The Best Luxury Christmas Getaways in Europe

Where Your Luxury Christmas Holidays Truly Begin

There’s something extraordinary about Luxury Christmas Holidays in Europe. Cities glow under twinkling lights, Alpine resorts put on their most magical winter coat, and boutique hotels serve fireside champagne while snow falls softly outside. Whether you dream of a glamorous festive city break, a spa-driven mountain escape, or a cosy fairy-tale village wrapped in festive charm, Europe transforms into a playground of indulgence every December. For broader insight into Europe’s winter travel season, the European Travel Commission provides helpful context on seasonal trends across the continent.

This guide brings you the finest winter destinations — cities rich with festive culture, snow-draped resorts, and boutique stays where Christmas becomes something truly enchanting.

Vienna, Austria — Christmas Markets & Imperial Elegance

Few European cities deliver Christmas with such glamour and grace as Vienna. Imperial palaces become the backdrop to Europe’s most elegant festive markets, choirs perform in candlelit churches, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts drifts through grand boulevards.

Why Vienna Is Perfect for Luxury Christmas Holidays

• Opulent architecture makes every street feel cinematic
• World-class music — from the Vienna Boys’ Choir to the State Opera
• Refined festive markets at Schönbrunn Palace and Rathausplatz
• Michelin-star dining and iconic cafés

Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Wien

Step into timeless Viennese sophistication at Hotel Sacher Wien, one of Europe’s most celebrated luxury hotels. Think crystal chandeliers, heritage décor, and impeccable white-glove service wrapped in festive warmth.

Highlights:

• Elegant suites with refined Austrian touches
• Famous Café Sacher for indulgent pastries
• Central location perfect for market-hopping
• Festive afternoon teas and gourmet Christmas menus

After the stay details:
Ready to explore more Austrian winter escapes? Awake & Wander Luxury Travel handcrafts experiences across Vienna and the wider Alps — always curated around you.

If your idea of festive indulgence includes wellness and relaxation, our guide to the top luxury spas in Europe highlights some exceptional winter-friendly retreats.

Lapland, Finland — Snowy Wilderness & Arctic Luxury

If your dream of Luxury Christmas Holidays includes snowy forests, reindeer sleigh rides, and the Northern Lights dancing across frozen skies, Lapland exceeds every expectation. This is Christmas as you imagined it as a child — but elevated into an unforgettable luxury experience.

Why Lapland Is the Ultimate Winter Escape

• True Arctic snow from late November
• Aurora viewing from your bed
• Private husky safaris and snowmobile adventures
• Magical Santa experiences for families

Where to Stay: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Nestled among snow-dusted pines, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel blends warm Scandinavian design with breathtaking views of the winter wilderness. Each stylish nest offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls so you can watch the sky shimmer with stars or the Northern Lights. Families planning a festive escape may also enjoy our roundup of the best luxury family resorts for winter getaways, which includes both snow-filled adventures and softer winter sunshine options.

Highlights:

• Panoramic Arctic views
• Luxury suites inspired by Lappish nature
• Exceptional festive dining
• Private experiences arranged on request

After the stay details:
Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can design a tailor-made Lapland itinerary — from private reindeer encounters to exclusive Northern Lights tours — ensuring your Arctic escape is as unique as you are.

Prague, Czech Republic — Fairytale Charm & Festive Romance

Prague feels designed for winter. Gothic towers rise above cobbled streets, soft snow settles on baroque rooftops, and the Old Town Square glows with the warm light of Christmas stalls and grand festive displays. For travellers seeking Luxury Christmas Holidays with a romantic twist, Prague offers an irresistible blend of charm, culture, and indulgence.

Why Prague Works So Well for Luxury Christmas Holidays

• Picture-perfect Old Town with classic festive markets
• Fine dining restaurants with panoramic castle views
• Beautifully preserved medieval streets ideal for slow winter strolls
• Classical concerts in palaces and churches throughout December

Where to Stay: Mandarin Oriental Prague

Set within a beautifully restored monastery in the historic district of Malá Strana, Mandarin Oriental Prague blends tranquil luxury with effortless access to the city’s finest festive sights.

Highlights include:

• Elegant, Asian-inspired spa treatments for cosy winter rejuvenation
• Spacious suites with castle or garden views
• Michelin-level dining experiences
• Walking distance to Charles Bridge and Prague Castle

After the stay details:
Let Awake & Wander Luxury Travel curate your Prague festive escape — from river cruises to private Christmas market tours — crafted exactly around your winter wishes.

