6 Best Locations For A Christmas Vacation In Europe

When it comes to Christmas in Europe, the weather ranges from icy cold with the Northern Lights to sunshine on the Costa del Sol in the south. Along the way, quaint cities are lit up for the season, while there are fewer tourists to share it with. This makes Europe an ideal destination for a Christmas vacation or any time during the winter season. Enjoy everything from mulled wine, and hot chocolate to chilled sangria, while meeting the more relaxed and friendly locals. Here we explore six best locations for a Christmas vacation in Europe starting from the north.

Experience the Northern Lights in Abisko, Sweden

The Northern Lights (or aurora borealis) is something everyone should experience in person at least once in their lives. As long as you don’t mind the cold, Abisko in Lapland is a fascinating place to travel in December and January. For one thing, the sun doesn’t rise for a number of weeks in that period.

However, the darkness has its own major attraction, as this is one of the best places in the world to experience the amazing Northern Lights. Meanwhile, other activities include trying your hand at cross-country skiing or husky mushing. Moreover, while there, it is a good time to visit nearby Kiruna with its famous Swedish Icehotel.

Christmas in the unofficial home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Finland

Even in these modern times with information to be found online, many children still believe in the magic of Santa Claus. One best vacation for the whole family is to head to Rovaniemi in Finland, the unofficial home of the bearded man himself. Santa is set to hang out in an Arctic Circle grotto where people are free to visit him. Meanwhile, snow and real reindeer can only add to the spirit of the season.

Snow, Christmas lights and fairytales in Copenhagen, Denmark

While Santa’s home is unofficial, Denmark is truly the home of Hans Christian Andersen and his wonderful fairytales. In Copenhagen, visitors can gaze at the famous Little Mermaid or explore the city’s coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Meanwhile, right in the heart of the city, the 19th-century Tivoli Amusement Park is particularly quaint around the holidays.

While in Copenhagen with two hours or so to spare, take a drive to nearby Odense to visit the home of Hans Christian Anderson with its remarkable new museum and park.

Warm up for Christmas at Budapest’s thermal bathhouses

 

Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is rightfully famous for its ornate thermal baths, perfect for soaking away the chills of the winter months. However, for those who want an outdoor experience, the city’s central park Városligeti Műjégpálya puts on an enormous ice skating rink. After this chilly fun, you might find yourself returning to the thermal baths to warm up again before exploring the cafes and restaurants of the city.

Experience Athens’ historic sites almost to yourself

Heading to warmer climes, Athens in Greece is an ideal place to visit around Christmas. Not only are the temperatures an average of 13°C (55°F), but you won’t face the huge crowds that visit in the summer. In fact, this makes it the ideal time to visit the city’s ancient historic and cultural sites to take the perfect images to share on Instagram. Naturally, all the local tavernas and restaurants are keen to get your business, so you won’t have to wait long for a table.

Sun, sand, skiing and sangria in Andalucía, Spain

While it can occasionally cloud over or get a little chilly in the evening, Andalucía and its Costa del Sol offer mild temperatures. Meanwhile, without the summer and fall crowds, accommodation is cheaper and there is plenty of room on the beaches.

Meanwhile, Granada and its Alhambra and Seville’s incredible architecture are waiting for visitors without the teeming crowds. Obviously, tapas and wine are as available as ever. While it’s mild on the coast, also bear in mind that the Sierra Nevada gets pleasurably snowy, making for a skiing or snowboarding adventure.

Enjoy these and many more enticing destinations in Europe at Christmas and during the winter months.