Winter takes many forms in Europe. In areas such as Finland there is some serious cold weather and of course, snow! Many of the other countries in Europe do experience small amounts of snow with a little bit of sunshine as well. In general the winter months are a delightful time to do some traveling to Europe. Since it’s the off-season, accommodations and airfare are pretty affordable. You will also deal with less crowds and will get to experience some of the country’s winter traditions. Here are just a few Europe Winter travel ideas.
Skiing
Austria, Switzerland and Northern Italy are great places to go skiing in the winter. Other good places for skiing are the Rhone-Alps France, Levi & Lapland, Finland, Upper Bavaria Germany and Vasterbotten Country, Sweden.
Frankfurt Market- Birmingham, England
The Frankfurt Market is a true German market. It’s located in Victoria Square and is open November 22-December 22 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. There’s a lot to see at the market with close to 200 different stalls. It can easily take an entire weekend to really see everything. Not only are there handmade crafts and gifts to purchase there is also German and English beer as well as carolers singing Christmas songs in order to get you into the holiday spirit.
Tivoli Gardens- Copenhagen, Denmark
One of the best German Christmas markets in the world is located in Denmark. Tivloli Gardens in Copenhagen runs from November 15 through December 31 and is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Not only are there numerous opportunities to purchase both Russian and Nordic inspired items, there’s also the Tivoli Gardens Fun Fair. It features rides, games and music. This Christmas market also has some of the most delicious food in the area including a donut called Aebleskiver that is served with a hot raisin and almond flavored wine.
Arctic Circle Grotto- Rovaniemi, Finland
Many individuals that believe in Santa say that Article Circle Grotto is Mr. Claus’ official residence. Although, chances are that you won’t see the bearded man if you visit the area, you will see many people dressed like him. There’s no shortage of snow, reindeer and Christmas activities in Artic Circle Grotto.
Christmas Market- Strasbourg, France
France is absolutely beautiful in the winter and their Christmas markets won’t disappoint. The Christmas market located in Strasbourg, France has been dubbed as the “Capital of Christmas”. The market first opened in the 1500s and travelers from near and far come to visit it from November 29-December 31. One of the favorite things to view is Europe’s largest natural Christmas tree which is located in the town square.
Christmas City- Gothenburg, Sweden
Christmas City in Gothenburg isn’t really a city, but it should be. This massive Christmas market is located in Liseberg Amusement Park from November 15 through December 23. It consists of almost five million Christmas lights and some of the area’s best Christmas delicacies which include rich chocolates and smoked sausage. If you want to get some of your Christmas shopping done you can find anything from crafts to holiday decorations.
If you’ve never visited a Christmas market or experienced some of Europe’s winter traditions there’s no time like the present to start planning a winter vacation that you will remember. Since the winter months are considered to be the off season in Europe you can get some great travel deals. Cheap airfare, beautiful Christmas decorations and fewer crowds would make a vacation to Europe in the winter a phenomenal family trip.
