An "Instagramable" Winter in Europe

We say this time and time again: Europe is a great destination any time of year with each season bringing its own kind of magic. But, heading to Europe during the holiday season is certainly one of the most popular. Why? Because festive Christmas Markets fill town squares, snow dusts the rooftops and cathedrals, and cobblestone streets light up with string lights. What more could you ask for?

We could make an endless list of our top winter destinations or favorite Christmas Markets, but we should let the locations speak for themselves. Here are our favorite European winter destinations that are sure to fill up your camera roll and Instagram feed.

Vienna, Austria

Christmas Markets, yummy food, historic landmarks covered in snow. Do we need to go on? The Austrian Capital has been a top Christmas destination for quite some time and continues to draw in visitors every year. With twinkling lights illuminating the cobblestone streets and snow covering the centuries-old cathedral, there are photo opportunities at every turn. Though we personally think the birds-eye view is the best!

Paris, France

This one is a no-brainer considering the Eiffel Tower is one of the most photographed landmarks across the globe, but the City of Love has dozens of other photo-worthy spots, you just have to look. Snap a photo of one (or ten) of Paris’ elaborate window displays and department stores or head to a nearby cafe for a coffee that is a work of art unto itself. And, if your lucky, you might get to see the magic of Disneyland Paris or the stunning city of Paris during snowfall.

Regensberg, Germany

Best known for its stunning medieval city center and authentic German culture, the small city of Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s top destinations. The town has a beautiful storybook feel right along the Danube River, and is the location of the country’s top Christmas Market brimming with roasted chestnuts, hot cider, sugary treats, and one-of-a-kind handicrafts just begging to be Instagrammed.

Prague, Czechia

Another no-brainer winter destination is the stunning city of Prague which is known across Europe as having some of the best Christmas Markets and holiday events. The city’s unique holiday traditions mixed with the colorful buildings and charming architecture make for a picture-perfect getaway. You will not have any difficulty finding gorgeous places to snap a pic.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Since we are talking about the popular destinations, we must also mention the hidden gem of Ljubljana. While most visitors flock to neighboring countries like Austria and Italy for the holidays, Slovenia is still under-the-radar as far as holiday destinations go. The city of Ljubljana is beautiful year-round, but it truly comes alive in December; the streets light up with fairy lights and several outdoor concerts allow locals and visitors alike to dance the night away. Talk about Insta-Worthy!

Strasbourg, France

History truly comes alive in the postcard-perfect town of Strasbourg. Home to the oldest Christmas Market in France, dating back to 1570, you are sure to catch a glimpse of many centuries-old traditions in what has become the ‘Christmas Capital of Europe.’ Besides the stalls, you won’t want to miss the pastel-hued Old Town and half-timbered buildings along the canals.

Transylvania, Romania

Imagine a quaint, pastel-colored town nestled into the mountains with a looming, gothic castle in the distance: that is Transylvania. This landscape photographer’s paradise is filled with rolling hills and dozens of small towns, allowing guests to see everything the region has to offer without traveling too far. Grab a Hot Chocolate at the quirky Doctor Jekelius stand before heading out to capture the stunning views on your camera.

Though we mentioned only a few destinations, all of Europe comes alive during the winter. Whether the town is brimming with market stalls and roasting chestnuts, or the streets are lit up with twinkle lights and carolers singing on every corner. There are so many destinations that are perfect for every traveler’s holiday vacation, and we here at Classic Travel Connection want to help you. While it might be a little late this year to get across the pond for the holidays, it is never too early to begin planning for that perfect winter break next year.

If you have any questions about these destinations or would like more information regarding travel during the holidays, please contact us, our Travel Advisors would love to talk with you!