Christmas Day In Europe, How To Make It Memorable
Will you be spending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Europe but you’re worried that everything will be closed and there won’t be anything to do? There are widespread closures, and the concern is indeed valid. Many shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions close for the holiday, leaving visitors scrambling for ways to spend the day.
Well, there’s no need to worry because there are plenty of fun things to do on the holiday! Let’s be clear, if you’re into non stop action and bustling crowds, you’re likely to be disappointed. If you relish the thought of slowing down the pace a bit, then Europe is a wonderful Christmas destination!
To be honest, I love the opportunity to explore Europe’s cozy nooks and crannies without all of the people milling around!
Snow-dusted medieval squares, centuries-old churches hosting midnight mass, and the peaceful beauty of cities without commercial hustle and bustle.
Looking for the top ways to spend Christmas Day? Keep reading for plenty of fun ways to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Europe! Let’s make some memories that will last a lifetime!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post. For more information see my privacy policy.
Table of Contents
What’s open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is a legal holiday almost everywhere in Europe. Most things, but not everything, will be closed. Before you get too carried away in your frustration over holiday closings, bear in mind that everyone deserves a break and the opportunity to spend holidays with their family.
Christmas Eve
In most European countries, Christmas Eve is more significant than Christmas Day. It’s often the main celebration with family feasts, church services, and local traditions.
While many things may be open on Christmas Eve day, things may close early.
Christmas Day
Usually Closed on Christmas Day
- Regular shops and malls
- Most local restaurants
- Services like hair, nail, massage, auto repair, doctor’s offices, etc.
- Government buildings and offices, post offices, banks
- Many tourist attractions
Always Open
- Churches: and many offer special Christmas services
- Hotels: Restaurant services for guests
- Emergency services: Pharmacies, hospitals, police
Often Open (Verify Locally)
- Train stations: Basic food services
- Gas stations: Convenience items and snacks
Beyond Christmas Day
December 26th: You may find random things closed the day after Christmas too because in much of Europe, December 26th is considered a public holiday. What is the day after Christmas called in Europe? In the United Kingdom the 26th is referred to as Boxing Day. Most of the remainder of the European countries refer to it as St. Stephen’s Day, sometimes referred to as Second Christmas.
January 6th:
If you’re still in Europe on January 6th, you’ll want to check holiday hours. The 6th of January is known as Epiphany. You may experience closings on Epiphany.
What is there to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Here are the top ways to spend the holiday:
Attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Church services
Why not attend a candlelit Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Services? It’s a great way to add a little quiet calmness to your holiday, complete with Christmas hymns being sung by the choir, giant pipe organs playing your favorite Christmas music, flickering candles, and a chance to honor “The Reason for the Holiday Season.”
Many churches hold Christmas morning services if you’re more of an early bird than a night owl. You can elevate the experience by choosing a grand cathedral. In contrast, Europe’s tiny hundreds-of-years-old churches make for a wonderfully quaint experience. Most churches publish times when services are held on their website.
Note: Do be aware that many of the most famous Cathedrals may require a ticket to attend these very popular services.
Get out and Explore the Town
Cities and towns are wonderfully deserted on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a stark contrast to the normal hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike. Both tiny villages and bustling cities are decked out in Christmas decorations, creating a festive winter wonderland for your enjoyment.
Parks, riversides, and historic districts are always open. Whether it’s strolling along the Seine in Paris, wandering through Prague’s Old Town, or enjoying snowy Alpine villages, the atmosphere on Christmas morning is peaceful and enchanting. Empty iconic landmarks create perfect photo opportunities without crowds.
I love to explore Europe’s fantastically historic medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and explore the wonderfully crooked narrow streets and fabulous nooks and crannies, it’s simply magical!
Take a nighttime stroll
Venture out after dark for a nighttime stroll and enjoy the glowing Christmas lights, a truly magical experience! Many of Europe’s best attractions and landmarks are lit at night, creating unique photo opportunities.
