Whether it’s Christmas markets or festive sightseeing, winter can be a magical time to take a city break. The new study, which was commissioned by value package holiday provider, easyJet holidays has shown that when it comes to booking a break, Rome tops the list.  

Over two thirds of participants stated they like to take a festive city break in the first two weeks of December, with most participants enjoying being back home for Christmas week.  

Half of those polled admitted to booking city breaks to spend time with loved ones (47%), get in the Christmas spirit (61%), and take a well-earned break from work (31%).  

Whilst on a city break, ice skating (17%) and trying the local food (55%) rank highly on the agenda. When choosing the ultimate festive break destination, a lot of thoughtful planning and consideration takes place. More than 53% of participants said they head for ideally where there is snow (27%) and Christmas markets (67%).   

Rome

From pizza and pasta to festive panettone – Rome holidays are simply full of romance and wonder. Christmas in Italy is full of luminous light shows, religious ceremonies, and the famous PIAZZA NOVANA market, perfect for present shopping.

Paris

Light displays, Christmas markets, ice skating, concerts, and funfairs – Paris has it all. Paris is a city that rewards the ‘flâneur’ – the idle stroller who takes things as they come so take a winter walk by the sparkling Eiffel Tower.

Amsterdam

Go ice skating by the famous ‘I Am Amsterdam’ sign or take a walk by the fairy light lit canals. Festive holidays to Amsterdam can be a real feast for the taste buds – try Dutch delicacies such as raw herring, Gouda cheese and gooey Stroopwafels.

Berlin

Berlin, a vibrant city full of history, adventure, and unique culture. Germany’s capital is home to some of the world’s best Christmas markets, and if you’re lucky you’ll experience a winter wonderland flurry of snow.

Reykjavik

Discover a city with a cool, Christmassy cosmopolitan vibe, a flourishing festive food and drink scene, and a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses that offer endless satisfying photo opportunities. Or, how about take a dip in the snowy Blue Lagoon?

Matt Callaghan, Director of Customer and Operations at easyJet holidays, comments: “Our customers find city breaks are the perfect way to immerse themselves in a new destination – even those with a busy schedule can fit a few days away in. After a difficult couple of years, few of us have been able to fully get into the Christmas spirit, so it’s wonderful to see Brits being able to feel festive at Christmas markets and soak up the snow again”.