Top 10 Travel Destinations for a Dreamy Christmas Escape in 2023

October’s well underway, marking the first sightings of Christmas countdowns and internet memes about Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is you”! As the air starts turning crisp and before the streets begin to twinkle with festive lights, this is the perfect time for you to start planning your upcoming Christmas getaway. In this article, we'll explore 10 fascinating, festive travel destinations around the world that promise an unforgettable winter vacation experience this upcoming Christmas season.

With one of the oldest and most visited Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg, the second biggest city in Bavaria after Munich, could not be missing from this list. Nuremberg’s so-called Christkindlesmarkt (roughly translating to “Christ Child’s Market”) dates as far back as the early 17th century and incorporates individual traditions and elements originating back to the 15th century.

During the 4 weeks of Advent leading to Christmas, the city’s main square dominated by the Frauenkirche church transforms into the ultimate festive wonderland. The highlight is the opening speech by the Christkind (Christ’s Child), impersonated by a local girl between the age of 16 and 19 that is chosen every two years by an appointed jury.

Did you know? Among other things, Nuremberg’s Christmas Market stalls sell traditional Nuremberg Bratwurst sausages, which have been synonymous to the city’s culinary traditions for over 700 years!

2023 Christmas market dates: Dec 1 - Dec 24, 2023

Historically a connecting point between the Slavic and Germanic cultures of central Europe, it’s no surprise that Wroclaw organizes one of the most renowned Christmas markets in the world. The city’s main Market square (Rynek) is the heart of the festivities, however decorations and stalls spread around in other nearby areas, such as the Salt Square (Plac Solny) and a couple of nearby streets.

Wroclaw’s festive atmosphere seems to overtake almost the whole city center, spreading all the way to the Oder river and many of the small streets and alleys. Both Polish and foreign delicacies can be found at the stalls, from mulled wine and pierogi to Spanish churros and Turkish grill! There’s also a lot of activities for kids available, such as a fairytale forest, carousel, and other theme park-style attractions.

Did you know? The 2022 energy crisis forced the local municipality to save on energy costs by limiting the area covered by lights and decorations. Even so, the city still looked like a winter wonderland!

2023 Christmas market dates: Nov 24, 2023 - Jan 7, 2024

Zagreb might not be the first option that pops to mind, when thinking of a Christmas getaway. However, the Croatian capital first stood out in 2016, when it started winning distinctions for its Christmas market. The city invested heavily in its Advent Zagreb program, which it managed to keep alive even throughout the pandemic era with a mix of virtual and physical events.

One of the best things about Christmas in Zagreb is that the city is not as crowded as others on the list, so it’s ideal for people who prefer a more relaxed winter vacation getaway. Still, walking around the city center will inevitably feel like a winter wonderland, with over 20 individual smaller markets set up across different squares and streets, yet still connected to each other to provide an all-encompassing atmosphere.

Did you know? One of the best souvenirs to take back home from Zagreb is a licitar, a traditional heart-shaped honey-flavored cookie, similar to gingerbread but with distinct taste and decoration.

2023 Christmas market dates: Dec 2, 2023 - Jan 7, 2024

Another front runner for the title of the most attractive Christmas destination, Budapest is one of those cities that would be ideal for a winter getaway even without all the lights and decorations. The city is known for its Christmas markets that are scattered throughout the city center, the two biggest (and most visited) being the one at Vörösmarty square and the one around the St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Hungarian cuisine is at its best during the wintertime, as most of the dishes are hearty and ideal for the cold weather. You can find langos at most stalls as a savory fast food option and chimney cake (locally known as kürtős kalács) to satisfy your sweet tooth. And if you need to burn any of those calories, there’s a huge ice skating rink at the city park, usually offering free admission to any children traveling with you.

Did you know? Wintertime is the best period to experience Budapest’s open air thermal baths for an ultimate relaxation experience. There’s many options to choose from, the most popular being Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas, and Lukács.

2023 Christmas market dates: Nov 17 - Dec 31, 2023

Christmas festivities are not exclusive to the European continent and Leavenworth, Washington is the perfect proof. This small town in the Pacific Northwest is known for being an almost exact replica of a traditional Bavarian village and that includes more than just the visuals! Christmas is celebrated according to South German customs with even a (much shorter and smaller) Christkindlesmarkt, usually held for a weekend close to Thanksgiving.

