Seek and find
Planning a Christmas city break this year? My advice: go in the weeks leading up to Christmas and make sure you're back home for the holidays. own Christmas tree sit. Best of both worlds!
This is the time to Christmas city trip to plan, because in most cities the Christmas markets often open in November and then they are open until Christmas Eve.
best Christmas city trips for November and December
I still find it magical to see how cities around the world transform in December. The festive season is just around the corner, so it's time for an overview of tips for the best Christmas city breaks. These are all cities that we know are one big party in the lead-up to Christmas. christmas markets, lights and beautiful Christmas displays.
Which Christmas city trips are on your Xmas bucket list?
That's why you'll find the best city breaks to take around Christmas in this new list. From European classics (the Christmas market in Strasbourg is still on my Christmas bucket list) to celebrating Christmas in New York of Paris Now that it's possible again, read on for the best city breaks during Christmas so you can enjoy the holiday season abroad again this year!
| TIP: Many lovely Christmas cities are easily accessible by train! You can book tickets via NS International from just €19 >>
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 🧧
The new lunar year begins on February 17th, and in the Netherlands, Chinese New Year (as you might know it) is becoming increasingly celebrated.
From dragon dances in The Hague and on @dezeedijk in Amsterdam to full-on Oriental dinners at @rongastrobar. Looking for something creative? Check out the weekend full of workshops and a fun photo booth at the Wereldmuseum in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Check out all the tips for Lunar New Year in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague in this guide!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: I'll be in Bangkok for Lunar New Year! Want to follow my Thailand trip? Tune in via @yourlbb 🖤 And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet, the dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼?
#lunarnewyear2026 #chinesenewyear #yourlittleblackbook #chinatown
@nomansart @amstelhotel @hoitin1975 @wereldmuseum.amsterdam @cafewu.ams @anantarakrasnapolsky @wereldmuseum.rotterdam @rotterdamchinesenewyear
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟰 & 𝟭𝟱
Valentine's Day falling on a weekend? We'll take it!
Amsterdam is buzzing this weekend with plenty of reasons to head out: from markets and Lunar New Year brunches to pop-up cinemas and, as always, a wave of new hotspots worth checking out.
Looking for restaurant inspiration for you and your lover (or your best friend)? Head over to my other post on @yourlbb for my Valentine's shortlist. 🖤
💬 Comment WEEKEND to get the full Weekend Guide with 58 things to do in Amsterdam in your dm's.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for all things travel, food hotspots and things to do in The Netherlands and beyond. And if you want more Amsterdam inspiration, make sure to also check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
#yourlittleblackbook #amsterdamweekendguide #weekendinamsterdam #amsterdamhotspots #whattodoamsterdam
@nemosciencemuseum @copainamsterdam @ijhallen @bonburgerbar @candlelight.concerts @thevinylcountdownamsterdam @carmen.amsterdam @salut_a_amsterdam @anantarakrasnapolsky @sun.dayrunclub
Wow, what a list! @gaultmillaunederland announced the awards and points for 2026 today. So many great new names and climbers, proud of the Dutch culinary scene, and enough inspiration to dine out all year long ✌🏼
👀Which restaurant are you very curious about?
GAULT & MILLAU AWARDS
Bistronome of the year
Madeleine | Utrecht @madeleine_utrecht
Mediterranean restaurant of the year
Elea | The Hague @restaurantelea
Asian restaurant of the year
Kaa Lun Palace | The Hague @kaalun_palace
Terrace of the year
The Coach House | Bennekom @hetkoetshuisbennekom
Vegetable restaurant of the year
Tryptique | Wateringen @restauranttriptyque
Craftsman of the Year
Dick Middelweerd
Restaurant De Treeswijkhoeve | Waalre @restaurant.de.treeswijkhoeve
New Chef on the Block
Koen van Weer
De Cuijt | Mierlo @restaurantdecuijt
Prize-Fun of the Year
Aragosta | Leeuwarden @bistro.aragosta
Discovery of the year
Shun | Medemblik @restaurant_shun
Cocktail bar of the year
Fitz's Bar | Amsterdam @fitzsbaramsterdam
Wine list of the year
Azurite | Delft @restaurant.azurite
Sommelier of the Year
Antonello Nicastri @antonellonic_somm
Flore | Amsterdam @restaurant.flore
Notable Newcomer of the Year
Wild Studio | Hoog Soeren @wildatelier.nl
Best Dutch Chef Abroad
Marcel Koolen
7132 Silver | Counterfeit | Switzerland @mmmarcel.koolen
Lifetime Achievement Award
Cees Helder
Host of the year
Bjorn van Aalst | SAAM | Amstelveen @saamrestaurant
Young Chef of the Year
Sofiane Bons @bonssofiane
Yulia | Rotterdam @restaurantjoelia
Chef of the year
Hans van Wolde @hvw043
Brut172 | Reijmerstok @brut_172
CONGRATULATIONS!! 🍴
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 🫕 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲
Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue!
