For many the holiday season is the only time they can travel to Europe. But that leaves the question as to where to spend Christmas itself. There are lots of choices of what to do and where to go in Europe in the run up to Christmas. The cities are all lit up. The are Christmas markets big and small everywhere you go, and there are shows and concerts and parties. But by the 24th of December things start to wind down and by the evening everyone is celebrating with their families. The cities close down. Literally in some cases. London has no public transport on the 25th December and there are no Museums open. You will find a similar story across Europe to a greater or lesser extent.
So, what should you do if you are traveling in Europe at Christmas? My advice is to find a hotel that has a Christmas celebration and enjoy it in style. From a fairy tale castle in Ireland to skiing in the Dolomites, this is my selection of the best Christmas hotels in Europe.
Christmas in Lapland – Arctic light hotel
Lapland, the reputed home of Santa Claus is where the eight year old me wanted to spend Christmas. Snow and reindeers were the image of Christmas that lived in my head.
Rovaniemi, in Finland is the location of the Santa Claus Village, the home of the jolly man in the red suit. There you can visit Father Christmas every day of the year, though frankly I think he should be given the 25th off as he deserves a rest.
The Arctic Light hotel is a Boutique hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi offering 57 bespoke rooms and suites each thoughtfully designed. With toiletries from Rituals (my favourite brand for skin care), a private sauna in the bathroom and an expresso machine in the room (don’t talk to me until I’ve had a coffee) this is my idea of luxury. They even have a room with its own private entrance if you prefer not to pass by the lobby every time you come and go.
Guests report having a visit from Santa and his elves on Christmas day, and you can give your presents to reception for Santa to deliver to your children.
There is a festive Christmas dinner both on Christmas eve and Christmas day in the gourmet restaurant and the bar serves mulled wine.
The only downside is that you need to book up early as the Christmas package is very popular. 2025 is already fully booked so now would be a good time to start planning for 2026.
Christmas Hotels Vienna
There is something about Vienna in the wintertime that evokes a traditional Christmas. The snow-covered baroque buildings look like something out of an old Christmas card.
The Hotel Sacher Vienna would be the best hotel I can think of to experience a magical Christmas in Vienna. It was recently placed on the list of the top 50 hotels in the world, the only hotel in the German speaking region on that list.
This is the timeless elegance side of luxury hotels. From crystal chandeliers to original works of art everything seems to have been chosen with extreme care and attention to detail to create a beautiful atmosphere.
Chef Anton Pozeg has put together seasonal menus that combine tradition and sophistication. You can choose to dine in the classic Rote bar or in the elegant ballrooms.
Add in the gorgeous Christmas Markets and a captivating Christmas concert and you have the recipe for a perfect European Christmas.
Christmas skiing in the Dolomites
If you prefer to be a bit more active at Christmas, then how about skiing in the Dolomites ? The Obereggen features on the list of best ski resorts in the world (by skiresort.de) with 49 km of runs and 18 lifts nestled in the UNESCO world heritage site of the Dolomites.
The Hotel Marica offers a Christmas package which reflects the cosier side of Christmas. With crackling open fires and lantern walks. The food is a combination of rustic peasant dishes with a Mediterranean flare. This is a family run hotel often praised for its friendliness, which is what many of us are looking for at Christmas.
Fairytale Castle in Ireland
Can there be anything more appealing at Christmas than a fully decorated castle with log fires, sparkling lights and Irish hospitality? The Lough Eske Castle in Donegal is a 5* hotel that offers a Christmas package that includes live music every evening.
The castle sits in a sizable park that you can explore by bicycles made available for guests’ use. There is an award-winning spa on site as well as an (also award-winning) restaurant with sweeping views of the castle gardens.
If you find yourself in Ireland over the festive period, I can think of no better place to spend Christmas.
Champagne Christmas on the French Riviera
If your tastes are more champagne and sunshine rather than cold weather and log fires then how about celebrating Christmas on the French riviera ?
Nice has been a winter retreat of the aristocracy since the 18th century. Rather than pine trees, the city puts its fairy lights on the 479 palm trees that line the Promenade des Anglais.
The Anantara Plaza Nice hotel is a luxury hotel in a historic building just 300m from the main promenade. Newly renovated, it offers 151 elegant suites and rooms, many with a view of the Mediterranean. For Christmas they are offering a Veuve Clicquot brunch in their rooftop restaurant. The perfect antidote to the cold grey skies normally associated with the Christmas holidays.
Best Christmas Destinations Europe
In many respects Christmas is the perfect time to visit Europe. Many of the classic Christmas traditions from Christmas trees to Santa Claus have their roots in European tradition, and whether you prefer to spend it enjoying the snow, snuggled up next to an open fire in a castle or sipping champagne in the sunshine there is a hotel in Europe that will be the perfect place for you to celebrate the festive period.
Which would you choose?
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