Dreaming of a European Christmas holiday? Me too! After visiting London at Christmas and spending two weeks visiting German Christmas Markets, I’d be happy going to Europe every Christmas.
If you are are looking for a fun way to celebrate the season, try one of these Christmas hotels in Europe for your winter break. These hotels offer a festive atmosphere, holiday events, and a great location for enjoying local Christmas traditions.
Whether you are looking for ideas, just dreaming, or ready to book your trip, here are options ranging from ski chalets to magnificent city properties.
Best Christmas Hotels in Europe
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Cashel Palace Hotel, Tipperary, Ireland
At the majestic Cashel Palace Hotel in Tipperary, Ireland, the spirit of the holiday season comes alive. Set within a magnificent Palladian manor that was built in 1732, Cashel Palace has been restored to create a destination hotel in the heart of Ireland, offering the finest of Irish hospitality. This Relais & Chateaux hotel has curated a magical setting for this special time of year.
Spruce trees tower around the reception rooms and the halls are decked with yuletide cheer. Cashel Palace’s Christmas package provides guests an extra festive and memorable way to celebrate the holidays with a decadent three-day escape that includes a festive tea arrangement in the Queen Anne Room, carol-singing and mulled wine in the Drawing Room, a 5-course tasting menu in The Bishop’s Buttery & Private Dining Rooms, a visit from Santa, live Irish music in the bar, a visit from Santa, and much more.
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COMO Alpina Dolomites, Italy
Imagine your family photo for your holiday card with the dramatic backdrop of the stunning Dolomite Mountains. Nestled amongst the snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows of the majestic Dolomites, COMO Alpina Dolomites offers an ultra-luxe take on the classic South Tyrolean chalet that is perfect for the holidays.
At COMO Alpina Dolomites, guests have unbeatable access to the pristine pistes of the iconic Val Gardena – the ideal backdrop for a truly unforgettable white Christmas. Following a day on the slopes, visitors can warm up with an après-ski glass of Glühwein and enjoy the festive atmosphere at COMO’s Outdoor Christmas Weekend Market. Every weekend in December, the hotel’s terrace will play host to a magical outdoor Christmas market offering traditional drinks, snacks, Christmas tunes and panoramic views of the dramatic Dolomites mountain range. For the hotel’s younger guests, a festive campfire marshmallow toasting takes place daily at 4:00 p.m., allowing the entire family to get in the holiday spirit.
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Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, Spain
Located along Barcelona‘s most iconic avenue, Passeig de Gràcia, the Majestic Hotel & Spa is just a short walk from the city’s most famous Christmas markets, including the iconic Fira de Santa Llúcia. At the markets, visitors can explore local artisanal crafts, traditional Spanish Christmas sweets, and unique holiday gifts.
During the holiday season, guests can enjoy local Christmas traditions, such as the “Caga Tió” (the Christmas log) and the “Cavalcada de Reis” (Three Kings Parade), which takes place on January 5th and fills the streets of Barcelona with floats, music, and lights.
From the hotel’s rooftop terrace, La Dolce Vitae, you can enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona’s skyline, including Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família, lit up during the holidays. To celebrate, guests can savor a special Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve dinner at Restaurant SOLC, led by Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany.
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Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, Austria
The Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna was originally designed for the 1873 World’s Fair by revered Austrian architect Theophil Hansen. Today, it is a luxury hotel just a short fifteen-minute walk from the Chriskindlmarkt, the famous Viennese Christmas Market, which extends throughout City Hall Square and features a pop-up ice rink winding through the trees. Once you enter the market through a picturesque archway, you are greeted with a sea of twinkling lights, decorated gift booths and the welcoming smells of mulled wine and freshly baked bread—perfect for a chilly winter night.
This newly renovated and rebranded hotel was where we stayed when we visited Vienna and is still one of my favorite city hotels in the world.
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The Langham London, England
If you are visiting London for Christmas with the kids, The Langham, London offers the family-friendly Christmas with Hamleys package, offering a truly unforgettable experience for families. The package includes a luxurious stay, exclusive access to the Hamleys Grotto, a Christmas tree and special treats in the room, including a bottle of Taittinger for adults to enjoy.
From early November, this luxury hotel is adorned with spectacular Christmas trees and seasonal decorations, creating a magical backdrop for holiday celebrations. In the Hamleys Grotto, kids can meet and take a picture with Santa and receive unique gifts. The hotel also offers a specially designed festive afternoon tea featuring delicious pastries shaped like legendary historic toys.
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The College Hotel Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The College Hotel in Amsterdam, a five-star boutique hotel part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, exudes cozy vibes and festive charm. Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s museum district, The College Hotel is just steps away from the enchanting Amsterdam Christmas Markets, where you can stroll through charming stalls, sip hot chocolate, and take in the festive ambiance.
The hotel goes all out for the holidays, with stunning seasonal decor throughout the property and cozy, in-room touches that make it feel like a home away from home. What makes The College Hotel truly unique is how it blends Dutch holiday traditions into the guest experience. From festive afternoon teas with traditional treats to local holiday events like the arrival of Sinterklaas, the hotel creates an authentic and magical holiday experience.
And if you don’t visit in December, see some benefits to visiting Amsterdam in January.
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Borgo San Vincenzo, Montepulciano, Italy
For those seeking an enchanting winter escape in a picturesque, small-town setting, Borgo San Vincenzo is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel, located in the prestigious Vino Nobile vineyards of Montepulciano. The reimagined 18th century borgo serves as an idyllic home base, located a 10-minute drive from the center of the medieval town.
