DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO THIS CHRISTMAS

SELECTION OF WINTER GETAWAYS AND TRIPS FOR THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas can be loved or avoided, but it's much more than a date on the calendar; it's an opportunity to make memories, relax, and reconnect with what's essential. It's time with loved ones, a break from the hectic pace of work, and a chance to close out the year with a well-deserved vacation. If this year you want to immerse yourself in a unique Christmas experience, we suggest some destinations that will make you feel the magic of the season. Winter getaways with fairytale settings, markets steeped in history, aromas of spices, chestnuts, and hot chocolate that connect us with tradition and nostalgia, and lights that adorn and transform every corner. Each selected location has something special to offer this time, but they all share one common denominator: the opportunity to connect with yourself and those around you, in an inevitably magical moment.

This year, Le Periplo invites you once again to discover destinations for Christmas travel by sharing some recommendations and holiday plans. A winter getaway isn't just a gift; it's an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and recharge before the new year of 2025 begins.

Here are the best Christmas plans for destinations that, at this time of year, become fairytale settings.

01| ALSACE

Between the medieval facades and cobblestone streets of Strasbourg and Colmar, Christmas comes alive. At their Christmas markets, considered some of the oldest and most beautiful in the world, you'll find handcrafted decorations, magical lights, and the aromas of mulled wine that invite you to celebrate. Our Alsace travel guide takes you through Strasbourg, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar, and more, discovering the most special places in these picturesque towns and cities during the Christmas season.

❄ Must-see: Visit Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik, a World Heritage Site, and discover the lights of Colmar reflected in its canals.
❄ Local experience: Try pain d'épices and bredele while strolling through stalls steeped in history.

02| RICHMOND (LONDON ) AND THE COTSWOLDS: ENGLISH COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Richmond and the Cotswolds epitomize the English winter, where elegance and tradition come together in an idyllic setting. In Richmond, the magical Petersham Nurseries greenhouse is filled with Christmas decorations and calming aromas, which, along with riverside walks, connect you with the serenity of the season. The Cotswolds, meanwhile, transform their picturesque villages into living postcards with illuminated streets and cozy pubs with fireplaces. Our travel guides to Richmond (London) and the Cotswolds tour this iconic neighborhood in southwest London and offer 40 recommendations for the most beautiful villages in the region.

❄ Essential: Enjoy a Christmas tea at Petersham Nurseries or enjoy the festive markets in Bath, perfect for a Cotswolds getaway.
❄ Local experience: Experience the tradition of carol singing in rural churches or take a winter walk along the peaceful paths of the Cotswolds.

03| AMSTERDAM AND COPENHAGEN

Amsterdam transforms into a unique spectacle with the Light Festival, which turns its canals into a living work of art through creative light installations. Meanwhile, Copenhagen shines even brighter at Christmas, with Tivoli Gardens filled with lights and attractions that come alive again, creating a magical atmosphere that blends tradition and winter fun. Discover the magic of these two cities with our travel guides to Amsterdam and Copenhagen .

❄ Essential: Stroll through Christmas markets in squares like Museumplein in Amsterdam. Visit Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen at night, when the lights create a dreamy atmosphere.
❄ Local experience: Try Dutch Christmas sweets like stroopwafel or peppernoten. Enjoy a hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon while browsing the Christmas markets.

04| MADRID

Madrid sparkles at Christmas with a display of lights and activities that combine tradition and innovative offerings. The busy Gran Vía during this time, the recently opened Plaza de España market, the historic traditional crafts market in Plaza Mayor, and Christmas decorations all the way to Puerta del Sol make the city a vibrant destination. This 2024, Christmas in Madrid is renewed with activities that will delight both locals and visitors: markets, light shows like The Spring of Dreams: The Origin of Christmas at the Botanical Garden, winter terraces... In our Madrid travel guide, we round out your Christmas experience with gastronomic recommendations.

❄ Essential: Enjoy the Christmas lights from one of the city's most iconic rooftops, such as the Mirador del Círculo de Bellas Artes, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Madrid illuminated. Take the opportunity to relax on the winter terraces and enjoy a coffee or cocktail while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
❄ Local Experience: Enjoy a hot chocolate with churros at the iconic San Ginés after browsing the markets.

Christmas is all about the little details: a brightly lit street, a conversation at a market, or a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Traveling during this time is an invitation to create special memories, connect, and share moments that will stay with you. And all of this is traveling with purpose.

More destinations to travel to this winter with Le Periplo.