Probably the most beautiful European cities with their romantic Christmas markets, picturesque ski resorts, … [+]
Noticed how every yr, Christmas seems to begin earlier? This yr, in lots of parts of Europe, it began to surface in October (together with Halloween decorations): lights, trees and garlands are already gracing streets and windows in a lot of probably the most beautiful European cities as romantic Christmas markets, picturesque ski resorts, Christmas and Recent 12 months’s festivities get the ending touches for an unforgettable holiday season.
Then there are the lists of the ‘best Christmas festivities’, ‘best Christmas markets’, ‘must-have end-of-year travel experiences’ t0 help guide your decisions in the event you’re planning to travel to Europe to complete this eventful 2022.
Here, based on a few of the most reliable sources, I offer ten of the very best really helpful destinations for a very memorable winter experience on the old continent.
Among the many top “25 Travel Experiences You Must Have” put together by a five-person jury on the Recent York Times, the region of Andalusia within the south of Spain appears prominently.
Andalusia, Spain
Picturesque street within the small ,white-washed village of Mijas, decorated for Christmas in Spain’s … [+]
With its mild weather of ‘almost-summer sunshine’, fewer tourists (except at Christmas), golden sandy beaches along its long coast, the white summits of the Sierra Nevada, famed cities filled with legendary heritage and a wealth of special celebrations, parades and carnivals, Andalusia is definitively one for the bucket list.
Starting with the architectural treasures left by the Islamic civilization in the course of the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula from the eighth to the eleventh centuries that include Seville’s Alcázar Palace, the Mezquita-Catedral of Córdoba and the storied Alhambra in Granada “glittering in honeycomb muqarnas and moonlight-washed, waterway-threaded gardens.”
Then, from the centuries-long reign of the catholic church and monarchy that followed, the nice cities of Andalusia “became spectacular palimpsests of divergent faiths superimposed on top of one another” evident in extraordinary monuments like Seville’s Fifteenth-century Gothic-style cathedral — built on the footprint of an Almohad mosque whose graceful minaret was repurposed as a church tower — and Córdoba’s Renaissance cathedral that “bursts from the austere, rhythmic heart of the mezquita, itself built atop the stays of a sixth-century Visigothic basilica,” as explained by the Recent York Times.
“Beyond its beauty, Andalusia is a tribute to the indelible marks that cultures and communities leave on each other across time and space.”
Lofoten, Norway
Northern lights above Festhelltinden peak and Hamnoy, Lofoten Islands.
Norway’s Northern Lights are one other inescapable presence not only on the Recent York Times list.
The aurora borealis, also often called the northern lights, is an elusive natural phenomenon as unpredictable because it is extraordinary that illuminates the sky “with dancing streaks of saturated yellow, pink, purple and green, a tangoing of solar gas and Earth’s magnetic field rendered in Technicolor.”
Places situated where the Arctic Circle begins, some 66.5 degrees north of the equator, are considered prime viewing spots. Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia are top ones.
“Lofoten, an archipelago off Norway’s northwest coast, offers probably the most picturesque backdrops for witnessing this mercurial sight. There, a coastline framed by jagged peaks, sweeping fjords, sandy beaches and rorbu, old fishermen’s cabins painted cherry red and pine green, makes for a serene visit, day or night. Winters on the archipelago are long (November to April) and dark (for five weeks in December and January, the sun doesn’t even rise), so consider them a primary time to quiet down on a north-facing beach (Unstad and Gimsøy are particularly beautiful) or sink right into a hot tub at a heritage fishing lodge, neck craned skyward — and wait. The anticipation is half the fun,” writes Aileen Kwun within the Times.
And in the event you occur to be in Norway, there are two other winter destinations ranked high on many lists:
Bergen, like in ‘Frozen’
Bergen waterfront, Norway.
Bergen, Norway, often called the inspiration for Arandelle, the magical kingdom in Frozen, and likewise because the world’s biggest gingerbread town, “where you possibly can pay a visit to many art museums, and aquariums, in addition to buy groceries within the nearby markets under a really special Christmas atmosphere,” is really helpful by Schengenvisainfo.
Oslo, the gorgeous Norwegian capital with unequaled and cheerful sites, Christmas trees, many winter activities like skiing and sledding at slopes situated inside a brief ride and probably the most unique Christmas fair held on the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History also needs to be on the itinerary.
Rovaniemi: Santa’s town
Santa Claus at his desk in Rovaniemi, Finland, the capital of Lapland and often called Santa’s hometown.
Also within the Scandinavian ‘neighborhood’ appears one other “must see” destination: the Santa Claus Village in Finland included within the The Travel’s 10 Unbelievably Stunning Winter Destinations:”
“Rovaniemi, Finland, is the capital of Lapland and is often called Santa Claus’s hometown. It is also where he keeps his office and welcomes people year-round. Visitors can get a singular passport stamp and send postcards directly from the Santa Claus post office.
Situated within the Arctic, the place can also be a great place to look at the northern lights, considered one of nature’s most spectacular sights. Visitors also can go on a dog sled trip and learn more concerning the Lappish culture.”
Transylvania
Snowy winter in romantic Transylvania.
The #1 spot on The Travel’s list is Transylvania, ‘A Surprisingly Romantic Destination’: “When visiting Romania, travelers should transcend Bucharest and include Transylvania of their plans.
Bram Castle can also be a must-see, year-round stop. But, but it surely looks especially magical when it’s snow-covered. The region has many other incredible towns, and people wanting to explore Christmas markets should head to Cluj, Sibiu and Brasov.