I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️).
𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East)
Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included!
📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Center)
Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match.
📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre)
Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻:
📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East)
Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged.
📍 @fromagerielamuse (South)
Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first?
📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre)
Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in.
On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam.
Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends.
#cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟱, 𝟲, 𝟳 & 𝟴
From €3 tacos, a pizza battle and new hotspots to creative ceramics, vintage markets and feel-good exhibitions 🖤Amsterdam is giving us plenty of reasons to go out this weekend.
Perfect for a solo date or plans with friends.
💬 Comment WEEKEND and we'll send you the full guide with all 48 tips for this weekend in Amsterdam.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #amsterdamweekendguide #weekendinamsterdam #amsterdamhotspots #whattodoamsterdam
@dehallen.amsterdam @grachtenmuseum @camino.amsterdam @glazemade @nikotin.restobar @amsterdamstreetart @klaproosamsterdam
And in my opinion this is a perfect combination - 🥰
Valentine's Day is (almost) here... and yes, I've gone through my usual long list of restaurants and compiled my favorite (new) tips for every mood. Whether you're looking for a truly romantic restaurant in Amsterdam, fancy a splurge, or are searching for great spots for daytime drinks and a snacky dinner... you'll want to save these tips!
Let me tell you something funny. I officially registered my Thai marriage in the Netherlands on February 14th 😂. And guess where I'll be on February 14th 🛺🇹🇭👀!
What are you going to do on Valentine's Day?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for tons of tips to make the most of your free time, from date night tips to food hotspots and travel guides. And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet, the dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼?
#valentinesday #amsterdamrestaurants #datenight #yourlbb
Amsterdam Weekend Guide: Jan 29 – Feb 1
From the city's first ever Tea Festival to Sunday Roasts, winter markets, and hot new openings — Amsterdam is serving up another packed weekend.
👉 Inspiration to enjoy together or SOLO
💬 Comment WEEKEND for the full guide with all 43 tips
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamHotspots #WeekendPlans
And in addition to that, do you also have a nice garden?
This TRAVEL TIP is for anyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job.
Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie!
And then ask for time off as quickly as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-).
Happy travels 😘
IRON 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: March 30 to April 2 & April 7 to 10
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free period: March 28 to April 12 (16 days)
**Stylish & Indigo**
⟶ Taking vacation days: April 28 to May 1, May 4 & May 6 to 8
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days
ツ Total free: April 25 to May 10 (16 days)
and
⟶ Taking vacation days: December 21 to 24 & December 28 to 31
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free: December 21 to January 3, 2027 (16 days)
𝗞𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: Monday March 30th to Thursday April 2nd
⟶ Vacation days required: 4
ツ Total free: March 28 to April 6 (10 days)
𝗛𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗱𝗮𝗴
⟶ Take vacation days: May 15
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Total free: May 14th to 17th (4 days)
Innocent
⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Totally free: May 22 to 25 or May 23 to 26 (4 days)
Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips.
And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#vacationdays2026 #traveltips
**Due to poor weather, this product has been carefully selected and is in excellent condition.** 👀
The market calendar may be a bit quieter now, but luckily there's still plenty planned for January and February, including a new gem (I predict)!
Don't miss these weekend markets:
• 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee.
• @sundaymarket
• Museum Market
• @rotterdamseoogst
• @themakermarket
In the complete guide on Your Little Black Book, you'll find 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates and locations for January and February.
