What is the best country destination in Europe for Christmas vacations?
I'd have to go with either Switzerland or Germany.
One of the best places is the home country of Santa Claus, Finland, and in particular Lapland area. Snow, reindeer, Santa, northern lights (usually).
There really isn't any one best destination for everyone; what's best for you will largely depend on your interests. There are many places that have wonderful Christmas markets in addition to the normal sightseeing. A few of the places that I particularly like include: Bolzano and Trento here in Italy. Excellent Christmas markets with great views of the Dolomites/Alps. Try the Canederli in the Trento market and the melted cheese sandwiches and goulasch soup in Bolzano and the vin brulè in both. Vienna - there are several Christmas markets there with one large one right in front of the City Hall. If you go there, be sure to go inside the City Hall where they have children's activities set up. Prague - again multiple markets. The one in Old Town Square is particularly large and interesting. Try the honey wine and the trdelnik to keep warm. Charles Bridge is a special place and the views of the castle over the river are great. Copenhagen - one of the best Christmas markets in the world is in Tivoli amusement park. Skating, great food, a large animatronic and display of santas and elves in addition to the normal park activities. Try the aebelskivver. The restaurants have good seasonal food too and special Jule beer. Budapest, Munich, Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris are also very nice. I always hit the markets in the north of Italy, Florence, and Venice and at least one of the other cities - this year Copenhagen. The Christmas market there opens on Friday.
