Winter in Europe brings with it an undeniable charm, as towns and cities don their brightest and most festive attire. From twinkling streets to glowing markets, these destinations offer some of the most magical light displays you’ll find this season. Pack your scarf and gloves, and get ready to be dazzled…
Ljubljana: Where Tradition Glows Bright
Slovenia’s capital transforms into a winter wonderland when December rolls around. The city’s lights, originally conceptualised by artist Zmago Modic, are a spectacle of cosmic beauty. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River, where trees shimmer with cascading lights and bridges glow with intricate patterns. Don’t miss the illuminated Old Town, where medieval streets sparkle with festive cheer. For a truly heartwarming moment, visit Prešeren Square and its towering Christmas tree, radiating joy under the watchful gaze of Ljubljana Castle.
Stay at the elegant Antiq Palace, a serene retreat in the heart of Slovenia’s capital.
Vienna: Imperial Grandeur in Sparkling Lights
Vienna doesn’t just celebrate the festive season; it orchestrates it. The city’s famed Christmas markets are a riot of golden lights, from the Rathausplatz’s iconic market to the romantic Spittelberg stalls tucked into cobblestone streets. The glittering chandeliers lining the Graben are unmissable, offering a regal glow that reflects the city’s imperial heritage. End your evening with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the illuminated Ringstrasse, where historic buildings are bathed in a soft, magical light.
Choose between the historic charm of Hotel Erzherzog Rainer or the timeless elegance of Hotel Stefanie, Vienna’s oldest hotel.
Opatija: The Riviera Sparkles
Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, Opatija brings a Mediterranean twist to winter. The town’s Advent by the Sea celebration combines the sound of waves with the glow of festive lights. Stroll the Lungomare promenade, where strings of twinkling bulbs wrap around palm trees and festive stalls offer mulled wine and local delicacies. Don’t miss St. Jacob’s Park, where light installations transform the lush gardens into a serene, glowing retreat. Opatija’s seaside charm truly shines in winter.
Enjoy coastal luxury at Hotel Agava, Hotel Milenij, or the charming Hotel Sveti Jakov.
Prague: A Gothic Glow
Prague’s already dramatic skyline becomes even more enchanting under a canopy of winter lights. The Christmas market in Old Town Square is a focal point, with the Týn Church and Astronomical Clock serving as the perfect illuminated backdrop. Cross the Charles Bridge at dusk to see the city bathed in golden light, with the Prague Castle twinkling like a fairytale fortress in the distance. For a more local experience, head to the neighbourhood of Vyšehrad, where quieter light displays offer a peaceful glow above the Vltava River.
Discover Prague’s quiet sophistication at Villa Lanna.
Bergen, Norway: Nordic Magic
In Bergen, winter lights take on a special Nordic magic. The UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf sparkles under a dusting of snow, with its colourful wooden houses glowing from within. The Pepperkakebyen (Gingerbread City), the world’s largest gingerbread village, is a sight to behold, lit up with miniature lights that bring festive cheer to all ages. For a breathtaking view of the illuminated town and its surrounding fjords, take the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen—an experience that feels straight out of a winter fairytale.
Unwind at the welcoming Park Hotel Bergen
St. Moritz: Alpine Elegance in Lights
St. Moritz is not just about skiing; it’s also about sparkling evenings. This chic Swiss town embraces winter with tasteful light displays that highlight its snow-draped streets and upscale shops. The Christmas market in Plazza Rosatsch offers a cosy glow, with stalls serving mulled wine and alpine delicacies under a canopy of fairy lights. For a truly luxurious view, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Engadin Valley, where you can see the snowy peaks illuminated by the soft light of the moon and stars.
Soak in the Alpine splendour at Hotel Waldhaus Sils or Cresta Palace Celerina.