Vienna, Austria

In December the Austrian capital impresses with romantic Christmas lights and a variety of Christmas markets. There, you'll find not only hot punch, mulled wine and cinnamon-y sweet Baumkuchen, but also all sorts of great souvenirs and festive crafts. If you want, rent a pair of ice skates and visit the ice skating paradise at Vienna's Rathausplatz. Or stroll, hot chocolate in hand, through the snowy winter wonderland of Schönbrunn Palace Park. For shopping, head to the city center and the Graben, and then enjoy a fine drink at Zum Schwarzen Kameel.

Where to stay

MOOONS Vienna

It's not just the central location at Vienna's main train station that makes MOOONS Vienna perfect for your next winter trip to Vienna. Here you are welcomed with style and pleasure: Modern interior design inspired by the nocturnal celestial body permeates the entire hotel. The rooms offer great views of the Quartier Belvedere or the city center. The restaurant offers its own Christmas and New Year's Eve menus. In addition, the design hotel warms the palates of guests in winter with mulled wine, punch and chestnuts in the lobby, as well as in the Outer Space garden. On New Year's Eve, guests celebrate together in the restaurant before toasting the new year at midnight at the MOOONS Rooftop Bar, which offers a fantastic view of the city. This year, the hotel is already fully booked for the end of the year, but you can never plan early enough for next year.

MOOONS Vienna
Wiedner Gürtel 16, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Web: mooons.com
Tel.: +43 1 96226
Christmas and New Year's Eve packages: doubles for 2 nights incl. breakfast and 3- or 4-course dinner from €362

Park Hyatt Vienna

At the Park Hyatt Vienna in the 1st district, you can experience Vienna from its most charming side: the luxurious hotel is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by exclusive boutiques and sights. After long days of shopping, one likes to retreat to the feel-good ambience of the hotel. Relaxing is particularly easy: the spacious suites with designer furniture and fine decoration of wood, marble and mother-of-pearl almost make you forget that you are not at home. And in the Arany Spa, located in the vaults of the former bank building, a sauna and pool area as well as soothing treatments await guests. Those who stop by the hotel to warm up in the afternoon are also treated to a cake buffet, hot drinks and sparkling champagne in the lounge. 

Park Hyatt Vienna
Am Hof 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Web: parkhyattvienna.com
Tel.: +43 1 227401234
Price: Doubles from €600

Tip for small town fans: Ischgl

If you're looking for urban flair on a small scale, head to Ischgl: the town in western Austria is the perfect mix of small-town ambience and big-city feel. Direct access to the ski slopes is paired by great luxury boutiques, restaurants and bars. Àpres-ski is also very important in Ischgl.

Where to stay

Superior Hotel Seiblishof Ischgl

The Seiblishof offers sophisticated luxury and Tyrolean coziness as well as a far-reaching view and a sense of home. After winter shopping or a sporty day of skiing in the Silvretta Arena, the four-star superior hotel awaits its guests with exquisite culinary delights in the restaurant: creatively interpreted international cuisine at its best is served on the plates. Those vacationing with kids know they are in good hands at the Unique kids' club. Meanwhile, the adults can treat themselves to a little rest in the Seiblishof Spa. Time flies in the 30 °C hot water of the crystal indoor pool with the splash shower, massage jets and a counter-current system. The sauna is also a perfect place for a much needed time out. This makes the Seiblishof the perfect place for relaxing moments in the small Austrian town with its big city vibes.

Superior Hotel Seiblishof Ischgl
Pasnatschweg 1, 6561 Ischgl, Tyrol, Austria
Web: seiblishof.com
Tel.: +43 5444 5425
Price: Doubles from €330

Zurich, Switzerland

Whether it's the charming little Märlitram driving through the streets of the old town or the smell of fresh chestnuts: Zurich attracts travelers from all over the world during the (pre-)Christmas season. At the many Advent markets, you will find countless stalls serving traditional dishes such as raclette or fondue. This warms even on icy days! Especially if you enjoy a mulled wine or sweet punch with it. And it goes without saying that Zurich's luxury shopping boulevard, Bahnhofstrasse, is particularly charming during the Christmas season. Especially great: The Landesmuseum is enchanting visitors with the Illuminarium until December 30. The installation combines culinary delights with an artistic light show.

