‘The old town is adorned with twinkling lights’: readers’ favourite Christmas breaks in Europe

04.12.2023 - 14:07 / theguardian.com

Salzburg’s Christmas markets are among the very best, and there are plenty of them too, with at least 10 main ones across the season. The Salzburg Advent festival (1-17 Dec) at the Great Festival Hall, Residenzplatz, is a memorable show and highly recommended. With snow falling most winters, the city has that beautiful wintry romantic atmosphere. And best of all is a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy landscape, wrapped in a blanket, with a hot drink in hand. Especially perfect for a couples getaway.
Colin Snoad

Guardian Travel readers' tips

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Beautiful York comes alive at Christmas. All the narrow streets are decorated and independent shops entice you in with mulled wine. There’s a Christmas market selling European goodies alongside makers’ market stalls. York Minster is lit up with warm colours and is very inviting with all the decorations inside. We travelled by steam train from Liverpool to York, with Santa and his elves serving a three-course dinner. We booked it through the Railway Touring Company – a delightful day out.
Lesley Hall

For a short break to a festive town, I would have to recommend Triberg and the Triberger Weihnachtszauber Christmas event in the Black Forest region. A giant Christmas tree? Check. One of Germany’s highest waterfalls, often frozen at this time? Check. A big nativity scene? Check. Live music? Yes. Christmas lights? They have a million of them! Walking through a starry sky entrance, you are treated to a beautifully illuminated bell tower, fairground rides and winter scenery. There is a snowflake trail across the lantern forest, a waterfall trail with a light tunnel, as well as a nature stage and a castle labyrinth to keep those of all ages entertained. And don’t miss the Alphorn blowers to round off the experience.
From €25, 25-30 December, 2pm-9pm, triberger-weihnachtszauber.de
Melina

Sidmouth in Devon is magical at Christmas but for an extra special feelgood event the Christmas carol service (8 December) at the Donkey Sanctuary fills your heart with peace as you sing surrounded by the soft snuffling of the donkeys. These gentle creatures seem to know that they are participating in something special, and it feels so Christmassy, with everyone in joyful spirits.
Beverley

Last year my wife and I took a short Christmas break in Heidelberg, between Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Visiting Heidelberg during Christmas is a magical experience, as this picturesque town transforms into a winter wonderland. The old town is adorned with twinkling lights and festive