If you’re thinking about a trip for Winter 2023, have you considered traveling during the holiday season?

It can be a welcome change to celebrate the holidays in another country - whether on the beach or exploring Christmas markets abroad. Or, if you want to stay stateside during the holidays, you can plan a pre-holiday getaway to help you get into the Christmas spirit!

One of the best places to get into the holiday spirit is Europe - I’ve had the fortune of traveling to Germany and the Czech Republic in November just as the Christmas markets are starting to open, as well as spending both Christmas and New Year’s in Vienna and Paris, respectively. There’s just something about the way they do Christmas in Europe that makes it feel a little more exciting and magical!

Thinking of my own holiday travels in Europe, I’m instantly brought back to busy markets smelling of roasted chestnuts and spiced nuts, a mug of mulled wine in my hand, and dazzling lights surrounding the old squares and cathedrals. The Christmas markets are just one of the reasons to love the holidays in Europe. But there are also many time-honored traditions and beautiful settings that really make the holidays feel special.

And I would love to help you plan your own trip there for next winter…or help you brainstorm other fantastic places to spend the holidays (maybe you’re more of a Christmas on the beach person?!).

Cologne

Cologne is most famous for its massive Gothic cathedral and, no surprise, the area around the cathedral is decked out for the holidays and hosts one of the city’s seven Christmas markets. The markets are considered some of the best in Germany and are scattered across the city. They are also the most visited markets in Germany - more than 4 million people visit the market in Cologne! The other thing Cologne is known for is kolsch, its signature beer. Grab a glass…or two and then wander around the narrow alleyways and charming quarters of the Old Town.

Did you know - Christkindlmarkt began in Germany in the 15th century and has of course now spread out across Europe, as well as into the US. Opening the markets lines up with the beginning of Advent and most end by Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

If you decide to visit Germany (or any of the countries celebrating the Feast of St Nicholas) on December 6th, you may also get to experience Krampus Nacht which occurs the night before. It’s a night when people dress up as the devil Krampus and walk through the streets - Krampus is intended to scare all of the children who misbehaved!

Stay: Excelsior Hotel Ernst, Cologne’s first and finest luxury hotel, has been open for more than 150 years. Located in the heart of the city and adjacent to the famed Cathedral make it a perfect place to base yourself for holiday exploration around the city. Many cultural sights and luxury shopping are nearby, as well as traditional breweries and trendy restaurants. You can even arrange an exclusive guided tour of the Cathedral through the hotel.

Prague

I visited Prague in mid-November, just before the holiday season was in full swing and I’m a bit bummed to have missed the festivities. Prague is already a stunning city with gorgeous Gothic architecture - now imagine that same city draped in lights and fresh snow. There are, of course, Christmas markets around the city - these are some of the most famous in all of Europe! The market in the beautiful Old Town Square is the most impressive, but you won’t be disappointed by the other markets around town. The markets offer food and gifts, but also ice skating, music, and mulled wine (my favorite part). You’ll find typical Czech delicacies such as spit-roasted hams or Trdelnik, the traditional hot sugar-coated pastry. After spending time browsing the markets, warm up over dinner (and beer of course), and consider attending one of the holiday concerts that take place in Prague’s churches during the season.

Stay: Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is set in a complex of seven historical buildings, including the 13th-century Augustinian Saint Thomas Monastery. There are 101 guest rooms which include 20 unique suites. One of the most incredible- a former astrological tower which currently houses one of the Signature Suites (and boasts 360’ views of Prague).

Vienna

My mom and I spent Christmas in Vienna a few years ago and, to me, it felt like the capital of Christmas markets. There are, in fact, 20 markets around the city!! Each of the city’s markets offers its own souvenir mug (for hot cocoa or mulled wine) and it’s fun to collect these while you visit each market. Vienna, already a beautiful and elegant city, seems to become even more gorgeous when decorated for Christmas. We really enjoyed walking through the center of town at night on our way to dinner or the opera - each of the streets had its own canopy of twinkling, white lights. It was a Christmas like I had never experienced before! When you tire of the Christkindlmarkts you can go ice skating (there is actually an ice trail rather than a rink at the largest market at Rathausplatz!), or check out a Christmas concert or opera. Even though it can be chilly in Vienna at Christmas, it’s lovely to hop into any one of the cafe’s to warm up with a coffee and a pastry - Vienna’s café culture is probably my favorite thing about the city. You’re welcome to find a table and linger for as long as you’d like.

