Does celebrating Christmas in Europe have to be cold? Don't get it twisted—a white Christmas is great and all, but sometimes, you just need a break from the freezing weather. So this holiday season, why not fly off to a warm European destination instead? There's Sicily, for example, which is always vibrant, no matter the time of year. The Greek Islands, on the other hand, remain sunny all year round and each has its own unique Mediterranean charms. And Spain's Canary Islands are also incredible, especially since they're the hottest place in Europe in December. Any of these wonderfully warm destinations will do!
Sicily
Southern Italy stays warm all year round, even during December, so what makes Sicily an especially notable destination for a warm Christmas celebration? Well, it's the liveliness of the place. In the bigger
towns in Sicily, the holidays are a pretty big deal. Just take a look at Palermo, the island's capital. Christmas lights brighten up the grand Baroque buildings in the city, while the public square sets up an exciting holiday market. You can also go to Teatro Massimo to watch the most incredible holiday shows or to Teatro Politeama to hear symphonic performances of classic Christmas carols.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cyprus
Since Cyprus gets pretty crowded around summertime, why not go here during winter? Better yet, you can even celebrate Christmas here! Though there are still a lot of people, Cyprus doesn't get as hectic in December as it does in other parts of the year. The liveliness is just right, allowing you to have a great time absorbing all the seaside sceneries and natural wonders. The country is especially worthwhile for history buffs, as the various stories that took place here go back to ancient times. It's even more fascinating since Cyprus is divided into two parts, one dominated by Turkey and the other by Greece.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Greek Islands
Speaking of Greece, the
Greek Islands are the ultimate holiday destinations! And by holiday, this refers to both definitions—a day of festivity (i.e. Christmas) and the British word for vacation. No matter the time of year, the Greek Islands never fail to enchant with their natural beauty and alluring mystique. And if you're going here for Christmas, you'd do well to stick to the more vivacious islands like
Mykonos,
Santorini,
Crete, and more. They have the perfect nightlife scenes to ensure that your holiday season won't be a boring one, even if you traveled to these islands to escape your daily life!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands may not be as famous as the Greek Islands but they're just as enchanting. Not to mention just as perfect for a warm Christmas this year (or every year, for that matter!). The most notable is Gran Canaria, the largest among the Canary Islands. It's actually the hottest place in Europe in December, with the temperature going as high as 72°F (22°C). Who wouldn't want to come here to escape the winter cold? It helps that the Santa Lucia de Tirajana municipality holds an annual festival during the month too, making for quite the holiday
fiesta indeed!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ibiza
If your Christmas is all about partying look no further than
Ibiza! The most famous of the Balearic Islands, it's the
ultimate party island on the planet. Every summer, people from all around the world would descend to this largely rural destination and have the time of their lives. It's also largely the same around Christmastime too, especially since the holiday parties here can get pretty wild. With the sun shining down on you day after day, you'll find it hard to leave. So why not stay until the New Year and party hard all over again?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Madeira Island
If you're not the type to party but you still want a warm Christmas, there's also Portugal's
Madeira Island. Also one of the hottest places in Europe in December, you're guaranteed to feel the heat come Christmastime. What truly makes this place a standout, however, is its natural beauty. Many have referred to Madeira Island as the “Hawaii of Europe” because it's full of volcanos. What's stopping you from hiking up each and every one for your holiday plans this year? That surely beats shivering in the winter cold, doesn't it? Talk about a warm Christmas indeed!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lisbon
Still, Christmas is all about the rush, isn't it? Having to shop for gifts to give to your loved ones. Thinking up what to serve for Christmas dinner then having to shop for that too. And seeing the incredible Christmas lights and displays throughout the city. Without all of these, it might not feel like Christmas to you. So perhaps it's better that you travel to
Lisbon this holiday season instead. As the capital city of Portugal, the place is always busy, even more so around Christmas time. It has all the hoopla of the holiday season but with the warmth of the Mediterranean.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
French Riviera
Finally, there's the
French Riviera! Firstly, it should be noted that this famous coast and all its dreamy cities aren't exactly the sunniest places in Europe in December. The weather is a lot milder compared to other parts of France, sure, but it's more like springtime compared to the summer heat in the Canary Islands, Cyprus, and more. With that said, the entire region still offers a warm Christmas, packed with fun festivals, bustling markets, and more. In the more cosmopolitan towns like
Cannes,
Saint Tropez, and Marseille, you can expect great holiday parties too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
As beautiful as a white Christmas is, the cold can get a bit much at times. If you can't take it anymore, escape to southern Europe and enjoy a sunny holiday season. It'll be your most memorable Christmas celebration yet!
