10 Best Christmas Breaks to Enjoy Christmas Across the UK and Europe 2024

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by Robin

The festive season is on our doorstep, and that means it's time to wrap up warm and head out into the snow to enjoy a spot of festive cheer from the comfort of cozy pubs, roaring fires, and lively snowball fights. So, whether you're traveling solo or with family and friends, here's our pick of the top Christmas breaks to enjoy across the UK and Europe.

If you are wondering what the best Christmas breaks are, look no further. Herein lies a list of 10 Christmas holiday destinations across the UK and Europe with recommendations for where to stay, the best shopping areas, and top attractions. This article is your ultimate guide to enjoyable Christmas breaks.

House decorated with Christmas lights

Best Christmas Breaks for Families

Christmas Breaks in London

London's spectacular Big Ben

London is a fantastic place to spend Christmas with family. It's diverse, so whatever your tastes, you will find something to do in London over the festive period. Enjoy watching the world go by from a traditional pub, with a glass of mulled wine, hot chocolate, or port in front of the roaring fire.

London's best-known market is the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market which is also the oldest. It has been running since 1878 and now has more than 400 stalls selling traditional gifts like mince pies, handmade chocolates, mulled wine, and even small toys. There are also foods from around the globe to keep you going! On top of this, entertainment acts such as acrobats, musicians, and puppeteers keep you busy throughout the day. The markets will be open from 10:00–21:00 on weekdays, and 10:00–22:00 on weekends.

The other Christmas markets include the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park Corner with a Ferris wheel, circus acts, and a Ferris wheel to look forward to! In addition, Regent Street will have a market with a German theme filled with food and shopping possibilities!

Book cheap flights to London and best hotels in London as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in London as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Park Plaza County Hall London: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Park Plaza County Hall London

2. The Clermont London, Charing Cross: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

The Clermont London, Charing Cross

3. The Tower Hotel London: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

The Tower Hotel London

Christmas Breaks Edinburgh

The Edinburgh skyline

Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit at Christmas. As the capital of Scotland, it's full of beautiful festive lights and decorations. Edinburgh is also home to some great Christmas markets where you can see the Scottish capital's famous Hogmanay atmosphere continuing throughout December. In addition, the city comes alive with amazing food, drink, music, and entertainment during the festive season. Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Castle, The Playhouse Theatre, and Scottish Parliament Building are some of the many exciting destinations to visit in this beautiful city.

Book cheap flights to Edinburgh and best hotels in Edinburgh as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Edinburgh as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Yotel Edinburgh: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Yotel Edinburgh

2. Market Street Hotel: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Market Street Hotel

3. The Balmoral Hotel: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

The Balmoral Hotel

Best Christmas Breaks for Couples

Romantic Getaway in Grindelwald

Houses dot the fields below snowy mountains

If you are looking for a romantic Christmas break in Europe, look no further than Grindelwald, Switzerland. It is a beautiful ski resort in the Bernese Alps and a great place to spend a romantic Christmas with your loved one. The town of Grindelwald is at the foot of the Eiger Mountain and is situated below the Wetterhorn.

The picturesque area offers excellent snow sports facilities and is ideal for skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. In addition, you can also enjoy plenty of other outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and rock climbing. You can spend some quality time with your loved one strolling through the charming streets lined with quaint shops or go shopping at local markets. Many restaurants offer traditional cuisine like fondue, raclette, or cheese fondue. You can also indulge yourself with fine wines at local vineyards or enjoy after-dinner drinks in stylish cafes.

Book best hotels in Grindelwald as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Grindelwald as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof

2. Sunstar Hotel & Spa Grindelwald: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Sunstar Hotel & Spa Grindelwald

3. Haus Bel Air: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Haus Bel Air

Dreamy Paris

Eiffel Tower in Paris

Paris is a city with a vibrant culture and a rich history. During Christmas, the atmosphere is magic, with fairy lights twinkling on the trees of the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower glittering with lights. A walk on the banks of the Seine River or through iconic landmarks will reveal a city brimming with romance. A romantic Christmas in Paris is perfect for a couple of days' getaway or a whole week's holiday.

Book cheap flights to Paris and best hotels in Paris as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Paris as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Hotel the Peninsula Paris: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Hotel the Peninsula Paris

2. Campanile Val de France: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Campanile Val de France

3. Relais Spa Chessy Residence: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Relais Spa Chessy Residence

Sparkling Auroras in Reykjavik

waterfall with northern lights in the sky

Iceland is one of the most romantic countries in the world. It has everything to make your Christmas relaxing and unforgettable. Take the chance to plunge into the magical atmosphere of Christmas markets, enjoy the beautiful fireworks, walk hand in hand under the Northern Lights, or soak up the sun on the white-sand beaches.