Stay: Be in the heart of Vienna’s city center at the Hotel Bristol, just opposite the Vienna State Opera. The hotel is a favorite for architecture and history buffs and you’ll enjoy modernized guest rooms, suites, and public areas, as well as a restored Lounge and Bar.

London

Maybe it’s the influence of Love Actually or A Christmas Carol, but London seems to have its own unique appeal at the holidays. While there are a few “traditional” Christmas markets around the city, that’s not as much of the draw in London. There are skating rinks around the city, magical carol concerts and holiday performances, advent services at Westminster Abbey, incredible shopping (for those last minute gifts!), and stunning light displays all around the city, including Regent Street, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, and Marylebone. Check out the WInter Wonderland Festival at Hyde Park, a large holiday carnival in the city’s largest Royal Park or see the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens. You can even take a black cab tour to see all of the most beautiful Christmas lights around the city.

Consider booking high tea with a festive twist when you need a break from all of the shopping and sightseeing - Claridge’s offers a festive tea with seasonal flavors and its Christmas Pudding, which has been prepared the exact same way for over a hundred years. You’ll be entertained by children’s choirs whilst enjoying your tea (or prosecco) for an added charming holiday touch!

Stay: The Langham London, open since 1865, is an icon. Located in the heart of London’s West End and on Regent Street (where you’ll see those lovely lights). The hotel recently opened new deluxe suites and will be opening a new luxury tavern and spa soon.

Strasbourg

I recently had some clients tell me they will be in Strasbourg for a few days before Christmas to experience the holidays in France. Strasbourg is certainly the best place to do so! Considered one of Europe’s Capitals of Christmas, it’s home to the oldest Christmas market in France (since 1570) AND another amazing Gothic cathedral (I’m sensing a trend). The architecture around the Alsatian city is charming and has an “Alpine” feel you won’t get anywhere else in France (Alsace is the region of France heavily influenced by its close neighbor Germany and the region has been between French and German control throughout history). Hundreds of wooden stalls line the quaint streets around the cathedral (and the center of Strasbourg) and you will find handmade gifts as well as roasted chestnuts, bredele cookies, or vin chaud (mulled wine, again - sensing another trend).

Stay: Perhaps you’re more interested in seeing a lot of Europe’s holiday spirit during your trip - the best way to do so is via a Christmas Market river cruise. AmaWaterways offers a few different itineraries on the Rhine. Over five to eight days (or even longer), you’ll visit Strasbourg and Cologne, as well as other cities in France, Germany and Switzerland.

Bonus! Paris (I couldn't NOT include it!)

Imagine the City of Lights covered in millions of sparkling lights. Hundreds of Christmas trees lining the Champs-Elysees. Quaint markets popping up in every neighborhood. And exquisite window displays in the city’s top department stores. Paris is always a chic place to visit and that is very true during the holidays. There are also historic cathedrals ringing with carols and delightful pastries (particularly Buche de Noel) around every corner. While we missed Christmas in Paris, my mom and I arrived a few days later and rang in the New Year here. Late December, while a bit rainy, is a lovely time to stroll around Paris and you’ll get the extra benefit of the stunning lights and Christmas displays all around the city. And there is ice skating at the Hotel de Ville , the Grand Palais, or even on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette department store!

And, like London, Paris is known for its shopping. After perusing the windows and holiday displays, spend some time searching for luxe gifts for that special someone. And, when you need to recharge, pop into a café like Les Deux Magots for a hot chocolate or glass of red wine. (Don’t worry, there is plenty of mulled wine to be found in Paris too!)

Stay: Choose the luxury apartments at La Reserve Paris located in the 16th arrondissement where you’ll enjoy all the services of a dedicated personal housekeeper and concierges, room service, private chef, and a car with a driver. What better way to celebrate the holidays or ring in the New Year than being treated like a celebrity! And because the apartments range from one to four bedrooms, this is ideal for groups or families.

For all of the hotels mentioned here, when you book with me you’ll receive all the additional amenities such as upgrades on arrival, daily breakfast for two, food & beverage credits, and more!

If you are ready to start planning your Winter 2023 travels, whether for the holidays or not, this is a great time for us to connect. Even if you don’t know quite where you want to go, we can work together to find the perfect destination for your next getaway. And if you know exactly what you want to do, let me take the work out of planning it. What better way to start 2023 then with a trip in the works!

Top 5 Cities to Celebrate the Holidays in Europe