5 Top Winter Christmas Destinations
If you’re short on ideas as to where to spend your Christmas this year, we thought we’d give you some inspiration and list our top 5 favourite cities in which to enjoy a winter break.
5. Prague
With its narrow medieval alleyways, and snow covered town squares filled with market stalls selling traditional handcraft wares, Prague offers plenty for those of you seeking a traditional Christmas experience. Traditionally spiced hams and sausages sizzle in the cold air, tempting you as you browse the shops for Christmas presents or take a walk around Wenceslas Square, named after Saint Wenceslas of Christmas carol fame, Duke of Bohemia in the tenth century.
4. New York City
From the world class shopping to ice skating around the famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre, from romantic walks through a snow laden Central Park to taking in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, New York has something for everybody at Christmas time. Immortalised in numerous films, nothing comes close to experiencing the real thing first hand.
3. Vienna
Spend Christmas in Vienna and you will soon discover that for the Viennese, this is a very special time of year. Christmas markets magically spring up in the city’s most picturesque squares, the warming aromas of glühwein and freshly baked Christmas treats spiced with nutmeg and ginger hang in the air, and the sound of carols and festive music drift across the city from the many carol services and live music on Riesenradplatz. You’ll want to come back next year.
2. Bruges
Bruges comes alive at this time of year, with a wonderful Christmas market on Bruges Market Square adorned with festivities and Christmas lights. Undoubtedly, Bruges is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with cobbled pedestrianized streets, snowy canals, and grand squares, all framed by wonderfully preserved medieval architecture. The city is also a chocolate lovers dream – with countless shops selling delicious Belgian chocolates and pralines. Don’t miss it!
1. Copenhagen
For a truly fairytale Christmas, you will be hard pressed to beat Copenhagen. Take shelter in a snug bar or local pub and watch the snow gusting outside; go for a walk down beautiful Nyhavn, with its charming brightly coloured townhouses and shops, or head to the magical Tivoli Gardens for a warming glass off glug (local mulled wine) and a romantic evening at the Christmas fair. We can’t recommend it enough.
And not forgetting…
London
How could we possibly compile a list of top Christmas destinations and not include our home town?! The chances of snow are perhaps slim, but there is so much to do over Christmas that its hard to ignore London. Ice skate at the beautiful Somerset House, treat the kids to the evening of their lives at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, visit the giant Norweigan Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, or sing carols at Westminster Abbey for midnight mass.
And if all of that bores you… Speak to us to arrange your private jet to one of the other Christmas heaven’s we’ve mentioned above. Happy Christmas!