter city break that’s straight from a fairytale, there are plenty of destinations to tempt you – just bring your scarf, gloves and fur-lined boots too.
Tallinn, Estonia
We visited the Estonian capital in May when the sun was shining and the Old Town of Tallinn was one of the prettiest old cities I’ve ever wandered around.
In winter it can be bitterly cold, but with snow all but guaranteed during the winter, the picturesque architecture could be the fairytale setting for the Snow Queen.
Because the roads in the centre are pedestrianised, it’s made for wandering slowly around, marvelling at the medieval buildings, sliding along the remains of the old walls.
And if you visit towards the start of winter, there’s a Christmas market which usually runs from mid November to early January.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
One of Europe’s most overlooked city breaks, Ljubljana is one of my own personal favourites – another city with a pedestrianised old town, some highly decorative bridges and dragons popping up all over the place, it’s great to wander around.
From October the cafes which line the river bank break out the overhead heaters and blankets to go with the mulled wine (red and white!) so you can enjoy the views of the boats without freezing.
The main square has markets throughout the year, including some great food to be bought but at Christmas you’ll find markets taking place at multiple locations around the city.
There’s usually snow at some point during winter too, although if you want to be sure, you’ll need to head to the Julian Alps a couple of hours away.
Prague, Czech Republic
Unlike some cities with one eye-catchingly lovely old quarter, Prague has several, not to mention the wonderful Charles Bridge connecting them – narrowly beating off Brno for my Czech pick as a result.
Wandering from the bustle of the Old Town square where the 600-year-old astronomical clock still draws the crowds to the castle quarter, where the castle itself looms from the top of the hill next to St Vitus cathedral is as spectacular under the blue skies of winter as the cloudless ones of summer (although probably not much less crowded).
Don’t miss walking around the historic Jewish quarter too, home to the oldest active synagogue in Europe, as well as a string of other beautiful synagogues making up the Jewish museum.
If you visit in December, the Christmas market comes to the Old Town square as well for an added festive touch – this year, it’s set to run from November 30 until January 6, 2025.
Throw in traditional food that’s perfect for keeping out the cold, and perhaps a day trip to Cesky Krumlov and it’s a perfect winter escape.
Sibiu, Romania
Somewhere that’s still on my own personal city break list, Sibiu is one of Romania’s prettiest cities and somewhere which seems made for a winter city break.
With cobbled streets winding under medieval towers, Christmas sees one of Romania’s most colourful markets come to Sibiu, with light galore and a strong Viennese influence – due to take place from November 15 to December 26, 2024.
Because the city is set between three groups of mountains in Transylvania, white Christmases are common too, so it’s ideal for a snowy city break.
If you’re thinking of Dracula hunting, Vlad the Impaler’s son, Prince Mihnea the Bad is buried in the Cathedral of St Mary’s, plus you can take a day trip to Brasov.
There’s plenty more beyond the legendary figure to discover as you explore Sibiu and its historic streets too.
Krakow, Poland
Another picture postcard pretty city, Krakov’s medieval heart is usually dusted with snow from December to March so it’s a great option if you’re looking for snowy city breaks (although this is one city that’s tempting year-round, so keep it in mind as one of the best autumn destinations in Europe too).
The Christmas market takes place in the huge main square which was laid out in the 12th century.
Whenever you visit, head to the Cloth Hall for some souvenir shopping including sheepskin lined gloves: the Renaissance building is one of the world’s earlier shopping malls.
Keep warm with a walk to the castle, old university and around the historic Jewish quarter as well – you can also join a walking tour of Krakow to see the highlights.
Budapest, Hungary
Winter can be surprisingly cold in the Hungarian capital – but with everything from thermal baths to several different Christmas markets, there’s something to cheer up even the chilliest day.
Get your bearings with a walking tour of Budapest to discover the twin cities – Buda and Pest – which make up the capital.
Don’t miss a traditional chimney cake as you wander around – you’ll need the energy to discover all of Budapest’s Christmas markets (there’s even a special Christmas market walking tour to make sure you don’t miss any)
The best-known market is on Vörösmarty Square, but for plenty of traditional festive food, head to Erzsébet Square.
Check out the entertainment at the fair in front of St Stephen’s Basilica too (including an ice rink that’s free for kids) along with the light show or discover Hungarian culture at Városháza Park.
Then warm up at the thermal baths: there are several in the city but the Szechenyi Baths are open at Christmas itself, with two open air thermal pools and 15 indoor ones. Or you could skate in the shadow of the castle instead.
Copenhagen, Denmark
If your heart’s set on snow, there’s less than you might expect in this part of Scandinavia – but the people who invented hygge know how to do winter properly.
The Tivoli Gardens reopens for the Christmas season with the pumpkins and ghoulish touches of Halloween replaced by sparkling lights, wooden houses decorated with pine branches and around 60 stalls making up the Christmas market.
The gardens are decorated with over 70,000 Christmas baubles and more than 1,000 Christmas trees covered in lights too, as well as a projection show on the concert hall facade.
Plus Santa Claus and his reindeer will also be there if you can’t make it all the way to Lapland – get skip the line tickets to Tivoli Gardens here
For more festive spirit, there’s also a Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv.
Ghent, Belgium
It was a tough choice between including Bruges or Ghent – not least because, if I’m honest, neither of these gets a huge amount of snow (although it gets cold enough for the canals to freeze if you want a frosty festive experience).
But they are particularly wonderful at Christmas – and while Bruges has the chocolate, it also gets more of the crowds.
Medieval Ghent, which is so well preserved that it’s doubled for the 15th century in various TV shows, all but transforms as Christmas approaches.
With more than 150 wooden market stalls spread out in the old city centre, you feel you’ve walked back in time and into a Christmas story.