Where to stay

Hotel Felix

In Zurich's Niederdorf district, known for its picturesque streets and pretty squares, is the Hotel Felix. Centrally located, the trendy hotel links laidback lux with a sensational sense of art and design. Those returning to the Felix from the winter hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, full of galleries, restaurants and boutiques, are greeted with casual hospitality and proximity to art. This makes the three-star superior hotel the ideal accommodation for urban travelers who like things to be relaxed in the often turbulent month of December. The highlight of the five room categories is the Felix Loft: the harmoniously decorated suite on the top floor of the hotel even has its own roof terrace! By the way: The name of the hotel goes back to the patron saint Felix, whose painting greets guests in the lobby.

The Hotel Felix is part of the Meili Selection Hotel Group. With six other hotels in Zurich and Klosters, Graubünden. Meili Selection stands for selected Swiss hotels with attention to detail. Each house is centrally located and has its very own history, which one is invited to discover.

Hotel Felix
Zähringerstrasse 25, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Web: hotelfelix.ch
Tel.: +41 442567600
Price: from CHF 185

The Dolder Grand

What could be more beautiful than gazing over snow-covered Zurich during the cold season? The Dolder Grand, with its elevated location between the city and nature, is perfect for just such expansive views. In addition, the five-star hotel impresses with stylish luxury, which shows itself in a variety of ways. For example, in the culinary arts, where guests dine in multiple award-winning restaurants - including The Restaurant with 2 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points. Or in the rooms and suites, which are so chic and cozy that you won't want to leave them. During Advent, The Dolder Grand also surprises its guests with Christmas specials and many special events and offers:

Jug Chalet Pop Up: The rustic Krug Chalet on the Saltz Terrace features the Signature Fondue, including delicious side dishes and a bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée Champagne.
High Tea: The library will host an English tea party with champagne, tea and treats by the fire.
Goose to go: The Dolder Goose, including the classic side dishes, is available ready to go until December 26.
New Year's Eve: Live music, champagne and the view over Zurich: that's New Year's Eve at The Dolder Grand.

The Dolder Grand
Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
Web: thedoldergrand.com
Tel.: +41 44 456 60 00
Price: from CHF 550

Spain

The Iberian Peninsula is one of our favorite destinations not only in summer: In winter, there are quite special seasonal highlights to experience in Spain's cities, in addition to the usual sights. Many streets and squares are decorated from December to January with countless lights and atmospherically lit trees. In the centers, markets attract with traditional products of every kind and everywhere travelers can experience typical Spanish traditions.

In Málaga, for example, you can visit not only the temporary exhibitions at the Picasso Museum in winter, but also countless Advent markets or the traditional giant nativity scenes. During a Sevilla stay, you shouldn't miss a flamenco show in a tablao or the country's classic Christmas baked goods: If you like it sweet, turrones, polvorones and marzipan are a good choice. There's no need to mention that you can't leave Spain without nibbling at least once on the warm "Churros con chocolate," the world-famous lard pastries with hot chocolate. Of course, these delicacies can also be enjoyed in other Spanish cities. For example, in Madrid, where the famous San Silvestre Vallecana marathon also takes place. Fast inter-city trips are facilitated by the extensive network of high-speed trains, plus all major cities have international airports.

By the way - those who stay in the country over the New Year, should eat twelve grapes at midnight and wear a red garment as a good luck tradition 

Good to know:

For shopping fans, it is worthwhile to travel to Spain even in January. On the one hand, the Christmas season slowly comes to an end around January 6 with the Feast of the Three Kings. On the other hand, the famous winter sales begin throughout the country on January 7. In some regions of the country, these sales last until the end of March. Find inspiration for wonderful Christmas souvenirs here.

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