Europe Is A Different Affair In Winter. Here Are 8 Splendid Holiday Ideas

Winter enters Europe in many guises. There is serious snow in the polar north, cozy cafe culture in the centre and lingering warmth well into the season around the Mediterranean.

From November to February, with shorter queues, you can fit more into your itinerary, while off-season prices make European accommodation wallet-friendly.

Winter is the best time to meet locals outside the often-frenetic summer tourist season. Use the train network to explore the continent at your leisure.

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Top 8 Things To Do In Europe This Winter

1. Christmas Markets

Winter sees scores of romantic historic markets pop up across central Europe. Expect cute stalls selling everything from gingerbread to sleigh bells, and even glasses of glühwein.

2. Northern Lights

Abisko in Sweden is for lovers of serious winter. The sun doesn’t rise for several weeks, but that darkness makes it one of the best places in the world to view the majestic northern lights.

3. Bask In The Sunshine

Expect mild temperatures in Andalucía, Spain. Accommodation is cheap and crowds are smaller at popular attractions such as Seville’s cathedral and Granada’s Alhambra.

4. Ancient Heritage

Have the best sites in Athens (almost) to yourself. Most of summer stresses, including intense heat, air pollution, crowding and tourist pricing, more or less disappear during this period.

5. Hit The Slopes

Slovakia offers high-quality skiing experience at affordable prices. Accommodation and food remain available at reasonable rates, packed with an underrated sense of friendliness.

6. Meet Santa Claus

Visit the unofficial residence of everyone’s favourite bearded man in Rovaniemi. But pack for some serious winter as Finnish thermometers have more numbers below 0C than above.

7. Incredible Carnival

The hauntingly beautiful Carnival in Venice is a European highlight. Elaborate costumes and spooky masks bring the canal city’s colourful history to life. Book accommodation well ahead.

8. Fairytale Winter

Hans Christian Andersen’s home will always stay the perfect location for a fairytale European winter. Head to Copenhagen’s cozy bars and cafes to watch snow flurrying outside.