Winter is finally upon us, and though the golden sands and warm seas of the Caribbean are certainly an enticing prospect, we can’t think of anything better to do than wandering fairytale villages blanketed in now, exploring Christmas markets, and soaking up the medieval culture.
Yep, we’re going to Europe, baby, and if you resonate with us, and you can’t get enough of that Old World charm (even if it’s the coldest season), you might want to consider adding these 4 magical winter wonderlands to your bucket list:
York, England
A culture-rich, walled city in the north of England, not far from the Scottish border, York is host to one of the largest Christmas Festivals in Europe, with 75 chalet-shaped stalls distributed along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
From artisan products to seasonal nosh, you’ll find it all in here, and if you’re looking for a unique experience to really get into the festive spirit, as well as learn more about the local history, you can book a Sparkly Christmas Gin Tasting at the half-timbered, 16th century York Gin shop.
For around $44, you’ll be welcomed with a welcome cocktail (the Fairytale of Old York, a deep red gin sprinkled with sugar crystals), and if you can still stand on your own two feet, you’ll get the chance to sample the entire range of gins on display.
Drinking may be the favorite pastime of the British, but you didn’t fly all the way from America for a pub crawl only, right? Right…?
Well, in that case, make sure you check out York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, the Shambles, a medieval street lined with shops and cozy cafes providing shelter from the cold, and Jorvik Viking Centre, which celebrates the city’s Nordic heritage.
Trier, Germany
Not only is this the oldest city in Germany, founded as early as the Roman period, but Trier is a hugely underrated winter destination most tourists have yet to discover.
The Christmas Market, set up in the heart of the Old Town, with its stalls adorned with hand-painted moving figures and a mini Ferris wheel, just happens to have been voted the Best Christmas Market in Germany by the tourism platform European Best Destinations.
Indeed, the local sausage and sauerkraut are mouth-watering, and it’s not a Trier Christmas until you’ve tried stollen with marzipan.
Oh, if you’re a culture aficionado like us, you might be thrilled to know this Northerly gem boasts a high concentration of historical sites.
This is a city settled by the Romans, remember?
Some of Trier’s numerous manmade wonders include Porta Nigra, a massive, ancient city gate built in aged, dark stone that’s stood at the entrance of the Old Town for nearly 2,000 years, Trier Cathedral, the first built in Germany, featuring a stunning collection of stained glass, and Aula Palatina:
One of the most impressive Ancient Roman monuments, this basilica was once an imperial hall in the 4th century, when Trier was one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire, and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last but not least, not that we’re part of the neo-Marxist frenzy ourselves, but if you ever feel like bragging about having visited Karl Marx’s birthplace… just saying.
Rouen, France
Only 2 hours north of Paris, Rouen is the much smaller, far more quaint capital of Normandy, a region in Northern France, and a stately port city straddling the River Seine all the beret-clad Instagrammers and Emily enthusiasts have not had a chance to ruin.
The Germans certainly know how to do Christmas the right way, but the Normans in France will give them a run for their money:
Rouen’s market is characterized by its iconic white huts bedecked with garlands, figure-decorated wooden pyramids, and kid-friendly rides.
If you have a weak spot for mulled wine, you’ve come to the right place:
Rouen’s is probably the best vin chaud de Noël served anywhere in France, all thanks to the concoction of spices that go in it, and if you think pain au chocolat is the greatest French invention, wait until you try some bûche Normande.
Just go easy on the viennoiseries and cakes.
As they say, a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips, and those rolled cakes are addictive.
Then there’s Rouen’s picture-perfect medieval center, with its Gothic churches, cobblestone streets flanked by half-timbered houses, left virtually untouched since the Middle Ages, and landmark Gros-Horloge, a monumental, 14th-century astronomical clock.
Tallinn, Estonia
Located at the easternmost edge of Europe, Tallinn is the capital of the small Baltic nation of Estonia, and an offbeat winter getaway with a touch of fairytale: come on, look at how gorgeous the city skyline is! It barely feels like it’s changed since the 14th century.
A UNESCO-protected zone, the walled center of Tallinn is among the best-preserved medieval townships in Europe, home to the oldest Town Hall in continuous use in the continent, cobbled alleys bordered by centuries-old dwellings, and of course, a large Christmas Market.
With its local merchants selling black pudding, sour cabbage, hot drinks and other medieval delights, Tallinn is all of your festive dreams come true, and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a snowy December, you might get to see the ceremonial setup of the Christmas tree.
Tallinn was the first city in Europe to ever put up a Christmas free, as early as 1441, and every year since, with the exception of wartime, locals flock into Town Hall Square to participate in the event and officially kickstart the season.
If you’re in Tallinn this winter, it’s also the perfect time to indulge in some pampering.
Neighboring Finland may get all the fame, but Estonia’s spa and wellness scene is just as fabulous, with Kalma Saun offering warm baths in a Soviet-era building and Mustamäe Elamus Spa being a large complex with at least 22 saunas and both kid-friendly and adults-only zones.
If the spiced mulled wine doesn’t get you all cozy and warmed up, a whole day of relaxation here will.
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.