Christmas in Europe 2025: the magic of winter that every Colombian traveler should experience
📍 Index
There are trips that change you, and then there's spending Christmas in Europe . No matter how many photos you've seen or how many December movies you've watched on repeat: Europe in winter is something else entirely .
It's that moment when the cold pinches your cheeks , the cities smell of cinnamon and mulled wine , the lights become the protagonists, and you feel like you're inside a fairy tale .
And if you're coming from Colombia, where December smells more like fritters than snow, we promise you something: Europe in winter is a trip that awakens your senses .
But it also requires good preparation: understanding the weather , packing the right clothes , knowing where to go , how the winter time change in Europe works and, most importantly, how to live the experience without stress and with all the excitement it deserves .
Here we tell you everything you need to know to travel calmly, inspired and well wrapped up .
Europe in winter: where to go to experience the most epic Christmas?
The million-dollar question: Europe in winter, where to go?
We know that choosing a destination isn't easy when every photo looks like it's from a Christmas movie. But let's get down to what really matters: what each city offers , what kind of experience you'll have , what the weather is really like (that blessed wind chill), and why it could be your perfect destination based on your travel style .
Strasbourg, France — The world capital of Christmas
Strasbourg isn't just beautiful… it's a living postcard . Every street seems decorated by elves, and every corner envelops you in the scent of spiced cookies and mulled wine . Its Christmas market, active since 1570, is one of the oldest in Europe: it's not just a market, it's a living tradition .
Ideal for travelers looking for:
- 🎄 The most classic Christmas experience in Europe.
- 📸 Pinterest-quality photos with no effort.
- 🏘️ Streets full of history and a welcoming atmosphere.
What to do no matter what:
- 🍷 Try the vin chaud.
- 🎄 See the giant tree in Kléber Square.
- 🌉 Get lost in La Petite France.
Feels like temperature:
❄️ -1°C to 6°C (may feel like -5°C). Serious coat, non-negotiable.
Vienna, Austria — Elegance, snow and classical music
If Europe were a Christmas movie, Vienna would be the star . It's not just markets: it's a romantic and perfect atmosphere that seems straight out of a Mozart opera.
Ideal for travelers looking for:
- 🎻 Elegant and classic Christmas.
- 🛍️ Quality crafts and gastronomy.
- ❤️ A special romantic or family trip.
What to do no matter what:
- 🏛️ Visit Rathausplatz.
- ☕ Drinking Viennese hot chocolate in the snow.
- 🎶 Watch an Advent concert.
Feels like temperature:
❄️ Around 0°C (with wind it feels like -5°C).
London, United Kingdom — Vibrant and urban Christmas
London excels at three things: Christmas lights , spectacular shop windows , and experiences that make you feel like you're in a movie.
Ideal for travelers looking for:
- 🎡 Non-stop activities.
- 🛍️ Shopping and illuminated streets.
- 👨👩👧 Plans for everyone.
What to do no matter what:
- ⛸️ Skating at Somerset House.
- 🚶 Walk along Oxford and Regent Street.
- 🎠 Spend the afternoon at Winter Wonderland.
Feels like temperature:
🌧️ 3°C to 9°C (humidity intensifies the cold).
Important: From 2025, Colombians do need a visa for the United Kingdom.
Rovaniemi, Finland — The real North Pole
Here, Christmas isn't just visited... it's experienced . Reindeer, snow, sleighs, the Northern Lights, and Santa Claus.
Ideal for travelers looking for:
- ❄️ Real snow.
- 🌌 Unforgettable experiences.
- 👨👩👧 Unforgettable family trips.
What to do no matter what:
- 🎅 Santa Claus Village.
- 🐕 Sleds with huskies.
- 🌠 Northern Lights.
Feels like temperature:
🥶 -10°C to -20°C. Cold that gives stories.
Madrid, Spain — A warm and welcoming Christmas
Lights, fairs, markets and an energy that makes you feel at home.
Ideal for travelers looking for:
- ✨ Kindly cold.
- 🍷 Good food.
- 🗣️ Same language.
What to do no matter what:
- 🌟 See the lights on Gran Vía.
- 🎁 Plaza Mayor Market.
- 🍫 San Ginés Chocolate Shop.
Feels like temperature:
🌤️ 4°C to 12°C (perfect for tropical travelers).
❄️ Winter weather in Europe: the truth, the thermometer lies
One of the things that most surprises Colombian travelers is that the perceived temperature does not always match the actual temperature .
- 📱 You can see 5°C on your phone and feel like you're at -2°C .
- 🧊 You can see 0°C and feel like you're inside a freezer .
- 🌙 You can see 12°C and feel comfortable like on a cool night in Bogotá .
Golden rule for traveling in Europe in winter:
👉 What you feel is more important than what the thermometer says.
Factors such as wind, humidity, and snow completely change the experience… and can make 5 degrees feel like -5.
🧥 Winter clothes in Europe: how to put together an outfit that protects you (without looking like a sad onion)
We've all seen that tourist bundled up to their eyes... and still freezing . Don't be that person.
For a great winter outfit in Europe , think smart layering , not just putting on everything you have on top of you.
The perfect formula:
✅ Layers, not volume.
🟡 Thermal
The one that keeps your body warm. Thermal shirts and slim yet powerful leggings.
🟠 Hot
Wool sweater, fleece, or thick sweatshirt. This is where the magic of outerwear happens.
🔵 Waterproof
Windbreaker or parka. If it has a hood, even better .
🧤 Lifesaving extras
- 🧢 Hat (a lot of heat is lost through the head).
- 🧤 Thermal gloves .
- 🧣 Scarf or neck warmer .
- 🧦 Thick socks .
- 🥾 Waterproof shoes .
Packing well makes the difference between enjoying the trip ... or suffering through it from day one.
🕒 Winter time change in Europe: don't let the clock ruin your trip
- 🕕 There is a 6-hour time difference with Spain, France, Germany and most of Europe.
- ⏳ Your body feels it… but it adapts in two days .
- 🌥️ It dawns late.
- 🌃 In many countries it is already night at 4:30 pm .
- ⚠️ Plan your routes with this in mind.
- 🌅 Waking up early is key to making the most of the days.
- ✅ The lag passes quickly, don't worry.
🕒 How to prepare for a stress-free (and exciting) Christmas
❓ What happens to the time in Europe during winter?
👉 Europe sets its clocks back one hour. It's standard winter time.
❓ What is the time difference with Colombia?
👉 With Spain, France, Germany and most of Europe the difference is 6 hours .
❓ Why do I feel like the day is ending so quickly?
👉 Because it gets light late and dark early . In many countries, it's already dark by 4:30 pm .
❓ How to make the most of the day?
👉 Getting up early is key . (Yes, even on vacation).
❓ Is adapting to the schedule difficult?
👉 No. In one or two days your body adjusts to the new rhythm without any problem.
Europe at Christmas 2025: Is it worth traveling from Colombia?
Yes. A thousand times yes.
Because it's a trip that combines adventure , culture , delicious food , unreal landscapes , and an atmosphere that can't be experienced anywhere else in the world.
And because seeing Europe dressed in lights, feeling the cold on your face, hearing Christmas carols in languages you don't understand and toasting with people from all over the world... stays with you forever.
Furthermore, traveling with clear information , the right suitcase , and the best advice (like the ones we give you at Conecty) makes everything easier, more exciting, and more authentic.
So… ready to experience the most magical Christmas of your life?
Europe awaits you with bright lights, bustling markets, and a winter that will not freeze your heart, but fill you with emotions.
Bundle up. Pack your excitement. And let December surprise you.
Connecty accompanies you every step of the way.
