Visiting Paris in winter may not be top-of-mind for travelers. And that’s a shame, really. Paris takes on a whole new feel in winter. It’s charming, cozy, fun, unique, and full of sparkly cheer.
I highly encourage people to try a winter visit to the shimmering City of Lights between November and February. No city I’ve ever been in dresses up for the winter in such an elegant, regal way.
Paris is known as the City of Lights — and no time is that nickname more alive than during the sparkling holiday season when the Christmas markets in Paris are in full swing.
Known to Parisians as Marchés de Noël, there are so many Christmas markets in Paris to choose from. Depending on what you want to experience, you can pick and choose the ones that are right for you.
It’s no secret that a person could spend weeks in Paris and not run out of fascinating, beautiful, and delicious things to experience. It’s one of the reasons I love the city so much and why I chose to become a certified Paris Travel Expert specializing in crafting custom itineraries for travelers.
But here’s something that many travelers don’t consider: the areas surrounding Paris hold so many treasures, as well, and they are surprisingly easy to access. With the right planning, you can enjoy all kinds of adventures — and return to the City of Lights as your home base.
If you grew up watching A Christmas Carol, you likely remember the final scenes, where a transformed and joyful Ebenezer Scrooge skips through the holiday-bedecked streets of London, giddily spreading Christmas cheer to everyone.
That feeling — of joy and merriment, of generosity and creativity and goodwill that warms winter’s chill, of festive fun for all ages — that is the feeling you get when you visit a Christmas market in London. There’s nothing like it, and it’s one of my favorite experiences to recommend to England-bound travelers from mid-November to New Year’s.
Traveling during the holiday season is something I think everyone should do at least once. In cities and towns of various sizes, you’ll see the local people spilling out into the streets each night, shopping, eating, drinking, singing, dancing, and socializing. And as a visitor, you’re warmly invited to mix with the locals and join the party.
Looking for some travel inspiration to find the best winter destinations in Europe? Look no further, I’m about to share with you 8 of my favorite destinations for embracing the cold weather and creating the kind of travel memories that you just wouldn’t get during any other time of the year.
Munich hosts 28 Christmas markets each year – yes, 28! With that many, how do you plan your travel itinerary to make sure you are seeing the best ones? Look no further, I’m sharing my 5 favorite markets and some itinerary planning advice
Social and immersive, luxurious and hassle-free, European river cruises are one of the most authentic ways to explore Europe.
Let’s discover together what makes river cruising so great…
Many people travel as a way to explore their interests and make new discoveries. Travelers with special interests or hobbies will often make a point to visit sights and take tours that complement them.
Special interest cruises are common and sail throughout Europe. Some examples include Wine Cruises, Christmas Market Cruises, Beer Cruises, History Cruises, Music Cruises, Religion Cruises, and more!