Europe's Top Holiday Destinations

From balmy isles to wintry city wonderlands and mountain escapes, Europe's top holiday destinations offer a different yet no less magical holiday vacation for everyone.

It's not a surprise Germany is one of the top European destinations for the holidays. Synonymous with European holiday travel are its Christmas markets, which are some of the best in the world. Families can enjoy cozy city stays or active outdoor adventures in Germany, too, making it a great option for a variety of travel styles.

France in the winter is truly a different side to the country; Paris under a soft blanket of snow is even dreamier than it is in the summer. Travelers can also take advantage of cheaper flights during this time of year (except for right before or after the holidays, of course), while also enjoying the charm of a French Christmas, New Year's or other holiday.

England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are great options for families traveling during the holidays. With beautiful Yuletide traditions and winter weather, families can enjoy spending time together in the U.K., whether it be for a more active endeavor or a slower-paced family get-together.

Plenty of travelers are expecting to warm up in Italy this year. From its rich, thick hot chocolate to its Christmas pastries, Italy offers a feast for the holiday traveler. While the weather won't be postcard-perfect, travelers can enjoy a variety of holiday events, from religious festivals to the country's own Christmas markets.

Madeira, the Portuguese island chain off the coast of Morocco, might just be the balmiest European destination on this list, and also the most into Christmas. From gigantic nativity scenes built all across the islands to decorating homes and businesses with native flowers and brilliant twinkling lights, a holiday trip to Madeira is like entering a Christmas fairytale. Its holiday season lasts more than a month and is called A Festa.

Greece, while not the hot destination that many prefer to visit during the winter months, is usually much warmer than much of the U.S. and its fellow northern European countries, with temperatures rarely reaching freezing. That's why it's still a great place to visit during the winter holiday travel season! Travelers who visit the country might also enjoy cheaper flights.

Switzerland is one of the best destinations for active winter trips, with great places to ski and climbs mountains. It's also a wonderful place to enjoy a quiet and festive holiday, learning about the Swiss Christmas traditions that have been in practice for hundreds of years. City hotels and mountain lodges both offer relaxed and friendly holiday accommodations.

Iceland might not at first seem like a popular place to visit during the winter holidays, but it should be! Those wanting to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights can enjoy doing so, while those wanting to learn about Iceland's Christmas traditions can enjoy participating in Jolabokaflod, Iceland's Christmas Book Flood, in which families gift each other new books on Christmas Eve and pass the night reading together. I certainly can't imagine anything more magical than that!

Croatia is most known as a summer destination because of its gorgeous beaches and coastlines, but travelers can enjoy cheaper flights to Croatia over the winter travel season. Croatia offers Christmas markets, ice skating and wandering around through cities lit by thousands of Christmas lights and trees. Between eating the traditional (and delicious) Croatian holiday meals and attending open-air concerts in larger cities like Zagreb, Croatia is another great and underrated holiday destination.

Winter in Spain, like many other countries nestled along the Mediterranean, will be colder but not as cold as it is in the north, offering a comfortable escape from very cold weather. Here, you'll find delicious regional dishes and holiday desserts, along with Europe's quintessential Christmas markets, but you'll also find some traditions that find their home only in Spain, like the Tres Reyes Magos festivals that are held throughout the country on January 5, which celebrate the Three Magi with a parade of spectacular floats.