Most people may be gearing up for Christmas, but some eye the first couple of weeks of December as the time to get away on a short break to the continent, to either refresh their batteries or get in the festive spirit.
But with so many places to choose from, with historic capitals just a short hop away, what are the most popular locations with Brits? In a survey conducted by Ginger, on behalf of easyJet, Rome has come out on top as the favourite European destination.
The Italian capital was a narrow winner, ahead of Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and Reykjavik. Rome holidays are simply full of romance and wonder, while Christmas in Italy is full of luminous light shows, religious ceremonies, and the famous Piazza Novana market, perfect for shopping for gifts.
Over two thirds of the 2,000 participants in the study said they like to take a festive city break in the first two weeks of December, with most participants enjoying being back home for Christmas week. Half of those polled admitted to booking city breaks to spend time with loved ones (47 per cent), get in the Christmas spirit (61 per cent), and take a well-earned break from work (31 per cent).
While on a city break, ice skating (17 per cent) and trying the local food (55 per cent) rank highly on the agenda. When choosing the ultimate festive break destination, though, a lot of thoughtful planning and consideration takes place – more than 53 per cent of participants said they head for ideally where there is snow (27 per cent) and Christmas markets (67 per cent).
Matt Callaghan, director of customer and operations at easyJet holidays, said: “Our customers find city breaks are the perfect way to immerse themselves in a new destination – even those with a busy schedule can fit a few days away in. After a difficult couple of years, few of us have been able to fully get into the Christmas spirit, so it’s wonderful to see Brits being able to feel festive at Christmas markets and soak up the snow again.”
Festivities abound in Paris, which was second in the favourites list. Light displays, Christmas markets, ice skating, concerts, and funfairs, the French capital has it all.
Paris is a city that rewards the ‘flâneur’ – the idle stroller who takes things as they come, so take a winter walk by the sparkling Eiffel Tower.
In third was Amsterdam. Festive holidays to the Dutch city can be a real feast for the taste buds – try local delicacies such as raw herring, Gouda cheese and gooey Stroopwafels, or go ice skating by the famous ‘I Am Amsterdam’ sign or take a walk by the fairy light lit canals.
Then came the vibrant city of Berlin, full of history, adventure, and unique culture, as well as home to some of the world’s best Christmas markets. And Reykjavik is a city with a cool, Christmassy cosmopolitan vibe, a flourishing festive food and drink scene, and a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses that offer endless satisfying photo opportunities.
easyJet holidays offers value beach, city and lakes holidays to more than 100 destinations across Europe, directly through its website or via more than 3,000 travel agencies.
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