In Gibraltar, Christmas is usually accompanied by sunshine or the occasional burst of rain. However there are many people who when they picture the perfect Christmas, they picture snow, cozy markets and the smell of mulled wine. Whilst holiday cheer can be found locally, here are seven cities that offer a winter wonderland escape.
Tallin, Estonia
Tallin is perfect if you’re looking for Old Town charm that looks like it’s come straight from a fairytale book. In the Town Hall Square you’ll find one of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets, filled with wooden stalls selling handicrafts, gingerbread and spiced glogi, Estonia’s version of mulled wine. When snow falls, it covers the ancient walls making it look like a Christmas postcard.
Direct flights are available from Malaga airport with Air Baltic, 4 times a week.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is the pinnacle location for Christmas in the snow. Located in the far north of Finland, this region is synonymous with Santa Claus, Reindeers and winter activities. In Rovaniemi (Lapland’s capital), you can cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa in his workshop, and send letters with a special North Pole postmark. Perfect if you’ve got children in the family!
Snow is practically guaranteed here in December, meaning that you’ll also have the opportunity to try adventures such as dog-sledding, snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides. If you’re lucky, you might also catch the Northern Lights in the evening.
There are currently no direct flights available, but you can fly through Helsinki.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital offers a unique Christmas experience. The city combines its quirky traditions such as the ‘Yule Lads’ with its stunning natural beauty. Reykjavik’s Christmas markets are filled with handmade gifts and Icelandic treats like smoked lamb and leaf bread.
There are also plenty of winter adventures to take part in, from soaking in geothermal hot springs surrounded by snow to taking a trip to see frozen waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. This is also a great location to try and spot the Northern Lights.
Direct flights are available twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday from Malaga Airport with Icelandair.
Krakow, Poland
The Main Market Square in Krakow is one of the largest in Europe, and brings the Christmas magic with its towing Christmas tree and festive market stalls. You’ll also find a lot of nativities on display, inspired by the city’s architecture. They are displayed in the square and people compete in an annual contest. Krakow is also the cheapest destination on this list, making it a perfect choice if you’re on a budget or taking the whole family! Also, make sure to try some traditional Polish food like pierogi (dumplings) and oscypek (smoked cheese).
Direct flights are available everyday from Malaga Airport with Ryanair and WizzAir.
Nuremberg, Germany
This list would not be complete without including Nuremberg, home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. If you’re looking for an iconic German Christmas atmosphere, filled with mulled wine and bratwurst sausages, then this is the place for you. If you have kids, they also host a special children’s market complete with a carousel, steam train and toy stalls.
Make sure to try some traditional Christmas foods such as Nurnberger Lebkuchen, famous gingerbread glazed in chocolate. Or Drei im Weggla, 3 small Nuremberg sausages served in a crusty bread roll.
Direct flights are available several days a week from Malaga Airport with Ryanair.
New York
If you fancy a trip further abroad to really get that Hallmark movie Christmas feel, then New York is the place to go. Snow may not be guaranteed, but when it does Central Park transforms into a winter playground with sledding, snowball fights and ice skating at Wollman Rink. However the most iconic place for ice skating is at the Rockefeller Center, where you’ll also find the world famous Christmas tree.
Fifth avenue also dazzles with elaborate window displays, whereas Bryant Park’s Winter Village combines shopping, food stalls and skating in one place. It is also an experience to see how locals decorate the outside of their homes, it is very different to what we see locally in Gibraltar and Spain!
Direct flights are available everyday from Malaga Airport with multiple airlines.
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London
If you fancy the ease of travelling from Gibraltar Airport, then London is the destination for you. Whether you want to do some Christmas shopping in Oxford Street, look at the elaborate decorations in Carnaby Street or see a pantomime show like The Nutcracker. It’s the perfect choice for a weekend winter getaway.
You will find Christmas markets dotted around the city, but the main attraction is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Here you’ll find an ice rink, circus shows, rides, markets to buy trinkets as well as tonnes of food stalls. Standard entry is around £5, but be prepared to spend more on food and drinks as prices here are quite elevated!
Direct flights are available everyday from Gibraltar Airport with Easyjet and British Airways.
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