Notice how every year, Christmas seems to start earlier? This year, in many parts of Europe, it started to surface in October (along with Halloween decorations): lights, trees and garlands are already gracing streets and windows in many of the most beautiful European cities as romantic Christmas markets, picturesque ski resorts, Christmas and New Year’s festivities get the finishing touches for an unforgettable holiday season.
Then there are the lists of the ‘best Christmas festivities’, ‘best Christmas markets’, ‘must-have end-of-year travel experiences’ to help guide your decisions if you’re planning to travel to Europe to finish this eventful 2022.
Here, based on some of the most reliable sources, are some recommended destinations for a truly memorable winter experience on the old continent.
Andalusia, Spain
With its mild weather of ‘almost-summer sunshine’, fewer tourists (except at Christmas), golden sandy beaches along its long coast, the white summits of the Sierra Nevada, famed cities full of legendary heritage and a wealth of special celebrations, parades and carnivals, Andalusia is definitively one for the bucket list.
Starting with the architectural treasures left by the Islamic civilization during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to the 11th centuries that include Seville’s Alcázar Palace, the Mezquita-Catedral of Córdoba and the storied Alhambra in Granada “glittering in honeycomb muqarnas and moonlight-washed, waterway-threaded gardens.”
Bergen, like in ‘Frozen’
Bergen, Norway, known as the inspiration for Arandelle, the magical kingdom in Frozen, and also as the world’s biggest gingerbread town, “where you can pay a visit to many art museums, and aquariums, as well as go shopping in the nearby markets under a very special Christmas atmosphere,” is recommended by Schengenvisainfo.
Rovaniemi: Santa’s town
Also in the Scandinavian ‘neighborhood’ appears another “must see” destination: the Santa Claus Village in Finland.
“Rovaniemi, Finland, is the capital of Lapland and is known as Santa Claus’s hometown. It’s also where he keeps his office and welcomes people year-round. Visitors can get a unique passport stamp and send postcards directly from the Santa Claus post office.
Located in the Arctic, the place is also an excellent spot to watch the northern lights, one of nature’s most spectacular sights. Visitors can also go on a dog sled trip and learn more about the Lappish culture.”
Transylvania
When visiting Romania, travelers should go beyond Bucharest and include Transylvania in their plans.
Bram Castle is also a must-see, year-round stop. But, but it looks especially magical when it’s snow-covered. The region has many other incredible towns, and those wanting to explore Christmas markets should head to Cluj, Sibiu and Brasov.
The region has excellent slopes at Poiana Brasov, where visitors can also enjoy spas and hot tubs. People dreaming of snow-capped villages should check Sighisoara, which UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site.
Bled Lake, Slovenia
Bled Lake in Slovenia is one of the country’s most famous sights, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. The lake “becomes even more beautiful when it’s snow-covered,” according to The Travel. “It’s the perfect time to explore the area with almost no tourists and lower prices. For tourists visiting Lake Bled in December, there’s an excellent Christmas market where they can also try traditional foods and drinks.”
Colmar
Many destinations in France, with their enchanting Christmas markets, snare first places on many lists of the best in Europe and the world — and Colmar and Strasbourg are usually among the top.
Colmar’s is one of the Christmas markets most suggested by content creators in TikTok and is present year after year in the European Best Destinations list.
This year, the Christmas market in Colmar opened on November 24, and visitors will be able to have an unforgettable experience until December 29.
Colmar has the ambience of a magical Old Town and when decorated for Christmas it’s like being in a fairy tale. The town center consists of various architectural treasures which blend wonderfully with the lighting especially designed to bring out the heritage of the town.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a beautiful city throughout the year, but when it dresses for Christmas, it becomes one of the most acclaimed in the world — its title of “Capital of Christmas” well earned.
The city’s “must-experience” Christmas market appears on practically every list of the ‘best in Europe’ and worldwide. It’s the oldest Christmas market in Europe, having started in 1570. Since then, the city has continued its tradition, remaining one of the top destinations to be visited during the Christmas period.
“Strasbourg, birthplace of Christmas celebrations, invites you on a true sensory journey,” writes EBD. “From the fairy-like lights to the delicious aromas, let yourself be carried away by the city’s warm atmosphere, marvel and wander around the 300 wooden chalets set up in the city’s historic centre. With its majestic Great Christmas Tree sporting a dress of lights, and its countless illuminated streets, the Capital of Christmas takes you into an enchanted and richly decorated city that will enthrall young and old.”
