Europe is adorned with picturesque destinations that come alive during Christmas and New Year’s, offering enchanting experiences and festive celebrations. Get best New year flight deals on CheapairticketUSA.com.
As the year draws to a close, everyone is eager to celebrate both Christmas and the new year with joy and excitement. Everyone has made plans on how to rock the holidays, and locations are decked up in their finest holiday attire. Nothing would be a better alternative than aircraft tickets to Europe if you are one of those people who had decided to visit some of the top Christmas destinations and experience the beauty of red lights. It is a treasure trove of the greatest vacation spots to make the most of your holiday season. These are some of the top recommendations for the top locations in Europe to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Get best international travel deals.
1. Vienna, Austria
Spending Christmas and New Year’s in Vienna, Austria, is a magical experience filled with charming traditions, festive markets, and elegant celebrations. Here’s what you can expect during this time in Vienna:
Vienna during the Christmas season and New Year’s exudes a special charm, blending tradition, culture, and festive cheer, making it a captivating destination to welcome the holidays and ring in the New Year with elegance and style.
Christmas Markets: Explore the magical Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz and the Belvedere Palace, featuring traditional crafts and delightful treats.
New Year’s Concert: Attend the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert at the Musikverein.
Silvester fad: Join the Silvester fad, a New Year’s Eve trail in the city center with live music, entertainment, and food stalls at various locations.
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2. Prague, Czech Republic
Spending Christmas and New Year’s in Prague, Czech Republic, is a magical experience with its stunning architecture, charming markets, and lively celebrations. Here’s what you can expect during this festive season in Prague:
Prague’s historic beauty, festive markets, and lively celebrations during Christmas and New Year’s create a captivating and joyful atmosphere, making it a wonderful destination to embrace the holiday spirit and welcome the New Year in a picturesque setting.
Old Town Square: Experience the charming Christmas market amidst the historical backdrop of the Old Town Square and admire the dazzling decorations.
Prague’s Old Town Square transforms into a fairytale setting with its Christmas markets and charming decorations. The city’s historic landmarks offer a beautiful backdrop for New Year’s celebrations.
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3. Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg features one of Europe’s oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets. The city’s streets and squares are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a magical ambiance.
Events: Various events take place during the Christmas season, such as concerts, nativity displays, and storytelling sessions. The Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber is a sight to behold, often serving as a focal point for festivities.
Christmas in Strasbourg: Strasbourg is famous for hosting one of Europe’s oldest and most picturesque Christmas markets, creating a magical atmosphere. The city’s historic center transforms into a winter wonderland with numerous markets spread across different squares, including the stunning Cathedral Square. You’ll find traditional crafts, local delicacies, mulled wine, and beautifully decorated stalls. The city’s streets are adorned with lights and decorations, and the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral stands as a centrepiece for the festivities.
Given Strasbourg’s popularity during this time, it’s advisable to book accommodations and plan your visits to popular sites and events in advance. Embrace the festive spirit, explore the charming streets, indulge in local treats, and take in the unique Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in this beautiful city!
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4. London, England
London dazzles with its Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, ice skating rinks, and stunning decorations along Oxford Street and Regent Street. The city celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks along the Thames River.
Christmas and New Year’s in London are simply magical! Here’s what you can expect during these festive seasons:
London during this time is bustling with energy, so it’s advisable to plan and book in advance for popular attractions, events, and accommodations. Embrace the festive spirit, stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, and immerse yourself in the unique celebrations that London offers during Christmas and New Year’s!
Winter Wonderland: Hyde Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland with ice skating, a Christmas market, fairground rides, and festive shows.
Lights and Decorations: The city is adorned with dazzling lights and decorations, especially along Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden.
Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating at iconic locations such as the Natural History Museum, Somerset House, and the Tower of London.
Fireworks at the Thames: London celebrates New Year’s Eve with spectacular fireworks display along the Thames River, typically centered around the London Eye and Westminster area.
Parties and Events: Various parties, club events, and special dinners are organized across the city. Many venues host themed parties and events to welcome the new year.