The region has excellent slopes at Poiana Brasov, where visitors also can enjoy spas and hot tubs. People dreaming of snow-capped villages should check Sighisoara, which UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site.”
The Travel list includes two more unexpected destinations:
Reykjavík
View of the northern light from the town center in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital and the northernmost “capital on the planet“ is the final word destination for nature lovers and arguably probably the most famous spot on the island, mainly during summer when the recent springs attract a whole lot of tourists, the guide writes. “Town offers many activities all winter, including seeing the northern lights and diving into the geothermal spas that grow to be even higher when the temperature drops.”
Bled Lake, Slovenia
Panoramic view of famous Bled Island (Blejski otok) at scenic Lake Bled with Bled Castle (Blejski … [+]
Bled Lake in Slovenia is considered one of the country’s most famous sights, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The lake “becomes much more beautiful when it’s snow-covered,” based on The Travel. “It’s the proper time to explore the realm with almost no tourists and lower prices. For tourists visiting Lake Bled in December, there’s a wonderful Christmas market where they also can try traditional foods and drinks.”
Prague
Prague at Christmas: classic view of snowy roofs in the town center, with the Christmas market and … [+]
For a lot of, Prague is amongst probably the most romantic cities in Europe — particularly magical in winter and included on most lists of the continent’s best Christmas markets.
It’s considered one of the Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Europe by European Best Destinations (EBD) and appears at # 2 of best Christmas markets on the list of Tik Tok users, amongst others.
The Czech Republic’s capital offers many ice skating rinks within the parks, castles and museums to go to with shorter lines than in the course of the remainder of the yr and the famous Christmas markets.
“This yr, celebrations for Christmas in Prague will begin on November 26 and end on January 6, 2023,” writes EBD. “During this time, the Old Town Square within the Czech capital will fill with wood stalls, and merchants offering Christmas goods like mulled wine, hot roasted chestnuts, gingerbread biscuits or the everyday food in Czechia – Christmas cookies or Czech grilled sausages.
Town can also be well-known for its spectacular Christmas tree, decorated with traditional Czech blown glass balls, an ideal setting for unforgettable photos to fill the book with this yr’s memories.”
The primary Christmas markets in Prague are held in the center of the town – in Old Town Square in addition to in Wenceslas Square. Smaller markets are also held at other locations.
Colmar
Traditional Alsatian half-timbered houses in Colmar, decorated and illuminated at christmas time, … [+]
Many destinations in France, with their enchanting Christmas markets, snare first places on many lists of the very best in Europe and the world — and Colmar and Strasbourg are often among the many top.
Colmar’s is considered one of the Christmas markets most suggested by content creators in TikTok and is present yr after yr within the European Best Destinations list.
This yr, the Christmas market in Colmar opened on November 24, and visitors will have the ability to have an unforgettable experience until December 29.
Colmar has the atmosphere of a magical Old Town and when decorated for Christmas it’s like being in a fairy tale. The town center consists of varied architectural treasures which mix splendidly with the lighting especially designed to bring out the heritage of the town.
Strasbourg
Christmas decorations in Strasbourg on an old house wall
Strasbourg, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a good looking city all year long, but when it dresses for Christmas, it becomes probably the most acclaimed on the planet — its title of “Capital of Christmas” well earned.
Town’s “must-experience” Christmas market appears on practically every list of the ‘best in Europe’ and worldwide. It’s the oldest Christmas market in Europe, having began in 1570. Since then, the town has continued its tradition, remaining considered one of the highest destinations to be visited in the course of the Christmas period.
“Strasbourg, birthplace of Christmas celebrations, invites you on a real sensory journey,” writes EBD. “From the fairy-like lights to the delicious aromas, let yourself be carried away by the town’s warm atmosphere, marvel and wander across the 300 wood chalets arrange in the town’s historic centre. With its majestic Great Christmas Tree sporting a dress of lights, and its countless illuminated streets, the Capital of Christmas takes you into an enchanted and richly decorated city that may enthrall young and old.”
Zagreb
People skating on city skating rink in Zagreb, Croatia. Zagreb has been declared the very best european … [+]
Together with Strasbourg, Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, has been repeatedly named Best Christmas holiday destination in Europe by European Best Destinations.
“Zagreb and Strasbourg (each thrice-awarded) are out of competition but still amongst the favourite Christmas destinations for travellers,” based on EBD. `’Zagreb is the one destination awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe three consecutive times.”
Zagreb’s “magical offer” spread around the town features a renowned ice skating rink on King Tomislav Square, food and drinks kiosks that fill the cooler evening air with spicy aromas, music and art exhibits.
This yr’s Advent features a wealthy program of indoor and outdoor concert events and exhibitions that may run from now through January 7.
EBD’s Best Holidays Destinations
In partnership with greater than 350 European tourist offices and the Eden network created by the European Commission to advertise sustainable tourism, EBD releases its list of the 20 best holiday destinations based on the votes of hundreds of travelers who placed greater than 100 markets at the highest of their rankings.
“The chosen ones usually are not only alleys of chalets but cultural and artistic events with concert events, creative workshops, Christmas lights, fireworks, shows and ice rinks and are committed to sustainability, offering local food and artisanal products,” the organization explains.
This yr’s list includes Budapest, Hungary, (twice voted Best Christmas holiday destination); Basel, Switzerland; Tallinn, Estonia; Metz, France; Brussels, Belgium; Vienna, Austria; Govone & Asti, Italy; Craiova, Romania; and Leipzig, Germany.
Here’s the complete list of EBD’s Best Winter Holidays Destinations.
