Travel Tips

Why these 7 European winter escapes belong on your 2025 travel list

Swap the hot and sweaty Aussie summer for Christmas markets and cozy chalets this festive season. Discover the 7 best winter destinations in Europe.

While a Christmas barbie on the beach is uniquely Aussie, it’s hard not to feel a little envy for those sipping mulled wine by the fireplace in cozy European towns.

Those charming festive markets, historic plazas with huge Christmas trees, and storybook mountain towns may seem like something you only see in the movies. But in 2025, you can make that European winter dream a reality!

Ready for magical landscapes, endless ‘Chrissie cheer,’ and an escape from the relentless Aussie summer heat?

Here are the 7 best winter destinations in Europe for a truly authentic Christmas adventure!

And here’s something extra magical: each of these destinations is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas trees!

In this article

Zermatt, Switzerland: A cozy Alpine wonderland

Switzerland is full of magical white landscapes and cozy ski villages, but nowhere tops Zermatt. This car-free, high-altitude village is nestled in the Pennine Alps with breathtaking views of huge peaks in all directions, including the famous Matterhorn.

In winter, Zermatt feels straight out of a Christmas Hallmark movie: ski by day, then curl up by a crackling fire in your cozy chalet at night.

And when night falls, the village’s enormous Christmas tree glows against the snowy backdrop, framed perfectly by the Matterhorn. It’s one of the most breathtaking festive sights in Europe!

Don’t miss: Tuck into mouthwatering cheese fondue or sip a festive cocktail at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat (Switzerland’s highest hotel). It’s like dining inside a snow globe!

Salzburg, Austria: A hidden festive gem

Salzburg, a picturesque city in Northern Austria, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe yet it’s largely unknown to Australians.

The city’s medieval architecture, historic squares, snow-topped mountain backdrop, and delightful Christmas markets will have you feeling like you’re stepping into a Christmas card.

At the center of the festivity is a towering Christmas tree in Residenzplatz, Salzburg’s historic centre. Vibrant market stalls are dotted around the tree, as tourists and locals enjoy the sound of carol singers to the scent of roasted chestnuts.

And if you head out of the city centre, you’ll find numerous other winter activities, such as skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Don’t miss: Attend a Christmas concert and festive dinner inside the Hohensalzburg Fortress (a mountain-top medieval castle).

Prague, Czech Republic: History, culture, and festive cheer

Prague is a popular city break destination all year round, but in the winter, the city is extra magical.

In December, the capital city oozes history, culture, and festive cheer, as Christmas markets and open-air ice skating rinks pop up. The Christmas lights in Prague are also spectacular, with the towers and spires of the historical buildings lighting up the skyline.

At the heart of it all, Old Town Square hosts one of Europe’s most photographed Christmas trees. Its golden glow beneath the gothic spires has become an iconic holiday postcard.

Plus, being a highly social and safe city, Prague is one of the best winter destinations in Europe for solo travellers.

Don’t miss: Hop on an evening river cruise along the Vltava to admire the illuminated bridges and glistening buildings.

Lapland, Finland: Santa’s home turf

Lapland is undoubtedly one of the best winter destinations in Europe for adults and kids alike. Not only is it Santa’s home turf, but it’s the best place to witness the natural phenomena of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Lapland offers many iconic wintertime experiences, from taking reindeer-led sleigh rides to crossing the Arctic Circle and meeting Santa at the Santa Claus Village. And of course, the central Christmas tree in Rovaniemi, standing proudly at Santa’s Village, adds to the magic of visiting the “real” North Pole.

Whatever you do here, Lapland is guaranteed to take you back to your childhood as you rediscover the magic of Christmas!

Don’t miss: Sleep in a glass igloo where you can stargaze right from your bed with a mulled wine in hand!

Hallstatt, Austria: A magical mountain village frozen in time

Hallstatt is one of Austria’s prettiest villages with numerous 16th-century Alpine houses still intact. The cultural landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is seriously magical for Australians accustomed to modern city skylines.

The natural scenery is just as stunning, with the village nestled between a serene lake and snow-capped mountains. In the winter, Hallstatt transforms into a snowy postcard, with the lake freezing over and the peaks covered in white blankets.

The centerpiece of the Christmas market is the village’s small but charming tree, which, set against the lakeside backdrop, looks like a living snow globe.

Don’t miss: Take a day trip (via bus and cable car) to Dachstein Krippenstein ski resort, where you can go skiing or hike the show-shoe trails.

Tallinn, Estonia: Medieval charm meets timeless tradition

Estonia may not be the first country that comes to mind when you envision a European winter escape, but Tallinn, the capital, transforms into an authentic Christmas wonderland every winter.

The historic Town Hall Square becomes the centre of all festivities, with the city’s renowned Christmas Market taking place here. The festive stalls surround a huge, brightly lit Christmas tree, which is said to be the first public Christmas tree in Europe, dating back to 1441.

During this period, there are many festive events taking place, such as the Christmas jazz festival and Gingerbread Mania, a unique exhibition where everything is made out of gingerbread!

Don’t miss: Be sure to try the traditional Estonian Christmas dinner (roast potatoes, pork, sauerkraut, black pudding, pickled pumpkin, and lingonberry jam) at the Christmas market.

Chamonix, France: Peaks, panoramas, and pure enchantment

The French mountain resort of Chamonix is one of the best winter destinations in Europe for anyone seeking a world-class ski experience. However, you don’t have to be a pro skier to experience the beauty of Chamonix, as there are endless activities you can get involved in here.

Every December, the town gets adorned with festive lights and a huge Christmas tree in the centre, with Mont Blanc’s glittering peaks as the backdrop. This sets the stage for the traditional Christmas market, where you can tuck into crêpes and warm up with mulled wine.

You can also take the cable car up the mountains for panoramic vistas and experience Alpine fine dining in the many cozy chalets and high-altitude restaurants.

Don’t miss: The Aiguille du Midi Skywalk, where you can stand inside a glass box suspended over the Alps at 3,842 meters high!

Pro tips for planning a European winter trip

The best time to visit these European winter destinations is December, when the festivities are in full swing. However, if you cannot go for Christmas or New Year, you can still enjoy these European escapes in January and February (and you might even nab a ski season bargain during these months).

Whichever of these seven best winter destinations in Europe you choose, one thing is certain – it will be cold! Coming from the Aussie summer, this can be a huge shock to the system, so bring plenty of warm clothing, including thermal layers, winter coats, and maybe even some snow boots — You can leave your swimwear and thongs at home!

Lastly, reaching these destinations will require multiple flights. So consider a multi-city Europe trip, which not only breaks up the travel but also allows you to see additional European cities.

For example, from Perth you can fly directly to London, Rome, or Paris and spend a couple of days there before your connecting flight.

Stay connected while exploring Europe’s winter magic with Holafly

Mountain resorts, cozy villages, and historic towns may be impressive, but the WiFi? Not so much.

Thankfully, with a Holafly eSIM for Europe, you get instant, unlimited data in 33 European destinations, from Switzerland to Estonia to Finland, making your winter getaway serene and stress-free.

→ Discover the full list of destinations and shop Holafly’s eSIMs here.

For more exclusive travel tips and hidden European gems, follow Holafly on Google Discover.