Perfect Christmas Holiday Destinations In Europe

Can't wait for next summer to roll around for your next getaway? Prefer travelling off-season when things are cheaper and crowds are smaller? Like spending the holidays abroad? If any or all of the above apply to you then you might be looking for some winter vacation destinations and, you're in luck, because we have a guide to some of the best European spots to visit during the colder months...

Rome

Rome is a crazy-popular holiday destination and during the warmer months and the high season, in particular, it can be incredibly busy. Why not avoid the crowds and visit during winter instead? Rome is especially lovely in the run up to Christmas and the period directly afterwards; the famous and atmospheric Christmas Eve mass in St Peter's Basilica, giant Christmas trees at the Vatican, Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, Nativity scenes that are often intricate and sometimes feature live animals dotted around the city, twinkling lights, the market at Piazza Navona, ice-skating, ballets, concerts and more. If you are of the Christian faith, it is a very special pilgrimage and for everyone else, this ancient and beautiful city being lit up for the holidays and filled with joy only makes it lovelier.

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Vienna

If you want a truly magical experience of Christmas or winter abroad, then Vienna is probably the ideal holiday destination. The historic city, when blanketed in snow and twinkling with Christmas lights, is especially stunning and, even if the snow doesn't fall, there are endless things to see and do. You can enjoy the advent concert that sees world-class music by the Wiener Kammer Orchester take place in the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, visit the Christmas market in front of the town hall or the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market in front of the gorgeous 18th century palace by the same name, go ice-skating for a couple of euros on a rink or the Danube (if it freezes over), drink traditional Weihnachtspunsch, or you can ring in the New Year at a concert in the Schönbrunn Palace.

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London

London is always full of things to see and do but it is especially endless and wonderfully seasonal during the winter and over the holidays, in particular. Christmas villages pop up all over, there are plenty of ice-rinks to choose from, the pretty streets are strewn with lights, performances, pantos and concerts take place, there are plenty of seasonal dishes and beverages to try, famous shops like Harrods and Foyles get festive makeovers, you can experience Hogwarts in the snow at Warner Brothers Studios, thematic afternoon teas take over menus in the most luxurious of hotels and, for New Year's, fireworks explode over the Thames and the iconic city skyline.

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Switzerland

For a white Christmas, or just some excellent skiing, Switzerland is a must. The scenery that surrounds in winter is truly magnificent, the little villages are adorable and the slopes are some of the best in the world. Spend your days relieving stress through adventurous winter sports and then come inside to a cosy chalet and enjoy hot chocolate while taking in your amazing surroundings or curling up in front of a roaring fire with a good book in hand and loved ones nearby...

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Canary Islands

Or, for something completely different, why not try the Canary Islands this winter? Temperatures remain warm and it stays sunny so you can escape the cold and holiday chaos back home in favour of beaches, cocktails and relaxation.

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If you've been thinking about getting away from it all for a getaway this winter, we've got lots of great options for different kinds of holidays around Europe! We have also written a guide to the ski destinations in Europe so be sure to check those out too!