Read on for 5 of my favorite wintertime European destinations.
If you do venture out this winter, also check out my post on How to Pack for Winter Travel (and still Fit Everything in your Carry-on)
Alsace Region
Strasbourg in particular. The Alsace region is a lovely area at any time of year, but it comes alive at Christmas. It should be somewhere at the top of your wintertime European destinations list.
The Alsace runs along the French side of the Rhine River, between Colmar on the south and Strasbourg on the north. Strasbourg, a lovely UNESCO World Heritage site lined with canals and Christmas-card-perfect pastel half timbered buildings, hosts the oldest of all the Christmas Markets, going back to 1570. Strasbourg Market showcases about 300 stalls showcasing local handicrafts and Christmas goodies. But Strasbourg isn’t the only wonderful town to visit in the Alsace wine region. There are several towns which look like they are right out of a Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale: Colmar, Keintzheim, Riquewihr, Ribeauville, Kayersburg, and Alsace town itself with storks nesting on chimneys, all make for the most charming winter vacay. Oh, and did i mention, it’s also a highly respected wine trail? Yum.
London
Why go to London during the holidays? Why the shopping, of course!
London might not have the quaint, medieval vibe found in other European destinations, but it certainly has plenty of holiday spirit. You’ll be able to enjoy lights, markets, skating rinks, and early decorations throughout all of the shopping areas, like Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Leister Square, and Trafalgar Square. And of course don’t miss the christmas market and winter wonderland at Hyde Park.
Prague
Prague’s winter markets are some of the most famous in all of Europe.
The main market in Prague is situated in the Old Town square. Old town is not only a delight for the shoppers among us, but Prague markets are also known for the delicious local foods and delicacies, like kolbása sausages, Trdelník pastries, mulled wine, or good local beer which is quite literally cheaper than water. Also check out the giant christmas tree lighting ceremonies which occur each evening – not only In the Old Town Square’s main market, but there’s also one at the Prague Castle which is simply magical.
Paris
Who doesn’t love Paris? The mystique doesn’t disappear in the wintertime, and the evening lights make the city absolutely magical.
So, I might argue that there’s even more magic to Paris at the holidays than in the spring. Imagine all of your Christmas photos with the Eiffel Tower or Sacre Coeur as a backdrop! Paris has the markets and the shopping, but in addition, Parisians’ holiday decorations are simply impeccable. And, with the short days and cooler weather, you won‘t feel guilty about being inside to shop or stroll through a museum. Plus, a cup of warm cocoa in the Musee d’Orsey cafe just feels so cozy. (Definitely choose the old restaurant on the second floor – it is absolutely magnificent!) But don’t spend all of your time inside. Embrace the weather and enjoy the holiday lights on the Champs Elysees.
Stockholm
Two words. Gamla Stan.
Stockholm, the capitol of Sweden, is made up of 14 islands and 57 bridges. Gamla Stan is the historic old town, located entirely on one of the small islands, and it dates back to the 1200s. Hard not to walk around here and feel like you are walking in history. But because there’s so much water everywhere around Stockholm, and in December it gets dark by about 3pm, there is a lovely glow created by the reflection of the lights on all of that water, and on all those bridges. Be sure to check out the tree lighting and the magical strings of lights across the streets, as well as the winter markets.
