London
Christmas Magic on the Thames
At Christmas time, London is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Spectacular light displays, festively decorated shop windows, Christmas markets and a varied programme of events make the British capital the ideal destination for a winter break. Shopping enthusiasts and foodies will also find plenty to enjoy. Daily flights make getting there quick and easy. Sustainable travellers can reach London by train in around 7.5 to 10 hours – plenty of time for a good book.
A dazzling display of lights & magical moments
A Christmas Lights Tour offers the chance to admire London’s most beautiful Christmas illuminations. Particularly impressive are the displays along Oxford Street, Regent Street and New Bond Street, as well as the elaborately decorated shop windows on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia. The enchanting Christmas tree at Claridge’s Hotel is also well worth a visit. At the Chelsea Winter Village, visitors can look forward to a festive illuminated walkway, market stalls and entertainment. The light show at Kew Gardens is also spectacular. In Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland provides entertainment with attractions and a festive atmosphere.
From Hogwarts to The Nutcracker
The festive season also offers a varied cultural programme. At Warner Bros. Studios, ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’ transports visitors into the world of the Harry Potter films. The English National Ballet presents a new production of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the London Coliseum. Also on the programme are Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Old Vic and ‘Cinderella’ at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. At the Royal Festival Hall, ‘Cirque Alice’ delights audiences with spectacular acrobatics. Christmas concerts and carol services take place at venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the Royal Albert Hall.
Shopping, markets & winter scenery
Whether you’re looking for presents or simply want to stroll through festively decorated streets, London is a shopper’s paradise. Harrods delights with its famous Christmas Shop, whilst Fortnum & Mason entices with British delicacies and gift ideas. Numerous Christmas markets invite you to browse. For a different perspective, enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar or explore Hyde Park on a hire bike. A hop-on, hop-off tour on Christmas Day also offers a relaxed way to discover the sights. A visit to Father Christmas, for example at the Ralph Lauren store, is an unforgettable experience for families.
Festive cuisine & afternoon tea
During Advent, many restaurants in London offer atmospheric Christmas menus. We recommend Daphne’s, Clos Maggiore, The Greenhouses, Coppa Club, Dalloway Terrace, Sketch, Sushisamba, 34 Mayfair, The Ivy and Churchill Arms. For a special evening, the festively decorated Miracle on Russell Street is the perfect choice. Another must-try is a festive afternoon tea, for example at the Marriott County Hall. Chocolate lovers will be in their element at the Hot Chocolate Experience at The Chinoiserie; The Lost Estate is also hosting the Great Christmas Feast. Our tip: book well in advance.
From British elegance to urban chic
For a luxurious stay, choose from The Savoy, Claridge’s, Hotel Café Royal, Mandarin Oriental and The Dorchester on Park Lane. More budget-conscious travellers will find suitable alternatives at The Tower Hotel, The Hoxton, Treehouse, Mama Shelter or Sofitel.
Berlin
A sea of lights & Christmas magic in the capital
Berlin shows its cosy side during Advent: over 60 Christmas markets, illuminated squares, classical concerts, gospel music and a diverse cultural programme make the capital a varied winter destination. Added to this are innovative exhibitions, spectacular shows and a lively bar scene. Daily flights connect Zurich with Berlin. Alternatively, the train journey takes around 8.5 hours during the day or about 11.5 hours overnight.
Christmas markets: from historic to trendy
Whether traditional or modern – Berlin’s Christmas markets offer something for every taste. Among the best known are the ‘WeihnachtsZauber’ at the Gendarmenmarkt, the market at Charlottenburg Palace, the Christmas market at the Rotes Rathaus, Alexanderplatz and the Old Town Market in Spandau. Around the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the historic setting, hot drinks and festive treats create a special Advent atmosphere. Several markets can be combined on a guided Christmas Market Tour. Ice rinks at Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz provide winter fun.
Culture, concerts & major venues
Music lovers can enjoy the Advent concert in the Chamber Music Hall of the Berlin Philharmonie. At the Friedrichstadt-Palast, the grand show ‘Blinded by Delight’ is a hit, whilst the cabaret theatre Die Stachelschweine performs ‘Die letzten Tage von Deutschland’ (The Last Days of Germany). Christmas shows are also on the programme at the Tipi am Kanzleramt. Burlesque fans can experience ‘Let’s Get Famous’ on the Ku’damm. Cirque du Soleil also provides unique entertainment. In the evening, you can explore the city on an open-top sightseeing bus or on a lights tour with a personal guide.
