There’s romance in Paris…even in winter.
getty
Winter in Europe is undergoing a transformation. Once considered a quiet, low season, the ‘dark days’ have joined the most desirable times to explore the continent. Cities are reinventing the cold months with illuminated parks, snow-dusted squares, world-class cultural events, ice-skating rinks and cozy cafés serving the best winter gastronomy.
Cheaper flights, fewer crowds and and immersive seasonal celebrations are driving this growing travel trend.
This year, European Best Destinations (EBD) surveyed 803,258 travellers from 179 countries to create its much-anticipated ranking of Europe’s Trendiest Winter Destinations — the “New Winter Icons.”
According to EBD, “Winter is no longer an in-between; it has become a season of mood, aesthetics and inspiration.” And the results clearly reflect the new ways people want to travel for:
- atmospheric couple getaways
- magical family escapes
- solo cultural breaks
- gourmet and shopping weekends with friends
Across the continent, certain cities stand out for their culture, architecture, food and unique winter atmosphere. Below are 10 of EBD’s New Winter Icons 2025/2026 Edition — the destinations shaping the future of winter travel.
The New Winter In Europe Icons, 2025/2026 Edition
Craiova, Romania, the Fastest-Rising Winter Capital in Eastern Europe.
European Best DestinaationsCraiova, Romania: Eastern Europe’s Fastest-Rising Winter Capital
One of Europe’s most surprising winter success stories, Craiova has rapidly emerged as a creative, culture-forward destination with one of the most atmospheric winter vibes on the continent.
Wide boulevards, elegant squares, warmly lit cafés and museums create the perfect setting for a relaxed, walkable winter break. But the real magic lies in Craiova’s spectacular festive district — now Europe’s largest, spanning more than 280,000 square meters.
Inspired by The Nutcracker, the city transforms into an oversized winter theatre glowing with sweets, toys, sculptures and millions of lights. Add Eastern Europe’s highest-flying sleigh, a glittering ice rink, panoramic Ferris wheel and international street-food scene and Craiova becomes an irresistible winter escape.
It’s a modern winter capital — luminous, creative and one of Europe’s brightest new arrivals.
Zurich, on the banks of the Limmat River, sparkles on a winter evening.
gettyZurich, Switzerland: Alpine Light Meets Urban Elegance
Zurich is winter refinement at its best. The city blends crisp Alpine skies with waterfront promenades, world-class museums, elegant shopping streets and a winter gastronomy scene that turns cold days into a pleasure.
The season’s highlight is Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz, a luminous gathering of design stalls, Swiss craftsmanship, fondue domes and a majestic lakeside Christmas tree.
Meanwhile, the Illuminarium transforms the Swiss National Museum into an immersive light experience, making it one of Europe’s most innovative winter installations.
Zurich blends luxury and atmosphere like nowhere else, a serene, polished and deeply romantic escape for winter travelers.
Winter in Riga, Latvia blanketed by snow as the Vanšu Bridge graces the background
gettyRiga, Latvia: The Baltic Winter Dreamscape
Riga feels like a northern fairytale brought to life: candlelit cafés, cobblestone streets, shimmering canal bridges and one of the world’s most impressive Art Nouveau districts.
Winter here is intimate and atmospheric. Latvian folklore and gentle snowfalls inspire warm interiors, storytelling parks and illuminated paths. In the heart of the UNESCO Old Town, the city’s festive district anchors the season: Baltic crafts, knitwear, warm drinks and music give it a uniquely intimate feel.
For travelers seeking authenticity, culture and poetic winter charm, Riga is a perfect choice.
Lisbon, Portugal, knows how to light up the lives of visitors and residents alike.
gettyLisbon, Portugal: Europe’s Sunlit Winter Escape
Lisbon offers something unique in Europe: a mild, sun-washed winter paired with a festive heart. Cafés spill onto terraces, viewpoints glow with golden sunsets over the Tagus River and culture thrives in museums, markets and historic neighborhoods.
At the center of the season stands Wonderland Lisboa, a vibrant, free-entry festive village in Parque Eduardo VII with a panoramic Ferris wheel, eco-friendly ice rink, Santa’s House, artisan stalls and food court. Its atmosphere, combined with Lisbon’s sunshine, creates an ideal winter escape for families, couples and city-break lovers.
Lisbon is the winter mood-board of southern Europe: colourful, luminous and effortlessly warm.
Skaters in Debrecen, Hungary, glide under a gorgeous net of lights.
European Best DestinationsDebrecen, Hungary: Hungary’s Cultural Winter Garden
Debrecen transforms into a refined cultural escape in winter, with pedestrian streets, classical façades and atmospheric cafés setting a tranquil rhythm. Its winter programme blends tradition, creativity and community spirit, with more than 100 events, concerts and performances.
The centrepiece is Debrecen Advent, a luminous district with artisan stalls, mulled-wine stands, a beloved ice rink and the magical Fairytale Town. The new Ice Blossom Carnival adds sculpting shows, workshops and illuminated parades inspired by the city’s famous Flower Carnival.
It all combines into a sophisticated, atmospheric winter destination for those seeking warmth, culture and charm.
