Where to find festive cheer: the best Christmas destinations in Europe for travelling with children

Popular European cities are once again lighting up their festive lights, opening fairs and preparing to welcome guests for Christmas. Despite the complex logistics, Ukrainian families can still find destinations where a safe atmosphere is combined with a winter wonderland. Find out more about the most interesting Christmas routes for travelling with children

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Recently, UNIAN reported on updated opportunities for Ukrainians to travel to Europe for Christmas. Despite complex logistics and longer routes, some destinations remain accessible.

In this article, we will tell you where you can go with your children for Christmas, which routes are the most convenient, and where families can expect the most festive experiences.

Where to have an inexpensive holiday in Ukraine in winter — we discussed this in our previous article.

Europe is close by: Polish Christmas towns are the most convenient option

Poland is currently the most predictable destination for parents who want to give their children a magical Christmas without complicated logistics. The journey from Kyiv to the border takes about 8–9 hours, there are night trains, and in just 24 hours you can find yourself surrounded by festive lights.

– The fair runs from 21 November 2025 to 7 January 2026.

– The locations are on Rynok Square and Solna Square.

– Dozens of houses with delicacies and souvenirs.

– Lots of entertainment for children.

From Przemyśl to Wrocław — only six hours by train, and accommodation is still available at prices starting from 1,000 UAH per night for an adult and a child. It is advisable to have cash for the trip, as not all sellers accept cards.

We also recently reported that Warsaw is launching a unique Christmas fair in the sky — the Highline Warsaw winter garden at a height of over 230 metres.

The fantasy and lights of Romania: Craiova as the largest fair in Europe

Romania is a less obvious but very bright option. It is more difficult to get there, but it is home to the largest Christmas market in Europe in terms of area.

– The fair is open from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.

– The theme is ‘The Nutcracker’ with several large festive areas.

– There are photo zones, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and food courts.

– Affordable prices: mulled wine for about €2, local dishes for €7, and kurtoskalacs for €5.

It is more difficult to get there: a direct train to Bucharest takes almost a day, and then another four hours to Craiova. An alternative is to drive via Chernivtsi (about 10 hours). Accommodation starts at 2,200 UAH.

The Hungarian capital, which has not lost its festive charm

Despite the political context, Budapest remains a Ukrainian-friendly city, and the local fair is one of the most atmospheric in the region.

– The Christmas fair runs from 14 November to 31 December 2025.

– Location on Veresmart Square.

– Atmospheric festive drinks and local dishes

Easy to reach by train or budget route via Chop. Accommodation for a family with a child can be found from 1,300 UAH per night.

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For those who want a truly grand celebration: Nuremberg

This is an option for families who are ready for a longer and more expensive trip. It is here that Christmas markets have the deepest traditions, and the city turns into a real winter fairy tale.

– The festive market runs from 28 November to 24 December 2025.

– The total area of the market is about 5,000 m².

– Traditional Christkind rituals, concerts and shows.

– Local dishes such as bratwurst and hot mulled wine.

The journey from Ukraine is long: the bus from Kyiv takes almost 30 hours and costs from 3,850 UAH. Sometimes it is cheaper to fly with a low-cost airline from Chisinau — tickets in December can cost from 36 euros. Accommodation from 2,800 UAH.

Are you planning a trip from Ukraine to Europe or vice versa?

Visit Ukraine offers comfortable transfers from Ukraine to Europe and back. This is the best option for those who want to cross the border quickly, avoid unnecessary transfers and get there without stress.

Austria: when you want an elegant holiday

Vienna is a classic Christmas destination where everything sparkles and shimmers. The journey can be cheaper if you travel via Chop.

– The Christmas market is open from 14 November to 26 December 2025.

– There is a large ice rink next to the market, open until 6 January 2026.

There are several ways to get there: direct train, route via Chop or bus. There are over 900 accommodation options available for December, with rooms starting at 2,500 UAH.

A warm Christmas: Spain and Cyprus for families who dream of sunshine

Not everyone needs snow to feel the holiday spirit. For children, a trip to the sea in winter can be just as magical as a fair.

In Valencia:

– The fair runs from 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026.

– Average winter temperature: +17°C during the day, +8°C at night.

– The city is decorated with festive installations and lights

The longest route: first to Poland or Moldova, then by plane. Air tickets start at 3,000 UAH with low-cost airlines. Accommodation starts at 1,700 UAH.

In Cyprus:

– The festive season lasts from 22 November 2025 to 6 January 2026.

– Weather: +15…+17°C during the day, +5…+10°C at night.

– The most interesting fairs take place in mountain villages.

– The most convenient places to stay are Limassol, Larnaca or Paphos.

You can only get there with a transfer in Poland or Moldova, and the flight will cost about 5,000 UAH. The most convenient places to stay are Limassol, Larnaca or Paphos — in winter, they are quiet, comfortable and cheaper than during the season. Rooms in Limassol start at 2,700 UAH, and in Paphos and Larnaca — slightly less.

Planning a trip or a business trip?

With the growth of high-speed routes, the demand for convenient travel will only increase. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can book bus and train tickets for popular destinations, choose the best departure time, and find great deals for travelling around Europe.

Book your tickets on the Visit Ukraine portal and travel safely and comfortably!

Reminder! Demand for winter trips to the Carpathians is growing every day, and prices are changing rapidly depending on location and demand for the holidays. Tourist regions are already almost full, and holidays in the mountains are becoming more expensive, especially in the top destinations. About current prices in the Carpathians, booking features and why Bukovel holds the highest bar

Photo: Pixabay

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