From Christmas magic to snowy escapes: 10 of Europe’s best winter travel destinations

Europe offers a wide range of winter destinations, from Alpine ski resorts and Christmas markets to Mediterranean sun and Arctic skies.

The list covers ten places across the continent. Zermatt, ranked No. 1 on Trip.com's list of Europe's top 50 ski resorts, offers up to 360 kilometres of pistes and can be reached by the Glacier Express from St. Moritz, a journey of about eight hours. Strasbourg, the "Capital of Christmas", has held a festive market since 1570, with bredeles and vin chaud among its local treats.

Andalucía combines winter sun on the Mediterranean coast with the Alhambra in Granada, where visitors can find fewer crowds than in summer. Abisko in Swedish Lapland sits inside the "auroral zone", and a chairlift ride reaches the Aurora Sky Station. Madeira's Laurissilva forest and its levada water channels suit walkers, though trail entry slots must be booked in advance.

Bruges, Athens, Budapest and Vienna complete the list. Bruges is known for chocolate and its Christmas markets, Athens for smaller winter crowds at the Acropolis, Budapest for its thermal baths and outdoor ice rink, and Vienna for its concerts and winter balls.

Key points

• Zermatt is ranked No. 1 on Trip.com's list of Europe's top 50 ski resorts.
• The Glacier Express takes about eight hours and covers 291 kilometres from St. Moritz to Zermatt.
• Strasbourg's festive market has been held since 1570.
• Madeira's classified walking routes require advance booking, with access fees generally applying.
• Abisko lies north of the Arctic Circle, within the auroral zone.
• Budapest's Széchenyi Baths and Városliget ice rink are highlighted for winter visitors.