Ah, Christmas! With glittering lights, sparkling baubles and colourful decorations, Europe is at its festive best. Many towns and cities look especially enchanting all decked out for the season, but some destinations really know how to put on a show. Here are some of our favourite places to celebrate Christmas.
Strasbourg, France
The self-proclaimed capital of Christmas, Strasbourg not only boasts France’s oldest Christmas market dating back to 1570, but also Europe’s tallest decorated Christmas tree! Every year, a 30-metre-tall tree illuminates Place Kléber and some 300 chalets are set up all over the city centre, selling all things Christmassy, from biscuits called bredele to traditional gifts.
Vienna, Austria
No other city does Christmas with such grace as Vienna. With its famous café culture, imperial architecture and elegant Christmas markets, Vienna is a wonderful destination for a wintry celebration, overlooked by its magnificent Baroque city hall, which is simply stunning at this time of year. Enjoy freshly baked pastries, go ice-skating or catch one of the city’s renowned Christmas concerts.
Cologne, Germany
Germans pride themselves on their fabulous Christmas markets, and this birthplace of mulled wine plays hosts to no fewer than seven! Regarded as some of the best in Germany, Cologne’s Christmas markets offer a truly magical experience. Its spectacular cathedral stands out amidst the Cologne skyline even more than usual decorated with glittering lights.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest the beautiful Hungarian capital, hosts not one but two spectacular Christmas markets, both within walking distance of one another. Numerous artisans offer up their special wares at Hungary’s oldest Christmas market, located in Vörösmarty Square in the heart of the city, while the smaller market outside St Stephen’s Basilica also boasts hundreds of stalls and a skating rink.
Bratislava, Slovakia
The Christmas market in picturesque Bratislava is a major festive draw for visitors, with a delightful range of stalls and a dazzling ice rink in the town centre. Draped in twinkling fairy lights, the Slovakian capital is a winter wonderland come true. There’s even an official Christmas tram that transports visitors between Bratislava’s different squares.
Are you ready to book a festive get away? We would love to help you! Pop into our branch or call us on 01737 244411. We can't wait to help you plan your special Christmas trip🎄!