Christmas is already invading our cities’ shop windows and market stalls. Christmas is a time for being with family. So that makes it the perfect time for our Travel Managers to whisk you away on a fabulous festive trip!
Away from the pressures of work and school, you are free to give all your attention to making amazing memories with your loved ones. And Europe is flooded with amazing Christmas destinations.
Berlin, Germany
Famed for its Christmas markets, Berlin is a quintessential destination if you are a Christmas spirit enthusiast. With several markets to choose from, including Alexanderplatz Christmas Market and The Big Berlin Christmas Market. There is so much Christmas enthusiasm that it is impossible for Berlin’s festive sprit not to rub off on you.
One of the most popular markets to visit is known as the WeihnachtsZauber and it is located at the Gendarmenmarkt. This is just a short walk from the underground train service (U-Bahn) stop U Französische Str, and for a small fee you can gain access to a wealth of stalls that sell mulled cider, decorations, Currywursts (famous spicy German hotdogs), and pancakes smothered in sweet, delicious toppings.
The market also goes one step further for entertainment and hosts festive performances on the stage in the centre. This truly is a wonderful place to visit if you love Christmas. The city also offers epic Christmas lights with a giant Father Christmas outside the KaDeWa and his snowman of a brother further down the street amongst a shopping district. There is also a humungous Christmas tree located next to the Brandenburg Gate, providing a Christmas twist to the classic landmark.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Another European city filled with Christmas cheer is Copenhagen, making it an ideal destination for a Christmas break. The main festive market in the city is the Tivoli Gardens’ Christmas market. It launches on the 15th of November and boasts the ever popular Christmas stalls as well as ample rides and The Nutcracker Ballet at the Tivoli concert hall.
Copenhagen also has its own Christmas snack to rival the Currywurst. Ebelskivers are nuggets of Danish pancake saturated with a rich, gooey applesauce. Be sure to give them a try! An Alp Village will also be on offer at the Tivoli Gardens and will feature kitsch Alpine-style houses and false snow to promote that rustic, Christmas ambiance.
The city also hosts a firework festival that stretches between the 25th December and the 1st of January, continuing the magic long after Christmas day and into the New Year. Treats to enjoy all year round in Copenhagen include visiting the intriguing Kronborg Castle, paying a visit to the iconic Little Mermaid statue, revelling in the art at The National Gallery of Denmark and much more.
Lapland, Finland
Famed as the place where Father Christmas lives, Lapland is the ultimate destination for families and couples alike when it comes to Christmas.
A key destination to visit is Santa’s Lapland, where they offer three and four day breaks that include a visit to meet Santa, a ride on a sledge, a reindeer sleigh, snow & ice play activities and much more. Santa’s Lapland really is the definitive Christmas destination, especially for those with excitable little ones.
The rest of Lapland also offers more exciting Christmas festivities. Due to the snowy nature of this destination, there’s a great opportunity to pursue some amazing arctic activities. Your Simplexity Travel Manager can book a ride on a snowmobile or a sled led by arctic husky dogs. Lapland is also host to some key skiing destinations including Levi Fell and Olos. A Christmas day spent here is a Christmas you will never forget.
Most hotels come with pools and spas, ensuring that this destination can be for adults just as much as children. A visit to Lapland is always going to be a magical experience, and one that you will be thinking about at every Christmas time for years to come.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich really does stand out when it comes to the holiday season. Famed for the smells of cinnamon and mulled cider wafting around the streets, Advent in this city really is a unique experience. One of the main highlights of the season is the Conelli Christmas circus.
The circus offers trapeze acts, comedy, music, poetry and extravagant costumes. You can catch it from 21st of November through to the 4th of January.
Another thing that Zurich does differently to the rest is the Santa parade. Running on the 30th November from 05:00pm, the parade is to honour what the country believes to be the original Santa, ‘St Nicholas of Myra.’
There are great markets here too. The best one is held only twice during the festive season and is known as the Heiliger BimBam. The markets are indoors and really transform the vast venues, trapping an atmosphere of wonder and magic.
The city hosts an annual floating lights event on the 18th of December. In traditional form, 800 candles are set to float from 6pm onwards from Stadthausquai down the Limmat River. It’s a beautiful sight.
The event really makes a spectacular sight and is something all Christmas lovers should seek to see once in their life time. The Old Town hosts an outdoor market, and another thrives by Zurich’s train station. A final tip: if cheese is one of your favourite foods, be sure to indulge in some of the city’s finest fondue. It is incredible!
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is another Christmas market city. They are famed for their caramelised almonds and lebkuchen, the biscuit of the city. Two treats perfect to keep your energy up as you look for gifts.
These traditional snacks go great with sumptuous punches and spicy gingerbreads: all of which harness the uncanny ability to sum up Christmas in one mouthful. The main Christmas market first began in the 15th century, making it one of the oldest markets in Europe.
The epicentre of the magic is Hohensalzburg fortress and the Cathedral of Salzburg and hosts entertainment from glorious choirs to remarkable nativity exhibits. The market runs from 20th November up until Boxing Day and is perfect for a Christmas trip.
Salzburg is also ideal for anyone wishing to ski due to its cold climate.
This, alongside the city’s advent festival made up of over 200 contributors from 28th November up until 14th December, makes Salzburg one of the best places for Christmas spirit.
Nothing compares to the gaiety and jollity living in the Christmas season and we know that you don’t need any stress adding to your Christmas routine! So why not let our experienced Travel Managers arrange your Christmas destinations for you?
For a stress-free Christmas holiday get in touch with us on 0203 535 9290 or email info@simplexitytravel.com.