3 Christmas Destinations in Europe You Won't Want To Miss Out On

Christmas is well-known to be one of the most festive events of the year, where you get to spend more time with your loved ones, enjoy the beautiful lights and city decorations, and eat delicious food. Yet it's also an inspiring time to plan a holiday trip with your family and friends! So why not make up a lifetime of fond memories in one of the top European countries to spend your Christmas holiday?  

Austria makes up for one of the most Christmassy destinations in Europe. The magical settings of its towns will sure leave you feeling with a breathtaking experience. 

Every town in Austria is glittering with crystals, lights and Christmas decorations. Be ready to find large Christmas trees or "Christkindmarkt" in every town square, where you will also find many families joining hands and singing Christmas carols while circling these festive trees. 

Vienna is one of the most cosmopolitan Christmas cities in Europe, where you will find various Christmas markets which lure you with its delicious smell of gingerbread biscuits and chestnuts. And if you're a big classical music fan, then be awed by the famously held Christmas and New Year's concert -- "NeuJahrskonzert"-- in a beautiful baroque church.

For those who fancy a peace getaway-- the scenery of Austria's villages near frozen lakes, white pine trees, and glittering landscapes will transport you into a fairytale story. One example would be visiting Salzburg, which envelopes a most romantic setting near Lake Zell in the Austrian Alps.

Are you a ski lover? Then look no further. Christmas in Austria is home to one the most popular skiing events of the year-- "Ski Jumping Four Hills Tournament"; which takes place between Christmas and Epiphany. It consists of a Ski jumping Week, held since 1953. Furthermore, it's also an exciting time for anyone who enjoys practising any type of winter sport. Therefore, as you spend Christmas in some of the most picturesque and festive towns in Austria, you can also get the chance to enjoy the country's paradise for outdoor activities-- in the beautiful snow-capped Alps.

Switzerland is by far one of the best Christmas getaways in Europe. Just like in Austria-- being surrounded by the snowy Alps and festive markets will sure enliven your Christmas spirit. 

This country is home to some very vibrant Alpine towns, such as Zermatt, Lucerne, Montreux and Basel. Christmas in Switzerland is imbued in cherished traditions; for many, these traditions are also practising outdoor activities! as Swiss people are very active, don't be surprised to encounter many families sledging, tobogganing, skiing and ice skating. These exciting evenings often conclude with a delicious bubbling cauldron of the famous "Cheese Fondue".  

Many villages have showy processional events to celebrate St Nicholas Day. Be ready to be immersed with dazzling colours, gleaming candles, roaring trumpets and clanging cowbells-- which according to some of their traditions, creates an atmosphere that will frighten the evil spirits away which lurk during the darkest days of winter. One of its iconic processions is the Klausjagen, celebrated on the 5th of December. 

And for those food-lovers, be ready to find some wonderful Christmas markets that have delicious and traditional Christmas food-- not to mention the pre-Christmas food exhibitors that also bring a mix of international foods from every corner of the world. One very famous Christmas market is in the stunningly medieval 13th-century town of Gruyeres, where artisans and vendors showcase different types of their famously local cheeses, and chocolates. All of this enveloped in a beautiful atmosphere of warm festival lights and carol singing while you relish the smell of roasting chestnuts and spicy wine in the air

And what about spending your Christmas holidays in beautiful Italy? There are many reasons you might want to come to this marvellous country to celebrate these festivities.  

Christmas in Italy is one of the most special times of the year. The most iconic feature during this festive is the "Nativity crib scene". Not only will you find these magnificent scenes in nearly every church around the country, but also, you will encounter actual "living nativity scenes". These, are typically found in northeastern Sicily. For instance, the town of Castanea recreates the village of Bethlehem. Instantly transporting you into biblical times, you'll not only see people dressed in medieval costumes representing merchants and traders, but also the iconic characters of Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Three Wise Men. Also, be prepared to see some live performances of the main scenes of the Biblical story. 

What will also make for a spellbinding experience during this time of the year, is visiting the spectacular imperial city of Rome. Just walking down those ancient streets and passing by those iconic monuments of the Coliseum and Parthenon, which are all impressively displayed with beautiful warm, gleaming lights, will all have a breathtaking effect upon the traveller. Another interesting fact is that the Pope always spends Christmas in Rome. Therefore, you can even receive the blessing from the Pope during his address to the faithful on Christmas day in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.

Just like in Austria and Switzerland, Italy's Christmas markets are also very popular. One of the most famous ones is in Rome, in Piazza Navona, where vendors are selling local specialities, and you'll get the chance to try exquisite traditional foods. If you're into visiting more of the famous Christmas markets, it's highly advisable to hit the big 3: Dolzeno, Taranto, and Morano.  

What also makes Christmas in Italy so special is that you'll encounter operas and moving symphonic concerts playing in all major cities, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, which are thematically based on either the Nativity of Jesus or secular Christmas stories. These Christmas concerts date back to the 17th century, making them traditionally ingrained in the Christmas culture.