Paris
Noël à Paris
Paris is enchanting all year round – but at Christmas time, the city shines with a special glow. Sparkling lights along the Champs-Élysées, magnificently decorated shop windows and charming Christmas markets transform the city into a winter wonderland. Millions of lights shine from Place Vendôme to Avenue Montaigne. Swiss flies to Paris daily, and the TGV also takes you comfortably to the City of Lights.
Ice skating in winter splendour
Whether in the Tuileries Garden under twinkling lights or on the huge ice rink at the Grand Palais des Glaces, Paris is transformed into a paradise for ice skating fans in winter. Between the scent of mulled wine, music and bright decorations, the magic of the city can be experienced particularly beautifully on skates – an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.
Festive shows & magical lights
During the Christmas season, Paris also shines on stage: the Moulin Rouge enchants with festive menus, champagne and music, while the Opéra and Sainte-Chapelle host classical Christmas and New Year’s Eve concerts. Tip: it’s worth booking early! The sparkling Christmas City Lights can be experienced most atmospherically, wrapped in a warm blanket, on a night-time open-top bus tour.
Christmas magic for the whole family
Paris is transformed into a winter wonderland: in front of Notre Dame, the atmospheric Christmas market offers moments of enjoyment with a view of the cathedral, while the Winter Festival of Lights in the Jardin des Plantes provides sparkling highlights. At Disneyland Paris, families can experience magical parades (Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade), choir singing and the festive lighting of the giant Christmas tree from 8 November 2025 to 6 January 2026.
Glamorous Christmas shopping
Paris is also a great place for Christmas shopping: Galeries Lafayette impresses with its famous hanging tree, Galerie Vivienne and Le Village Royal with creative decorations. Decorated shop windows of designer boutiques such as Dior, Chanel, and Gucci make hearts beat faster. Classics such as Avenue Montaigne, the Montmartre district and Bercy Village round off the winter shopping experience – a feast for the eyes and senses.
Seine dinner & evening cruises
A festive highlight is an evening on the Seine with a 5-course dinner. From the water, the illuminated bridges, the glittering city and the enchanting winter atmosphere can be experienced in a particularly impressive way. Also impressive: a ride on the Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the Paris skyline at night.
Culinary highlights
Christmas delicacies are a must in Paris: Bûche de Noël, foie gras, duck confit and croque monsieur are sure to delight your taste buds. Recommended restaurants include Pink Mamma for Italian specialities, Zen for excellent sushi, Bistrot Benoit for classic French cuisine in a traditional setting, and Brasserie GrandCœur for modern French creations. To warm up, Angelina serves an incomparable hot chocolate.
Bonne Nuit
Paris offers elegant hotels where you can enjoy the magic of Christmas in style. Built in 1925, Le Bristol Paris is located on a street lined with designer boutiques near the Champs-Élysées. The family-run Hôtel des Arts Montmartre on Montmartre hill offers breathtaking views and pays tribute to the artistic tradition of the neighbourhood. The Mandarin Oriental, with its elegant rooms and Asian accents, is about a 15-minute walk from the Louvre. The Four Seasons Hotel George V, near the Champs-Élysées, impresses with its bright rooms, three restaurants and luxurious wellness facilities.
London
English Christmas
In December, London is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Streets, shop windows and squares are aglow with fairy lights, markets tempt visitors with mulled wine, delicacies and handmade gifts, and ice rinks provide winter fun. Swiss flies daily to London City and Heathrow – perfect for a festive getaway.
Tea time: scones and clotted cream
A classic during Advent: afternoon tea. Whether at The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason, Claridge’s or Harrods – delicate sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and artfully crafted cakes sweeten the afternoon. The Library at County Hall is particularly atmospheric, with its view of Big Ben. There are also temptations outside: the Christmas markets at Leicester Square, Covent Garden and South Bank are filled with the seductive scent of almonds, mulled wine and festive treats.
Festive sounds
London sounds particularly festive during Advent: traditional Christmas carols ring out in St Martin-in-the-Fields, Handel’s Messiah impresses in Westminster Abbey, and choir concerts give you goose bumps in St Paul’s Cathedral. Families should plan to see a Christmas pantomime or a West End show. To round off the evening, visit Miracle at Henrietta, where festive cocktails await in a fairytale setting in Covent Garden.
Light tours and window shopping
A Christmas Lights Bus Tour is a great way to admire the magnificently illuminated streets. The 30,000 rose lights in the Ever After Garden, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the festive illuminations at Christmas at Kew Gardens bathe the city in magical light. Decorated shop windows at Hamleys, Fortnum & Mason and on Bond Street with boutiques such as Cartier are equally enchanting. Carnaby Street invites you to stroll around, and Liberty Department Store surprises with creative decorations. Our tip: the Boxing Day sales start on 26 December 2025 and many continue their offers into the new year.
Winter excursions
Winter is an experience in London: you can do pirouettes and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the ice rink at Chalet Rink or Battersea Power Station. A ride on the British Pullman Train in restored vintage carriages, including a festive dinner, takes you into a nostalgic world of elegance and indulgence. For Harry Potter fans, a trip to Warner Bros. Studios outside the city, where many iconic film scenes were shot, is well worth it. A magical highlight for young and old alike!
