SELECTION OF WINTER GETAWAYS AND TRIPS FOR THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas can be loved or avoided, but it is much more than a date on the calendar; it is an opportunity to create memories, relax and reconnect with what is essential. It is time with your loved ones, a break from the frenetic pace of work and the chance to close 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 full of 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 place has something special to offer at this time, but they all share a 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 to travel to at Christmas by revealing some recommendations and Christmas plans. A winter getaway is not just a gift; it is an opportunity to reflect, reconnect and recharge your batteries before the new year 2025 begins.

Here are the best Christmas plans in destinations that, at this time of year, become fairy-tale settings.

01| ALSACE

Between the medieval facades and cobbled streets of Strasbourg and Colmar, Christmas comes to life. At their Christmas markets, considered to be among the oldest and most beautiful in the world, you will find handmade decorations, magical lights and the aroma of mulled wine that invite you to celebrate. Our Alsace travel guide takes you through Strasbourg, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar..., discovering the most special places in these picturesque towns and cities during the Christmas season.

❄ Must-see: Explore 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 as you stroll through stalls steeped in history.

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

Richmond and the Cotswolds are the epitome of 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 to the serenity of the season. The Cotswolds, meanwhile, transform their picturesque villages into living postcards with illuminated streets and cosy pubs with open fires. Our Richmond (London) and Cotswolds travel guides take you around the iconic neighbourhood in south-west London and provide 40 recommendations for the prettiest villages in the region.

❄ Essential: Enjoy Christmas tea at Petersham Nurseries or enjoy the festive markets in Bath, perfect for a day trip from the Cotswolds.
❄ Local experience: Experience the tradition of carol singing in country churches or take a winter stroll along the peaceful lanes of the Cotswolds.

03| AMSTERDAM AND COPENHAGEN

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

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

04| MADRID

Madrid shines at Christmas with a display of lights and activities that combine tradition and innovative proposals. The busy Gran Vía at this time, the recent flea market in Plaza de España, the historic flea market of traditional crafts in the Plaza Mayor and the Christmas decorations up to Puerta del Sol make the city a vibrant destination. This 2024, Christmas in Madrid is renewed with activities that surprise both locals and visitors: flea markets, light shows such as TheSpring of Dreams: The Origin of Christmas in the Botanical Garden, winter terraces... In our Madrid travel guide we complete 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 you soak up the festive atmosphere.
❄ Local experience: Enjoy a hot chocolate with churros at the iconic San Ginés after touring the markets.

Living Christmas is in the small details: a lit-up street, a conversation at a market, or a coffee or hot chocolate. Traveling during these dates is an invitation to create special memories, connect and share moments that will stay in your heart. And all of this is traveling with purpose.

More destinations to travel to this winter with Le Periplo.