Send these tips to your market-browsing bestie!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#weekendmarkets #dutchtips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great wine bars, and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude.
Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT-factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @tresrotterdam
⦁ @barbertarotterdam
⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam
⦁ @barbistroloevetdie
⦁ @oxrotterdam
⦁ @restaurant_rotonde
⦁ on my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @walsjerot_nl
⦁ @cafeverward
⦁ @spikizibar
⦁ @lenselinq
💌What's your favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city.
Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰
Do you have any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck
17 X most pleasant Christmas cities for a Christmas city trip
Christmas city trip London (Great Britain)
Christmas in London has a timeless appeal for me – think decorated townhouses, lively pubs, beautiful shop windows and a touch of Dickensian charm. Do you want to visit around holidays in London Are you in the mood? Then soak up the Christmas spirit at the various Christmas markets, go ice skating, and shop for Christmas gifts at British department stores. Although it's been a few years since I've been to London around Christmas, it remains one of my favorite European Christmas cities.
Tips for your Christmas City Trip to London:
- Here's how to get there: take the train! You can book a return ticket from just €94 >> Would you rather fly? Then book a Christmas trip via Tui of The Holiday Discounter.
- This is where you stay: The Hoxton, citizenM of The Gazing Goat.
- Arrange in advance: go cycling in London, score a London Pass for entry to all attractions, see the Christmas lights from The London Eye, or even go to Oxford for a day for the Harry Potter Studios to get in the Christmas spirit!
London
Christmas city trip Rovaniemi (Finland)
With its otherworldly icy landscapes, brightly lit trees and elaborate ice sculptures, Rovaniemi is in Finland Undoubtedly one of the best European cities for Christmas. And the fact that Santa Claus himself lives just 8 km away only adds to the magical allure.
Besides the postcard-perfect pink mornings and the vibrant Santa Claus Village, which is clearly the city's main draw, Rovaniemi offers visitors an eclectic range of museums and an even wider selection of winter activities – think thrilling reindeer and husky rides, snowmobile safaris, and spectacular Northern Lights tours.
Tips for your Christmas City Trip to Rovaniemi:
- How to get there: Christmas trips to Rovaniemi in Finland are offered by: Voight Travel en Tui.
- This is where you stay: Arctic Light Hotel, Santa Claus Holiday Village, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel of Nova Skyland Hotel.
- Arrange in advance: reindeer tour, Northern Lights tour expats must register with the local municipality and obtain a snowmobile tour through the forest.
Rovaniemi
Christmas city trip Paris (France)
For a European Christmas vacation with a je ne sais quoi, head to the French capital, where mighty cathedrals resound with lively carols, the air fills with the aroma of freshly baked croissants, and Christmas trees are haute couture. If there's one place that rivals NYC at Christmastime, it's it. Paris With its many Christmas markets, the City of Light shines even brighter in December, when, as night falls, dazzling decorations and millions of sparkling spheres blanket the elegant boulevards and iconic monuments.
Tips for your Christmas City Trip to Paris:
- Here's how to get there: take the train! You can book a ticket from just €35 >> Would you rather book a complete trip? Then check out the offers for a city break to Paris at Tui of The Holiday Discounter.
- This is where you stay: Le Petit Oberkampf Hotel & Spa, The Pigalle Hotel of Grand Pigalle Hotel.
- Arrange in advance: tickets for the Louvre, rent bicycles,An street art tours of food tour through Le Marais.
Paris
Christmas city trip Antwerp (Belgium)
Historic buildings and sensational Christmas decorations make Antwerp one of Europe's most popular Christmas destinations. The city center buzzes with the seasonal spirit thanks to the lively Christmas market in AntwerpA 60-meter-long ice rink and festive evening concerts. Savor mulled wine and Belgian delicacies while watching the antics of the much-loved street performers.
Tips for your Christmas City Trip to Antwerp:
- Here's how to get there: take the train! You can book a ticket from just €21 >>
- This is where you stay: Sapphire House Antwerp, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp of August.
- Arrange in advance: rent a bike through Baja Bikes.