Culinary highlights
London spoils visitors with a variety of delights during Advent: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester offers modern French cuisine of the highest standard, awarded three Michelin stars. For Thai specialities, we recommend The Great Thai Restaurant near Regent Street, while Tattu serves Chinese delicacies and Gymkhana delights with Indian Michelin cuisine. Sexy Fish in Mayfair tempts with sushi, sashimi and seafood. For a quick bite to eat, Ralph’s Coffee on New Bond Street or the festive market stalls are ideal.
Festive overnight stays
London offers hotels to suit every taste, allowing guests to fully enjoy the city’s Christmas atmosphere: Claridge’s combines Art Deco charm with contemporary luxury in the upmarket Mayfair district, just a three-minute walk from Bond Street and Oxford Street. The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park impresses with three top restaurants, including a two-Michelin-star restaurant, a Japanese izakaya, an elegant tearoom and bar – ideal for culinary highlights in the heart of the city. The Lanesborough captivates with its magnificent Regency style, just a two-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner and a few steps from the exclusive shops in Knightsbridge.
Vienna
Winter magic in Vienna
At Christmas time, Vienna shows itself from its most elegant side – festively decorated, musical and enjoyable. The city entices visitors with magnificent markets, sparkling lights and classical music. Particularly convenient: Swiss flies to Vienna daily, or alternatively, travelling by train is also ideal – perfect for a relaxing city break during Advent.
Christmas markets
Vienna enchants visitors during Advent with some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe: from the traditional Christmas market on Rathausplatz to the atmospheric Advent market on Karlsplatz and the market at Hofburg Palace, to the festively decorated market in front of Schönbrunn Palace or the romantic Belvedere. The tradition of Viennese Christmas markets dates back to the Middle Ages – the so-called “December markets” were established as early as 1296.
Sweet temptations
A visit to Café Central is a must: apple strudel, melange or hot chocolate allow you to savour Viennese coffee house culture to the full. Café Sacher and Café Demel also tempt visitors with their famous Sacher Torte and fluffy Kaiserschmarrn. For savoury delights, it’s worth making a detour to the Würstelstand on Karlsplatz or trying a classic Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmüller on Bäckerstrasse or at the Schachtelwirt.
Lights, music & romance
A stroll through the Graben with its sparkling chandeliers immediately puts Vienna in a festive mood. Classical Christmas concerts are held at the Musikverein, and we also highly recommend the “Christmas in Vienna” concert at the Konzerthaus, an organ concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral or Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at Karlskirche. The Strauss Dinner Show offers an exquisite multi-course menu accompanied by music and elegant ballet and show performances.
Ice & nostalgia
Whether ice skating on the ice path through Rathauspark or visiting the winter market at Riesenradplatz, Vienna offers winter fun for everyone. A ride on the Christmas train, which connects various markets, is also particularly enjoyable. Another tip: a ride on the Prater Ferris wheel offers a breathtaking view over the winter sea of lights.
Culinary highlights
The Viennese Christmas markets are filled with the tempting aromas of bratwurst, raclette, roasted chestnuts and hot punch. Be sure to try the crispy potato pancakes and spicy langos. Gourmet restaurants and traditional taverns in the city attract foodies, offering Austrian home cooking in a festive atmosphere. Classics such as Wiener schnitzel, Tafelspitz and seasonal specialities can be enjoyed here in an atmospheric setting.
Elegant nights in Vienna
Vienna offers elegant accommodation for every taste: the traditional Hotel Sacher impresses with its Art Nouveau rooms with chandeliers and ornate furniture and is only a few minutes’ walk from the State Opera and the Hofburg Palace. The venerable Hotel Imperial, dating from 1863, combines luxury and classic elegance, while the Park Hyatt, housed in a former bank building, combines modern amenities with historic charm. Those looking for something special should choose the luxurious 19th-century Palais Coburg Residence – perfect for ending the Viennese winter magic in style.
Festive cities for Advent
Christmas markets in Belgium
A river cruise to Bruges and Ghent opens up enchanting Christmas moments. Sparkling lights, festively decorated squares and charming Christmas markets make Belgian cities shine in winter splendour. The medieval old towns are particularly charming, creating a romantic atmosphere with their cobblestone streets, canals and historic facades.
Alsatian Christmas
Colmar and Strasbourg are easy to explore by train. Both cities are famous for their Advent markets, artistically decorated half-timbered houses and impressive light installations. In Strasbourg, the historic Christkindelsmärik on the Place de la Cathédrale attracts visitors, while Colmar delights with small, dreamy markets in the old town.
Traditional Christmas spirit in Germany
German Christmas towns also have their own unique charm: Frankfurt and Munich delight visitors with traditional markets, mulled wine, gingerbread and handmade gifts. The Frankfurt Christmas market is one of the largest in Germany and attracts visitors with over 200 stalls. In Munich, the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz enchants visitors with a tradition dating back to the 14th century. The other markets in Munich’s old town also offer festive decorations, winter treats and an unmistakable Advent atmosphere.
