3 Family Focused Christmas Holiday Destinations

If for 2021 you want to experience the true magic of Christmas with twinkling fairy-lights, alluring snow fall, wood-burning fires, alpine chalets and traditional Christmas carols, a trip across the water to one of these favoured European Christmas destinations could be just the ticket for you and your family.

At the time of writing, all of these destinations have been declared safe for travel from the UK by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). However, please remember that each individual destination may have their own entry requirements with regards to Visas and COVID-19. So, it is worth investigating what these may be prior to booking your trip.

Norway

Enjoy a peaceful, tranquil, and traditional Norwegian Christmas celebration.

Winter is a special time in Norway. The whole country turns in to a snow-covered paradise where many flock for winter activities such as skiing, sledging and even whale watching. During this time, the winter nights are long and the sun doesn't even rise at all in some parts of Northern Norway. However, don't let that put you off, the northern lights can often be spotted illuminating the sky, if you're lucky enough to see them during the months of October – March.

Christmas in Norway is very traditional and there are many cities and towns to pick from to tailor your perfect trip. Whether you want to spend Christmas Skiing, visiting Christmas Markets, Trekking across the different towns to take in all the beautiful sights Norway has to offer or if you just want to immerse yourself in the Norwegian Christmas traditions by curling up next to an open fire with your loved ones, drinking a Gløgg (Norwegian mulled wine) and eating a traditional Christmas pepperkake (gingerbread style cookies) in a snow covered alpine chalet, you can do that too or even all of the above!

Switzerland

There are some essential elements that make for a perfect Christmas atmosphere. Amongst them, snow, sleigh rides and luxurious cups of hot chocolate are highly desirable and they’re just a few of the reasons why Switzerland ranks as one of the top Christmas destinations in Europe.

With its snow-capped Alps, crystal clear blue lakes and quaint little towns and villages, which wouldn’t be out of place on the front of a seasonal greetings card, Switzerland is a country which epitomizes the festive season.

Lugano is one of the top Christmas destinations in Switzerland for very good reason. The city nestles against the shores of Lake Lugano in a picturesque setting which is accompanied by dramatic mountain ranges. Incredibly beautiful at any time of the year, Lugano just gets better during the festive season.

One of the city's main plaza's, The Piazza Manzoni, is transformed into a Christmas Village complete with typical Swiss alpine huts, a Father Christmas and a daily schedule of Christmas themed entertainment. The other main plaza, Piazza della Reforma, is host to a Food Lover’s paradise offering Christmas themed food and drinks. The perfect place to escape from the cold and enjoy a hot chocolate or a glass of spiced mulled wine. Both are well worth a visit, especially if you have young children.

Whilst in town, ensure you also don’t miss seeing the Underwater Nativity Scene in Lake Lugano. Invisible by day, the scene comes to life when illuminated at night and is pure Christmas magic which is bound to put a smile on any person’s face, young or old.

Iceland

What makes Christmas in Iceland so special and iconic?

Could it be because Christmas celebrations lasts 26 days? Guaranteed snow? The Northern Lights? The spectacular ice caves? The several hours of firework displays on New Year’s Eve? Or could it be all of the above and much, much more?!

Iceland is a Christmas playground for tourists of all ages with plenty to see and do whilst on your trip. The capital, Reykjavik, offers stylish cocktail bars, fine restaurants and during the Christmas holidays, the city goes all out – expect to see ice skating rinks and plenty of Christmas markets, with the action kicking off at the start of December. For some quiet family time, booking a remote holiday cottage or chalet and a dog sledding trip is a must.

Whilst in the country, it would be rude not to try the country's famous Pylsur or 'Reykjavik’s Hot Dog'.

Travel Insurance

Wherever you decide to enjoy Christmas this winter, it’s important not to forget to buy an extensive travel insurance policy from Voyager Plus. Voyager Plus Travel Insurance policies offer 3 levels of cover and provides protection for the following:

• COVID cover included for Cancellation and Emergency Medical Expenses

• Emergency Medical Expenses up to £10,000,000

• Cancellation or Curtailment up to £10,000

• Missed Departure / Journey Disruption up to £1,000

• Baggage up to £3,500

• Personal Liability up to 3,000,000

• Wintersports cover (for an additional premium)

• And much more.

You can get a Voyager Plus Travel Insurance quote by visiting https://www.voyagertravelinsurance.co.uk or by calling our helpful team on 01483 806 680.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording here for the latest policy terms, conditions and exclusions.