Content:
Introduction
When thinking about Cristmas in Europe, you probably have in mind Christmas marktes: walking around wooden Stalls, the air is filled with the aroma of cinnamon and other spices, drinking mulled wine, eating delicious food, buying beautiful decorations. In this blog post you will find what to do in Europe in Christmas time between 24 December and 31 December in Europe.
Christmas Markets in Germany
This is what you can experience here in Germany before Christmas. As most Christmas markets are open from end of November until 22 or 23 December.
When you come to Germany at Christmas time you will probably only see the empty streets, with no sign of Christmas Markets and all the shops closed. Christmas time here is a family time, that people spend at home.
Shops will are closing on the 24th of December and and only open again on the 27of December.
Where to go in Europe during Christmas time?
If you plan to visit Europe at Christmas time or time between Christmas and New Year, your best bet is to visit some of the European capitals. This time we decided to go to Amsterdam for Christmas and then to Paris for the New Year.
Amsterdam and Paris are magical holiday destinations. At this time of the year it is especially obvious with all the Christmas decorations. Both cities has a lot of things to do at this time of the year. Here you will find Christmas markets, light installations, as well as many events.
Amsterdam at Christmas
Start your trip in Amsterdam. Many attractions in Amsterdam are open on Christmas Day. You can visit museums such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Moco Museum or the Ice*Village Christmas market.
If you want to have a traditional Dutch Christmas dinner you should book a restaurant well in advance. As this is popular among locals. Otherwise, there are many restaurants that are serving international Cuisine and are open so you will not stay hungury.
Top Things to Do in Amsterdam at Christmas time
1. Dam Square
The Dam Square and the surrounding streets are decorated with many Christmas lights, which all come together to form the main Christmas trees of Amsterdam. The Christmas tree on the Dam Square looks stunning. Definitely worth a visit.
2. Amsterdam Light Festival
Main attraction in the Amsterdam of this time of the year is Amsterdam Light Festival. Light installations are located along the channels of Amsterdam. The light festival has a different theme each year and all installations represent this theme
- Boat Cruise: The installations can be viewed from a boat cruise departing from Amsterdam Central Station and taking 75 minutes.
- Walking: Another way to see the installations is on foot. The route is about 7 km to see all the installations. You can buy a map from the Amsterdam Light Festival with all the locations of the light installations. On the other hand, the installations are easy to find without a map, once you see the first installation you will see the path and you can just follow it. Some of the installations are indoors, so you will definitely see more by walking.
🕒 Time: : Late November to mid-January, from 5 p.m.
3. Ice*Village Christmas Market
IceVillage is a Christmas market in Amsterdam. The IceVillage Christmas market is located on the Museumplein. The market is small but very cosy. You can buy drinks such as mulled wine or hot chocolate, souvenirs and Christmas decorations.
After visiting the Ice* Village, you can visit one of the museums nearby: Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum, Rijksmuseum.
🕒 Time: : December 12th–26th
📍 Location: Museumplein
Paris at Christmas
After visiting Amsterdam, head to Paris to catch the last days of Christmas decorations and celebrate the New Year.
How to get to Paris from Amsterdam
Amsterdam and Paris are well connected. The most convenient way is to take the train. The train journey takes 3.5 hours.
Top Things to Do in Paris at Christmas time
1. Galeries Lafayette
One of my favourite places to explore during the Christmas season in Paris. The Christmas decorations at the Galeries Lafayette are definitely a highlight and not to be missed. There is a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the Galeries. Each year the theme and decorations are completely different. It is worth a visit even if you have been there in previous years.
💡 Tip: Galleries Lafayette has a roof terrace from where you can see the Paris skyline, including the Opera Garnier and the Eiffel Tower.
2. Place Vendôme
Place Vendome has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the centre. And all around the square, the luxury boutiques have their Christmas decorations ranging from Christmas trees to large light installations on the buildings.
3. Place de la Madeleine
A few blocks from Place Vendome is Place de la Madeleine, famous for the Christmas decorations of the Dior and Channel boutiques.
4. Tuileries Christmas Market
The Tuileries Christmas Market is a traditional Christmas market where you can find delicious French food and mulled wine, as well as lots of sweets and decorations. This Christmas market also has a few rides, so you can spend a few hours here.
Travel and Practical Tips
1. Weather and Packing
The weather is usually grey, with some rain during the day in both Paris and Amsterdam.
Be sure to bring warm clothing such as a wool jumper and a good jacket to protect you from the wind and rain.
❄️ Temperature: +3°C to +8°C
2. Booking in Advance
Both Amsterdam and Paris are busy over the Christmas period, so it is advisable to book activities such as museum tickets well in advance.
3. Internet Access with an eSIM Card
Stay connected while exploring Amsterdam and Paris with a reliable eSIM card. Access maps, navigate public transport, and stay in touch effortlessly during your holiday.
Conclusion
Both Amsterdam and Paris are great destinations if you want to get into the Christmas spirit. Both cities are vibrant at this time of year and have a lot going on, so you are unlikely to be bored while enjoying the Christmas decorations.
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