Sometimes, Christmas and the free days give us the opportunity to finally go on that city break you’ve been dreaming of for weeks. When November starts, everyone gets lost in all the Christmas pictures and videos. Christmas markets, decorated windows, trees with magical lights… those lights that invade the streets of the cities. Since travelling during Christmas in Europe is something that we all dream of, we have selected the 5 cities that have the best festive atmosphere. Which one do you prefer?
The best Christmas city breaks in Europe
The villages of Alsace
Alsace is the smallest region of France but it the destination with the most beautiful Christmas decoration during the holidays. The people organise authentic Christmas markets full of lights and colours. One of the most famous is located in Strasbourg, which is also the oldest (it has been held since 1570), but Colmar and Mulhouse are also very popular. As it is a small region, in less than a week you can visit all its cities.
During Christmas, the Alsace region is divided into 7 countries:
- The Land of Mysteries
In parts of the north (Wissembourg or Hagueneau), we can meet Santa or some fairies since it is the territory of mythical creatures. There are valleys and wooden houses, and in December there are markets with all kinds of handmade gifts.
- The Land of Light
In places of the northwest (Saverne or Marmoutier). Its hills and its glassworks are very famous. The best time to visit the area if from November 25, the day of Santa Catalina, to January 6, the day of the Epiphany.
- The Land of Taste
Here you will find Strasbourg, with its Christkindelsmarik market full of stalls that sell Christmas decorations, gifts and food with delicious recipes for the holidays.
- The Land of Christmas Tree
The centre of Alsace. It’s here where the tradition of decorating the Christmas Tree begins, the first was sold (as noted in the Humanist Library of Sélestat) in the year 1521.
- The Land of Christmas Stars
This land includes Colmar, Eguisheim, Munster or Ribeauvillé and many other wine villages. The mountains of the Vosges receive many visits every winter, as well as the markets of its villages.
- The Land of Songs and Fine Fabrics
In southern places, near Switzerland and Germany. Mulhouse stands out with its illuminated Christmas market, where fabrics and products of the textile industry are sold. At their markets, many carols and songs intoned by musical groups can be found.
- The Land of Christmas Gatherings
Near Ungersheim. This is where traditions are most faithfully followed. There are shows, exhibitions, concerts…
Hamburg
In Hamburg, several Christmas markets, in German “Weihnachtsmärkte”, are set up in the city centre. The most popular markets of Hamburg are the ones on Rathausmarkt, the Jungfernstieg (the Christmas market overlooking the Alster), Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz, Altona-Ottensen, Stadthausbrücke (small but very charming) and Santa Pauli (original and preferred by the young people).
In the food stalls of the markets it is common to drink hot red wine “Glühwein” and hot chocolate, next to other typical drinks. These markets are known as the best in all of northern Germany thanks to the variety of products that they sell (ranging from food, to toys, to handicrafts) and decoration.
Krakow
The cold is not an excuse for Polish cities to celebrate Christmas in style, with events, shows and markets. Every year the traditional Christmas market of Krakow is held in the Rynek, one of the largest town medieval squares in Europe. This market is beautiful: surrounded by historic buildings and stalls with roofs covered by snow.
The market is set up every year between the last Sunday of November and 27th of December. Thousands of people visit this market to enjoy the lighting, the music and all the Christmas goodies. The products are very varied: decorations for your home, warm clothing, handmade jewelry and delicious snacks.
You cannot go home before you’ve tried the Pierogi, the roasted pork, the Oscypek cheese, the Polish candies or a good waffle with chocolate. In addition, they sell hot wine, also very typical in this region.
Valencia
Also Valencia, a city in Spain, has beautiful spots with Christmas charm and offers several activities for the cold days. The San Silvestre race (December 30) is perfect for the most athletic families and, besides being held in the capital, it is also carried out in some villages.
On the other hand, ice skating rinks are installed in several points of the city: Nuevo Centro Shopping Centre, Town Hall Square, Bonaire Shopping Centre or the City of Arts and Sciences.
Another attraction of the city is the fair in the river “la Turia”, full of attractions and food stalls that attract tourists and locals. Following the line of fairs, you will also find the known Handcraft Fair of the Plaza de la Virgen and Expojove, an interactive exhibition for children.
The Christmas and New Year concert of the Palau de la Música and the Cabalgata de Reyes are also visited by many people.
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London
Of course London cannot be missed in our list. The most important thing here during Christmas is shopping, followed by the Christmas lights and festive atmosphere. You cannot miss the streets with lights and decoration that will be activated every afternoon. Although these are the three most important streets: Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. Besides the lights, here you can discover shows and enjoy discounts at the many stores.
The second must-visit is Trafalgar Square with a Christmas tree of over 20 meters high, which this year will be there until January 8. This fir is donated by the city of Oslo every year, in fact, the mayor visits London every Christmas to see the ignition.
The third Christmas attraction of this English city are its fairs and markets, with ornate decoration and bright colours. Two of the most famous are those organised by the British Red Cross or Country Living magazine. On the south of the Thames there is a market in German style that sells, above all, handmade products.
And, although we could continue listing hundreds of London attractions during Christmas, we want to mention to finish in the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, an amusement park that is planted in the green lung. Children and adults enjoy its facilities, that also has a market.
Even though we have selected 5 cities or regions, you should know that there are many more cities in Europe that have the Christmas atmosphere. Investigate them all and experience the magic of going on a city break during Christmas in Europe yourself.