Top European Destinations for Americans This Holiday Season

Allianz Partners, a global leader in travel insurance and assistance services, has revealed the top 20 European cities Americans are heading to as the holiday season takes flight.

Allianz Partners’ annual European Holiday Destination Index reveals the most popular European destinations for 2025, reviewing more than 165,000 travel itineraries across the peak holiday travel period. Roundtrip flights departing from United States airports between November 26, 2025, and January 6, 2026, were considered. The findings point to sustained winter wanderlust, with travelers prioritizing festive atmospheres, cultural immersion, and peace of mind as they pack their passports and head abroad.

According to this year’s Index, London, England once again ranks as the most popular European destination for American travelers this winter, followed by Paris, France (#2) and Rome, Italy (#3). Madrid, Spain (#4) and Dublin, Ireland (#5) round out the top five, underscoring Americans’ continued draw to culturally rich capitals with festive markets and iconic holiday traditions.

The remainder of the top 10 features Amsterdam, Netherlands (#6), Frankfurt, Germany (#7), Barcelona, Spain (#8), Munich, Germany (#9), and Lisbon, Portugal (#10)—a mix of classic city breaks and warmer Mediterranean escapes. Persisting favorites continue beyond the top 10 as Zurich, Switzerland (#11) and Milan, Italy (#12) reflect consistent interest in fashion-forward city stays and Alpine access.

Rounding out the list are several destinations that shifted positions this year, reflecting evolving traveler interests across Europe. Athens, Greece (#13) and Edinburgh, Scotland (#14) traded places on the index, as Americans weigh the allure of mild Mediterranean weather and ancient history against Edinburgh’s storybook holiday charm and rich seasonal traditions.

Vienna, Austria, renowned for its ornate architecture and festive Christmas markets, climbed five spots to #15 this year, as travelers seek an Old-World holiday ambiance filled with music, history, and twinkling lights. Copenhagen, Denmark (#16) also joins the list, captivating Americans with its signature hygge spirit and cozy winter traditions. Meanwhile, Manchester, England placed at #17 this year, down two ranks from last year, likely by travelers extending their European stays beyond London to experience the energy and culture of England’s vibrant northern cities.

Further south, Geneva, Switzerland (#18) continues to entice winter wanderers with its lakeside scenery and proximity to ski resorts, while Venice, Italy (#19) drops a single ranking as a cool-season escape with smaller crowds and romantic canal-side celebrations. Closing out the top 20, Brussels, Belgium (#20) slipped from last year’s #16 spot, though it continues to attract travelers with its dazzling Winter Wonders festival and irresistible culinary traditions of waffles and chocolate.

“With holiday travel heating up, Americans are embracing Europe’s winter magic and protecting those plans with travel insurance,” said Emily Hartman, general manager at Allianz Partners. “From Christmas markets to New Year’s celebrations, travelers are seeking memorable, stress-free experiences, backed by coverage for delays, cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, and other unexpected disruptions.”

Together, these destinations underscore Americans’ growing appetite for variety in their European travels, from snow-covered markets to temperate escapes, as the continent continues to offer something for every type of winter traveler.

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