Where To Spend Christmas In Europe?
Since my wife and I will be in the UK by ourselves for Christmas this year, we figured we’d stave off home sickness by going somewhere so beautiful, so classic white Christmas and so enviable that everyone back home will wish they could swap places. I know it’s early to think about Christmas but we’re in a travel planning mood and flights are cheap if you book early.
So veteran European type folk, where is the best place to spend Christmas in Europe?
While you’re giving advice, top destinations in Europe are also welcome - turns out we only have about 24 months before we go back to Australia and there’s *way* too much Europe to see in that time so we need to start prioritizing.
July 9th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Of course the best place is somewhere in the Swiss Alps. However it is the busiest time of the year. That means: loads of tourist, high prices and queues at the ski lifts. So if you decide to do that book NOW. Depends on your lifestyle but I always prefer a cozy not so touristic place. So pick one of the smaller ski ressorts and book a Chalet. Hope you find your dream destination! Odi
July 9th, 2008 at 5:49 am
… or the Austrian Alps, although it gets pretty crowded here in Innsbruck around that time of year as well.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Go up north, to northern Scandinavia or Finland. It’s utterly dark there, but the starlit snow and the aurora are something you’ll never forget.
One idea: http://www.snowcastle.net/
July 9th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Hmm, the snow castle I linked to only opens for public in January, so it won’t be an option for Christmas. Anyway, if you’re interested, you should have no trouble finding lots of places to go to in Lapland.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Yeah the skiing option was appealing but we were worried it would get too busy. Might have to find a less popular snow field if we want to go skiing - which is fine for us since we can’t ski yet anyway so won’t need anything world class to keep us happy.
The aurora is definitely something we need to see so Lapland sounds like a very good option. I’m not sure about the snow hotel thing, might be a good thing that it’s closed. :)
July 9th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I live in Germany and would not necessarily suggest spending Christmas here if you want a white Christmas - maybe southern Bayern.
Austria or Switzerland will probably have snow, as well as southern France, but will most likely all will be crowded. I would second the idea of northern Scandinavia, Lapland, or similar. I also wonder if Eastern Europe would be an option, they are really getting on the boat as far as tourist opportunities, you might want to check with your local travel agency.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Thanks Jack. A white Christmas is a definite requirement given Christmas is in the middle of summer for Australians. We are thinking of going to Eastern Europe with a couple of Australian friends when they come over (assuming they actually make it) as they know a lot of the history from that region. A little knowledge always helps appreciate an area more.
Lapland looks to be leading the pack at the moment, my wife has found an arctic ice breaker she wants to go on: http://www.sampotours.com/pages/kielet/english/icebreaker.php and a Swedish Ice Hotel http://www.icehotel.com/Winter/Home/ which looks similar to the snow castle.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
If you’re into culture, especially classical music, consider Vienna.
If I find myself stuck in Europe over Christmas, I’m looking hard at going to Vienna to catch some of the winter festivities, as well as the famous Christmas markets.