Winter breaks to Europe
Winter comes in many ways in Europe. Whether you’re looking for the best place in Europe for some winter sun or you want to embrace the beauty found in the cold, there’s something for everyone.
From France's beautiful ski resorts and Germany's iconic Christmas markets to the Ardennes' glorious nature, a European winter holiday will steal your heart. For city lovers, take a ride along Amsterdam's romantic canals or learn about Copenhagen's rich cultural heritage. Whatever your destination, you’re in for an unforgettable holiday.
Whether you’re travelling with family and friends or planning a solo trip, explore our top picks for the best winter holiday destinations in Europe.
Chamonix, France
At the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix is one of the best ski holidays in Europe. The picturesque town is nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountaineering.
If you’re looking for winter snow holidays for non-skiers in Europe, there’s plenty more on offer here, from spa experiences to cosy log cabin stays. Choose Chamonix for your next winter holiday to enjoy a breathtaking alpine retreat, or discover more skiing holidays in France to find your perfect destination.
How to get there: Take our ferry route between Newhaven and Dieppe, and drive to Chamonix in 9 hours from our port in Dieppe.
Winterberg, Germany
Winterberg is a major ski resort and town in the Sauerland region of central Germany, making it a popular choice for winter holidays in Europe. The town is surrounded by mountains and rivers, offering fantastic opportunities to enjoy nature. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or mountaineering, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re planning an extended trip to Germany this winter, visit the nearby cities of Dortmund, Düsseldorf or Cologne to experience authentic German Christmas markets.
How to get there: Our nearest port is Dunkirk; from there, it is a 5-hour drive to Winterburg.
The Ardennes, Belgium
The Ardennes region spans Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Germany, letting you visit some of the best winter destinations in Europe in one road trip. The Ardennes is a historic area with many sightseeing opportunities, from medieval towns to war memorials and castles.
If you prefer spending time in nature, explore the region's dense forests and rolling hills. Planning a relaxing getaway? The Ardennes is an ideal location for a winter log cabin holiday in Europe, whether travelling with family, friends or as a couple.
How to get there: After taking our ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, it is a 3-hour drive to the Ardennes region.
Lyon, France
As the second biggest city in France, Lyon is the perfect place for a winter getaway in Europe as there’s a wide range of things to do. This varies from exploring the old, terracotta-tiled streets of Vieux Lyon to learning about the history of the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls or admiring the art in the Musee des Beaux-arts de Lyon.
Lyon is also known for its annual Festival of Light (“Fête des lumières”), which takes place in early December. It’s a great winter activity, and it’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
How to get there: From our port in Dieppe, it takes just under 7 hours to drive to Lyon.
Bruges, Belgium
The charming city of Bruges is known for its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings, making it a beautiful location for a winter weekend break. Take a boat trip to see the city from the water or explore on foot before visiting the authentic Belgian Christmas markets. Here, you can sample delicious food and drink, browse local artisans or go ice skating.
How to get there: Our closest port to Bruges is Dunkirk, an hour's drive from Bruges.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
With its picturesque canals, vibrant culture and impressive history, Amsterdam is one of Europe's top winter city breaks. Although it’s easy to get around on foot, cycling through the narrow streets or taking a boat tour lets you see the city differently.
Amsterdam is an art lovers' paradise, home to some of the world's most famous museums and galleries. When it’s time to take a break from sightseeing, you’ll be spoiled for choice with excellent restaurants, cafés and bars. It’s also one of the best destinations for a romantic weekend getaway, so discover our top tips for visiting Amsterdam as a couple.
How to get there: Our ferry route from Newhaven takes you straight to our port in Amsterdam.
Munich, Germany
The home of Oktoberfest, Munich is amongst Europe's best winter holiday destinations. From cosy Bierkellers with live entertainment to museums, galleries and incredible architecture, everyone can enjoy something here.
The famous German Christmas markets are a must-visit in winter; sample Bavarian dishes, try ice skating or shop for local crafts against the stunning backdrop of the city’s old town. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer trip driving around Germany, Munich won't disappoint.
How to get there: From our port in Amsterdam, it’s around a 9-hour drive to Munich.
What to Pack for Your Winter Holiday
While some places in Europe may experience a bit of winter sun, it typically gets very cold during winter. So, to make sure you’re prepared, here’s a list of packing essentials for your winter getaway in Europe:
- A waterproof, hooded winter coat
- Jumpers
- Base layers to wear underneath your clothes
- Waterproof, sturdy footwear
- Winter accessories, including a hat, a scarf and a pair of gloves
- Plenty of thick socks
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