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As much as we love sunny getaways, there’s no denying that Europe is at its most magical in winter:
There’s nothing like one snowy medieval town lined with smoky chimneys, streets lit up in Christmas lights and of course the world famous Christmas markets.
From admiring the beautiful decorations to sampling local delicacies, there’s simply no better way to get into the festive spirit than strolling the cobbled streets with a mulled wine in hand.
If you’re planning to cross the pond in December for a cozy winter getaway, this one 5 lesser-known Christmas destinations offer beautiful sights and affordable prices:
Colmar, France
Colmar is located in the historic Alsace region of France, along the border with Germany storybook town with colorful half-timbered housespostcard-ready medieval squares, and winding canals that transform into a (literal) winter wonderland at Christmas.
Despite its small size, there are no fewer than six Christmas markets, all with food stalls selling local delicacies such as broadtraditional Alsatian cookies flavored with orange, cinnamon, chocolate or walnuts, you name it, and foie gras served with toasted gingerbread.
Snacks and sweets usually cost between €5 and €10 per baga full meal like flambéed tarte or cheese-filled pancakes average €8 – €15, a pint of beer is an affordable €4, and mulled wine costs around €5 per cup, with the markets remaining open from November 26 to December 29.
Cologne, Germany
Across the border in Germany, Christmas festivities take place in culturally charged Cologne as early as November 18, when the gates of the seven magical Christmas market open to the public, and the smell of currywurst and cinnamon rolls fills the air.
In addition to tasting the food, you can admire the well-crafted moving figures skating virtually everywhere you look for only €9or for the same price, take a ride on the Ferris wheel and enjoy the incredible views of Cologne Altstadt and are towering gothic cathedral.
Exploring on foot is the best way to soak up the winter atmosphere, but if the cobblestones aren’t soft on your feet, you can also hop on the Christmas Market Express, rattling through the Cathedral Market, the whimsical Heinz’s Winter Fairy Tale, Nicolas Village and much more more holiday destinations.
Brasov, Romania
In the heart of Transylvania, an area best known for its vampiric tales, Brasov is a hidden gem Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with a high concentration of historical monuments including medieval Saxon bastions, a 14th century ‘Black’ church and colorful Baroque facades.
It also plays host one of the most budget-friendly Christmas markets in Europe, centered around a monumental Christmas tree, flanked by stalls, serving fresh food sarmale (cabbage rolls) and grilled sausages for about 10-15 Romanian leu, and beer or mulled wine for a negligible €2 – €3.
There’s a main stage where Romanian folk music is performed live, an ice skating rink a short walk from the square, with prices starting from €10 for an hour of entry, and our personal favorite: you can even take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride for €20.
Tallinn, Estonia
There’s a reason why Christmas lovers from all over the world come to Tallinn in winter: its maze of an old town is one of the best preserved in all of Europe. completely surrounded by intact 13th century wallsand those are the winter atmospheres unparalleled.
With the thick layer of snow shrouding the conical towers, the impossibly tall Christmas tree, which has been ceremoniously erected in front of the town hall since 1441, and the cobbled streets lined with brightly decorated, cozy eateries, this is the textbook definition of a frozen fairyland.
In addition to the affordable food – you can tuck into tasty black pudding sold by a street vendor for €5 and warm yourself with a generous mug of hot chocolate for €3 – the accommodation is also quite cheap: a single room in Citybox Tallinn shall will cost you €42 per night!
Zagreb, Croatia
We know Croatia is hugely popular for its turquoise seas and long, hot Adriatic summers, but it can be just as enchanting a destination in the dead of winter, when the seriously underrated inland capital of Zagreb comes to life with his fair advent.
There’s certainly a reason why this joyful event – a citywide celebration with concerts, ice skating, impressive light projections and gastronomy – has been declared the Best Christmas market in Europe for three years in a row now:
Whether you explore the picturesque streets of the Lower and Upper Town, dominated by spiers and a twin-spired cathedral, or enjoy €4 soft sausages to the sound of Christmas carols as you browse all the vibrant craft shops, there’s just no way when those winter blues will ever get you here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
