Europe's Best Christmas and Skiing Destinations for Families

Lapland, Finland

Imagine spending Christmas in a fairy-tale like destination, or whooshing down the slopes at some of the world's best ski resorts. Europe offers you the chance to do both, and when it comes to family-friendly options they have some incredible options for Family Friendly Holiday Vacations.

Get ready for an enchanting experience as we explore the most festive and picturesque cities that epitomize the true spirit of Christmas. From meeting Santa in Lapland to indulging in the delightful Christmas markets of France and Denmark, we'll guide you to the perfect destinations for creating lifelong memories. And if skiing is your passion, we'll also unveil the top ski resorts in Switzerland and France, where you can hit the slopes and soak in the winter wonderland. Let the adventure begin!

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Euro Magical Christmas Destinations

Lapland, Finland at Christmas

Lapland, Finland
Known as Santa's official home, Lapland provides the ultimate Christmas experience. Picture your family meeting Santa Claus, getting involved with his elves in the workshop, and reindeer sleigh rides through wintry landscapes. Even the chance to witness awe-inspiring Northern Lights makes Lapland a truly unforgettable destination.

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Strassburg, France Christmas Market

Straßburg, France

Straßburg proudly holds the title of 'Capital of Christmas,' boasting one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets. Make your way through the city adorned with enchanting lights and decorations, treat your kids to a ride on the Petit train de Noël (Christmas Train), and indulge in delightful Alsatian cuisine, for a classic French festive experience.

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Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen at Christmas

Copenhagen, Denmark

Experience Christmas in Copenhagen where the city's vintage amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, turns into a mesmerizing Christmas market. Glittering lights, cozy stalls, delightful treats, and an ice-skating rink, all add up to a perfect Christmas experience for everyone in the family.

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Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich takes Christmas festivities to a whole new level. Known for its vibrant Christmas markets, illuminated streets, and the Singing Christmas Tree (an actual group of choristers, arranged in a tree formation), Zurich prides itself on delivering a unique yuletide experience. Take your family on a quest to find the grandest Christmas tree adorned with Swarovski crystal decorations. Be part of the parades, enchanting light shows, and don't forget to indulge in some Swiss chocolate for a wholesome family treat.

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Europe's Top Family Ski Holiday Destinations:

Zermatt, Switzerland Family Ski Destination

1. Val Gardena, Italy:
Renowned for its charming alpine villages, Val Gardena offers a perfect combination of breathtaking scenery and family-friendly ski resorts. With a variety of well-groomed slopes suitable for all skill levels, this Italian destination provides a great skiing experience for both kids and adults. The region also boasts excellent ski schools, dedicated children's areas, and plenty of off-piste activities, such as tobogganing and snowshoeing.

2. Les Trois Vallées, France:
As the largest ski area in the world, Les Trois Vallées in the French Alps guarantees an unforgettable skiing adventure for families. With over 600 kilometers of interconnected slopes, there are endless possibilities for exploration. The region features numerous beginner-friendly areas, children's ski schools, and a wide range of non-ski activities like ice skating, swimming, and dog sledding.

3. Zermatt, Switzerland:
Zermatt is a picturesque Swiss village that offers unparalleled skiing and a charming atmosphere. Families visiting this destination can enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn, one of the world's most famous peaks. Zermatt prides itself on its family-oriented facilities, including dedicated children's slopes, ski kindergartens, and professional childcare services. Don't miss the chance to indulge in Swiss chocolate and traditional fondue after a day on the slopes.

4.St. Anton, Austria:
For families seeking a mix of world-class skiing and a lively après-ski scene, St. Anton is an excellent choice. Situated in the Austrian Tyrol, this village offers a wide range of ski terrain catering to all abilities. St. Anton's ski schools are renowned for their professionalism and friendly approach, making it a great place for kids to learn and improve their skills. The pedestrian-friendly streets and cozy mountain huts enhance the overall charm of this alpine destination.

5. Åre, Sweden:
Åre, nestled in the scenic Swedish mountains, is a fantastic choice for families looking for a cozy and friendly ski destination. This resort offers well-groomed slopes suitable for all levels, and the ski school provides excellent instruction for children. Additionally, Åre offers exciting off-piste activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, ensuring that families have a memorable and diverse Nordic experience.

These European ski destinations provide a winning combination of stunning mountain scenery, well-maintained slopes, and family-friendly amenities and activities. Whether you choose Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, or Sweden, you can look forward to an unforgettable family ski adventure.

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