Antwerp
Christmas city trip Ljubljana (Slovenia)
During the holidays, much happens in Ljubljana. Ljubljana Castle transforms into a fairytale-like setting, and the public squares, churches, and bridges in the historic city center take on a whole new light. The Christmas markets, with numerous stalls offering food and drinks, become the center of the city's social life in December, while the nearby town squares transform into venues for countless free music concerts and other events for all ages.
Tips for your Christmas City Trip to Ljubljana:
- How to get there: via The Holiday Discounter you can book a complete trip.
- This is where you stay: Lesar Hotel Angel of The Hotel Ljubljana.
- Arrange in advance: day tour with highlights of Slovenia, like the castle. Or book a foodtour in the city or make a wine tour.
Ljubljana
Christmas city trip Berlin (Germany)
Christmas and Berlin are practically synonymous; the city offers no fewer than fifty Christmas markets a year, spread across various neighborhoods. If the candles and consumerism get a bit much, there are also numerous museums and cultural events to experience. Berlin also boasts a fantastic nightlife, so it's virtually impossible to be bored in this city.
Tips for your Christmas City Trip to Berlin:
- Here's how to get there: take the train! You can book from just €38 >> Would you rather book a complete trip? You can do so affordably through, for example Tui.
- This is where you stay: The Hoxton, Hotel Amo of 25Hours Bikini.
- Arrange in advance: a Trabi safari in an old Trabant or a foodtour.
Berlin
Christmas city trip Düsseldorf (Germany)
There are several Christmas markets in Düsseldorf, all located in the Old Town (Altstadt). During the holidays, Düsseldorf will have many festive new features. On the north side of Königsallee, directly adjacent to the Hofgarten and the Kö-Bogen, visitors can enjoy a 1700-square-meter ice rink this year at Corneliusplatz. Nearby, a new Fairy Tale Market invites all visitors, especially families with children, to experience the pre-Christmas magic.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Düsseldorf:
- Here's how to get there: take the train! You can book from just €20 >>.
- This is where you stay: Henri Hotel of 25Hours Hotel.
- Arrange in advance: make a self-guided walking tour of Little Tokyo as a counterpart to the Christmas markets!
Düsseldorf
Christmas city trip Zagreb (Croatia)
The Croatian capital will once again offer the festive atmosphere for which Zagreb was named Europe's best Christmas market three years running. The festive season in Zagreb offers a mix of traditional and tangible festive cheer. For those looking forward to a romantic stroll through the city's central green squares, from King Tomislav Square to Ban Jelačić Square, the romance will be there again with the traditional stunning display of Christmas lights and decorations. Read more in our guide about Christmas in Zagreb >>
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Zagreb:
- This is how you get there: you book via Price-free of Tui an affordable city trip to Zagreb.
- This is where you stay: Capital Hotel or the classic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.
- Arrange in advance: make a food tour and did you know that you can also go from Zagreb beautiful day trips can make?
Zagreb
Christmas city trip Vienna (Austria)
Vienna is a fantastic city break during the Christmas season (the lights that cover almost every building certainly don't hurt). The city is known for its markets, with the Vienna Christmas market The town hall and the Christmas tree on Rathausplatz steal the show. Also nearby are the Nativity Path and the Heart Tree.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Vienna:
- How to get there:
- This is where you stay:
- Arrange in advance:
Vienna
Christmas city trip Edinburgh (Scotland)
Warming up with whisky is reason enough to Edinburgh A Christmas city break is a must, but Edinburgh's seasonal offerings extend far beyond the drinks. There's also the expansive Christmas market in East Princes St. Gardens, skiing in Pentland Hills Regional Park, and ice skating in St. Andrew Square. Traditionally, the Christmas season is followed by the Hogmanay festival – a three-day bacchanal celebrating the New Year with open-air concerts, fireworks, and dancing Scots.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Edinburgh:
- How to get there:
- This is where you stay:
- Arrange in advance:
Edinburgh
Christmas city trip Strasbourg (France)
Strasbourg is home to France's oldest Christmas market, dating back almost 450 years. There are 12 in total to check out, which will certainly keep you busy. Pro tip: While the markets will be overflowing with delicious treats, many choose to indulge in the king of Alsatian delicacies, foie gras, which is also a French Christmas tradition.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Strasbourg:
- How to get there:
- This is where you stay:
- Arrange in advance:
Strasbourg
Christmas city trip Budapest (Hungary)
More than 100 artisan and gourmet vendors offer their products, from popular dishes to the many delicacies available only here. The spectacularly decorated atmosphere of Budapest's Christmas markets is completed by the highly successful light show projected onto the Basilica in recent years.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Budapest:
- How to get there:
- This is where you stay:
- Arrange in advance:
Budapest
Christmas city trip Copenhagen (Denmark)
According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the world's happiest countries, making it a great place to spend the holidays. In the Tivoli Gardens of Copenhagen Antique amusement park rides are decorated with lights, surrounded by yet another charming Alpine-village-style Christmas market with gifts and snacks. They're also known to decorate their trees with Swarovski crystals.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Copenhagen:
- How to get there:
- This is where you stay:
- Arrange in advance:
Copenhagen
Christmas city trip Dublin (Ireland)
If your idea of Christmas cheer involves an authentic Irish pub crawl), then Dublin Your place. There's no better way to warm up on a cold Christmas night than with some black pudding and a few pints—and believe us, this city has plenty of cozy bars to keep you entertained through New Year's Eve. But the Irish capital isn't just about drinking, of course. The offerings include Christmas markets, decked-out shops on Grafton Street, and tree-lighting ceremonies galore.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Dublin:
- How to get there:
- This is where you stay:
- Arrange in advance:
Dublin
Christmas city trip Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague's Christmas markets easily make the city one of the world's best places to spend Christmas: they last a whole month, with locals and travelers flocking for mulled wine, sticky pastries, and roasted ham. The main markets are located in the Old Town and Wenceslas Square, just a 10-minute walk from each other. Be sure to sip Svařák, a Czech mulled wine with a hint of citrus, from a market stall – or for a sweeter treat, enjoy a hot chocolate at Cafe Slavia, established in 1881.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Prague:
- How to get there:
- This is where you stay:
- Arrange in advance:
Prague
Christmas city trip Reykjavík (Iceland)
Reykjavík In December, the streets and skies sparkle. Sparkling Christmas lights illuminate the city during the long nights, and on the clearest evenings, the Northern Lights can be seen from the city's dark streets and parks. Also, keep an eye out for the 13 Yule Lads, a group of trolls you'll see around town, who—in local folklore—are the Icelandic equivalent of Santa Claus. Winter is also the best time to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland!
Tips for your Christmas city trip to Reykjavik:
- How to get there: book your trip to Reykjavik cheaply via The Holiday Discounter, Tui en Price-free.
- Where to stay: My favorite hotels in Reykjavik are Exeter Hotel, Kex Hostel (with also normal rooms) and Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel. Click here for more hotel tips >>
- Arrange in advance: a Golden Circle Tour, Whale safari, an Northern Lights tour and a visit to a thermal spa, such as The blue lagoon.
Rekyjavik
Christmas city trip New York (United States)
There is no shortage of ways to Christmas in New York City Whether it's ice skating at Rockefeller Center, window shopping on Fifth Avenue, or lurking around 34th Street hoping to witness a miracle just like in the movies, there are cozy New York Christmas markets and ice skating rinks throughout the city. And if you really want to see something unique, there's no such thing as too many Christmas decorations in the neighborhood. Dyker Heights in BrooklynJoin a walking tour organized by local residents.
Tips for your Christmas city trip to New York:
- How to get there: With expensive tickets and hotels, it's often cheaper to book a package holiday for your Christmas city break to New York. The best providers for New York are: Price-free, Tui en The Holiday Discounter.
- This is where you stay: The Nolitan, or with multiple locations: citizenM hotels and Moxy hotels.
- Arrange in advance: a Christmas trip to Dyker Heights.
New York
TIP: Are you as much of a Christmas market lover as I am? I've compiled a list of unmissable Christmas markets for several destinations! Check out the shortlists here: visit the best Christmas markets in the Netherlands, or go to the Christmas markets in Amsterdam, discover the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany & experience the Christmas atmosphere at the most pleasant Christmas markets in Belgium.
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With love,
Anne
New York Tips
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