Although 2022 celebrations were limited due to the pandemic, it’s expected that the Christkindlesmarkt will be back in 2023. That being said, the exact dates are not yet known and should be announced soon. Prepare to feel the real joy of a white Christmas, while enjoying traditional German delicacies, such as mulled wine, sausages, gingerbread, and more!

Did you know? Leavenworth’s transformation to a Bavarian-style settlement started in the 1960s and waned in the early 1990s, until the local authorities decided to start reviving some popular German traditions, such as the Oktoberfest.

2023 Christmastown dates: Nov 24 - Dec 24, 2023 (Christkindlesmarkt cancelled until further notice)

Located in Alsace, a region bordering Germany, Colmar is all about that classic European Christmas magic. The beautiful medieval town center offers 6 different markets, each with their own theme and character, held throughout slightly different dates spanning from late November to late December.

One of the highlights of Colmar during Christmas is the Gourmet Market, where visitors can try local delicacies and dishes freshly prepared by professional chefs with real high-dining restaurant experience. Foods can be consumed on the spot or taken away to enjoy elsewhere.

Did you know? Colmar is known for its winemaking tradition, hosting one of the largest wine events in Europe. It might be a great opportunity to try some of the local Alsatian wines offered in one of the Christmas wine cellars!

2023 Christmas market dates: Nov 23 - Dec 29, 2023

Every year between November and December, Vienna transforms into a network of smaller and bigger Christmas markets, literally spread throughout the whole city. The City Hall park (locally known as Rathauspark) is the main stage of the festivities, gathering millions of visitors from Austria and abroad who want to cherish the beautiful display of lights and local artisanship.

Nowadays, Vienna boasts over 15 official Christmas markets with over 900 stands, making it one of the most renowned (and profitable) Christmas destinations. Although by far the most popular, the Rathausplatz Christmas market is not the biggest one as of 2022, as it was surpassed by the Spittelberg market in terms of number of stands.

Did you know? There’s historical proof that the first Christmas market in Vienna was held as early as 1764 at the Freyung square. Nowadays the “Old Viennese Market” or “Altwiener Christkindlmarkt” is still held there annually.

2023 Christmas market dates: Nov 11 - Dec 26, 2023

According to many, Quebec City is the most European-like of all cities in the Americas, thanks to its cobblestone streets, well-preserved architecture, and overall Old-World charm. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the city is also known for celebrating Christmas in a way reminiscent of Europe.

During the festive season, visitors to Quebec City can experience a German-style Christmas market, practice their skills at an ice skating rink, or take photos of romantic lit up alleys, such as those of the Petit-Champlain district. Quebec as a whole is known for its food scene, so don’t miss one of the Old Quebec Food Tours allowing you to sample different dishes from a number of well-known restaurants across the city center.

Did you know? An all-time favorite quebecois dish during the winter season is the tourtière, also known as the French Canadian meat pie. It comprises different types of meat and vegetables, usually minced, spiced up, then served in a pie crust.

2023 Christmas market dates: Nov 24 - Dec 24, 2023

Although Italy might not be the first country that comes to mind, when thinking of Christmas celebrations, this little gem of a town is known exactly for its romantic, cozy Christmassy atmosphere. Located in Puglia in the South of Italy, Locorotondo might be the warmest of all destinations in the list to visit, for those who do not tolerate cold weather very well.

Like in all other destinations on this list, Christmas markets are a staple of Christmas festivities here as well. A live reenactment of the Nativity scene also takes place annually and is a big hit with both locals and tourists. Furthermore, the town council organizes a series of events, such as theatrical plays, themed nights, concerts, and more.

Did you know? One night per year, all buildings in Locorotondo switch their lights off and the town’s streets are solely illuminated by candles, paying homage to an old Northern European tradition dating back to the 16th century!

2023 Christmas market dates: To be announced

In the minds of many, Christmas is synonymous with snow-covered streets. However, most of the European destinations on this list see little to no snowfall in December. Tallinn is a pleasant exception, with an over 50% chance of snowfall throughout mid to late December.

The city’s Christmas Market is organized annually at the Town Hall square (locally known as “Raekoja Plats”) and, although it may not be as big and impressive as some of the others presented on this list, it’s definitely one of the cozier and more romantic ones. Try verivorst (blood sausage) with a side of sauerkraut for the authentic Estonian Christmas experience!

Did you know? Estonians have been putting Christmas trees up on display at the Town Hall square in Tallinn since 1441. According to some, this was the first time any Christmas tree was put up on public display in Europe.

2023 Christmas market dates: Dec 1, 2023 - Jan 7, 2024