Where to go for Christmas 2026: five cities with markets and ice rinks

Christmas markets in Europe open toward the end of November. Many run through the first days of January.

We picked five cities where a December trip doesn't depend on snow. Strasbourg with France's oldest market, St. Moritz on a lake surrounded by mountains, Salzburg with Mozart's music, Helsinki with ice slides, and Prague, where markets run even in early January (as of: 09/2026, official Prague portal).

Below, for each city: what sets it apart from the others on the list and how to plan your evening. Wear comfortable shoes and leave time for a walk through the lights.

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Europe in December: what to keep in mind

💡 In short:

• Tickets and hotels get more expensive closer to the holidays.
• City markets run from morning to evening.
• Market dates and hours: 09/2026, verified on the Salzburg website and the Prague portal.

These five destinations differ a lot in weather and budget. The table shows where to go for the main Christmas tree and where to go for mountains and skiing.

The main expenses are accommodation, transportation, and dinners.

1. Strasbourg: France's oldest market

Strasbourg calls itself the Christmas capital, and it has a reason to. The Christkindelsmärik Christmas market has operated here since 1570 and is considered one of the oldest in Europe. In December, market stalls fill the squares and streets of the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

© HarshLight · CC BYPhoto: HarshLight, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The city's main Christmas tree is set up on Place Kléber, and the most atmospheric market runs by the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Between the squares you walk through streets draped in garlands, and along the way you can stop in the Petite France quarter with its half-timbered houses by the water.

In the evening, try Alsatian mulled wine and bredele gingerbread, which is baked only for Christmas.

• How to get there: a high-speed TGV train runs from Paris to Strasbourg, and the trip takes about two hours.
• The catch: on weekends the central squares are very crowded, and hotels for December get expensive well in advance.
• Where to stay: hotels in Strasbourg on Trip.com.

2. St. Moritz: mountains and a lake in the snow

St. Moritz lies in southeastern Switzerland, in the Engadin valley. The town is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and in winter the houses and old chapels are covered in snow. From the Lake St. Moritz promenade you get a view of snow-capped peaks, and the scenery itself creates a festive mood.

Here you can ski, walk through the winter forest, and have dinner at the resort's restaurants. Spas are open even on holidays. The weather in the mountains is changeable, so bring a warm layer of clothing and allow extra time.

• How to get there: trains run from Zurich to St. Moritz, and the trip takes several hours with a transfer (according to the St. Moritz tourist office).
• The catch: this is the most expensive city on the list, with accommodation and dinners aimed at well-off guests.
• Where to stay: hotels in St. Moritz on Trip.com.

3. Salzburg: fairs to the music of Mozart

© Eweht · CC BY-SAPhoto: Eweht, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Salzburg lies at the foot of the Alps, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In December, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares turn into a Christmas market that dates back to the 15th century: we checked the dates and opening hours on 14.09.2026 on the fair's official website.

The festive celebrations take place to the music of Mozart, who was born in this city. You can buy souvenirs, skate at the rink by the Mozart monument, or simply stroll through the old streets. In the evening, the lighting makes the city especially cozy.

• What not to miss: the market at Domplatz and Residenzplatz.
• The catch: in December the center is full of tourists, and the quiet streets begin away from the fair.
• Where to stay: hotels in Salzburg on Trip.com.

4. Helsinki: ice slides and gnomes

© Old Pionear · CC BY-SAPhoto: Old Pionear, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Helsinki gets into the holiday spirit earlier than many cities. Shop windows and private homes are already glowing with fairy lights in early December, and residents have an unspoken competition for the best decoration. An evening walk through a city like this feels like an open-air museum.

The main Christmas market operates on Senate Square. Nearby you will find a skating rink and ice slides, and little houses with gnomes are set up for children. You can also take a reindeer sleigh ride in the city.

• What not to miss: the market on Senate Square, dates checked on 14.09.2026 on the city website.
• The catch: it gets dark early in winter, so it is better to plan sightseeing for the morning and save the lights for the evening.
• Where to stay: hotels in Helsinki on Trip.com.

5. Prague: a live spruce and Christmas sweets

© Ray Swi-hymn from Sijhih-Taipei, Taiwan · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ray Swi-hymn from Sijhih-Taipei, Taiwan, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Prague barely depends on snow. Even without it, the old streets glow with string lights. The main markets run on Old Town Square and nearby (as of 09/2026, official Prague Christmas markets website).

For the holiday, a live spruce is brought to the square. Visitors are treated to mulled wine and punch, and among the sweets, try the vanilla-filled rolls and the "nut nest."

• What not to miss: mulled wine and punch at the market, and for food, the Christmas sweets.
• The catch: Prague often has no snow at Christmas, so be prepared for rain and slush.
• Where to stay: Prague hotels on Trip.com.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When do Christmas markets open in these cities?

Most markets start in late November and run through the first days of January, and Prague's squares welcome visitors even later (as of 09/2026, official Prague portal). Exact dates vary by city, so check the market's official website before your trip.

How much does market admission cost?

Admission to city markets in these cities is free. You only pay for food, drinks, and souvenirs. Most of your money goes to accommodation and tickets, not the market itself. In St. Moritz, resort-level prices come on top of that, so plan your budget in advance.

Which city has the highest budget?

The highest price tag on this list is St. Moritz, a resort for affluent guests. Prague and Helsinki will cost less. Calculate your budget based on accommodation and transport.

What if there is no snow in December?

The holiday mood comes from lights, not snowdrifts. Prague often has no snow at Christmas, but the streets still glow with string lights and the market runs on the squares. Helsinki and St. Moritz usually have more snow, while Strasbourg and Salzburg have changeable weather.

What should I bring for an evening walk?

Warm shoes with non-slip soles, a hat and gloves, and a collapsible cup for mulled wine. Bring some cash, because not all markets accept cards. A charged phone will help with the city map, and a compact backpack will free up your hands.

In short: what to book

The five cities cover different trip scenarios, and the choice depends on what you want from December. The matrix below will help you decide quickly.

• If you want a historic market and a Gothic cathedral: Strasbourg.
• If you love mountains and skiing: St. Moritz.
• If you want music and an old town center: Salzburg.
• If you are traveling with kids: Helsinki.
• If you need a compact city for two or three days: Prague.

Book your hotel for December a couple of months ahead, otherwise the options will narrow down to expensive ones. Find a hotel on Trip.com is most convenient right after buying your tickets.