Christmas is a magical time to enjoy a break in the snow or catch some seasonal holiday fun – the ideal opportunity to escape and indulge. Just relax and let someone else worry about getting the turkey and trimmings ready on Christmas Day.
So wrap up warm and enjoy a picture-perfect Yuletide getaway at home or abroad with these dream destinations.
And there’s often no need to pack your passport. You can discover plenty of cultural and historical highlights on our very own shores in the UK.
Perhaps a cosy Edinburgh Christmas full of seasonal cheer and spirit could do the trick? Scotland’s capital is certainly a great location for the festive break. Based in the heart of Edinburgh, you are perfectly positioned to explore the city and everything it is renowned for – Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street.
And you can enjoy a typical Christmas with a Scottish twist!
The festive markets in the city centre are a popular highlight of Edinburgh’s Christmas. Enjoy delicious food and drink and traditional crafts at the Scottish Market in St Andrew Square, pick up unique gifts and goods at the European Market in the Mound Precinct, or choose presents for the little ones in the Children’s Market, part of Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens, where they even have reindeer rides.
Winter is also a wonderful time to visit the most beautiful and historic Christmas markets in Europe.
Held in cities, towns and villages throughout the continent, they are becoming increasingly popular due, no doubt, to the enchanting atmosphere they evoke.
Germany’s Christmas Fairs and Markets are quite unique. If you’re tired of commercialism taking over this holiday period and would like to shop in a more traditional and romantic way, you will find that in Germany Christmas gifts are not mass-produced but are craftwork of real quality.
So, if you are looking for presents and dream of the lovely smell of a Christmas tree, or the sound of carols, let the scent of baked apples, chestnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine draw you towards the country’s world-renowned markets as fairytales and Christmas traditions come to life in each of the beautiful ancient towns along the Rhine, and in the city of Strasbourg – the Capital of Christmas.
If you haven’t been before, prepare to enjoy the season in full swing and remember to leave room in your luggage to bring presents home!
Many dream of a white Christmas, but have you ever dreamed of celebrating it while enjoying the spectacular northern lights? In winter, Norway treats its visitors to the dazzling celestial displays of the Aurora Borealis.
Enjoy a cruise along its beautiful fjord-indented coastline, and spend time in its thriving towns and cities, including the capital, Oslo, with its array of museums and galleries and innovative contemporary architecture.
Christmas in Norway lasts more than a few days: It’s a whole season with specific rituals and preparations.
And the dark nights and snow that covers most of the country add a magical touch to the holiday spirit.
You’ll discover a coastline of extraordinary beauty, where northern Europe’s highest mountains overlook dramatic fjords that are the scenic envy of the world.
