Christmas & New Year

With colourful Christmas markets, stunning twinkling lights that line the streets, seasonal displays, music and ice rinks, Europe really comes alive in December. Combine this with holiday shopping, traditional foods and sightseeing, and you cannot beat the unbelievable atmosphere of Christmas or New Year in any number of European cities. Here are just a few highlights!

Austria is considered to be home to some of the oldest Christmas markets, not just in Europe but in the entire world. Vienna is like no other European city at this time of year, with markets, holiday music and concerts at the stunning Schönbrunn Palace. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is steeped in age-old traditions that date back to the 15th Century. Salzburg is a traditional city with a strong historical background, perfect for those who want to spend Christmas in one of the best places in Europe.

Germany has some of the best-known Christmas markets in Europe, with the air filled with the fragrance of roasting chestnuts, grilled sausages and other regional specialities. Most of the markets and festivals are held outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately, as it is likely to be snowing. Don’t forget to bring a bag with you, because you are sure to be tempted by the beautiful handmade goods you will find. Some of the most famous Christmas markets can be found in Nuremberg, Munich, Dresden and Frankfurt, to name but a few.

France is magical at any time of year; however, the Alsatian city of Strasbourg has the oldest and best Christmas market in France, in a fairytale-like setting with half-timbered houses as a backdrop. Paris dazzles with its stunning store windows and beautiful Noël displays, patisserie shelves filled with seasonal delights, fresh oysters from Brittany, foie gras, truffles, chestnuts, Champagne and the must-try bûche de Noël. Be sure to take a stroll down the Champs-Élysées to see the extravagant Christmas decorations, which are illuminated by thousands of lightbulbs. Galeries Lafayette department store presents splendid window displays during the holiday season, including an enormous Christmas tree that hangs from its roof.

England is full of holiday spirit with London’s shimmering Christmas lights found throughout Oxford Street, Regent Street, Mayfair and Sloane Square, amongst others. The department store windows come to life with magical scenes that fill children with joy. Every year, the windows of Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty and others show off their new surprises and displays. London is also an iconic destination for New Year, with the countdown at Big Ben and the fireworks display over the Thames and the London Eye. Edinburgh is another wonderful destination to visit over the holiday season, with its Christmas market ranked amongst the best in the United Kingdom. However, New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh is truly one of the best, with the Scots celebrating ‘Hogmanay’. This is celebrated with gigantic parties, open-air concerts, international artists and huge firework displays.

Finland is the official home of Santa Claus, up at the North Pole, and a visit to Rovaniemi, located just 6½ km inside the Arctic Circle, is a bucket-list holiday. A visit to the Santa Claus Village is a must for children and adults alike. Send a letter from the Santa Claus Main Post Office, meet Santa’s reindeer in the village, take a snowmobile ride, or visit a husky farm or Elf’s Farmyard Zoo – there is something for everyone.

Switzerland is synonymous with this time of year, as it is one of the best getaways over the Christmas period in Europe. This is a true winter holiday destination, complete with magical snowy Alps that won’t leave you disappointed. Enjoy your stay in an Alpine chalet, savouring fondue and raclette made from locally produced cheese. Hmmm!

Poland is amongst the best Christmas destinations in Europe. With as much enthusiasm and joy as any of the Catholic nations in Europe, Poland has twinkling Christmas trees set up in its town squares, delightful church services and prayers, and lavish feasts on Christmas Eve called Wigilia.

Czechia has that old-world charm, with Prague Castle decorated with lights and holiday cheer. The castle grounds include St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George's Basilica, which both offer Advent concerts and the area in front is one of the city's most popular Christmas markets. A favourite holiday food is trdelník, a hollow pastry covered in cinnamon sugar and popularly served with soft-serve ice cream.

Hungary is another charming place to visit. From riding the lit-up streetcar to ice skating around Budapest Park, Budapest is one of the most fascinating places to spend Christmas. It has something for everyone, from attending midnight mass at St. Stephen’s Basilica to being part of a traditional, classic Hungarian folk show.

Italy is a truly religious place over Christmas, with the Pope’s Mass televised worldwide on Christmas Eve. It is thought that St. Francis of Assisi originated the first public nativity scene, known in Italy as a Presepe, when in 1223 he built a replica of the nativity at his mountain hermitage in Greccio, near Assisi. The annual tradition continued and spread throughout Italy, taking several different forms in different regions and towns. Other beautiful Italian cities include Florence, with its stunning lights, trees and piazzas that welcome you through the holiday period. Why not experience la dolce vita in Rome for a warm, gastronomic and festive New Year?

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, glows with fairy lights that reflect in the canals. The Amsterdam Light Festival has a different theme each year, and illumination artists have free rein to interpret it, with spectacular results.

Reykjavik, Iceland, bursts into a whirl of colour and cheer over the festive season, filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the sound of carollers echoing between the buildings.

Porto, Portugal, is a great place to spend New Year and tops many travellers’ wish lists. The countdown in front of Porto City Hall is followed by concerts and parties in the bars, restaurants and nightclubs – a truly unique experience to enjoy at least once in your life.

New Year’s Eve in Athens, Greece, is a euphoric affair, from the pedestrianised area beneath the Acropolis, which comes alive with live music, DJ sets and performers, to the view of the Acropolis as it is lit up at midnight by a magnificent fireworks display. However, Syntagma Square is the place to be for that all-night, open-air party vibe.