Museums, illusions & unusual perspectives
Berlin offers plenty to discover even beyond the Christmas markets. Museum Island invites you to take a stroll through art and cultural history. The Museum of Natural History features impressive exhibits, whilst the Illuseum surprises visitors with optical illusions and interactive installations. Another highlight is the world’s largest interactive upside-down experience, featuring over 25 immersive rooms. Light and sound installations delight visitors at the Botanical Gardens. A visit to Berlin Zoo, one of the largest in Europe, is also well worth it. Families will also find plenty to enjoy at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
On the water & in the warmth
A winter boat trip on the River Spree offers a unique view of the Berlin skyline. With a cup of mulled wine in hand, you can relax and discover the city from the water. The view from the Berlin TV Tower also offers a change of perspective, which you can combine with a meal. A cycle tour is another great way to explore Berlin at your own pace. The Liquidrom, an extraordinary underground thermal spa, offers a welcome break from the cold.
Mulled wine, street food & Michelin-starred cuisine
Mulled wine, hot chocolate and Feuerzangenbowle are all part of the Berlin Christmas season. For children, there’s naturally children’s punch. Culinary delights include bratwurst with curry sauce, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), meatballs, chips, roasted chestnuts, cheese spaetzle and tarte flambée. For dessert, a slice of Christstollen is a must. You can round off the evening at the Icebar, Crackers, Monkey Bar or Green Door Bar. For fine dining, we recommend Rutz, Golvet, Bandol sur mer, Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Facil, Coda and Tim Raue. For traditional Berlin hospitality, Borchardt is well worth a visit.
Stylish city breaks
If you’re looking for a stylish place to stay, choose the Adlon Kempinski on Pariser Platz, right next to the Brandenburg Gate. The InterContinental at Großer Tiergarten is also centrally located. The two Hotel Indigo properties on Ku’damm and at the East Side Gallery offer a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. You can also enjoy a lovely night’s sleep at the Bistrol Berlin, Vignette Collection – right on Kurfürstendamm, within walking distance of KaDeWe. Also highly recommended are the stylish design boutique hotel The Hoxton, the Radisson and The Mandala, a 5-star superior design hotel in the heart of Berlin.
Como
Christmas romance between the lake and the Alps
Just around two and a half hours by train from Zurich, Como combines the Italian way of life with an atmospheric Christmas setting. The Festival Città dei Balocchi transforms the town into a festive world of toys, whilst the Como Magic Light Festival bathes buildings and squares in colourful light. Festive markets, excellent restaurants and elegant shops offer plenty of variety. At the same time, life here is often quieter than in the big cities – ideal for a relaxing break by the lake.
Sparkling Old Town & sweeping views
A stroll through the historic old town reveals festive decorations, light installations and architectural projections. Take the funicular up to Brunate, where a sweeping view of the illuminated city and the snow-capped mountains unfolds. Villa Olmo and its gardens are also well worth a visit. On the lakeshore, Daniel Libeskind’s sculpture ‘Life Electric’, dedicated to the physicist Alessandro Volta, adds a modern touch. At the Tempio Voltiano, visitors can learn more about Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery.
Lake promenades & villages aglow with lights
A boat trip on Lake Como offers winter views of the villas and villages along the shore. A trip to Bellagio is also well worth it. Those wishing to explore the region in greater depth should visit the five well-known towns of Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzo (or Tremezzina). The combination of the lake, the mountains and the historic town centres makes every stop an experience in its own right. Lugano in Ticino is also a great option for a day trip.
Winter experiences & an Italian getaway
At the Teatro Sociale di Como, seasonal concerts, choral performances and tribute shows create a festive atmosphere. Those who want to get active themselves can attend an Italian cookery class, treat themselves to some pampering at a spa hotel or – if there’s enough snow – plan a day’s skiing. For a spot of shopping, Milan is only about 40 minutes away by train. Those who prefer to stay in Como can treat themselves to a gelato at Gelateria Gelab or a coffee in Piazza San Fedele.
Lombard cuisine for cold days
The cuisine around Lake Como combines regional produce with Alpine influences. Specialities include missoltino, dried and pickled lake fish; risotto ‘ ’ al pesce persico (with perch fillets); pizzoccheri; polenta uncia with regional cheese; and fried alborelle, small freshwater fish from the lake. Also typical are sciatt, crispy cheese fritters, and cassoeula, a hearty winter stew. For a sweet finish, try nuvola, a popular cake from Como.
Gourmet destinations on Lake Como
There are numerous places to explore culinary delights: the Kitchen with its innovative tasting menus, Comi107, the rustic-chic Feel Como, and Materia with its creative, experimental dishes. Also highly recommended are Bistrot La Piazzetta Lake Como, La Veranda and Gnocchetto. If you fancy some simple Italian cuisine, pop into Rom’antica for a pizza. Whether it’s a cosy dinner or a leisurely culinary experience – Como offers the perfect spots to suit every taste.
Stylish lakeside retreats
For a stay in the city, we recommend the boutique guesthouse Vitrum – Como Luxury Suites, Villa Miranda with its lake views, and the luxury apartments at Como Timeless Residences. Miralago offers another option for lakeside accommodation. Those opting for a luxury resort will find the Mandarin Oriental on Lake Como an elegant retreat with an extensive spa and wellness area.
