After a hectic year, winter city breaks are the perfect pick-me-up with our partners. Winter is one of the most romantic times to travel, with sparkling Christmas markets, snowy scenery, fairytale cobbled streets and, of course, a cosy mug of mulled wine. With December to February being the best time for a winter city break we wanted to find out which cities are the most popular.
The research, conducted by Queensmith, engagement and wedding ring specialists analysed google searches between December 2021 and February 2022.
The 10 most popular Christmas holiday destinations
|
Rank |
Cities |
Country |
Google Searches |
|
1 |
New York |
USA |
32,800 |
|
2 |
Amsterdam |
Netherlands |
21,600 |
|
3 |
Paris |
France |
19,100 |
|
4 |
Czech Republic |
12,700 |
|
|
5 |
Dublin |
Ireland |
12,700 |
|
6 |
London |
UK |
11,200 |
|
7 |
Krakow |
Poland |
10,100 |
|
8 |
Budapest |
Hungary |
10,100 |
|
9 |
Berlin |
Germany |
8,500 |
|
10 |
Edinburgh |
Scotland |
8,400 |
In first place as the most popular holiday destination over winter was New York with 32,800 Google searches over the months December to February. The city boasts plenty of holiday activities for couples like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Saks fith Avenue annual holiday light show, and several holiday markets. With 29% chance of snowfall, you can enjoy a white-covered, Central Park and live out your inner Buddy the Elf. The average cost to get married in New York is $48,600 (around £39,000), which ranks third among the most expensive states in the US to have a wedding in 2022.
In second place was Amsterdam with 21,600 Google searches from December to February. The colder months are a magical time to visit the Dutch capital, think of cosy nights, hearty food, and twinkly lights over the canals. With an abundance of luxurious hotels, romantic restaurants and scenic spots for loved-up moments it’s not surprising that it is so highly searched throughout winter.
It’s no surprise that the French capital, Paris made an appearance in the top three, ranking third popular over winter with 19,100 google searches. Paris, the city of love, makes a perfect romantic getaway any time of the year, but winter in Paris is particularly romantic with several Christmas markets, festive lights, beautiful landmarks and plenty of cosy, intimate restaurants you can dine in with your loved one.
Both London and Edinburgh in the UK made the list with London being sixth most popular destination with 11,200 searches and Edinburgh tenth with 8,400. Christmas in both London and Edinburgh is so festive and exciting. The cities are decked out with Christmas lights, carol singers pop up at tube and train stations, and pubs across the capitals become extra inviting with warm cosy fires and mulled wine.
The research by Queensmith also revealed the most romantic cities for a winter break. Analysing factors such as chance of snowfall, the number of romantic attractions, restaurants and hotels per 100,000, most Instagrammed Christmas markets and divorce rates they were able to reveal the most romantic city breaks to experience with the one you love this winter.
In first place, as the most romantic winter city break away is UK beauty spot Bath, with a romance score of 36.05/50. With 97 romantic activities per 100,000, you can take a stroll through its quaint streets hand in hand, enjoy a soak in the natural thermal waters of Thermae Bath Spa, browse the shops and cosy up in one of the 28 romantic hotels.
In second place was Bruges in Belgium with a romance score of 35.12/50. Possibly one of the most adorable, quaint mediaeval cities in Europe, winter in Bruges is charming and magical.
And in third place, another UK location is Edinburgh, Scotlands capital with a romance score of 34.75/50, a charming and beautiful city, with plenty of cute restaurants and romantic walks. Edinburgh also placed as having the third most picturesque Christmas market with 44,381 posts on Instagram. With the impressive castle as its backdrop- you can’t get much more fairytale-esque than that.