Experience a European Christmas Market
No Christmas bucket list would be complete without strolling through a European Christmas market. The festive energy, market stalls overflowing with treats, and the delightful smell of roasted nuts, hot cocoa, and spiced mulled wine, a bit of Christmas cheer in a mug, create an out of this world festive atmosphere.
Many markets are in fact open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, often with limited hours. Each market sets their own hours so check the official website.
Here are my best Insider Christmas Market tips that will make you look like a pro!
Give the gift of your time
Consider donating your time and volunteering at a charity or local food bank to help those in need. You may find opportunities to feed the less fortunate or help out at the local animal shelter. The best way to find opportunities to serve others while traveling abroad is to contact a local church, or the local shelter directly.
Warm the cockles of your heart and your frozen toes at a Thermal Bath
Spend Christmas day warming yourself from the-outside-in at one of Europe’s many thermal baths that are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both!
Check hours for the major thermal baths in Budapest, the Saunia thermal resort in Karlovy Vary, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, and Therme Erding in Germany. All are usually open on December 24th, 25th, or both! Also check the website of smaller local baths.
Go Ice Skating
A fun way to spend the day is by experiencing one of Europe’s outdoor ice-skating rinks. Many ice-skating rinks spring up this time of year in correlation with the Christmas Markets and many are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
From the Rathausplatz in Vienna to the park beside Prague’s Old Town, to the frozen canals of Amsterdam, these rinks offer the opportunity to, if just for a moment, feel like a kid again.
To find an ice rink you can try Google but also check the local Christmas Market website.
Head for the nearest ski resort
If you’re looking for a destination where things don’t slow down much over the holiday, head to the nearest ski resort! Even if you don’t ski, you’re guaranteed a white Christmas! Ski resorts across the Alps, Pyrenees, and Dolomites operate on Christmas Day, making it perfect for winter sports, or just to experience a frozen winter wonderland!
Enjoy a Christmas Cruise
Many of the boat tour operators are still operating on Christmas Eve day and Christmas Day. Some even run special holiday themed cruises. Check holiday operating hours locally.
Here are a few that are bookable on Get Your Guide (usually book now pay later, and free cancellation!)
- Festive London Christmas Day River Thames Lunch Cruise
- Prague: Exclusive Christmas cruise with Christmas Eve buffet
- London: Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise
Take a Scenic Holiday Walk
Take a long walk on the beach
The beach and Europe, two of my favorite things! Why not combine them for a relaxing stroll? Europe has diverse beach coasts, with the Mediterranean Sea offering popular destinations like the Algarve (Portugal), the Dalmatian Coast (Croatia), and the islands of Greece (Corfu, Crete), Italy (Sardinia, Sicily), and Spain (Mallorca, Ibiza).
Explore the countryside
Take a walk through the countryside. I’m thinking about the vineyards of France, or one of the stunning gorge walks found around Europe (unless it’s icy and treacherous of course!) Europe is covered in idyllic countryside walking paths.
My personal favorite option, a snowy forest path! There is nothing quite like the crunch your feet make while walking on a snowy path flanked by towering evergreen trees!
Crisp winter air coupled with stunning scenery and a bit of exercise to work off some of that holiday indulgence!
Visit Santa on Christmas Day!
Santa must be an overachiever because he got all of those presents delivered in a flash and is already home at the Arctic Circle to greet guests! The Santa Clause Village in Rovaniemi Finland is open every day of the year!
You MIGHT get lucky and find an open Museum!
Some big-name museums that are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both include the Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam, the museums of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (National Museums in Berlin, the Sisi Museum at Hofburg Palace Vienna, and Madame Tussauds Vienna.
Just jump on any museum website to check their holiday hours. You might be surprised!
Book a tourist farm stay
Many farms across Europe offer overnight stays while at the same time offering guests the opportunity to experience a working farm.
Chores need to be done and animals need to eat, even on Christmas day! Maybe, just maybe the family will extend an invite to you to their own family Christmas celebration where you’ll get to experience an authentic traditional European Christmas. Check the Farm Travel website for rural stays across Europe.
Visit open churches with nativity displays
Europe is filled with beautiful nativity displays during the Christmas season. Take the opportunity to hunt for nativity scenes at Christmas market locations, town squares, and open churches.
