Which city to visit this Christmas?

Strasbourg (France)

And yes, Yupwego is international, so we can tell our French-speaking friends about the famous Christkindelsmärik! This is one of the must-see Christmas markets. It was created in… the Middle Ages! That’s right! It’s one of the oldest markets in Europe and one of the most visited. The exceptional setting makes it all the more sublime. And don’t forget that he’s the originator of the character who became Santa Claus.

If you like this kind of atmosphere, the village of Riquewihr is also splendid, and very close to Strasbourg!

Prague (Czech Republic)

This beautiful city is home to a number of Christmas markets that will put you in a festive mood from dusk onwards. The best-known is on the Place de la Vieille Ville, lined with traditional facades. It’s the perfect place to stroll among the chalets, listen to the choirs and sip a glass of mulled wine.

Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the Town Hall Tower for a panoramic view of the city and the square. (By taking the stairs, of course, to get rid of the trdelnik you’ll have eaten just before…).

Other markets are scattered around the city, including the charming Male Namesti market.

Vienna (Austria)

Rathausplatz is home to one of Europe’s best-known Christmas markets! Its success is hardly surprising.

All the magic of Christmas can be found in this square, which houses the town hall. Countless chalets, a gigantic ice rink, horse-drawn carriages…

It’s all there!

Other markets liven up the town’s squares. The festivities start early, around mid-November! (And here I thought I’d got the decorations out too soon…)

London (United Kingdom)

Here, too, the end-of-year festivities begin early. Some neighborhoods even inaugurate their Christmas decorations at the beginning of November!
There’s plenty on offer: Christmas markets (the London Bridge City Christmas Market is pretty incredible!), concerts in St Paul’s Cathedral, the Hyde Park Christmas funfair, ice rinks (you’ll end up becoming an expert!)…

It’s even possible to eat outside some restaurants, in igloos of sorts. I love the idea!

Of course, don’t forget to don your best Bridget Jones Christmas sweater for the occasion.

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Many people like to visit Amsterdam on sunny days and stroll around the city. You’ll be just as enchanted by a winter stroll.

The traditional houses and the many canals that criss-cross the city seem magical at this time of year.
Christmas markets, wooden chalets, skating rinks… you’ll find all the Christmas classics!

The highlight is the “Light Festival”, which has been held for several years, from late November to mid-January. It’s an illuminated trail of around 25 works of art specially created by national and international artists, spread around the city. We recommend a cruise to get up close to these works of art and enjoy the magic of their reflections on the water. (Romantic alert number 2!)

You can also discover them by following the pedestrian route.

New York (United States)

A little further afield, yes… but obviously a top destination for Christmas celebrations!
Another spirit, another continent, a fast-paced city.

And yet, the magic of the holiday season is alive and well, and the Big Apple is shining brightly. The United States is fond of (sometimes extravagant!) holiday decorations, and New York is no exception to these traditions!

You can discover the city under the lights, admire the Christmas tree in the famous Rockefeller Center, Central Park under the snow…

Just like in the movies!

Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso -Africa)

It’s the YUPWEGO founder’s favourite exotic destination! So I’m going to let him tell you all about his crush…

“A few years ago, I spent Christmas in Ouagadougou, Burkina, and I remember this little white-painted clay fir tree against the baobab (the palaver tree), and my African friends asking me why the tree was white?

I told them it was white because of the snow, and not knowing what snow was, I started telling snow and Christmas stories under the palaver tree, like an African storyteller.

I could see young and old alike, their eyes shining with wonder as I drew what a snowflake looked like with a stick on the ochre earth. This human bond was, by far, the greatest of all gifts on earth.”

The magic of the festive season… The cosy atmosphere, by the fireside, a cup of hot chocolate (or a grog?) cradled in the palm of your hands. The end of the year is approaching, and with it, the desire to discover cities that light up in winter to make our big children’s eyes shine.

Here’s a nice selection…