Although Christmas is traditionally celebrated with presents under a Christmas tree in the warmth of a fireplace, over the past few years I’ve managed to escape the cold. I celebrated Christmas in 2011 in Iguazu Falls between Brazil and Argentina, and Christmas in 2012 was spent on gorgeous Railay Beach in Thailand.

Instead of escaping winter in Europe, I decided to throw on my beanie and puffy winter coat and embrace it. I tackled a good part of my ever-growing European Bucket List over my two-week Christmas holiday in December. In total, I traveled through four countries and six cities:

• Germany: Munich
• Austria: Salzburg
• Czech Republic: Český Krumlov, Prague
• Belgium: Brussels, Bruges

If I were to close my eyes, visualize Christmas, and then sketch the scene in my mind, it would look exactly like these places I visited in Europe (if I had any artistic ability, that is).

There’s so much about this trip that can’t be put into words. I’ll let the photos do some of the talking for me.

Munich

Munich was the starting point for my trip and Christmas was in full swing. Every single open square had a Christmas market, and I’m pretty sure I puttered around all of them. The best part was listening to Christmas carolers singing at the Glockenspiel. It finally felt like Christmas had arrived!

Christmas spirit was literally in the air in Munich with lights hanging from the trees in the market!

There was plenty to do in Munich, but my day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle was one of my favorite experiences during this holiday!

Salzburg

Salzburg was full of light and excitement on Christmas. The Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) was one of the best I’d seen, and I had been to a lot of Christmas markets in Berlin and Munich. Of course I sampled the food (bosnas, a sausage in a bun with onion, mustard, and curry powder) and drink (glühwein and white Russians) while perusing the stalls full of ornaments and Mozart-inspired chocolate!

I could feel the love radiating from the love locks on Salzburg’s Makarsteg Bridge. The Christmas lights really brought out the beauty in this bridge.

Christmas day was quiet and peaceful in Salzburg. The past few days were hazy, but finally the clouds were lifting and we could clearly see Mount Untersberg in the distance. This view was the best Christmas gift I could have asked for.

Český Krumlov

On the way to Prague, my travel partner-in-crime, Alicia, and I stopped in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic for one night. I’m not sure when this small town started flashing on the tourist radar, but after exploring it for a day, I can understand why it’s gaining popularity.

The entire city could be explored in one day, but it was worth the trip. It was such a quant little town with unique shops and restaurants just waiting to be discovered.

The Český Krumlov Castle has one of the best views of the town, which looked stunning all covered in snow!

Prague

I had high hopes for Prague since everyone I know who has been there raves about it. Unfortunately, I was freezing the entire time! Prague was the coldest place I visited over this Christmas holiday, and I was seriously struggling with the icy cold wind while we attempted to see the sights.

Nonetheless, Prague’s old architecture is unparalleled.

Brussels

We rang in the new year in Brussels, Belgium. Christmas was over, but it was New Years Eve and the city was full of life and excitement. This city has such a great vibe that I’m sure it’s just as vibrant even when it isn’t the holidays.

Bruges

Bruges is another one of those places where is feels like Christmas was invented. With its old buildings and canals, Bruges was so old and elegant. It was the ideal ending place for my European Christmas vacation.

I’ve never seen Christmas embodied in such a grandiose way as it was in Europe. If you’re looking for a traditional place to celebrate Christmas, go to Europe! I still miss that beachside Christmas view from Thailand, though!