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Do you want to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland this year? Whether you’re keen to wander through charming Christmas markets or visit snow-capped mountain ranges, jetting off on a European tour may tick all the right boxes.
To give you a little inspiration on where to head, here are four incredible winter destinations to visit in 2023.
- Vienna, Austria
Austria’s capital city, Vienna, is world-renowned for its incredible architecture, musical history, and vibrant culture. It sits on the Danube River between the Alps and the Carpathians, so you can expect frosty weather during your winter visit.
Wander around the famous Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt, where you can buy traditional goods from the stalls, sample festive treats, and marvel at the twinkly lights.
You could also go ice skating outside the City Hall, explore the breathtaking Schönbrunn Palace, and head to the top of St. Stephen’s Cathedral for amazing views over the city.
- London, England
While London has something to offer all year round, it has a real charm in the winter months. It’s typically cold and goes dark early, so make sure you bring plenty of layers for your trip!
There’s something for everyone here – you could visit the famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square. Then, hit the shops on Oxford Street and admire the amazing Christmas lights before cozying up in a café for a traditional cream tea.
Make sure you head to Hyde Park to enjoy the famous Winter Wonderland, where you can get your adrenaline pumping on rollercoasters and visit Father Christmas in Santaland.
- Val D’Isere, France
If you’re keen on an active winter escape, then why not head to the popular ski resort of Val D’Isere in the French Alps? It’s the ultimate winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains, wooden-clad chalets, and traditional shops and restaurants to enjoy.
The most popular activity here is of course skiing, thanks to the huge range of scenic mountain runs. But there’s plenty more on offer here, including ice skating, husky sledding and hiking.
It’s particularly magical during the festive season, making this a popular time to visit. There are torchlit descents down the mountain, giant snow sculptures, carol concerts and visits from Santa Claus delivering presents!
- Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, has a huge number of incredible things to do in the chilly season – making it the perfect place for a winter escape. Cozy clothing is essential as it gets very cold, with average temperatures of 30-34°F in December, January, and February.
Top attractions include Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the sprawling Hungarian Parliament building.
After admiring the architecture, head to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths to warm up – where you can sink into the sauna and relax in the whirlpool baths.
There are many fantastic winter wonderlands to visit across Europe, from snowy ski resorts to charming Christmas markets. Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration on where to head on your winter vacation!