Best destinations in EUROPE AT CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a magical time and Europe is the hub of all festivity. Expect cute towns, Christmas markets, delicious festive food and even snow. This is Katie from Creative Travel Guide and today we share the best destinations in Europe at Christmas. Looking for more travel tips? Make sure to hit subscribe and ring that notification bell. So first we have Riga, Latvia. Riga is a great place for a winter holiday especially for those on a budget. There are plenty of hostels here and festive treats can be found at affordable prices. If you plan to visit during the Christmas time make sure to try the black balsam and the amazing hot chocolate. Also check out the ice skating and the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. Paris is known as the city of light and at Christmas time they pull out all the stops to illuminate the streets of Paris. It is the perfect city to head to for a spot of shopping with the Champs-Élysées decked out with Christmas lights and the Galerie Lafayette creating an enormous themed Christmas tree under their domed stained glass ceiling. You can also enjoy the food and culture of Paris and wander around the museums before heading to a warm restaurant for a delicious meal. The Budapest Christmas market is not only one of the cutest in Europe but also one of the most affordable. Head to one of the Christmas markets all over the city and expect several stalls selling handmade products which are perfect as gifts for your loved ones. Make sure to check out the food stalls which offer delicious Hungarian specialities including sausages and chimney cake. The whole city and even the trams are nicely decorated with lights so you will definitely get into the Christmas spirit. Vienna is absolutely magical at Christmas as the city is covered with decorations and several Christmas markets spring up throughout it. One of the most popular is the Viennese Christmas market with its gorgeous setting, delicious food and a wonderful ice skating area. Kids will love the ice skating and small carnival rides at the market and adults will love the traditional warm alcoholic beverages. It's especially gorgeous at night when the twinkling lights are at their best so wrap up warm and brave the cold for the perfect Christmas experience. Next we have Edinburgh, Scotland. In the countdown to Christmas you can embrace all of the holiday festivities in Edinburgh. The city is enchanting at any time of the year but the festive season brings an extra sprinkle of magic. Running for six weeks from mid-November, Edinburgh's Christmas sees the city come alive with Christmas markets, twinkling lights, ice skating, street food, carol singers, festive shows and fairground rides. It is no surprise visitors come from all over the world to experience Edinburgh. Prague is another stunning and romantic place to visit all year round but at Christmas it truly is spectacular. Of course you can expect your Christmas markets full of mulled wine and warm pastries but make sure to visit the Old Town Square for a market like no other. Expect plenty of lights, wooden huts full of festive treats and crafty items as well as a stable full of donkeys. Another Christmas destination in Europe has to be Lapland. Known as the home of Santa Claus, visitors can enjoy the cozy wooden lodges, explore the snow-covered pine forests, meet Santa himself and try out some gingerbread cookie decorating with Mrs Claus. You can also opt for a husky dog ride or visit the reindeers during your stay. Next we have Colmar, France. The magic of Christmas comes alive at this well-preserved 13th century village known as Little Venice. Wander through the streets that are covered in Christmas decorations and twinkling lights before exploring the boutique shops and colourful Christmas market. You can enjoy a wine tasting in this French village and even enjoy a performance or Christmas concert. Christmas in Brussels is perfect. The gorgeous destination transforms into a winter wonderland complete with a huge ice rink and bustling Christmas market. Keep yourself warm with rich hot chocolate and tasty Belgian waffles or head to one of the many cozy cafes and restaurants around the city. Next we have Copenhagen, Denmark. So every year Copenhagen is transformed into a Christmas spectacular. With half a million lights and dozens of Christmas trees covering the city, it is hard not to feel merry whilst visiting. Visit the Christmas markets, sip some Danish mulled wine and enjoy the country's pork roast snack. Watch this video to find out the best destinations around the world to visit at Christmas time or to find out about some unique hotels around the world, watch this video. Wherever you choose to go to we hope you have an incredible Christmas, stay safe and stay creative.