Now that Halloween is all wrapped up, Christmas is starting to pop up left and right. Only a good month and a half until the holidays are upon us, and there are so many wonderful things to be done to fully embrace the festive magic of the season. Europe offers a plethora of enchanting destinations, that are fantastic for short and sweet, Christmassy getaways. And they are sure to provide you with a dreamy, white (fingers crossed!), magical escape, full of twinkling lights, comforting spices, and perfect gifts. Here are five of the best countries around us, that promise to immerse you in the enchanting world of yuletide wonders!
1. Austria
Beautiful Austria in the heart of Europe is an absolute top choice when it comes to experiencing a traditional Christmas spirit. Here, you can find everything from charming Christmas markets to snow-covered Alpine villages like the ones surrounding stunning cities such as Salzburg – Austria simply embodies the holiday season. A must-visit is the Viennese Christmas Markets. Yes, markets! Plural! There are usually several markets with different themes, and they are usually set up in the middle to end of November and last until Christmas. It’s perfect to savour traditional Austrian treats and enjoy heartwarming festive performances. As Austria is an incredibly stunning country, we do recommend coupling it with a longer stay, to be able to fully immerse yourself into what it has to offer. Especially on foot with a walking holiday!
2. Czech Republic
Prague in the Check Republic is an absolute winter wonderland during the holiday season. The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Quare are adorned with festive decorations – and the Christmas markets here are known for their wooden huts and delicious traditional Czech treats. This is an exceptionally great choice if you’re in the market for not only delicacies like trdelník, a type of spit cake, or hearty sausages – but also to take in the stunning architecture of this historic city.
3. Germany
Next on the list is, of course, Germany. It’s renowned for its Christmas markets – and you’ll find them in almost every village, city, and town throughout the Advent season. Notice how we specified the Advent season? For most Germans, the holidays begin after the Sunday in commemoration of the dead – the last Sunday before Advent. In 2023, this will be the 26th of November. So, if you want to be on the safe side, only visit Germany after this day, if you want to fully enjoy all the Christmas markets they provide! The Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt is probably the most famous, though big cities like München, Dresden, Berlin or Hamburg also offer fantastic markets – each with its own unique charm. Explore their historic streets, sample German delicacies, and shop for unique and handcrafted ornaments!
4. France
France definitely adds a fabulous touch of elegance to the holiday season. After all, there is a reason that Strasbourg is known as the “Capital of Christmas”: it boasts one of Europe’s oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets. Here, the half-timbered houses and myriads of festive lights create a truly magical atmosphere. Other cities like Paris and Lyon also celebrate with beautifully decorated streets and lively markets, where you can enjoy absolutely fantastic gourmet treats. And as a bonus? It won’t be as cold here, as it will be in the other countries on our list. So, if you like it a bit milder, France might just be the place for you.
5. Switzerland
We’re ending our list with Switzerland, which with its snow-covered Alps and charming villages is the background for an absolutely magnificent and picturesque winter wonderland. Zürich’s Christmas markets are a treat for all of your senses and feature stunning artisanal crafts and – of course – delicious Swiss chocolates. Other cities like Basel or Lucerne are fantastic choices to go to, as well.
