"Just hear those sleigh bells jingling…" Well, maybe not just yet, but it is never too early to start planning for the holiday season. This year, put a twist on your annual traditions by embracing the festive spirit away from home. While there are similarities across the world at this time of year, looking for subtle differences as you travel can truly make your Christmas one to remember.
Wander under twinkling lights and past thoughtfully adorned trees, and savor regional treats in picturesque settings. Each stop along the way offers a better look at how your chosen destination celebrates, from stories and Christmas lore to colorful decorations and unique songs. Whether huddled in a village under the peaks of the Swiss Alps or on the shores of the Rhine, you can soak up seasonal allures while in one of these three best destinations to spend the holiday season.
Germany
If you are looking for a fairytale setting for your Christmas backdrop, look no further than Germany. The cities and villages here have been built over many centuries, and many stand well preserved, with medieval centers and a tapestry of buildings that tell their long and colorful histories. All of this is backed by breathtaking scenery of forests, mountains and in some locations, the mighty Rhine River. Germany is famous for its annual Christmas markets, which pop up in November and set the backdrop for incredible memories for locals and visitors alike until the season concludes. These markets are a feast for the senses, with cinnamon and nutmeg scenting the air and the sounds of traditional music adding another layer of ambiance. Discover these wonders for yourself on these German Christmas tours:
- German Christmas Markets of the Rhine - A rail and cruise vacation from London St. Pancras, this holiday getaway offers a taster menu of Germany's best riverside markets. After arriving in Cologne, board a luxurious ship for a four-night cruise on the Rhine. In addition to guided excursions, such as a guided walking tour of Koblenz, there is plenty of time to wander amongst the stalls and attractions of the Christmas markets in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne. Between shore excursions, relish views of the legendary Rhine Gorge and all the high-end amenities and delicious cuisine that come standard on our river cruises.
- Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace - Another enchanting rail and cruise vacation from Cologne, this five-day tour puts a spin on Christmas market viewing by combining time in Germany with the allure of France's Alsace region. Drift along the Rhine toward Koblenz and Rüdesheim, each decked out in the holiday best, and then toward Heidelberg and Speyer, with every port of call putting its own spin on Christmas traditions. Continuing to Strasbourg on the French and German border, you can see how this unique destination blends the two cultures, with Christmas lights and markets against half-timbered houses. Seasonal magic touches each moment on this fantastic cruise.
Scotland
You would never know it from the yuletide scenes that envelop every angle in Scotland, but Christmas is a relatively new celebration in this corner of the world. This beloved holiday was banned for hundreds of years, and it wasn't until 1958 that it was nationally recognized for all to enjoy. From Christmas markets to light displays on Edinburgh Castle and sparkling lights decorating timeless squares, Scotland is visually beautiful at this time of year; however, there are plenty of traditions to explore, as well. It is no wonder that it is one of our top places to enjoy the holiday season. See for yourself with:
- Christmas in the Glens - A Festive Scottish Adventure - A week in Scotland during the most wonderful time of year? Sounds like a dream, but we make it a reality. This journey follows a round-trip course from the capital, Edinburgh, and highlights some of the country's most impressive locations. Savor the ambiance while wandering Edinburgh's Christmas markets, and see remarkable Highland landscapes under the cloak of winter while riding the West Highland Line to Fort William. Admire frozen lochs and glens and ancient castles kissed by snow, and see what Christmas is like in a place where tradition is part of everyday life.
Switzerland
Frosted mountain peaks and snow-laden valleys create a true winter wonderland to uncover in Switzerland. There is just something about a traditional winter scene that truly brings the holiday season to life, and that is why Switzerland regularly tops of our recommendation lists. Here, the Christmas festivities kick off with St. Nicholas Day on December 6 and extend through the new year. Many valleys and villages have their own unique traditions, and while some foods and events are adopted from elsewhere in Europe some are uniquely Swiss. There are charming Christmas markets selling delicious morsels, including basler läckerli - traditional hard spice cookies - and plenty of ways to continue to enjoy the outdoors, especially by rail. Discover quintessential Swiss scenes on these seasonal vacations:
- Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express at Christmas - Spend six days in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, relishing all the winter wonders from an idyllic base in Interlaken. This tour allows you to experience Christmas in the region's best locales - including the "Top of Europe," Jungfraujoch. Travel to Lucerne on Christmas Eve, and the alpine village of Grindelwald on Christmas Day, each with its own touch of seasonal wonder. Complete with railway and cable car excursions, free time to explore and plenty of celebratory meals in between, this journey is the definition of festive.
- Interlaken and the Jungfrau Express at New Year - Extend the yuletide spirit this year by ringing in the New Year amidst the Swiss Alps. This six-day itinerary explores the beauty of the Bernese Oberland in winter while based in Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Enjoy panoramic views of the frosted scenery on two scenic rail journeys, traveling aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne and climbing to Europe's highest railway station on the Jungfrau Express, and on a cable car ride up Grindelwald First Mountain. Celebrate all the wonderful things January 1st brings with festive meals and plenty of free time in the Alps.
The magic of the season is undeniable, but it is also a time of year that comes with a lot of stress and decisions to make. Let us take the legwork out of the holidays this year with our collection of Christmas Vacations. We hand-craft our itineraries with memorable moments in mind, ensuring your trip is unforgettable and immersive, regardless of where the holiday cheer takes you.
