If you’d like to make the festive season just a little bit more special this year, then an overseas adventure might be exactly the way to do it.
By experiencing this time of year in an unfamiliar part of the world, you can gain a new perspective on Christmas, and all the things that truly make it magical.
A city break in Europe is often the best way to enjoy your Christmas abroad. But exactly which cities might appeal to you? Let’s consider four of the best of them.
Kraków
The Polish city of Kraków is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places to spend your festive season. The city resembles a scene from a fairy tale at this time of year, particularly when it’s completely immersed in glittering white snow.
During your Kraków holidays, you might take a moment to look around the Christmas market, in the main market square, before venturing over to St. Mary’s Basilica, or even Wawel Castle. Make a point of sampling the pierogi – these being a particularly delicious form of Polish dumpling.
Prague
If you’re mostly looking for the best available Christmas market, then Prague is surely perfect. It’s a great deal more affordable than many of its competitors, further west. What’s more, it’s packed with amazing versions of the things that make Christmas special. Expect indulgent hot chocolate, glühwein, and a vast, impressive Christmas tree.
Strasbourg
Affectionately known among the French as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg takes the season extremely seriously, and can be relied upon to pull out every stop to make it special. The Cathedral acts as an enormous, illuminated centerpiece for the occasion, and there’s more than one amazing Christmas market to explore.
Nuremberg
When you think of a classic German Christmas market, the chances are good that you picture something like the one on offer in Nuremberg. There’s food and drink aplenty, all of which is wrapped in tradition. The market has actually been running since the 16th century, which makes it among the longest-running on the entire continent. You’ll find an array of traditional timber stalls, selling gingerbread, hand-carved wooden toys, and mustard-slathered sausages.
Of course, there is a bit of a downside worth mentioning – this market is famous across the continent, and reliably draws dense crowds. If you can help it, it might be a good idea to visit at the weekend.