For all the moaning we locals might do about the cold weather, there is something magical about that first snowfall that sparkles at night when the Christmas lights are all aglow. Celebrations during the holiday season erupt across the city. Even hidden parts of the town come alive during this festive time. From light displays to holiday art markets and other events, there seems to be no lack of things to do around Christmas time. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in T.O. during the holidays, I’ve narrowed the list down to only the best of the best of Toronto at Christmastime.

Table Of Contents

1. The Distillery Winter Village
2. Christmas at Casa Loma
3. St. Lawrence Market
4. Kringlewood
5. One-of-a-Kind Winter Show
6. Nathan Phillips Skating Rink
7. Hudson's Bay Windows
8. Black Creek Pioneer Village Christmas
9. Swedish Christmas Fair
10. Campbell House Museum Immersive 'Christmas Carol'
11. Kensington Market Lights Festival
12. Miracle Bar Toronto
13. Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market
14. Nutcracker Ballet

The Distillery Winter Village

When you visit the Distillery District during the holidays, you will feel like you are in a winter wonderland! The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most charming spots. Built in 1832, the old Gooderham and Worts Distillery has been preserved to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The cobblestone streets and restored Victorian Industrial buildings have been transformed into a pedestrian-only neighbourhood with amazing restaurants, cozy bars and unique boutiques. 

And there is no better time to visit the Distillery District than at Christmastime when the entire area is converted into the Distillery Winter Village. The streets are transformed with millions of twinkle lights and Christmas baubles. Wooden market stalls pop up, and the entire place feels like a European Christmas Market in downtown Toronto. It’s a great spot to do some holiday shopping, listen to carollers wandering down candlelit alleys and just soak up the gorgeous architecture while sipping on a warm hot chocolate!

Dates & Tickets

The market opens on November 17th, and the event’s last day is December 31st.

Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 PM and December 27-31 after 4:00 PM. At all other times, access is free of charge and tickets are not required. Your ticket time window indicates what time you can enter the distillery. But there is no limit to your visit duration. 

The market is always packed on the weekend after 4 PM, hence the requirement for ticketing so they can control crowd levels. If you can go during the week, this will be your best chance to visit when it’s less busy. I always advise going during the week if you can.

Tickets are $11 + HST each. Kids 9 and under are FREE of charge.

Christmas at Casa Loma

One thing you might not expect to find in the middle of Toronto is a castle! But here it is, Casa Loma! Ok, it might not technically be a real castle since those need to be permanent residences for nobility or royalty. But Casa Loma has, since its inception, been colloquially called “Toronto’s Castle.” Casa Loma was built in 1911 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Pellatt bought up some of the most prestigious real estate in Toronto, high atop Spadina Road, looking out over the city. He wanted to design a house that resembled an old European gothic mansion. And the result was the biggest private residence ever constructed in Canada! While the exterior is definitely a marvel, the stunning interiors are just as, if not more, impressive. And today, the old residence serves as a historical monument and a popular wedding venue!

Christmas at the Castle

Visitors can explore Casa Loma’s gorgeous interiors every December and experience a palatial seasonal event. Personally, I think there is no better time to visit Casa Loma. This palace was built to host a glorious Christmas spectacle. With its soaring interior, the great hall features a 40-ft tall Christmas tree covered in the finest decorations. Celebrated Canadian interior designers from all over the country are invited to Casa Loma to decorate one room each for the holidays. Each one is as unique as the next and so interesting to see everyone’s different take on holiday decor.

If you bring the kids, you’ll be able to see Santa in his castle workshop and even talk to some of his elves. My favourite part is grabbing a cup of hot cocoa, exploring the illuminated gardens, and listening to the live music playing throughout the day. Simply magical.

Casa Loma Tickets

Ticket prices start at $30 and vary throughout the week. The best advice is to book your tickets in advance as certain busy times will sell out.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of the most popular foodie destinations in Toronto. It originated as a small public market in 1803 but grew in size and eventually expanded in 1814 into the building you see today. It is Toronto’s “temple of food,” with over 120 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to meats, cheeses and other specialty items.

The market is all decked out for the holidays during the Christmas season. Bells are hung from the ceiling with care, and twinkling illuminated snowflakes decorate the brick walls outside. Since Toronto is such a multicultural city, the market is filled with seasonal treats from all over the world! It’s a fantastic place to try Christmas classics from Canada and beyond! Plus, beautiful seasonal gifts to bring home for your loved ones. The gingerbread men as always a hit with the kids!

Market Hours:

South Market is open Tuesdays – Fridays – 9am to 7pm, Saturdays – 7am to 5pm, Sundays – 10am to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays. The farmer’s market is held Saturdays from 5am to 3pm.

Kringlewood

As a Torontonian, I love to encourage more tourists to visit a local neighbourhood and simply wander the streets. This becomes even more interesting during the winter as you can admire the incredible Christmas displays certain neighbourhoods put on. It almost feels like a competition, with one house always trying to outdo another.

But with a city as large as Toronto, where do you go? I’ll tell you where Kringlewood. Better known as Inglewood Drive, this quiet, tree-lined street is located just south of St Clair Avenue East. But at Christmas time, the area transforms into ‘Kringlewood‘ by the massive inflatable Santas that decorate almost every house on the street.

