Where to stay—and what to experience—for a magical Christmas escape
Where to stay—and what to experience—for a magical Christmas escape
Top European Hotels for the Holidays
There’s something undeniably enchanting about Europe during the holidays. Winding streets strung with glowing lights, the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts in the air, elegant hotel lobbies decked in garlands and gold… it’s a season of wonder, warmth, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether travelers are dreaming of a cozy stay near the glow of Parisian boulevards, sipping mulled wine in Prague’s Old Town, or chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, Europe Express offers festive accommodations and hand-picked holiday tours to make their seasonal getaway truly magical. Explore our top holiday destinations and discover where to stay—and what to do—for an unforgettable European Christmas.
Paris, France: Gourmet Cheer and Glittering Lights
Where to Stay
Le Belmont Paris
Tucked between the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower, Le Belmont offers a quiet, elegant retreat in the heart of the city. During the holidays, the lobby twinkles with seasonal décor, and guests can sip a festive cocktail of the month by the fire. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Paris’s illuminated streets and sweet holiday traditions. (View their Christmas reels here and here!)
What to Do
- Christmas Gourmet Walking Tour – Taste your way through festive French treats and market stalls
- Traditional Festive Cooking Class – Learn classic holiday recipes in a cozy Parisian kitchen
- Christmas Lights Sightseeing Bus Tour – See the City of Light at its sparkling best
- Christmas Dinner or Lunch Cruise on the Seine – Float past Paris’s icons while enjoying festive French fare
London, England: Tradition Meets Twinkle
Where to Stay
The Athenaeum Hotel
Located in stylish Mayfair, The Athenaeum goes all-in for the holidays with festive packages, seasonal menus, and views of London’s Christmas lights from its Art Deco-inspired suites. Just steps from Hyde Park and Piccadilly, it’s a polished yet cozy base for holiday sightseeing.
What to Do
- Christmas Lights Bus Tour – Marvel at Regent Street, Oxford Circus, and more
- Private Christmas Lights Walking Tour – Explore London’s holiday glow with a private guide
Barcelona, Spain: A Mediterranean Noël
Where to Stay
H10 Metropolitan
Located near Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia, this chic hotel is steps from Barcelona’s best shopping and Christmas lights. Expect tasteful holiday touches, easy access to key sights, and modern comfort in the heart of the city.
H10 Montcada
Set in the Gothic Quarter near the Barcelona Cathedral and the beloved Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas Market, this boutique property offers direct access to the city’s most atmospheric holiday scenes. The Fira de Santa Llúcia, held since 1786, features over 200 stalls and Catalan traditions like the caganer and Tió de Nadal—a must-see for holiday travelers.
What to Do
- Private Christmas Light Tour by Eco Tuk Tuk – See Barcelona sparkle from the comfort of an eco-friendly tuk tuk
Finnish Lapland: Arctic Magic and Santa’s Village
Where to Stay
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
This iconic resort offers glass igloos, snowy silence, and a front-row seat to the Northern Lights. During the holidays, guests enjoy guided visits to Santa’s Home and warm up with gingerbread cookies and spiced berry juice in Santa’s Celebration House—a magical moment for travelers of all ages.
What to Do
- Visit Santa’s Home Winter Tour – Meet Santa, sip homemade juice, and journey through a snowy dreamscape
- Reindeer Safari to Santa’s Village – A classic Lapland experience complete with antlers and fairy lights
Prague, Czechia: Old World Holiday Charm
Where to Stay
The Julius Prague
A modern, elegant escape in the center of the city, The Julius glows with quiet luxury during the holidays. Stylish rooms and warm design offer a comforting retreat after a day in the markets.
Hotel Rott
Set just steps from the Astronomical Clock, this charming boutique hotel embraces the season with festive décor and a cozy ambiance. The main market is practically outside the door.
Hotel Continental Prague
Overlooking the city’s rooftops, this classic hotel features sweeping views and a grand tree in the lobby during December—ideal for travelers wanting traditional comfort close to the city’s highlights.
What to Do
- Private Christmas Market Walking Tour – Sample local goodies while exploring Prague’s most festive corners
- Private Tour: Morning Prague’s Merry Markets Christmas Tour with Traditional Goodies Walking Tour – Europe Express – Visit several Christmas Markets that Prague is famous for while hearing about Czech traditions and enjoying authentic holiday snacks with mulled wine. And there will be plenty of time for shopping! Also offered in the evening!
Make This Holiday Season Unforgettable
Whether your clients dream of sipping mulled wine by the Eiffel Tower or meeting Santa under the Northern Lights, Europe is brimming with wintertime magic. These hand-picked hotels and immersive holiday tours are the perfect way to celebrate the season in style.
Book early to secure preferred rooms and experiences. Work with our Europe Specialists to customize a festive itinerary today!
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