Here is a list of fun holiday activities in Europe that will surely make your trip memorable.
From shopping at festive markets and exploring ancient ruins to attending food festivals and going on scenic hikes, Europe has something for everyone.
Enjoy a Christmas market!
From Germany to Italy, the holiday season brings out festive markets in cities across Europe.
Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts and sample traditional foods like gingerbread and mulled wine.
Go on a Winter Hike
Hiking is an exciting way to explore some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes during the winter months.
Popular destinations include the Swiss Alps, Scotland’s Ben Nevis, and Norway’s Hardangervidda National Park.
Visit a Nativity Scene
In Italy, it is common to find elaborate nativity scenes (presepi) set up in churches and piazzas around Christmas time.
Attend a Food Festival
What better way to experience a country’s culture than to attend one of its many food festivals?
From Spain’s La Tomatina to Italy’s Sagra Delle Focaccia, Europe is full of delicious culinary events.
Take a Ski Vacation
With its many ski resorts, Europe is the perfect place for winter sports enthusiasts.
Popular ski destinations include France’s Val Thorens, Austria’s St. Anton, and Switzerland’s Verbier.
Learn About Local Traditions
To add on, very country has its unique holiday traditions, from caroling through the streets in Germany to eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Spain.
Learning about these customs is a great way to experience local culture.
Participate in Caroling
Many cities around Europe host caroling events during the holiday season.
Singing traditional Christmas songs is a great way to get into the spirit of the season.
Take a Sleigh Ride
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a popular activity in many European countries.
Visitors can enjoy the snow-covered scenery while being transported through the countryside on a traditional wooden sleigh.
Go on a Winter Cruise
Taking a cruise is the perfect way to explore Europe during the winter months.
In addition, there are plenty of cruises that visit countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland where visitors can marvel at the stunning views of snow-covered landscapes.
Visit a Winter Wonderland
Many European cities have their version of a winter wonderland, with Christmas lights and decorations on every corner.
Moreover, visiting one of these magical places is sure to make your holiday season even more special.
Experience an Ice Hotel
For those looking for an extra special experience, why not stay in an ice hotel?
These unique accommodations offer guests the chance to sleep in rooms made entirely out of ice and snow!
Explore Ancient Ruins
Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive ruins, including Greece’s Acropolis and Italy’s Colosseum.
Exploring these ancient sites is an unforgettable holiday experience.
Explore Ancient Ruins
Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive ancient ruins.
The Roman Forum in Rome, the Colosseum in Athens, and the Acropolis in Greece are all must-see sites for history buffs.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Furthermore, many European countries have beautiful Christmas tree farms where visitors can cut their trees and then decorate them with ornaments and lights.
Go Ice Skating
From outdoor ice rinks to indoor arenas, there are plenty of places to skate in Europe during the winter months.
Explore Ancient Ruins
Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive ancient ruins, from the Acropolis in Athens to the Colosseum in Rome.
Take a Christmas Day Cruise
Many river cruises offer festive holiday trips down Europe’s iconic waterways.
Enjoy views of castles and cathedrals as you sip on hot cocoa and listen to holiday music.
Go Sledding
Sledging is a classic winter activity for all ages. Popular destinations include Germany’s Zugspitze, Austria’s Kitzbühel, and Italy’s Ortler Skiarena.
Visit a Light Festival
From Amsterdam to Lyon, cities around Europe are illuminated with colorful light displays during the holiday season.
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Europe is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor rinks where visitors can glide across the ice beneath twinkling Christmas lights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no matter what type of holiday activities you are looking for, Europe has something for everyone.
Moreover, from exploring ancient ruins to attending food festivals, there is plenty to do.
