The festive season is in full swing. Christmas trees have been decorated, gifts are being found and Christmas menus are being put together. And although December is the perfect month to snuggle up inside your own home, it is also a good time to go and explore. The days might be short and the nights dark, yet that darkness is just what you need to enjoy the bright Christmas decorations all over town to the fullest. Just in case your nearby city isn’t doing a great job, we’ve selected 5 European cities boasting impressive Christmas decorations this year.
1. Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital is the Christmas destination of dreams for anyone who enjoys a bit of elegance. The regal streets are tastefully decorated, with giant chandeliers showing you the way around town. Despite the many markets and the crowds, it is the place to be for those who like to spend their Christmas getaway in a peaceful way.
2. Colmar, France
Situated in the Alsace region in France, Colmar gets transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland every year. With six Christmas markets in the city centre, lit-up streets and wooden chalets all over town, it is the perfect place to enjoy a gloomy December weekend.
3. London, United Kingdom
London at Christmas has become somewhat of a tradition for many. Even though the British weather can be just as bad as any other time of the year, the lights make it almost magically go away. Decorations aside, there are just as many things to do in the city as usual, so you won’t be bored for a minute, even when you’re done with Christmas.
4. Tromsø, Norway
If you’ve ever tried to imagine yourself in a real-life Santa town, you might have thought of something looking very much like Tromsø. The snow-clad streets are lined with colourful houses, the Arctic Cathedral towering above them like something out of a movie. Be prepared to brace the cold, however, and don’t forget you won’t see any daylight during your December stay. On the other hand, you might just be in luck and spot the Northern Lights.
5. Valkenburg, Netherlands
Chalets and big cities don’t you think? Well, then the Dutch city of Valkenburg might offer an original alternative. Here, you’ll find everything you’d associate with your regular Christmas markets but with one big difference: everything goes on underground, in the city’s caves.
