There’s romance in Paris…even in winter.<\/p>\n
getty<\/p>\n
Winter in Europe is undergoing a transformation. Once considered a quiet, low season, the \u2018dark days\u2019 have joined the most desirable times to explore the continent. Cities are reinventing the cold months <\/a>with illuminated parks, snow-dusted squares, world-class cultural events, ice-skating rinks and cozy caf\u00e9s serving the best winter gastronomy.<\/p>\n Cheaper flights, fewer crowds and and immersive seasonal celebrations<\/a> are driving this growing travel trend.<\/p>\n ForbesWhy Santa Runs Are Taking Over The World: Inside The Festive Global Race Craze (In Photos)By Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n This year, European Best Destinations <\/a>(EBD) surveyed 803,258 travellers from 179 countries <\/strong>to create its much-anticipated ranking of Europe\u2019s Trendiest Winter Destinations \u2014 <\/strong>the \u201cNew Winter Icons.\u201d<\/p>\n According to EBD, \u201cWinter is no longer an in-between; it has become a season of mood, aesthetics and inspiration.\u201d And the results clearly reflect the new ways people want to travel for:<\/p>\n ForbesWinter In Europe: Top 10 Fairy-Tale European Christmas Markets, Per New SurveyBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n Across the continent, certain cities stand out for their culture, architecture, food and unique winter atmosphere. Below are 10 of EBD\u2019s New Winter Icons 2025\/2026 Edition \u2014 the destinations shaping the future of winter travel.<\/p>\n The New Winter In Europe Icons, 2025\/2026 Edition<\/p>\n Craiova, Romania, the Fastest-Rising Winter Capital in Eastern Europe.<\/p>\n European Best DestinaationsCraiova, Romania: Eastern Europe\u2019s Fastest-Rising Winter Capital <\/p>\n One of Europe\u2019s most surprising winter success stories, Craiova<\/strong> has rapidly emerged as a creative, culture-forward destination with one of the most atmospheric winter vibes on the continent.<\/p>\n Wide boulevards, elegant squares, warmly lit caf\u00e9s and museums create the perfect setting for a relaxed, walkable winter break. But the real magic lies in Craiova\u2019s spectacular festive district \u2014 now Europe\u2019s largest, spanning more than 280,000 square meters.<\/p>\n Inspired by The Nutcracker, the city transforms into an oversized winter theatre glowing with sweets, toys, sculptures and millions of lights. Add Eastern Europe\u2019s highest-flying sleigh, a glittering ice rink, panoramic Ferris wheel and international street-food scene and Craiova becomes an irresistible winter escape.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a modern winter capital \u2014 luminous, creative and one of Europe\u2019s brightest new arrivals.<\/p>\n Zurich, on the banks of the Limmat River, sparkles on a winter evening.<\/p>\n gettyZurich, Switzerland: Alpine Light Meets Urban Elegance<\/p>\n Zurich<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n The season\u2019s highlight is Wienachtsdorf<\/strong> at Sechsel\u00e4utenplatz, a luminous gathering of design stalls, Swiss craftsmanship, fondue domes and a majestic lakeside Christmas tree. <\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Illuminarium<\/strong> transforms the Swiss National Museum into an immersive light experience, making it one of Europe\u2019s most innovative winter installations.<\/p>\n Zurich blends luxury and atmosphere like nowhere else, a serene, polished and deeply romantic escape<\/strong> for winter travelers.<\/p>\n Winter in Riga, Latvia blanketed by snow as the Van\u0161u Bridge graces the background<\/p>\n gettyRiga, Latvia: The Baltic Winter Dreamscape<\/p>\n Riga feels like a northern fairytale brought to life: candlelit caf\u00e9s, cobblestone streets, shimmering canal bridges and one of the world\u2019s most impressive Art Nouveau districts.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, the city\u2019s festive district anchors the season: Baltic crafts, knitwear, warm drinks and music give it a uniquely intimate feel.<\/p>\n For travelers seeking authenticity, culture and poetic winter charm, Riga is a perfect choice.<\/p>\n Lisbon, Portugal, knows how to light up the lives of visitors and residents alike.<\/p>\n gettyLisbon, Portugal: Europe\u2019s Sunlit Winter Escape<\/p>\n Lisbon offers something unique in Europe: a mild, sun-washed winter<\/strong> paired with a festive heart. Caf\u00e9s spill onto terraces, viewpoints glow with golden sunsets over the Tagus River and culture thrives in museums, markets and historic neighborhoods.<\/p>\n At the center of the season stands Wonderland Lisboa<\/strong>, a vibrant, free-entry festive village in Parque Eduardo VII with a panoramic Ferris wheel, eco-friendly ice rink, Santa\u2019s House, artisan stalls and food court. Its atmosphere, combined with Lisbon\u2019s sunshine, creates an ideal winter escape for families, couples and city-break lovers.<\/p>\n Lisbon is the winter mood-board of southern Europe: colourful, luminous and effortlessly warm.<\/p>\n Skaters in Debrecen, Hungary, glide under a gorgeous net of lights.<\/p>\n European Best DestinationsDebrecen, Hungary: Hungary\u2019s Cultural Winter Garden<\/p>\n Debrecen transforms into a refined cultural escape in winter, with pedestrian streets, classical fa\u00e7ades and atmospheric caf\u00e9s setting a tranquil rhythm. Its winter programme blends tradition, creativity and community spirit, with more than 100 events, concerts and performances.