Winter is the season to get out and about. As it gets cold and dark outside, cities around the world light up with twinkling lights, fragrant treats, and cozy cafes. Perfect for a short break full of atmosphere, culture and comfort. So put on your gloves, bring your camera and discover five winter city break destinations that add a warm touch to even the coldest days.
The Holiday Festival is the perfect time to get inspiration for your next City Trip!
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To increase the anticipation, we give you five great tips here!
New York: the city that never sleeps, not even in the snow
There’s something magical about New York in winter. When snowflakes descend on the skyscrapers and the lights of Times Square seem to shine extra brightly, the city feels almost cinematic. Ice skating on the Rockefeller Center ice rink, under the giant Christmas tree, is a classic that you have to experience at least once in your life. In Central Park, the world becomes white and silent, a rare moment of calm in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Walk along Fifth Avenue and admire the lavish Christmas window displays, or warm up with a bagel and coffee in a typical New York café. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch another snowstorm over the Brooklyn Bridge, a view you won’t soon forget.
London: lights, atmosphere and a touch of magic
London knows better than anyone how to make winter something special. Christmas lights glitter all over the city, from the elegant window displays of Harrods to the streets of Covent Garden. Hyde Park transforms into a joyful spectacle during Winter Wonderland, with merry-go-rounds, ice skating rinks and scents of warm churros. As you stroll along the South Bank, with views of the illuminated Big Ben and the London Eye Ferris wheel, it seems as if the city shines just for you. End the day in a cozy café with a hot cider or catch a musical in the West End, the perfect way to forget the cold.
Prague: a fairy tale in the snow
When the first snowflakes swirl over the rooftops of Prague, the city seems to come straight out of a fairy tale. The Charles Bridge, with its stately statues and misty morning light, is enchantingly beautiful. In the Old Town Square, lights twinkle above the Christmas market, where the smell of freshly baked Trdelník, a warm rolling pin with sugar and cinnamon, hangs in the air. Warm up with a mug of mulled wine and let yourself be carried away by the charm of the Czech capital. Prague Castle is also impressive in winter: covered with a thin layer of snow, it looks like a painting. And if you want to brave the cold with some local cosiness, dive into an old beer cellar for an evening full of music, beer and warmth.
Vienna: classics, coffee and Christmas scents
In Vienna, winter is elegance in its purest form. The city breathes history, culture and sophistication, and that is only stronger in the cold season. In front of the Rathaus, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe shines, where the smell of roasted chestnuts and hot punch meets you. Inside, Viennese cosiness lurks in her coffee houses: wooden tables, marble tops, a newspaper, a Sachertorte and a cup of milk coffee, happiness doesn’t get any easier. In the evening, the concert halls beckon, where the sounds of Mozart and Strauss take you to another time. And if you want to escape the hustle and bustle for a while, stroll through the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, which are almost fairytale-like in winter.
Edinburgh: medieval charm
In winter, Edinburgh is perhaps at its best. The city, built on hills and winding streets, takes on an almost mystical atmosphere with a layer of snow. From Edinburgh Castle, which proudly towers over the city, you have a breathtaking view over the streets decorated with lights. The Royal Mile is filled with cosy pubs where roaring fires and Scotch whiskies will warm you up. And in December, the city turns into one big party during Edinburgh’s Christmas, with markets, a Ferris wheel and a spectacular Hogmanay celebration on New Year’s Eve. It is a city where history and revelry go hand in hand, perfect for those who love character and charm.
Vakantie Festival
Whether you choose the medieval charm of Edinburgh, the grandeur of Vienna or the energy of New York, one thing is certain: winter is the time to travel. Each city has its own atmosphere, its own flavors and its own way of warming your heart.
Want to discover even more travel inspiration, city break ideas and insider tips? Then come to
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased via: vakantiefestival.com/tickets
