Listening to Christmas carols with lyrics containing snow, snowmen, sleigh bells, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose are symbolic of Christmas magic. Experience stunning European cities reveal their medieval charm among the sparkle of twinkling lights, step into a white wonderland complete with snow-frosted peaks, Yuletide delights, savoury classic German treats and towering Christmas trees. 

If that’s not enough reason to go, then here are our 3 favourite reasons to embark on a European Christmas experience.

Christmas markets: 
Experience the wonderment of the Christmas Markets, some of the oldest in Europe. 

In Krakow follow your wonderful Polish Travel Director to discover the Krakow Christmas markets. Once the sun set over the market square the twinkling fairy lights start to glow and beautiful snowflake patterns are projected to the town hall. 

Soak up the Christmas magic at the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin. It offers indoor and outdoor stalls - charming and family friendly atmosphere with entertainment and rides for children or young at heart.  It is fantastic to wander the market with a hot beverage soaking up the atmosphere.

Head for Zürich where sightseeing includes the winding alleys of the Old Town and Europe's biggest indoor Christmas extravaganza held in the main railway station. It’s the best place to pick up some Christmas gifts. 

 

Taste of Christmas: 
Throughout your journey indulge your taste buds, the best way to discover the destination and get a flavour of authentic local cuisine.

In Krakow, wander around the stalls and try some delicious tasting Polish food like oscypki (smoked cheese), pierogi (dumplings) and golonka (pork knuckle). 

While exploring Dresden in Germany make sure to drink the heartwarming Glühwein and have a taste of Christstollen (fruit bread), as Dresden Christstollen has been sold in the Christmas Markets since the 1400s.

The thriving Prague Christmas Market is the perfect place to sip a glass of Svarak (mulled wine) and try a Trdelnik pastry.  The Trdelnik is a little slice of heaven, it reminds of a fresh hot cinnamon doughnut.  

 

 

A sparkle of Culture: 
While exploring the enchanting city of Salzburg, in Austria, stroll to see Mozart's family home on the Getreidegasse, before heading to the 500-year-old Christmas Market.

Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of Berlin including the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, the Berlin Wall, Unter den Linden and the restored Reichstag Building. 

Journey to the shores of Lake Geneva, where you visit the beautiful historic Chillon Castles – one of the House of Savoy’s main fortifications, and a favourite of Lord Byron’s.

Most people conjure visions of gigantic trees and the taste of hot chocolate when they think of Christmas. Embarking on a Christmas market journey, visitors should expect impromptu concerts, alongside gingerbread treats, cultural insights and inspiring encounters with locals. The magic of an insight experience combined with the magic of Christmas.