Book a tour of activity
There are bookable activities with a Christmas theme. Check booking platforms like Viator or Get Your Guide for ideas. I like to book on these platforms because they usually offer book now, pay later, and free cancellations! You can’t beat it! Here are a few that you’ll find:
- Enchanted Christmas Eve Celebration in Lapland
- The Great Christmas Feast, London
- London: Christmas Eve City Tour with Dinner & Midnight Mass
- London: Christmas Eve Illuminations of London Bus Tour
- Top London Sights Tour – Christmas Day Special!
Put on your favorite Christmas Movie
After you’ve celebrated the big day by experiencing one of the fun suggestions in this article, why not cap off your holiday with one of your favorite Christmas movies? You can sign into your Netflix or Amazon Prime account from Europe. You may even be able to mirror your personal device on the television in your room or at your vacation rental.
Snuggle under the blankets with a hot chocolate, hot tea, or mulled wine and let the Christmas nostalgia enter your European holiday vacation! Bonus points if you’ve rented a place in the mountains with a picture window looking out onto a dreamy snow globe scene!
Book a room with a fireplace
Did you know that booking platforms like Booking.com have an option to search for stays with a fireplace? Spend the day in by a blazing fire, exchanging gifts, and playing board games or card games.
Make hot cocoa and enjoy some of the treats like gingerbread or macaroons that you bought at the Christmas markets! You get bonus points if you can find a room with a fireplace AND a jacuzzi tub…Perfect!
Eating in Europe on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Are the restaurants open? Some may be open but be sure to call and confirm (reservations are best) because we don’t want you to go hungry at Christmas!
Some restaurants offer a special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining experience. You’ll need to book in advance. Many European hotels offer special prix-fixe Christmas menus., and upscale restaurants and hotels often serve elaborate multi-course meals.
Bonus Tip: Plan Ahead: Make restaurant reservations early, as holiday dining fills quickly.
Stock Up on Snacks & Essentials: Grocery stores often close by the afternoon on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. The Christmas Markets are the perfect place to pick up snacks!
Have a picnic (indoor, outdoor, it’s up to you!)
Make your own feast and eat in! Plan ahead and shop at the local market or pick up delicacies at the Christmas Market. Hit the markets for shelf stable foods like roasted nuts, cured meats and sausages, cookies lebkuchen (gingerbread), breads and baked goods from the bakery, jams and jellies, (snag some butter from the breakfast buffet!)
Aged and hard cheeses can be left out for a day or so. Grab a bottle of gluhwein or other mulled wine from the markets, or your favorite beer. Add some fresh oranges and grapes and you have a Christmas feast fit for King!
Have a Chinese Christmas
If you’re from the United States you’ve likely seen the classic Christmas movie a Christmas story. where the Christmas bird gets left out on the counter and the dogs get it and tear it to shreds, effectively ruining Christmas dinner.
Well, I had a real-life experience that kind of mirrors this crazy incident. When I was a child, we happened to find ourselves in Amsterdam on Christmas day. When mealtime rolled around, we couldn’t find anything open, except for a Chinese restaurant. Chinese and Indian restaurants are often open on Christmas Day.
To this day we’ve made it one of our on-and-off holiday traditions to have a Christmas Day meal at the local Chinese restaurant! Peking duck for Christmas dinner anyone??? No fuss, no mess, delicious!
Transportation on Christmas Day
Public Transport Reality Check
Reduced Services:
- Buses and trains run limited schedules
- Metro systems operate reduced frequency
- Some routes may be completely suspended
- Check schedules in advance
- You may even discover that available Taxis are fewer and further between.
What Usually Runs:
- Airport connections (limited)
- Major train routes between cities
- Basic metro service in major cities
- Tourist transport in central areas
Transportation Tips:
- Don’t get left out in the cold, book any necessary transfers in advance.
- Research opening hours: Create a list of confirmed open establishments during Christmas Day
- Stay flexible: The best laid plans can fall through so have a backup plan. I’ve given you plenty of options in this article!
