If you didn’t succeed in planning a vacation for the summer, don’t worry – you still have time to do so. Although many travelers believe that summer days make for the most unforgettable vacations, that’s not exactly the case. Winter is also an excellent season for exploring the world, even if the days are shorter and the weather chillier. Adventure is still awaiting, and you can have incredible (and cozy) experiences, whether you’re looking to enjoy a warm mug of hot chocolate in the famous Craenenburg Café in Bruges or visit Santa Claus in Lapland.
Ready to discover the most charming European destinations you should consider for your winter holiday? Keep reading!
Prague, Czechia
Prague is known as a dreamy destination, but the city becomes even more alluring during the holiday season. Although the temperatures are pretty low (between -3 and 2 degrees), the festive air will surely keep you warm, allowing you to experience the celebrations while avoiding large crowds of tourists and taking advantage of lower prices.
Christmas markets are delightful in Prague, offering souvenirs, wooden toys, winter clothing, delicious foods, and so on. As you visit the city, you surely don’t want to miss out on the Christmas markets in the Old Town Square – various musicians light up the atmosphere with their incredible performances, so make sure to add them to your itinerary. If you travel solo, stay connected with your loved ones by getting the best eSIM for Europe before going on your trip. This way, you will enjoy a beautiful time in Prague and get to share your day with those at home.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a fairytale destination in winter and is especially great if you’re traveling with your significant other due to its romantic ambiance. With its historic Old Town, medieval architecture, and serene canals, Bruges attracts tourists from all over the world, making you fall in love with the place as soon as you arrive there. Although Bruges offers a wonderful experience all year round, the winter season also allows you to participate in festival celebrations, making your vacation a lot better.
Of course, your experience in Bruges will only be complete if you savor the delicious chocolate that has made the city famous. So, make sure to visit chocolate shops like Dumon or Olivier’s to feel like you’ve just arrived in chocoholic’s paradise!
Lapland, Finland
Do you want to meet Santa and take a picture with the giant snowman? If yes, you should plan your trip to Lapland. Obviously, this destination has much more to offer, including snowmobiling, dog sledding and reindeer sledding. Even more incredible, you may have the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis – the captivating dancing waves of light that will surely turn your vacation into the best one you’ve ever experienced.
Lapland offers a breathtaking winter wonderland environment and is particularly great if you want to escape the city’s busy life. Since it is located in a remote area, you will be able to enjoy some peaceful moments as extremely hospitable people will greet you.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a wonderful European destination you should visit this December, as the city gets dressed in festive lights and is filled with magnificent Christmas markets. In the markets, you can delight your taste buds by trying traditional Austrian Christmas foods and purchasing beautiful handmade decorations.
There is also a large ice rink in the main Christmas market of the city, which is suitable for those passionate about ice skating. As you explore the markets in Vienna, make sure to get a mug of hot mulled wine to warm up after visiting the best attractions in the city. Of course, you can do other exciting things in Vienna besides visiting a Christmas market, such as listening to an Advent concert like Strauss and Mozart performances. This will allow you to get a taste of classical Viennese music, enhancing your experience in the capital of Austria.
Barcelona, Spain
Although an underrated winter destination, Barcelona offers plenty of things to do during the festive season. Since there are fewer crowds, top attractions like Sagrada Familia are more relaxed, allowing for a better experience. Besides, Barcelona is cheaper if you travel during winter months like December. When it comes to Christmas markets, Barcelona truly stands out, allowing you to buy anything you want for Christmas (you’d better be financially prepared!)
As mentioned, there are many incredible things to do in Barcelona, such as going ice skating – a common activity that locals and tourists enjoy. And that’s understandable, given all the fun you can have! Also, make sure to visit Passeig de Gracia to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights – we promise you won’t regret it! If you plan to take pictures of the stunning views in Barcelona, make sure to travel with Holafly to enjoy seamless network connectivity at your destination and share the experience with your Instagram friends!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Although winter may not be the most popular season to visit Copenhagen among tourists, the city has a beautiful charm during this time. While the weather can be chilly, you can enjoy many things in Copenhagen during winter, making your trip worthwhile. For example, you can go cycling along the canal, indulge in Danish culture by visiting castles and museums, or enjoy hygge with your friends.
Copenhagen is guaranteed to become your favorite holiday destination as soon as you get to discover its beauty. Exploring its fairytale castles (including Frederiksborg and the famous Kronberg) is one of the best things to do there, as well as visiting Tivoli Gardens, which will give you the impression of a winter wonderland. But nothing else compares with a steamy sauna during winter – especially if you are the type to have a low tolerance for cold weather! Besides, it’s one of the best ways to relax and free your mind from worries – that’s an excellent self-care activity during your winter holiday.
Have a magical December vacation in one of these European destinations
Although many people think December is not the best time to travel, that’s not the case. In fact, cold weather aside, the winter season may actually be better than the warm season due to fewer tourists and better prices. Besides, it’s better to travel during this time if you’re looking to get into the festive mood. Fortunately, Europe offers plenty of destinations, some of which are unique and dreamy. So, which destination will you choose?
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