5 to try: Winter holidays Be the first to comment 29 November 2011

The school Christmas break is just weeks away, but if you’re craving snow, roaring fires and carols by candlelight, there’s still just enough time to book that winter holiday. From skiing in the Swiss Alps to Europe’s best Christmas markets, plus the chance to meet Santa himself, we round up the best winter destinations that have something for all the family.

Vienna, Austria
Advent is a magical time in the city of Vienna, and the annual ‘Christkindlmarkt’ on the main square in front of the town hall is one of Europe’s most visited Christmas markets. Dating back more than seven centuries, it runs from November 19 to December 26, which means there’s plenty of time to pick up those presents ahead of Christmas. There’s something for everyone to get into the festive mood, from handcrafted traditional toys and gingerbread men for the kids, and warming glühwein for the grown ups. Inside the town hall, you’ll find a daily workshop where kids can create goodies like spiced biscuits, or venture into the nearby Rathauspark, for twinkling fairy lights adorning the trees, trips on the Christkindl express, pony rides through the snow and fantastical Christmas scenes.

Reasonably priced and a short walk from the city hall, the Mercure Josefshof Wien is a good option for families. One child up to the age of 16 can stay for free (when sharing an adult room with parents), and the apartment rooms also feature kitchenettes (prices start at QR815 per room per night).
Fly direct to Vienna via Dubai with Austrian Airlines and Emirates.