River Cruises: Enjoy New Year’s Eve on the Thames with special dinner cruises offering views of the fireworks.
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5. Barcelona, Spain
While not traditionally associated with Christmas, Barcelona offers a unique celebration with markets, lights, and Catalan traditions. The city also hosts lively New Year’s Eve parties, especially along the iconic La Rambla.
Barcelona during Christmas and New Year’s offers a unique and vibrant celebration:
Barcelona’s mild winter climate makes it a pleasant destination during this time, but it’s wise to expect cooler temperatures in the evenings. Remember to plan, especially for popular events and restaurants, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of this vibrant city during Christmas and New Year’s!
Christmas Markets: Visit the Fira de Santa Llúcia, one of the city’s oldest Christmas markets, offering traditional Catalan decorations, crafts, and nativity scenes.
Lights and Decorations: The streets, especially along Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla, are adorned with beautiful lights and decorations, creating a festive ambiance.
Festive Activities: Explore ice skating rinks, visit the Sagrada Familia adorned with Christmas lights, and indulge in Catalan treats like turron (nougat) and cava (Spanish sparkling wine).
Three Kings Parade: On January 5th, witness the vibrant Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) where the Magi parade through the city, tossing sweets to the crowd to celebrate Epiphany.
New Year’s Eve: Barcelona celebrates New Year’s Eve with lively street parties at Place d’Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya, where locals gather to welcome the new year with music, fireworks, and the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
Special Dinners and Parties: Many restaurants offer special New Year’s Eve menus, and clubs organize themed parties to ring in the new year with style.
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6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s canals and streets come alive during the holidays with dazzling light displays, markets, and ice-skating rinks. The city welcomes the New Year with fireworks over the canals. Amsterdam during Christmas and New Year’s is a picturesque and lively experience:
Amsterdam’s festive ambiance, illuminated canals, and bustling atmosphere make it a fantastic destination for the holidays. However, it’s recommended to book accommodations and plan activities in advance due to the city’s popularity during this time. Enjoy the charm of Amsterdam and partake in the Dutch traditions while celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year!
Christmas Markets: Visit the variety of Christmas markets, including the Winter Market at the RAI, Westergasfabriek’s Christmas Market, and the traditional market at Leidseplein. Enjoy Dutch treats, mulled wine, and artisan crafts.
Lights and Decorations: The city sparkles with festive lights, especially along the canals and at popular squares like Dam Square and Museumplein.
Ice Skating: Embrace the Dutch tradition of ice skating at temporary rinks set up in places like Museumplein and Leidseplein.
Concerts and Performances: Attend special holiday concerts at venues like Concertgebouw or visit theatres for festive performances.
New Year’s Eve: Dam Square hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. You can also find boat parties on the canals offering stunning views of the fireworks.
Dutch New Year’s Traditions:
Oliebollen: Try traditional Dutch treats like oliebollen (fried dough balls) and appelflappen (apple turnovers) sold at street stalls during New Year’s.
Fireworks: Note that individuals can buy fireworks for private use during the permitted hours on New Year’s Eve, resulting in a city-wide fireworks display.
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7. Berlin, Germany
Berlin hosts multiple Christmas markets, with the one at Charlottenburg Palace being particularly spectacular. The city’s New Year’s Eve party at Brandenburg Gate attracts thousands with live music, food stalls, and a massive fireworks display. Berlin during Christmas and New Year’s is full of festive cheer and lively celebrations:
Due to the popularity of Berlin during the holidays, it’s advisable to plan ahead, especially for accommodations and popular events. Embrace the festive spirit, explore the vibrant city, and join in the spirited celebrations during Christmas and New Year’s in Berlin!
Christmas Markets: Berlin hosts numerous Christmas markets, with the market at Charlottenburg Palace being a highlight. Explore markets like the Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz, and Potsdamer Platz for crafts, food, and mulled wine.
Winter World at Potsdamer Platz: Experience Winter World, featuring a toboggan run, an ice rink, and other winter activities.
Festive Atmosphere: The city is adorned with lights, and landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate are illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.
