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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd

Rome named the best city in Europe for a festive Christmas break

Italy's capital has been named the best place on the Continent for a festive break.

When most people think of Rome, the first images that come to mind are probably of the Colosseum or Forum in the high Italian summer.

While the historical city is the perfect place to visit for fans of drinking spritzes outside late into the summer's evening, it's also a magical destination in the winter.

In a poll of 2,000 Brits of winter break intentions conducted by easyJet, over half said trying local food was high on their agenda.

The Piazza del Popolo looks very good at Christmas (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

More than half of participants travel to where there is likely to be snow, and 67% are keen to see Christmas markets.

The Italian capital certainly doesn't tick the snow box, as flakes have only fallen there on seven times in the past 20 years.

What it does have in abundance is an air of seasonal romance.

Christmas in Rome is full of luminous light shows, high religious ceremonies, and the famous Piazza Novana.

Those who do want a slice of pizza along with their festive magic can book a three night stay, with breakfast, at the 4* Ars for £221 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from London Gatwick on 14 December 2022.

The second most sought after Christmas break destination was Paris.

The European capital of love ticks all of the boxes when it comes to a minibreak, including beautiful light displays, ice skating, funfairs and markets.

Paris is a city that rewards the ‘flâneur’ – the idle stroller who takes things as they come, whether that be the sparkling Eiffel Tower or a charming Parisian looking for a festive romance.

Three nights at the 4* Originals Boutique Maison Montmartre costs £275 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from Bristol on 12 December 2022.

Paris sparkles at Christmas (Getty Images/Photononstop RF)

Amsterdam took the third podium spot.

Visitors to the Dutch capital can go skating by the famous ‘I Am Amsterdam’ sign or take a walk by the illuminated canals.

Festive holidays to Amsterdam can be a real feast for the taste buds with Dutch delicacies such as raw herring, Gouda cheese and gooey Stroopwafels on the menu.

Three nights at the 3* Best Western Zaan Inn on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £249 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from London Stansted on 13 December 2022.

Berlin, a vibrant city full of history, adventure, and unique culture, is fourth in the rankings.

Germany’s capital is home to some of the world’s best Christmas markets and is regularly treated to a heavy coat of snow.

Three nights at the 4* Art’otel Berlin Kudamm can be yours for £309 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from London Gatwick on 12 December 2022.

Berlin is famous for its Christmas markets (HAYOUNG JEON/EPA-EFE/REX)

Those looking to head a little further afield may want to visit Reykjavik.

In recent years the Icelandic capital has welcomed more and more visitors who enjoy a flourishing festive food and drink scene and a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses that offer endless satisfying photo opportunities.

The high chances of seeing the Northern Lights also sweetens the deal.

Three nights with breakfast at the 4* Centerhotel Arnarhvoll are available for £283 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from London Gatwick on 12 December 2022.

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