Book cheap flights to Reykjavik and best hotels in Reykjavik as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Reykjavik as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Alda Hotel Reykjavík: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Alda Hotel Reykjavík

2. TOP CityLine Grand Hotel Reykjavik: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

TOP CityLine Grand Hotel Reykjavik

3. TOP CityLine Fosshotel Reykjavik: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

TOP CityLine Fosshotel Reykjavik

Best Christmas Breaks for Adventurers

Outdoor Activities in Finland

Arial photography of a street filled with snow in Finland

What makes Finland such a popular destination during the winter months is the stunning scenery and outdoor activities and the country's unique approach to celebrating this time of year. The Finnish have a very relaxed attitude to Christmas, and it's not uncommon to see people out enjoying winter sports in shorts and flip-flops.

Take a trip to Santa Village on Santa Claus Lane in Rovaniemi, where children will delight in meeting Father Christmas, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, and polar bears. There are also lots of shops selling everything from traditional Scandinavian gifts to high-tech gadgets.

Enjoy a wide variety of winter activities in Lapland, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and reindeer safaris.

Book cheap flights to Helsinki and best hotels in Helsinki as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotel for your stay in Finland as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Holiday Inn Helsinki West - Ruoholahti: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Holiday Inn Helsinki West - Ruoholahti

Hike and Bike in Germany

Group of people hiking on a mountain

Germany is one of the most popular countries in Europe for people to visit and find adventure. The scenery is breathtaking and the people are friendly. Whatever you're into, there's always something to do in Germany - from hiking and biking to climbing and skiing. In addition, Germany has great UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Wadden Sea National Parks, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Black Forest.

Book cheap flights to Berlin and best hotels in Berlin as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Germany as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Comfort Hotel Lichtenberg (Berlin): Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Comfort Hotel Lichtenberg

2. Dorint Kurfürstendamm Berlin: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Dorint Kurfürstendamm Berlin

3. Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport (Frankfurt): Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport

Après Ski in Austria

Man on the top of a snowy mountain

Austria is winter sports heaven. With more than 1,000 miles of slopes, it's the perfect place for an adventurous Christmas break. During the holidays, it's not uncommon to ski from morning until night at one of the country's larger resorts. The largest skiing area in Austria is Kitzbuhel, with nearly 300 kilometers of slopes. Other popular ski areas include St Johann in Tirol and Ischgl, both known for their aprés-ski parties and picturesque scenery.

Book best hotels in Kitzbuhel with discounts & promotions on Trip.com now.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Austria as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Hotel Zur Tenne (Kitzbuhel): Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Hotel Zur Tenne

2. Hotel Gamshof (Kitzbuhel): Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Hotel Gamshof

3. A-Rosa Kitzbühel (Kitzbuhel): Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

A-Rosa Kitzbühel

Best Weekend Christmas Breaks

A Weekend in Bath

Roman Baths (Bath)

Bath is a beautiful city in the southwest of England. The city has been a tourist destination for many years. Of course, everyone knows that Bath is home to the beautiful Roman aqueducts, Pulteney Bridge, and the Jane Austen Centre, but there is more to see and do in this beautiful city.

One of the best ways to get a taste of Bath is to explore the city during the Christmas period. It's a busy time for shopping, and it's also a great time to have a weekend break away from the big city lights and enjoy some festive cheer in a smaller town.

Book cheap flights to Bath and best hotels in Bath as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Bath as Christmas breaks destination:

1. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

2. Saco Bath - St James's Parade: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Saco Bath - St James's Parade

3. Holiday Inn Express Bath, an Ihg Hotel: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Holiday Inn Express Bath, an Ihg Hotel

Enchanting Brussels

A historic building in Belgium

If you want to experience a festive weekend in a city full of life and bursting with Christmas spirit, Brussels is a great destination. The Christmas markets in Brussels are well worth a visit, as they offer a wide range of traditional mulled wines and delicious Belgian chocolates. If you're visiting during the winter season, there is no better place to witness the city's beauty under a blanket of snow.

Book cheap flights to Brussels and best hotels in Brussels as holiday package with discounts & promotions.

We also recommend following hotels for your stay in Bath as Christmas breaks destination:

1. Pentahotel Brussels City Centre: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Pentahotel Brussels City Centre

2. The Hotel Brussels: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

The Hotel Brussels

3. Hotel Catalonia Brussels: Become Trip.com members to get discounts, free breakfast included, free cancellation and Trip Coins.

Hotel Catalonia Brussels

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