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s famous Flower Carnival.<\/p>\n It all combines into a sophisticated, atmospheric winter destination for those seeking warmth, culture and charm.<\/p>\n The view from above of Asti, Italy, and its traditional , vibrant Christmas market.<\/p>\n gettyGovone & Asti, Italy: Italy\u2019s Vineyard Winter Fairytale<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The region\u2019s signature seasonal experience is Il Magico Paese di Natale,<\/strong> Italy\u2019s largest and most immersive festive event, spread among Asti, Govone and San Damiano. From Santa\u2019s House to artisan chalets, concerts, design crafts and gourmet stalls, the experience feels like stepping into a cinematic holiday tale.<\/p>\n It\u2019s an ideal experience for couples, food lovers and travelers seeking winter magic with an Italian soul.<\/p>\n Winter parade at Valkenburg Christmas Market in The Netherlands.<\/p>\n European Best DestinationsValkenburg, Netherlands: Europe\u2019s Underground Winter Wonderland<\/p>\n Valkenburg<\/strong> offers one of Europe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Inside these atmospheric caverns lie Europe\u2019s most unique underground Christmas markets<\/strong> \u2014 warm, sheltered and theatrical, unlike anything else on the continent. Above ground, Valkenburg comes alive with culinary routes, art installations and seasonal concerts.<\/p>\n The town\u2019s unmissable highlight is Europe\u2019s Most Beautiful Christmas Parade<\/strong>, held twice weekly \u2014 a dazzling procession of lights, music and festive characters that transforms the streets into a living fairytale.<\/p>\n A winter getaway that is both cozy and otherworldly, Valkenburg is one of Europe\u2019s most memorable seasonal destinations.<\/p>\n There is only one Vienna, especially at Christmas time.<\/p>\n European Best DestinationsVienna, Austria: Europe\u2019s Timeless Capital of Winter Elegance<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Vienna\u2019s iconic winter districts, from the enchanting Rathausplatz Christmas Market to the regal Sch\u00f6nbrunn 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.<\/p>\n For culture lovers, romantics and anyone seeking a sophisticated seasonal escape, Vienna stands as Europe\u2019s ultimate winter city break.<\/p>\n Montbeliard, France, offers a warm, contemplative setting for the holiday season.<\/p>\n Denis Bretey, European Best DestinationsMontb\u00e9liard, France: Celebrated Festival of Light<\/p>\n Montb\u00e9liard dazzles each winter with its famed Lumi\u00e8res de No\u00ebl<\/strong>, a breathtaking festival that transforms this historic French town into a glowing winter dreamscape.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Perfect for couples and families seeking authenticity, charm and a magical yet understated winter escape.<\/p>\n The Champs Elys\u00e9es is particularly fetching this time of year,<\/p>\n gettyParis, France: The City of Light at Its Most Magical in Winter<\/p>\n Paris<\/strong> 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\u2019s romantic charm in its most cinematic form. Add world-class museums and iconic tearooms and Paris becomes an irresistible winter escape.<\/p>\n Each year, Paris dresses in its finest seasonal lights. The Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es glows with multicolored displays, while the city\u2019s legendary department stores unveil spectacular holiday windows that draw visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n Winter also brings back the beloved Parisian ice rinks \u2014 and this year, the city\u2019s most iconic is returning. The Grand Palais rink<\/strong>, considered \u201cthe most beautiful in Paris\u201d by the Tourism Office, opens again beneath Europe\u2019s largest glass roof, featuring a dazzling oversized Eiffel Tower at its centre.<\/p>\n A new highlight arrives this season with No\u00ebl La Villette<\/strong>, set around the majestic Fontaine aux Lions in Parc de la Villette. Created by the organizers of Switzerland\u2019s award-winning Christmas markets, this first edition has already debuted in Europe\u2019s Top 10.<\/p>\n Blending culture, style, gastronomy and festive sparkle, Paris is one of Europe\u2019s most perfect winter city breaks.<\/p>\n Panoramic view of cathedral in Zagreb in winter.<\/p>\n getty\u2b50<\/strong> The Modern Classic: Advent in Zagreb, Croatia<\/p>\n This is Europe\u2019s Most Awarded Winter Experience.<\/p>\n No list of winter icons is complete without Zagreb,<\/strong> 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 Gri\u010d Tunnel make it a benchmark in European winter travel.<\/p>\n Zagreb is elegant, creative and warmly local, defining what a winter city break can be.<\/p>\n You can see the complete list of the new Winter In Europe Icons, 2025\/2026 Edition here.<\/a><\/p>\n MORE FROM FORBESForbesWhy Santa Runs Are Taking Over The World: Inside The Festive Global Race Craze (In Photos)By Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a>ForbesOutstanding Wildlife In Photos: 21 Winners Of Nature Photographer Of The YearBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a>ForbesSpiritual Tourism: 8 Iconic European Pilgrimage Routes And Ancient TrailsBy Cecilia Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There’s romance in Paris…even in winter. getty Winter in Europe is undergoing a transformation. 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