Zermatt, Switzerland — Alpine Glamour Beneath the Matterhorn

If your ideal Luxury Christmas Holidays include snow-sure pistes, gourmet mountain dining, and afternoons in a spa overlooking iconic peaks, Zermatt is the quintessential Alpine Christmas destination. Wrapped in a cosy blanket of winter magic, the village shines under the dramatic silhouette of the Matterhorn.

Why Zermatt Is a Top Pick for Luxury Christmas Holidays

• One of the most scenic alpine villages in Europe
• Reliable December snow for skiing and winter sports
• First-class après-ski and fine dining
• Car-free streets offering peaceful festive ambience

Where to Stay: The Omnia

Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of the Matterhorn, The Omnia delivers a refined, contemporary interpretation of Alpine luxury.

Highlights include:

• Warm, modern interiors with a chic mountain aesthetic
• Underground tunnel arrival for an exclusive sense of arrival
• Exceptional spa with indoor–outdoor pool
• Gourmet festive menus and cosy lounges

After the stay details:
Awake & Wander Luxury Travel can tailor an indulgent Zermatt winter itinerary — whether you want private ski guides, panoramic glacier tours, or a spa-focused festive getaway.

For more inspiration on Europe’s most exclusive winter destinations, our guide to the ultimate luxury winter escape in the Swiss Alps offers deeper insight into what makes places like Zermatt so exceptional.

Strasbourg, France — The Capital of Christmas

Strasbourg brings together French elegance and Alsatian storybook charm, creating a festive atmosphere that feels both refined and wonderfully nostalgic. Often called “The Capital of Christmas,” it offers some of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets — ideal for travellers who want a visually enchanting yet luxurious escape.

Why Strasbourg Is Magical for Luxury Christmas Holidays

• One of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets (est. 1570)
• Beautiful half-timbered houses and romantic canals
• Superb wine bars, Alsatian cuisine, and Michelin-star restaurants
• Less crowded than major capitals yet rich in festive ambience

Where to Stay: Hôtel Régent Petite France

Located in the heart of Strasbourg’s prettiest district, Hôtel Régent Petite France offers both charm and sophistication. With views of the canals and historic timbered buildings, it’s an atmospheric base for festive luxury.

Highlights include:

• Spacious rooms with contemporary Alsatian design
• Riverside winter terrace for cosy aperitifs
• An excellent spa perfect for warming up after market exploring
• Steps away from the city’s most iconic sights

After the stay details:
Awake & Wander Luxury Travel will help you experience Strasbourg’s festive season your way — from wine-tasting to canal cruises or private Alsace village tours.

For travellers considering combining Christmas markets with time on the slopes, our guide to the best luxury ski resorts in the French Alps offers elegant options for a festive ski escape.

Copenhagen, Denmark — Scandinavian Style & Michelin-Star Festivities

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most tasteful festive cities — a perfect blend of Scandinavian elegance, candlelit charm, and world-class gastronomy. For travellers seeking Luxury Christmas Holidays with a contemporary twist, the Danish capital delivers a winter atmosphere that feels effortlessly refined yet warmly inviting.

December in Copenhagen is defined by hygge — the Danish art of creating cosiness and togetherness. You’ll find softly lit cafés, boutique shops decorated with spruce garlands, and the enchanting Tivoli Gardens transformed into a glowing Christmas wonderland. Think twinkling lights reflected in lakes, festive shows, mulled wine stands, and imaginative displays that bring the entire park to life.

Where to Stay: Nimb Hotel

Located directly inside Tivoli Gardens, Nimb Hotel is one of Scandinavia’s finest boutique luxury stays. Each room feels like a private sanctuary with a crackling fireplace, Moorish touches, and warm, understated elegance. On Christmas evenings, the park lights shimmer just beyond your windows — a magical backdrop for a winter escape.

What makes Nimb special for December travellers:

• Exceptional festive dining, including Michelin-starred restaurants
• Rooms with romantic fireplaces
• A rooftop heated pool overlooking the city
• Exclusive access to Tivoli events and entertainment

Copenhagen is also a paradise for food lovers at Christmas. With an unrivalled restaurant scene — including two of the world’s most celebrated dining experiences — the city invites travellers to indulge in seasonal menus featuring Nordic flavours, fresh seafood, and creative winter dishes.

Whether your festive dream includes exploring design-led boutiques, sampling Danish pastries, or experiencing the stylish simplicity of Scandinavian Christmas, Copenhagen offers modern luxury with a beautifully understated festive spirit.

