When it comes to a winter holiday, most travellers will be after snow, festive foods and cosy bars and restaurants. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to get into the Christmas spirit. Many destinations across Europe are covered in lights, decorations and a light dusting of snow as they near 25 December, with dozens of Christmas markets making these towns even more atmospheric than usual.
Provincial cities like Nuremberg and Strasbourg lead the way for traditional Christmas markets, but capitals such as Edinburgh and Vienna also come alive in winter, with a dizzying array of markets and events punctuating the winding, cobbled streets and photogenic alleys.
Elsewhere, the guaranteed snow of Finnish Lapland adds a touch of magic to festive celebrations, offering a decidedly different Christmas break. Whatever your taste, read on; we’ve rounded up a selection of the best places to go to nail that much-needed Christmas holiday.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Hogmanay celebrations happen just after Christmas in Edinburgh
(Getty Images)
The Scottish capital is especially enchanting at Christmastime, with the early darkness bringing opportunities for festive decoration, twinkling lights and cosy markets. The Christmas period begins in November, with dozens of special events including theatre shows, carol performances and festive light trails.
The city’s main thoroughfares, Royal Mile and Grassmarket, are as resplendent as ever, while the illuminated Edinburgh Castle provides a dramatic backdrop to the city. There are several markets that light up Edinburgh, though the main ones are located on East Princes Street Gardens and George Street. After strolling through the cobbled streets and browsing the various stalls, get your fill of mulled wine and traditional German foods.
The home of Hogmanay remains in an equally as festive and even more celebratory mood after Christmas as it gears up for New Year’s Eve celebrations, so a Christmastime visit can be combined with a special way to welcome in 2024 if you time it right.
How to do it
easyJet fly direct to Edinburgh from London Luton, Stansted and Gatwick, with flights available from as little as £14 one way.
The Eden Locke hotel sits in Edinburgh’s magnificent Georgian New Town, in close proximity to the city centre and East Princes Street Gardens. Set in a beautifully decorated town house,…
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