Concerts and Performances: Enjoy Christmas concerts at churches like the Berlin Cathedral or attend classical music performances at venues around the city.
New Year’s Eve at Brandenburg Gate: Berlin’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebration at Brandenburg Gate attracts hundreds of thousands of people with live music, food stalls, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Club Scene: Berlin’s renowned nightlife offers a variety of parties and events at clubs across the city to celebrate the new year.
German New Year’s Traditions:
Bleigießen: Participate in Bleigießen, a traditional activity where lead is melted, and the shapes formed in water are interpreted as predictions for the new year.
Fireworks: Like Amsterdam, individuals can buy and set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve, resulting in a city-wide fireworks spectacle.
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8. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration is world-famous, featuring multiple days of festivities, including a torchlight procession, street parties, concerts, and spectacular fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh’s festive spirit, historic charm, and the Hogmanay celebrations make it a sought-after destination during the holidays. As it’s a popular time to visit, it’s wise to plan and book accommodations and tickets for events in advance to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas and New Year’s in Edinburgh!
Christmas Markets: Explore the festive markets, especially the European Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish Market on George Street. Discover crafts, food, and unique gifts.
Street of Light: Enjoy the stunning light installations and music along the Royal Mile during the Street of Light event.
Ice Skating: Glide on the ice at the ice rink in St Andrew Square or enjoy skating at Edinburgh’s other temporary rinks.
Hogmanay Celebrations: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration is world-renowned. Join the torchlight procession on December 30th, followed by the main event on New Year’s Eve featuring live music, a street party, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Concerts and Ceilidhs: Attend traditional ceilidhs (Scottish dances) and concerts hosted across the city, offering a lively atmosphere.
Scottish New Year’s Traditions:
First-Footing: Witness or participate in the tradition of “first-footing” where locals visit friends and family after midnight on New Year’s Eve, bearing gifts like whisky or shortbread for good luck.
Loony Dook: On New Year’s Day, join the Loony Dook, where brave souls take a dip in the chilly waters of the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry.
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9. Rome, Italy
Rome’s historical sites, like the Colosseum and Vatican City, create a stunning backdrop for Christmas. The city celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks, concerts, and lively gatherings in places like Piazza del Popolo.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s in Rome is a magical experience, filled with festive traditions and vibrant celebrations.
Rome’s historical sites, combined with its festive ambiance during the holidays, make it a fantastic destination. However, as it’s a popular time to visit, it’s advisable to plan, especially for accommodations and reservations at restaurants or for special events, to make the most of your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in the Eternal City!
Vatican City: Attend the Papal Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The Vatican also hosts stunning nativity scenes and a towering Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square.
Piazza Navona: Visit the charming Christmas market in Piazza Navona, offering artisanal crafts, festive decorations, and delicious seasonal treats.
Midnight Mass: Experience Midnight Mass at churches like St. Peter’s Basilica or the Pantheon for a truly special Christmas Eve celebration.
Concerts and Performances: Enjoy classical music concerts and choir performances held in various churches across the city during the Christmas season.
Holiday Dinners: Indulge in traditional Italian Christmas dinners featuring dishes like pasta, roasted meats, and panettone (Italian Christmas cake).
New Year’s Eve:
Piazza del Popolo: Join the lively crowds gathered in Piazza del Popolo for New Year’s Eve celebrations, live music, and spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
Street Parties and Gatherings: Explore the festive atmosphere in other popular squares like Piazza di Spagna and along the Tiber River, where people gather to welcome the new year.
Italian New Year’s Traditions:
Dinner Traditions: Italians often indulge in a sumptuous meal on New Year’s Eve, with lentils symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Fireworks: Enjoy the dazzling fireworks lighting up the Roman skyline at midnight, with locals also setting off their own fireworks to celebrate.
Rome’s historical sites, combined with its festive ambiance du.
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It is a one-year-long gap to welcome this festival again so why not enjoy this time of the year to the fullest. To make your trips pocket friendly you can adjust the travel expenses by online flight booking to avail cheap flights. Our list of best destinations will surely help you have an amazing winter vacation, So when are you going to seize the flight deals?