The view from above of Asti, Italy, and its traditional , vibrant Christmas market.
gettyGovone & Asti, Italy: Italy’s Vineyard Winter Fairytale
In the rolling UNESCO landscapes of Piedmont, villages and vineyards glow under soft winter light. Wine bars, trattorias and illuminated baroque streets offer a deeply romantic backdrop for an Italian winter escape.
The region’s signature seasonal experience is Il Magico Paese di Natale, Italy’s largest and most immersive festive event, spread among Asti, Govone and San Damiano. From Santa’s House to artisan chalets, concerts, design crafts and gourmet stalls, the experience feels like stepping into a cinematic holiday tale.
It’s an ideal experience for couples, food lovers and travelers seeking winter magic with an Italian soul.
Winter parade at Valkenburg Christmas Market in The Netherlands.
European Best DestinationsValkenburg, Netherlands: Europe’s Underground Winter Wonderland
Valkenburg offers one of Europe’s most extraordinary winter escapes. Set among the rolling hills of Zuid-Limburg, this charming town blends festive streets, illuminated walking paths and a breathtaking underground world carved into ancient marlstone caves.
Inside these atmospheric caverns lie Europe’s most unique underground Christmas markets — warm, sheltered and theatrical, unlike anything else on the continent. Above ground, Valkenburg comes alive with culinary routes, art installations and seasonal concerts.
The town’s unmissable highlight is Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Parade, held twice weekly — a dazzling procession of lights, music and festive characters that transforms the streets into a living fairytale.
A winter getaway that is both cozy and otherworldly, Valkenburg is one of Europe’s most memorable seasonal destinations.
There is only one Vienna, especially at Christmas time.
European Best DestinationsVienna, Austria: Europe’s Timeless Capital of Winter Elegance
Vienna is winter elegance at its best: imperial palaces dusted with snow, world-renowned classical concerts, romantic coffee houses and grand squares glowing under ornate lights. In the colder months, the city transforms into a constellation of refined, atmospheric experiences.
Vienna’s iconic winter districts, from the enchanting Rathausplatz Christmas Market to the regal Schönbrunn Palace, showcase artisanal crafts, gourmet pastries, steaming seasonal drinks and skating paths weaving through illuminated parks. Live performances, choirs and orchestras add a touch of timeless magic.
For culture lovers, romantics and anyone seeking a sophisticated seasonal escape, Vienna stands as Europe’s ultimate winter city break.
Montbeliard, France, offers a warm, contemplative setting for the holiday season.
Denis Bretey, European Best DestinationsMontbéliard, France: Celebrated Festival of Light
Montbéliard dazzles each winter with its famed Lumières de Noël, a breathtaking festival that transforms this historic French town into a glowing winter dreamscape.
More than a Christmas market, the event showcases master artisans, regional gastronomy, traditional delicacies and beautifully illuminated Renaissance architecture that together imbue the town with a warm, intimate atmosphere in a distinctly French setting.
Perfect for couples and families seeking authenticity, charm and a magical yet understated winter escape.
The Champs Elysées is particularly fetching this time of year,
gettyParis, France: The City of Light at Its Most Magical in Winter
Paris truly earns its name as the City of Light in winter. Its grand avenues shimmer with illuminations, elegant covered passageways offer intimate retreats and riverside strolls reveal the city’s romantic charm in its most cinematic form. Add world-class museums and iconic tearooms and Paris becomes an irresistible winter escape.
Each year, Paris dresses in its finest seasonal lights. The Champs-Élysées glows with multicolored displays, while the city’s legendary department stores unveil spectacular holiday windows that draw visitors from around the world.
Winter also brings back the beloved Parisian ice rinks — and this year, the city’s most iconic is returning. The Grand Palais rink, considered “the most beautiful in Paris” by the Tourism Office, opens again beneath Europe’s largest glass roof, featuring a dazzling oversized Eiffel Tower at its centre.
A new highlight arrives this season with Noël La Villette, set around the majestic Fontaine aux Lions in Parc de la Villette. Created by the organizers of Switzerland’s award-winning Christmas markets, this first edition has already debuted in Europe’s Top 10.
Blending culture, style, gastronomy and festive sparkle, Paris is one of Europe’s most perfect winter city breaks.
Panoramic view of cathedral in Zagreb in winter.
getty⭐ The Modern Classic: Advent in Zagreb, Croatia
This is Europe’s Most Awarded Winter Experience.
No list of winter icons is complete without Zagreb, the only destination in Europe ever voted winter champion three times. Its illuminated squares, jazz concerts, design markets, ice rink at King Tomislav Square, atmospheric Upper Town and immersive Grič Tunnel make it a benchmark in European winter travel.
Zagreb is elegant, creative and warmly local, defining what a winter city break can be.
You can see the complete list of the new Winter In Europe Icons, 2025/2026 Edition here.
MORE FROM FORBESForbesWhy Santa Runs Are Taking Over The World: Inside The Festive Global Race Craze (In Photos)By Cecilia RodriguezForbesOutstanding Wildlife In Photos: 21 Winners Of Nature Photographer Of The YearBy Cecilia RodriguezForbesSpiritual Tourism: 8 Iconic European Pilgrimage Routes And Ancient TrailsBy Cecilia Rodriguez