We are Dreaming of a European Christmas Getaway

We are Dreaming of a European Christmas Getaway

by Jacob Edwards

It’s approaching that time of the year again. For some, it’s the most wonderful; for the majority, the most stressful. If you are however one for mulled wine, Christmas cheer, and chestnuts roasted by an open fire, perhaps you have been eyeing up where to venture this Winter. Well, there is no need to look any further! Impact’s Jacob Edwards reminisces on his travels and provides a handcrafted list and some of the highlights- perfect for those seeking a bit of festivity beyond the obvious choices (Cologne, London, Amsterdam, …). Hopefully you find something to tickle your own tastes…

Right on your doorstep - York, England (16th November - 22nd December)

You don’t have to travel overseas to have a jolly Christmas this year - in fact, if you are determined to walk around a wonderland, but don’t have the extra penny to escape your hometown, there is likely to be a Christmas market, to some extent, near you. If you do have the budget to go just a touch further, I found York to be the most comfortably spirited city in the UK at this time of year. By that, I mean that it lacks the overwhelming masses of people in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, thus offering space to live and breathe when bumbling about.

On top of that, the city is simply charming, and the historicism of the surroundings mixed with the twinkle of festivity and decoration is second to none. If you are a chocoholic craving a beverage to warm you up, Cocoa Joe’s provides the tastiest hot cup of cocoa that I ever had the privilege of laying my mittens on.

Most underrated - Riga, Latvia (3rd December - 7th January 2024)

Riga shamefully never crossed my mind as much of a desirable location, but after visiting a friend who was on her year abroad there, I instantly fell for all the capital had to offer. If you are in the mood for a white Christmas, it is worth trekking over to Eastern Europe - when I visited in April, the city was still experiencing snow showers and chilly breezes. The Christmas market is back this year after the pandemic. To accompany the spirit, this city is full of bars for you to warm up your insides through the mighty power of beer, at an exceptionally reasonable price. Not only that, but I also found there to be a surprising number of vegan-friendly places, as well as plentiful pretentious cafés and cultural emporiums.

Let there be light - Luxembourg (24th November - 7th January 2024)

When the rest of Europe was experiencing an energy crisis, particularly late last year, one would think in this little pocket of paradise that nothing had occurred at all. Being the second-richest country in the world, it simply pumped out electricity like there was no tomorrow, and let the streets shine. It is supposedly one of the best places to be at this time of the year but doesn’t seem to be on most Brits’ radars. The market also offers events along the side of all the stalls, including a Charlie Chaplin film at the Cinématèque, and a few live shows for all the family.

Prettiest of places - Strasbourg, France (24th November - 24th December)

If you are after a romantic location to really settle your seasonal stomach, either to treat yourself or a loved one - both equally as important - to a special getaway. Going back almost 500 years, it makes this one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, the oldest in France, and one of the most renowned for its utter beauty. The “Capital of Christmas” boasts its Alsatian cuisine, the highest decorated Christmas tree in Europe, and apparent whiffs of cinnamon all around the streets. It is a must-see for everyone, however, and the city itself is home to a culture of all sorts, from Michelin-rated cuisine to galleries and glamorous libraries.

Most scandalous city - Hamburg, Germany (13th November - 23rd December)

Hamburg has my heart, even if it may have almost frozen me to death with its brisk north German breezes. The festivities in this mega city know no end too - if you are here for a good time, and not a long one, why not delve into the depths of the world’s haven for all things bier? Or better yet, dabble in the delectable local produce and pastries such as the fan-favorite “Franzbrötchen”. If all that isn’t enough though, as the subheading infers: this city holds a very unconventional Christmas market, known as “Santa Pauli”. Perhaps not so family-friendly as the aforementioned markets, but exceptionally unique, this market can be found in the St. Pauli district, around the Reeperbahn - precisely where Hamburg’s infamous red light district lies. So if you’re looking for celebrations on the more adult side of life, this is the place for you!

The authentic experience - Tübingen, Germany (15th-17th December)

On the flip side of Germany, nestled in the south just below Stuttgart, there lay a real gem of Germany: Tübingen! Tübingen’s status as a quaint, eco-conscious university city with a spark unlike any other has been upheld every time I visited. The city is as full of life as it is hills (full to the brim) and it seems that almost every weekend awaits a festival of sorts. The same can be said for Christmastime - unlike almost every other Christmas market that operates for weeks, this little market is here for one weekend only. As compensation, like every other fest it holds, Tübingen’s market will extend to every crack and crevice of the inner city, which always makes the place feel so cosy. To add to that, this city’s aesthetic meets all expectations of a “true German” city, with colourful, wooden-rimmed, Tudoresque houses and local finery from cheeses to arty crafty gifts - there is even a rather large and easily accessible castle that hosts a museum, as well as parts of the acclaimed University. Knowing Tübingen, this will be one of the most magical destinations for a Christmas getaway.