Salzburg, Austria — Baroque Beauty & The Sound of Christmas

Framed by mountains and crowned with grand baroque architecture, Salzburg is Austria’s most atmospheric festive city — ideal for those craving Luxury Christmas Holidays wrapped in music, old-world charm, and Alpine elegance. It’s the birthplace of Mozart, home to the famous Silent Night, and one of Europe’s most captivating Christmas destinations.

Throughout December, the historic centre transforms into a postcard-perfect winter tableau. Snow dusts the fortress walls, horse-drawn carriages glide through elegant squares, and church bells echo across the rooftops. The city’s famed Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest in the world, offering artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and mulled wine served beneath glowing lanterns.

Where to Stay: Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Perched along the riverfront with striking views of the Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress, Hotel Sacher Salzburg is the city’s grandest luxury hotel — a festive masterpiece of opulent décor, gourmet cuisine, and refined hospitality.

Seasonal highlights include:

• Beautifully decorated suites with river or mountain views
• Gourmet Christmas menus inspired by Austrian tradition
• Afternoon tea featuring the iconic Sacher Torte
• A warm, elegant lobby perfect for evening drinks by the tree

Salzburg’s musical heritage elevates the festive experience even further. December calendars feature Mozart concerts, cathedral performances, ballets, and special Sound of Music events — all perfect for travellers eager to immerse themselves in the cultural beauty of the season.

Combine this with Alpine day trips to nearby lakeside villages or gentle snowy hikes, and Salzburg becomes a richly layered festive destination — luxurious, romantic, and full of winter wonder.



Our Take:

"Luxury Christmas Holidays are more than seasonal escapes — they’re moments you feel, savour, and remember. Europe simply does festive magic better than anywhere else, and we love curating holidays where every journey begins with you.”
– Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

Your Booking Protections — Travel with Total Confidence

When planning Luxury Christmas Holidays, peace of mind matters just as much as the destination itself. With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, your festive escape is backed by industry-leading protections designed to keep every part of your journey secure and stress-free.

ATOL Protection



Your holiday is protected through our ATOL licence, ensuring your money is safeguarded and your travel arrangements are covered. If an unexpected issue arises with flights or package components, you are financially protected throughout.

Supplier Failure Insurance

We also include Supplier Failure Insurance for an additional safety net. This means that, even if one of our trusted suppliers unexpectedly ceases trading, your arrangements and payments remain secure. Your holiday continues exactly as planned — without disruption.

Expert Support from Start to Finish

From the moment you enquire to the day you return home, our team is here with professional guidance, honest advice, and round-the-clock assistance. Your bookings, documents, transfers, and extras are meticulously checked and reconfirmed — giving you the confidence to relax and enjoy the festive season your way.

With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, protection isn’t an add-on — it’s part of every carefully designed holiday where every journey begins with you.

Why Book Your Luxury Christmas Holidays with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

Choosing the right partner for your festive escape is just as important as choosing the destination. We believe that Luxury Christmas Holidays should feel effortless, personalised, and unforgettable from the very first conversation.

Your Holiday, Designed Around You

No two travellers are alike — especially at Christmas. Whether you want a snow-covered alpine retreat, a romantic city break, or a family-friendly winter adventure, we design every itinerary to reflect your style, pace, and priorities. Your holiday is never off-the-shelf. It’s crafted entirely around you.

Unbiased, Independent Advice

As an independent UK travel agency, we’re not tied to specific suppliers. We choose partners, hotels, and experiences based on quality — not incentives. That means you receive honest guidance and tailored recommendations every time.

Access to Exclusive Hotels & Upgrades

We work with some of Europe’s finest boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and premium partners, giving you access to special perks such as:

• Room upgrades (subject to availability)
• Seasonal extras
• Exclusive experiences
• Added-value festive touches



Stress-Free Holiday Planning

Christmas is a busy time — and planning travel can add pressure you don’t need. Our team handles everything: flights, transfers, hotels, excursions, dining, and festive extras. You simply tell us your vision, and we bring it to life.

Personal Connection & Warm Service

At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we believe the planning process should feel as enjoyable as the holiday itself. We take the time to understand what matters most to you, offer thoughtful suggestions, and stay in close contact throughout.

When you’re ready to design your festive escape, call us on 01495 400011, use our easy enquiry form, or explore ideas through our website’s search tool — creating bespoke holidays as unique as you are.

Frequently Asked Questions