Snow, lights and comfort food: the best ingredients for a Winter Wonderland experience. Europe is naturally a great place for living a real Winter Wonderland fairy tale because it is chill outside, you might have snow and the local delicacies will never disappoint you!
There is not really a spot that won't meet your expectations when you are in Europe in winter, but there are spots that will definitely steal your heart and get you the time of your life :) Here are my favorite Winter Wonderland places in Europe:
Paris: a surprise at every corner
Paris can get very cold in December; and it might be pack with tourists (but really, when otherwise?); and yes, it is expensive in this time of the year. But Paris really has got all the magic, atmosphere and vibes for a perfect Winter Wonderland. Christmas in Paris means mulled wine at every corner, ice-skating in front of the Eiffel Tower, warm lights along the Seine and people that for once are not in a hurry! Just troll through the city, every year the decorations are stunning and you will be surprised to find holiday installations and activities everywhere!
London: a dive into nature
London is just the ideal set up for a winter wonderland with an classy touch. The city in itself is stunning but the reason why I put London among the best winter-cities, is because of its parks. When winter comes to London, you have got to take a stroll in it many beautiful parks: Hide Park, Richmond park (and you might even spot a deer jumping in the snow), Kensington Gardens and a little out of the centre, Bushy Park. These parks covered in snow, with the tree branches iced and shining in the pale sun, will make you forget you are in the middle of a city!
Rome: a religious experience
Whether you wish it or not, Rome and especially the Vatican City make even the more down-to-earth being wonder: ancient history is still so present; religious monuments are at every corner; beauty is all around. You cannot help but wonder about your own self, your path and choices. And if this is what you experience all year around, you should try to multiply it and you might get closer to what you will feel in Christmas time. Let me give you one example: the lighting of the tree in the Vatican City. The most beautiful tree in the most beautiful set up surrounded by the most beautiful people. This happens every year and somehow the people's behavior gets solemn. A literal Winter Wonderland! Truly a beautiful place to be in December.
Vatican Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican CityHyde Park, London
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, UKKensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH, UKWalk in Bushy Park
Bushy Park, Hampton Ct Rd, Hampton TW12 2EJ, UKEiffel Tower, Paris
Tour Eiffel - Parc du Champ-de-Mars, 75007 Paris, FranceThese are my favorite Winter Wonderland places in Europe. I am sure you will find them stunning and breath-taking as I did! Happy holidays to you all!
The author
Maddalena Brugali
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