- Be patient: Services may be slower due to reduced staff
When in Rome, do like the Romans do!
Here are traditions from each European Country. Wherever you land on the holiday, consider finding a way to honor their local traditions:
Northern Europe
Iceland – Children are visited by the 13 Yule Lads (mischievous troll-like figures) who leave gifts in shoes.
Norway – Families hide brooms on Christmas Eve to ward off witches and evil spirits.
Sweden – The Gävle Goat, a giant straw Yule goat, is built each year (and often vandalized or burned).
Finland – Families visit cemeteries on Christmas Eve to light candles for deceased loved ones.
Denmark – “Nisse” (Christmas gnomes) are believed to live in attics and must be appeased with porridge.
Western Europe
Ireland – A tall candle is placed in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome Mary and Joseph.
United Kingdom – Pulling Christmas crackers during dinner is a beloved tradition.
France – Children place shoes by the fireplace for Père Noël to fill with gifts.
Belgium – On St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6), children receive gifts and sweets in their shoes.
Netherlands – Sinterklaas arrives on a steamboat from Spain and parades through towns.
Luxembourg – Children celebrate Kleeschen (St. Nicholas) on December 6 with treats and small gifts.
Monaco – Families often gather for a large midnight feast called Réveillon.
Central Europe
Germany – Advent calendars and Advent wreaths are central to Christmas preparations.
Austria – The Krampus, a horned demon, accompanies St. Nicholas to punish naughty children.
Switzerland – Families make “Läckerli” (spiced honey biscuits) during Advent.
Liechtenstein – St. Nicholas visits children on December 6 with small gifts and nuts.
Southern Europe
Portugal – Families set extra places at the table for deceased loved ones during Consoada (Christmas Eve meal).
Spain – The “El Gordo” Christmas lottery on December 22 is a national event.
Italy – Children receive gifts from La Befana, a kind witch, on Epiphany (Jan. 6).
Malta – Christmas Eve includes midnight mass with a sermon given by a child.
Andorra – A traditional Christmas log (Tió de Nadal) is “fed” and then beaten to produce gifts.
San Marino – The medieval city is decorated with lights and hosts a Christmas Village with markets.
Vatican City – Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is world-famous.
Greece – Instead of Christmas trees, many decorate boats with lights.
Cyprus – “Christopsomo” (Christ’s Bread) is baked and decorated with religious symbols.
Eastern Europe
Poland – The Christmas Eve meal (Wigilia) begins when the first star appears in the sky.
Czech Republic – On Christmas Eve, unmarried women throw a shoe; if it points to the door, they will marry soon.
Slovakia – The head of the family throws a spoonful of Loksa (a special pudding) at the ceiling for good luck.
Hungary – Children receive gifts from “Baby Jesus” (Jézuska) on Christmas Eve.
Slovenia – Celebrated with three gift-givers: St. Nicholas, Baby Jesus, and Grandfather Frost.
Croatia – Wheat seeds are planted on December 13 (St. Lucy’s Day) to sprout by Christmas.
Serbia – Oak branches (badnjak) are burned on Christmas Eve for prosperity.
Montenegro – Families cut and burn an oak log on Christmas Eve, similar to Serbia.
Bosnia & Herzegovina – Many light bonfires or candles outside homes for Christmas Eve.
North Macedonia – People bake Christmas bread with a coin inside; whoever finds it has good luck.
Albania – Families gather for a Christmas feast, with roasted meats and traditional desserts.
Kosovo – Many families attend midnight Mass and share festive meals.
Bulgaria – The Christmas Eve meal is meatless and consists of an odd number of dishes.
Romania – Groups of children and adults go caroling from house to house.
Moldova – Carolers carry a star-shaped ornament while singing traditional songs.
Ukraine – A Didukh (a sheaf of wheat) is placed in the home to honor ancestors.
Belarus – Families enjoy Kutya, a sweet porridge, as the central Christmas Eve dish.
Russia – Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 with a 12-dish meal after fasting.
Baltic States
Estonia – Families traditionally visit saunas on Christmas Eve.
