Christmas is the most contemplative time of the year, but not everyone wants to spend the holiday at home. Far away from mass tourism, there are numerous worthwhile travel offers that are especially popular over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
You can find specials and offers on the internet, among other places. Christmas and the winter season are for many people indispensably associated with snow and winter sports. There are numerous destinations where a wonderful Christmas ski vacation can be spent during the most contemplative time of the year.
France as a destination for a vacation in the snow
Europe’s France is one of the most popular destinations in winter, especially the French Alps enjoy great popularity. Val d`Isére is one of those ski resorts that specialize especially for Christmas wishes and receive tourists from all over the world. Great offers around the Christmas season you can discover on the web.
Whether in Tignes, in Val d`allos or even in Valfréjus – France is the country for families and party people who want to have fun with tourists from all over the world during after ski. In the French Alps, the snow falls abundantly and the offers for winter sports enthusiasts are diverse. Many travel packages already include a lift pass, so there are no extra costs for a vacation on the slopes.
Culinary France is also a very special highlight and spoils its guests not only with sumptuous breakfasts, but typical country dishes with European flair. Christmas and winter fun are writ large in the European metropolis, so that everyone who would like to spend the feast of love in the snow will get their money’s worth here.
Christmas spirit in Switzerland – a vacation in Zurich
The hustle and bustle of Christmas in Zurich begins as early as the end of November, and the Christmas spirit becomes palpable. Then, when the first snow falls, the impressive winter flair cannot be missed. Very special sights, such as St. Peter’s Church or even the Fraumünster Church are admired by numerous visitors. After the ascent, a direct view of the Swiss Alps is possible.
The canton attracts its inhabitants in all regions with various Christmas markets and ice skating offers for young and old. A special highlight for all children is Santa’s train, which travels through the center of Zurich every year and is especially popular with young people up to 12 years of age. The Zurich Oberland is reserved for family descents, because here you will find some small ski lifts, which are optimal for beginners. There is no special ski season here, when there is enough snow, the lifts are put into operation.
Lithuania – the Christmas fairy tale for the whole family
The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is one of the most magical Christmas destinations in the world. Vilnius Cathedral is one of the biggest attractions here, with its romantic staging providing real highlights every year. At the same time, one of the largest European Christmas trees ever can be found in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral, which is decorated with 50,000 LED lights and spreads an impressive flair.
For children, it is mainly the Toy Museum, which is very popular during a Christmas vacation in Lithuania. The Christmas season is used by Lithuanians as a time for opera performances, plays and romantic concerts. A large part of the bookings are made by tourists who first want to enrich themselves culturally and then indulge in the numerous gourmet restaurants.
Lithuania, of course, also impresses with a variety of Christmas markets, with the capital’s traditional market being the largest in the area. However, the small artists’ markets set up in the suburbs are also charming and offer many souvenir shopping opportunities.
Whistler in Canada – a paradise for skiers
If you love Christmas, you will hardly get around a vacation in Whistler, Canada. Snow is guaranteed to fall here every year, which is why the town near Vancouver is considered a snow-sure place for winter sports events. There are 220 kilometers of slopes in Whistler alone, so that every skier gets his money’s worth here. Dog sledding tours take place regularly and are especially popular with children.
Twinkle Town, as the lovingly decorated winter village is called, is a tourist magnet and also impresses adults with more than 350,000 little lights. Whether ice skating, orchestral music or culinary specialties, Canada and Whistler in particular is the perfect vacation destination for all Christmas fans.
The various themed trails found in the winter village tell exciting stories, lead visitors to talking trees, bears made of stardust and glowing salmon, and are sure to generate plenty of excitement. Whistler’s restaurants are already prepared for visitors, offering delicious winter menus for that very special Christmas Eve.
Finland – vacation in the homeland of Santa Claus
Directly at the polar circle he lives, Santa Claus, who comes to visit the children of this world once a year. It is completely different for the Finnish children directly at the Arctic Circle, they can enjoy the proximity of Santa Claus every day. He actually has an office in the Finnish city of Rovaniemi!
The city is home to around 50 attractions, all of which have to do with Christmas. There are igloo hotels, snowmobile tours, houses made of ice and reindeer sleigh rides. A true paradise for children and their parents who want to spend Christmas in a very special way. Only a flight with the reindeer sleigh is also not possible here. Only Santa Claus can do that.
The Arctic landscape at the northern part of the Arctic Circle is just as fascinating for winter sports enthusiasts as it is for Christmas lovers. Magical northern lights, bone-chilling cold and fascinating ice crystals enchant visitors to Finland every year anew and lead them into a winter wonderland.
Bruges in Belgium – a journey to the Middle Ages
Belgium is not only known for its impressive Belgian fries, but also for the journey to the Middle Ages that takes place here in Bruges every year. The old town, shaped in the style of the Middle Ages, provides a breathtaking play of colors around the icy canals. Decorated house entrances and windows make the region seem like a fairy tale world, spreading the magic of Christmas.
The Grote Markt is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, which welcomes thousands of visitors every year. From gingerbread to Belgian Christmas chocolate, from eggnog to Belgian waffles, the smell alone of this uniquely decorated region is a promise of an enchanting Christmas season.
For sporting action, one of the largest European ice rinks is set up in the immediate vicinity of the Christmas market. While the children do their pirouettes on the ice, parents are treated to delicious regional treats and, of course, Christmas cookies on a gigantic terrace.
Not sure where to go? There’s a guide to the best hot tub lodges in the UK over at Hot Tub Breakaway.
