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Festive markets, unique traditions and winter sports are just some of the reasons Americans love to cross the Atlantic Ocean for their winter holidays.
But where exactly are they heading to during the Christmas and New Year period?
To find out, travel insurer Allianz Partners has analysed 165,000 booking enquiries made for trips between 26 November 2025 and 6 January 2026.
It reveals that Europe’s major cities still reign supreme – but Americans are gradually getting more adventurous with their choices.
London remains a favourite destination for Americans
For the second year in a row, London is the most popular European destination among Americans travelling overseas during the festive season.
The UK capital’s mix of winter lights, concerts, parties and world-class museums makes it a reliable favourite, especially for short trips.
Its famous holiday attractions – from Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland to the illuminated streets of Soho – add to its seasonal appeal, drawing visitors who want a magical atmosphere, without going too far from familiar comforts.
Romantic escapes in Paris and Rome
For those seeking a more romantic Christmas, Paris is the obvious choice. Just like in 2024, the French capital – with its charming Christmas markets, iconic landmarks and world-class galleries – takes second place.
Following in the footsteps of the upcoming season of ‘Emily in Paris’, however, many Americans are switching the City of Love for beautiful Rome.
Exploring 2,700 years of history in mild temperatures, enjoying delicious Italian cuisine – recently added to UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage – and soaking up a festive atmosphere in the city’s many piazzas and churches certainly makes for a dreamy winter escape.
Parties meet tradition in Madrid and Dublin
At the stroke of midnight on 1 January, there’s a Spanish tradition that can’t be missed: eating 12 grapes for good luck in the New Year.
And where better to do it than in the iconic Puerta del Sol in the Spanish capital? Madrid takes fourth place, attracting travellers who want to celebrate with confetti and cava among thousands of revellers.
In fifth place comes another favourite party city: Dublin in Ireland. It’s safe to say, spending the winter holidays with a pint of Guinness in a cosy – and authentic – Irish pub is many an American’s dream.
Which other European cities are Americans travelling to this winter?
Amsterdam in the Netherlands comes in sixth place, kicking off the festive season with the candy-filled Sinterklaas ahead of its Winter Festival filled with city-centre ski rinks, fair grounds and twinkling canals.
Its followed by Frankfurt, where visitors can sip glühwein at Germany’s oldest Christmas market and marvel at light displays in the Christmas Garden.
Barcelona comes next, switching things up with Mediterranean warmth, Catalan traditions and New Year’s street parties. But the allure of classic German winter traditions returns with Munich in ninth place.
Closing out the top 10 is a more recent favourite among US travellers: Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, with its almost spring-like winter temperatures and relaxed festive spirit.
Rising stars on Americans’ travel wish list
Compared to last year’s rankings, two European cities are climbing quickly. Vienna, Austria, has gained five positions, and now sits at number 15, with Americans discovering its historical Christmas markets, classical music concerts and proximity to some of the best ski resorts in Europe.
Also entering the top 20, just behind Vienna, is Copenhagen. Americans often know Denmark’s capital as the home of the Little Mermaid, but it’s also a magnet for food lovers, boasting several of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants, with a cosy side of Nordic winter charm.
All in all, the data underlines a clear and consistent trend: Americans are willing to travel far for meaningful winter experiences, and Europe – with its combination of history, seasonal traditions and enticing food – remains a preferred backdrop for Christmas and New Year.
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