Latvia – It’s said Latvia had the first decorated Christmas tree in Riga in 1510.
Lithuania – The Christmas Eve meal (Kūčios) includes 12 meatless dishes.
Southeastern Europe & Caucasus
Turkey – In some Christian communities, Christmas is celebrated with church services and family feasts.
Georgia – A special procession called Alilo takes place, with people singing carols through the streets.
Armenia – Christmas is celebrated on January 6 with a solemn church service and family gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I feel lonely spending Christmas Day in Europe as a traveler?
My #1 tip to combat loneliness when I travel is to stay busy! I just don’t have time to even notice that I’m alone! If you really need other people around, head for the local church service. There will be plenty of other people there and if they notice you are alone, they may try to connect.
Another option is to head for big name attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or the Trevi Fountain. It’s very likely that people will be milling around the area to get photos. Take a little time out to video chat with friends and loved ones on this day.
Q: Should I plan activities in advance or be spontaneous?
Plan a loose framework with 2-3 confirmed options (restaurant reservations, church service times) but leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Have backup plans since schedules change during holidays. I’m a big fan of having a Plan B!
Q: What if nothing is open where I’m staying?
NO PROBLEM! There are a whole slew of things to occupy your time listed in this article! My favorites include exploring a medieval town, having an indoor picnic, and taking long strolls along the beach. Consider it an adventure rather than a problem.
Q: Is it expensive to travel during Christmas in Europe?
It can be. The closer to Christmas Day that you book a flight the higher the prices will be. (Travel on the holiday and you’ll experience lower prices and empty airports!) Because of the popularity of the Christmas Markets hotel prices generally go up this time of year. Some places even require a minimum stay.
My preferred Alsatian hotel requires 5 nights. Special Christmas dinners may be pricey, but they are, well, special! I haven’t really noticed inflated prices as far as anything else goes…except for Lebukuchen, how in the world do 3 cookies cost 12€???
Q: How do I find other travelers to spend Christmas Day with?
Stay in a hostel but there are no guarantees that people will want to interact. If you would like to, take the initiative to introduce yourself and invite them to play a board game or a card game. That ought to get the conversation flowing. I’d use caution here, but another way you can meet up with locals is to post in a Facebook Group.
I’m in several travel groups for women and it seems like there’s at least one group member in every city and town! There are also meetup apps, although I’ve not used them, I hear that people do connect through them. I have plans to meet up with the moderator from Frugal Europe Travel group on my next trip!
Q: Is anything open on Christmas Day in Europe?
While most things are closed, there are a surprising number of things that are open. Train stations, airports, churches, hospitals, emergency services, some restaurants, some Christmas markets, and even some museums in larger cities.
My suggestion is to start researching attractions in the town you plan to be in on Christmas Day. You may just find there are more things open than you expected, and if not, use some of the other suggestions in this article to fill your day!
Q: Where does it snow on Christmas Day in Europe?
While there certainly are no guarantees, your best bet is to get as high in the mountains as possible to areas like Switzerland. Another way to increase your chances of seeing snow on Christmas day is to head to the Scandinavian countries like Norway, Finland and Sweden.
Q:When is Christmas day in Europe?
Christmas Day is on December 25 worldwide. Christmas Eve is December 24th. Depending on the specific country, they may have their Christmas Celebration on another day. Check celebration dates for your specific destination.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your European Christmas Adventure
Whether you’re attending midnight mass in a centuries-old cathedral, sharing Christmas dinner with fellow travelers in a hostel common room, or wandering snow-dusted medieval streets in peaceful solitude, your Christmas Day will become a story you tell for years to come.
Remember: the best Christmas memories often come from the unexpected moments, and Europe specializes in magical surprises.
Want to hear more about my travels around Europe? You may be interested in my Europe page! and don’t forget to check out my “Travel Resources” page for more great resources for booking your trip from hotels to tours to travel insurance!
Ready to plan your Christmas adventure to Europe? You may find these articles helpful:
Christmas in Europe? don’t miss these articles!
You may find these articles useful for planning your trip to Europe:
