For many people, Christmas is the most beautiful time of year. They make plans long ago, they look forward to the festive days, they decorate even two months before (and they do well, since surveys say they are happier!) And they prepare for travels. If you’re looking for where to go, here we are. So these are the Top 10 European destinations for Christmas. Do you agree?
Top 10 European Christmas destinations
Athens, Greece
With or without a crisis, Athens is just great for the holidays. It’ s not only the ornaments, the events, the theaters or the endless choices of entertainment. You can find these in the Greek capital all year long. It is a special charm that hides from region to region. Especially during the holidays the energy and life are diffused in the air of the city.
London, England
Is there any Cypriot that has not visited London at least once during Christmas? Cosmopolitan London is a classic value for winter vacation lovers! The British capital is beautifully decorated, with colorful lights everywhere, a perfect setting for walks and shopping! In London department stores, you are very likely to meet someone you know…
Berlin, Germany
Germany is one of the top destinations for these days because of its special Christmas markets. Many countries, in fact, copy this festival style. The best known are in Berlin, the Berliner Weihnachtszeit near Alexanderplatz and the WeihnachtsZauber at the Gendarmenmarkt.
Vienna, Austria
One of the most popular cities for Christmas. The imposing buildings and castles are adorned and Christmas markets take it off. Take a stroll around Rathausplatz Town Hall Square to travel to Christmas of other, past periods with handmade ornaments, toys and natural Christmas sweets!
Rovaniemi, Lapland (Finland)
The most caracteristic holiday destination. North of the Arctic Circle in remote Lapland, according to tradition, is the village of Santa Claus, who, with the help of the elves, prepares gifts that will give with the sled. Rovaniemi has souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and the … office of Santa Claus which has specific hours in public, where the elves prepare the presents for the little ones. Forget the chimneys and go find yourself Santa Claus…
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of the most hospitable and atmospheric areas, with a very interesting history and an ideal choice for anyone who loves time travel! Narrow passageways and cobbled alleys ideally marry in a landscape of 17th-century architecture and high-rise buildings that will leave you open-mouthed!
Copenhagen, Denmark
With half a million lights and ornaments in the city it’ s impossible not to enter in the spirit of Christmas in Copenhagen? The oldest theme park in Europe is the focal point of festive days in the Danish capital. Skating on the frozen lake is an inevitable experience.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a top destination all season, but even more so at Christmas! There you can enjoy spectacular events, as custom wants the Three Magicians, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar to arrive on January 4 at the port of Barcelona on their own ship. The welcoming ceremony includes cannonballs and fireworks, with the mayor giving them the key of the city. A parade along the streets with elephants, camels and giraffes follows, composing a unique setting for young and old alike.
Rome, Italy
The eternal city is ideal during all year too, but it is also ideal for Christmas. Get ready for a stroll through the Piazza Navona, which hosts a large market. 100 fantastic scenes from the birth story are set in Piazza del Popolo. For many, the ultimate destination is St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican and attending Christmas Eve midnight.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
If you can’t wait until Christmas, go to Amsterdam sooner! Christmas there begins much earlier, with gifts being exchanged on December 5th! Christmas lights, ornaments, decoration, outdoor markets, amusement parks and skating rinks are just some of what you will find in the Dutch capital these days.
For us, these are the Top 10 European Christmas destinations. Do you have any other suggestions?
Eirini Spiropoulou
Irene Spirpoulou is a graduate of Philosophy, Pedagogics and Psychology, at University of Ioannina, and of Sports Journalism Center in Athens. The dilemma of being a journalist or a philologist, however, was never raised, since the goal was clear from the beginning, so journalism (and not just sports journalism) won... easily.
The procedure to learn four foreign languages started as a «I do something I like» action and turned out to be a very important tool in work and travels. She will write about them (travels) and about everything that makes a person happy.