Celebrating Christmas in Europe

Europe at Christmas is simply magical - the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, historic squares are decorated with sparkling Christmas trees, carols echo through atmospheric streets and twinkling lights cast a warm festive glow over cities, towns and villages. 

Need some inspiration for your festive European getaway? To help you out, we've put together a guide to some of the best places to visit in Europe at Christmas. From snowy Alpine towns in France to sun-soaked islands in Spain, there's something to suit everyone...

Christmas in the UK

You don't need to venture far to have some festive fun. From the snow-capped peaks in the Lakes to Cotswold villages that look like they belong in The Holiday, the UK is beautiful during the festive season. 

London is, of course, one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe. Festive activities here are endless - ice skate at Somerset House, be mesmerised by the light show at Kew Gardens, release some adrenaline at Winter Wonderland or browse the stalls along Southbank.

But it's not just London that's magical at Christmas. Edinburgh, Birmingham and York are also home to some of the best Christmas markets in the UK, with countless stalls selling everything from traditional handmade crafts to Yorkshire pudding wraps. Beer tents buzz, festive tunes blast out and live performances keep the whole family entertained.

Christmas in Germany

Germany and Christmas go hand in hand. Fairytale towns are draped with fairy lights, market stalls line the streets and a warm festive buzz lingers in the crisp winter air. The country is renowned for having some of the best Christmas markets in Europe - wherever you go, you'll never be far from a Christmas market that will get you into the festive spirit.

If you're thinking about heading to Germany at Christmas time, we'd recommend visiting Nuremberg. Here you'll find one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, dating back to the 17th century. The streets look like something out of a storybook with over 180 wooden stalls lining the main square (Hauptmarkt) selling everything from mouth-watering delicacies to festive decorations and handcrafted gifts.

Cologne is also stunning at Christmas time. The beautiful Cologne cathedral provides a striking backdrop to fairy-lit stalls and historic streets look extra picturesque adorned with Christmas trees and twinkling lights. River cruises are extra special at this time of year, with the festive lights next to the water creating the most magical setting.

Munich is another popular destination for a festive Germany getaway. Marienplatz, the city's central square is where you'll find Munich's most famous market, Christkindlmarkt, with its nativity scene and countless stalls. It's also one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.

Whichever market you head to in Germany, it's compulsory to try Glühwein (mulled wine), a bratwurst (sausage) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

Getting to Germany

You can get a ferry from the UK to the Netherlands or from the UK to France and then continue your journey to Germany by either car or public transport.

UK to Netherlands:

• Newcastle to Amsterdam (IJmuiden)
  Operator: DFDS
  Duration: 15 hours 45 minutes
• Hull to Rotterdam
  Operator: P&O
  Duration: 11 hours 15 minutes

UK to France:

• Dover to Calais
  Operator: Irish Ferries, P&O, DFDS
  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Dover to Dunkirk
  Operator: DFDS
  Duration: 2 hours

Christmas in France

France is another one of the best countries to visit in Europe at Christmas. The atmosphere is warm and festive, with French cities, towns and villages glowing under the fairy lights and bustling streets lined with picture-perfect Christmas trees.

Paris may be the first city that springs to mind, and it certainly is one of the best cities to visit in Europe at Christmas. The City of Light shines even brighter in December with dazzling displays taking over shop windows, festive markets filling up the streets and concerts ringing through the churches.

The rest of France is just as exciting. Strasbourg is known as the ‘capital of Christmas’ and is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with a huge Christmas tree taking centre stage in Place Kléber and countless markets scattered throughout the city’s historic streets. 

Colmar, despite being a charming place to visit every season, is especially magical during the festive season with half-timbered houses strung with fairy lights, brightening up the quaint cobblestone alleys.

Up in the mountains, things are just as picturesque with Alpine villages providing the perfect base for some festive fun - spend your days whizzing down the slopes or warming up in an après bar with Maria Carey blasting out. And when the sun goes down, tuck into fondue in a mountainside restaurant before retreating to a cosy chalet. Popular ski resorts at Christmas include Méribel, Chamonix, Val d’Isère and Tignes.

You can find some more inspiration for your next French escape here.

Getting to France

You can get a direct ferry from the UK to France. See below for some of the most popular routes.

UK to France:

• Dover to Calais
  Operator: Irish Ferries, P&O, DFDS
  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Dover to Dunkirk
  Operator: DFDS
  Duration: 2 hours
• Portsmouth to Caen
  Operator: Brittany Ferries
  Duration: 6 hours
• Newhaven to Dieppe
  Operator: DFDS
  Duration: 4 hours

Christmas in Austria

Austria is the perfect place to spend Christmas in Europe. Festive traditions are big here - from fun Saint Nicholas parades to amazing nativity scenes - you’ll find a festive atmosphere wherever you go.

Vienna makes a great choice for a Christmas city break. It's even more beautiful in December, with the city's iconic coffee shops becoming extra inviting and lights sparkling in the historic streets. The markets here are also some of the best in Europe, with many tourists flocking to the buzzing Rathausplatz with its food stalls and ice skating rink. And if you're after something a little quieter, you'll find plenty more markets throughout the city.

Just like France, Austria is home to stunning Alpine towns that transform into magical fairytales come Christmas, with blankets of snow providing the perfect setting for festive celebrations. Innsbruck makes a great choice, as does Hallstatt and Salzburg, each offering their own unique charm.

Whilst you're in Austria, make sure you try some local festive favourites including Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Langos (deep-fried flatbread) and their spicy Christmas punch.

Getting to Austria

As there is no direct ferry to Austria from the UK, just like Germany, we'd recommend either getting a ferry to France or a ferry to the Netherlands and then making your way to Austria by car or public transport.

Christmas in Spain

Who said Christmas in Europe was all about wrapping up? If you fancy celebrating Christmas somewhere sunny, then Spain makes a great shout. Popular Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are still lively in December with festive celebrations taking over the streets. Discover the best winter city breaks in Spain here.

The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, are especially popular at Christmas thanks to their mild temperatures, meaning you can still enjoy many outdoor activities, from swimming to boat trips and volcanic excursions. Find out more about visiting the Canary Islands in winter here.

Just like the colder European destinations, the towns and resorts are adorned with festive lights and traditional decorations. The islands are still full of life in December with Christmas markets, parades and performances. Many restaurants in touristy areas also serve a traditional Christmas dinner, although we'd recommend booking in advance.

And the best part about Christmas in Spain and the Canary Islands is you can open your presents on the beach with the sun beaming down on you…bliss!

Getting to Spain

You can get a direct ferry from the UK to Spain. To get to the Canary Islands from Spain, you will have to get a ferry from either Huelva or Cádiz.

UK to Spain:

• Portsmouth to Bilbao
  Operator: Brittany Ferries
  Duration: 33 hours
• Portsmouth to Santander
  Operator: Brittany Ferries
  Duration: 33 hours
• Plymouth to Santander
  Operator: Brittany Ferries
  Duration: 20 hours 15 minutes

Whether you fancy sun or snow, Europe at Christmas has something for everyone! Get planning your festive adventure and book your ferry to Europe today at Direct Ferries.