Winter travel in Europe
Winter in Europe is one of the best times to travel. Whether you’re after the lingering Mediterranean sun, or a chance to free style down Europe's most notorious ski slopes, Europe is the place to be.
And if traversing the slopes isn’t your style, then you can indulge while at an authentic Christmas market, or become an aficionado of Europe's cozy café culture found across the continent.
Here you can find everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Europe this winter, including vacation locations and some top tips on traveling through Europe by train.
Travel around Europe by train
Discover more with our top picks on European train routes and travel tips during the winter too.
Our guide to Europe this winter
There is plenty to do this winter in Europe, from attending major events like the 2024 NBA Paris Game, to skiing in the Alps or strolling the streets of London at Christmas. Find out more below with our selection of the best things to do in Europe this winter.
Best skiing in Europe
The best skiing in Europe can be found in the Alps, home to Europe’s best ski-resorts and a vast mountain range which spans across eight countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Monaco, and Liechtenstein. You can take your pick of locations for the perfect skiing vacation.
The European ski season typically runs from late November to mid-April, making it an ideal vacation for Europe's winter months. Check out our guide to skiing in the Alps for all the info on this snowy destination.
Winter sports in Europe are not limited to ski, with beginners and trailblazers taking to snowboarding in Europe, the Alps provide some of the best terrain for riding slopes. Including Switzerland, France and Austria, there are plenty of snowboarding-friendly resorts to visit too.
Europe's Christmas markets
With enchanting and historical roots, European Christmas markets showcase centuries of traditions passed down by generations. The best Christmas markets can be found all around Europe, with each country offering unique variations of the event. If you fancy Neo-Gothic architecture with a side of mulled wine, Munich’s Marienplatz Christmas market is the place to go!
However, for a stroll along the Rhine River and a fresh bredele cake (a Christmas cookie), Strasbourg Christmas market is worth checking out, and as one of the oldest Christkindlmarkts in Europe, it could well be one of the best.
Upcoming Christmas market dates:
Cologne, Germany: 23rd November-23rd December, 2023.
Strasbourg, France: 24th November-24th December 2023.
Vienna, Austria: 11th November-4th January 2024.
Munich, Germany: 27th November-24th December 2023.
Paris in Winter
Paris is one of the most festive cities to visit in the winter months, with streets filled with twinkling lights, no wonder it's called The City of Light! All of Paris’s districts embrace the season’s festivities, with offerings of Christmas markets, outdoor ice rinks, and some of the best flea markets in Europe, there is plenty on offer.
To find out more, check out our guide to experiencing the magic of Paris this Christmas.
Oh! And we can’t forget the Paris NBA Game, which is set to take place on Thursday, January 11th, 2024. We have you covered with our guide everything you need to know about the Paris NBA Games 2024.
London at Christmas
From bustling Christmas markets to fantastic West-End productions, Christmas in London brings the city alive!
You can marvel at the Christmas lights in Oxford Circus while checking out the shops or visit the iconic Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. We also can’t forget London’s best street food markets, where you can find warming soups, mouth-watering curries and much more, even in the winter months.
To find out more, read our guide to exploring London at the most wonderful time of the year.
Shopping at Bicester Village
Get your holiday shopping all in one trip at Bicester Village. With over 150 boutiques, this designer and luxury outlet has an abundance of brands to chose from.
What is the best way to get to Bicester Village from London? Take the train from Marylebone Station directly to Bicester Village Station or leave from London Paddington and switch in Oxford. Make a day out of the journey and grab a bite at one of the many cafes in the shopping village.
Ranging from Prada and Coach to New Balance and Lululemon, there is a perfect gift for you and your loved ones. Check out our Bicester Village shopping guide for more information.