In December, the town of Montepulciano is full of festive cheer with streets decorated with lights and the largest Christmas village in Central Italy. In Piazza Grande, visitors can experience the Christmas market and a wonderland of artisan stalls, perfect for those looking for holiday gifts. Moreover, families won’t want to miss a visit to the Fortezza, transformed into the Castello di Babbo Natale (Santa’s Castle) for the holiday season.
If you are travelers that put experiences above gifts, the concierge services at Borgo San Vincenzo can arrange local wine tastings, organic olive oil and pecorino cheese tastings at local farms, cooking and cocktail-making classes, truffle hunting, and tours of the region by foot, horse, e-bike, Vespa, or hot air balloon. Adding to the festivities, Il Ciuchino, the hotel’s restaurant, will offer a special holiday menu, a multi-course dinner, and live music throughout the season.
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The Stafford, London, England
Another festive London option is The Stafford, which glitters with the lights of 100 Christmas trees spread across the property. There are few hotels in London that capture the essence of Christmas quite like The Stafford. The hotel’s on-property holiday programming includes Christmas Day Lunch with a five-course, decadent British feast with all of the trimmings.
While in London you must also enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the elegant ambiance of The Game Bird restaurant and lounge. The Stafford Festive Package includes a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate on arrival, Afternoon Tea, and a full English breakfast daily before taking in the festive atmosphere of the city.
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Forsthofgut Nature Hotel, LeoGang, Austria
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is considered one of the world’s oldest Advent markets, where visitors can explore 100 market stands and enjoy readings of Christmas stories, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts, and more.
Located outside of Salzburg in Leogang, Austria, Forsthofgut Nature Hotel offers a wonderful blend of skiing adventure and access to this magical market. The hotel’s ski-in, ski-out feature allows guests to easily access the slopes right from their doorstep, making it an ideal location for skiers. For those who prefer a slower pace, the hotel also offers snowshoeing and winter hiking trails, allowing guests to explore the serene beauty of the surroundings. After a day of outdoor activities, guests can unwind in Forsthofgut’s renowned waldSPA.
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Rosewood Munich, Germany
You just can’t beat the atmosphere (and the food!) of the German Christmas Markets. Kick off the most festive time of the year in Munich, where the iconic Christmas Markets open in late November. The original and largest of the Christmas markets in Munich is Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz (main square), just steps away from the luxurious Rosewood Munich.
Housed in two landmark, historical buildings comprised of the former headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria and the adjacent Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, a former grand aristocratic residence, Rosewood Munich is situated in the heart of the historic city center. While in Munich, take time to also wander through the additional Christmas markets in Munich including Winter Magic at the Viktualienmarkt (food market), “Eiszauber” at the Karlsplatz-Stachus, Christmas Village in the Kaiserhof of the Residenz, Christkindlmarkt at Sendlinger Tor, Munich Advent Spectacle and Medieval Christmas Market, Munich Feuerzangenbowle at the Isartor.
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Carlton Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Situated in St. Moritz, one of the most well-known ski resorts in the world, the all-suite Carlton Hotel St. Moritz makes for a perfect luxurious family holiday in the mountains. With breathtaking views of the frozen Lake St. Moritz and the Engadine mountains beyond it, your trip be remembered forever.
Each holiday season the Carlton decorates their lobby and Bel Etage with Christmas trees complete with presents, lights, wreaths and garlands, creating a festive yet elegant atmosphere. In addition to decorating, the hotel also hosts delightful, traditional Christmas dinners in their two restaurants, including the two Michelin starred Da Vittorio, and a special experience for children, where they can enjoy cookie baking, gingerbread house making and the chance to meet Santa Claus.
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The Glasshouse Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland
The holiday season in Edinburgh is a time of enchantment and celebration. From November to January, the city transforms into a festive wonderland with lights, carolers, and Yule decorations. The renowned Winter Festivals and Hogmanay celebrations make it a magical time for locals and visitors alike. The Winter Festivals feature Christmas markets, including one in East Princes Street Gardens, offering over 70 stalls with handmade gifts and seasonal treats.
George Street hosts a stunning Christmas Ice Rink, surrounded by festive drinks and fairground rides. Hogmanay, from December 29 to January 1, is a major highlight. The celebrations kick off with the Torchlight Procession, filling Edinburgh’s streets with glowing torches. The centerpiece is the iconic Street Party on Princes Street, with live music, street performances, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle at midnight, signaling the start of the new year.
For a luxurious stay, The Glasshouse Hotel offers the perfect retreat. Converted from a 160-year-old church, it combines historic charm with modern luxury. The hotel’s warm Scottish hospitality ensures a memorable stay, making it an ideal choice for visitors during the festive season.
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Cape of Senses, Lake Garda, Italy
At Lake Garda in Italy, travelers can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with a stay at Cape of Senses, offering guests spectacular views of the lake and mountains along with relaxation and rejuvenation for a truly festive holiday experience. The property’s “Holiday Season for Two” package offers a serene winter escape, perfect for travelers seeking time together. The package includes two nights in a suite with breakfast, a relaxing “Luxury Candle” spa treatment, and a visit to the various lesser-known local Christmas markets in the hotel’s electric Fiat 500, where guests can enjoy the festive scents of candles, baked cookies, and mulled wine.
Also during their stay, guests can visit the town of Peschiera del Garda as it celebrates the birth of Jesus with a remarkable underwater nativity scene featuring the Holy Family, shepherds, and sheep on the seabed of the Canal di Mezzo, where Lake Garda meets the River Mincio. Known as the “Nativity of the Lake,” this tradition has been celebrated since 1980. Visitors can stroll along the canal and meet scuba divers who share the story of this extraordinary display beneath the lake’s clear waters.
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW, NATJA, IFWTWA, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