It all started in 2013 when one resident put up her 14-foot inflatable Santa. People found the adorable guy a simple way to decorate for the holidays. Other houses on the street followed suit, putting up their matching Santa. Before they knew it, almost everyone on the street had one, and it was a sea of Santa. Eventually, the craze caught the eye of people from outside the neighbourhood. Visitors began coming in from all over the city to see what the fuss was about. Today it is almost a Christmastime landmark in Toronto. 

One-of-a-Kind Winter Show

The One-of-a-Kind Show is an event in Toronto that occurs throughout the year that is a big hit with locals, and tourists often miss out on it! This giant craft and artisan show happen inside the Enercare Centre, within Exhibition Place. Every year at Christmas time, over 600 artists from across the country gather to sell their handmade goods.

This is often my favourite spot to shop for Christmas presents and unique seasonal decor you won’t find anywhere else! It’s amazing how long you can spend wandering around the vendors here. Just admiring all the incredible things people can create! Sometimes it feels like going to an art gallery, but here, you can actually afford most of the art you see on the walls! 

Hours & Admission

November 24 – December 4 | Weekdays & Saturdays: 10am to 9pm | Sunday: 10am to 6pm | Late Night Hours: December 1, 10 AM-11 PM

Tickets: $23 Adults | $17 Seniors | $17 Youth 5-17

Nathan Phillips Skating Rink

Nathan Phillips Square is one of the most iconic sights in Toronto. It stands in front of our rather obtrusive-looking City Hall. But thankfully, the Skating Rink out front is always so beautifully decorated for Christmas that it makes up for that brutalist architecture. The square also features the famous “Toronto” illuminated sign that everyone needs to get their picture in front of to say they actually were here! A giant Christmas tree is erected every year outside the City Hall, making the square a lively and charming place to visit during the holidays.

During the wintertime, the skating is open to the public. There is a skate rental on the premises, so you don’t need to have your own skates to slide around the rink! Even if you’ve never skated before, the atmosphere here is so friendly, and you can go at your own pace. They even play Christmas music throughout the day, so you can really get into the Christmas spirit while on the ice!

Hours & Prices

November 27th – March 20th, 10am – 9:45pm Everyday
Rates: Children 12 and under: $10.00 | Adults: $15.00 | Helmets: $5.00 | Hats and Mitts: $5.00
Prices are based on a 2-hour rental.

Hudson’s Bay Windows

Founded in 1670, Hudson’s Bay is a Canadian shopping staple. And every year, when they unveil their holiday window displays, people always flock to see them. It’s a tradition for many to bundle up and head over to Yonge & Queen to walk around “the Bay” to see their Storybook-inspired Christmas displays. Many Torontonia makes this a Christmas tradition, bringing the family down to admire the incredible artistry. So much so that they have red velvet ropes outside the windows to better allow people to line up and see them like a museum exhibition. If you’re in the area, this is definitely a must-see piece of Toronto!

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Black Creek Pioneer Village Christmas

As a young kid, Black Creek Pioneer Village was somewhere we were dragged to on field trips. And I don’t think I ever really appreciated how cool it was. But as an adult who loves history, I love a walk back in time through this charming open-air heritage museum. At Christmas, the entire park is transformed. A sea of Christmas lights blankets the old farm. Warm, roaring fireplaces make for a cozy escape from the cold. And old-fashioned oil lamps are hung in the holly and ivy-covered windows along the dirt pathways.

Their ‘Festive Nights’ allow visitors to explore the park in the evening and enjoy live entertainment and delicious holiday treats. Discover a variety of traditional holiday tales, take part in an enchanting Yuletide Ball, or create old-fashioned handmade ornaments to take home and deck your halls. Try your hand at Victorian parlour games while sipping on a piping hot chocolate. You can even make your own old-fashioned cane to dip inside! If you long to see how the Victorians spent their holiday season in Canada, this is the place to go back and time and discover it for yourself!

Dates & Admission

December 3, 10, and 17, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
General Public $31.45 + HST per adult | $26.79 + HST per child (ages 3 to 14)

Swedish Christmas Fair

The Swedish Christmas Fair was always one of my favourite events in Toronto, and I was so sad when it was closed in 2020 and 2021. But I rejoiced when I heard it would be back in 2022! The Swedish Christmas Market is hosted by SWEA Toronto and features Swedish designs, products and folk art that will add some flair to your holiday decor. I fondly remember my trip to Stockholm at Christmas, which is one way I can feel like I’m back there while never leaving my hometown.

Be sure to stop by the cafe to get a hot plate of meatballs and lingonberry jam. There are also many events throughout the day, like a St. Lucia procession, Swedish Folk Dancers and Swedish Christmas Singers. A great place to learn more about Swedish Christmas traditions. But my favourite part? The traditional Glögg (Swedish mulled wine) is the perfect drink to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Dates & Admission Information

November 19 – 20, 2022, from 11 am – 4 pm | FREE Admission.

Campbell House Museum Immersive ‘Christmas Carol’

Right off busy University Street is an old mansion hidden behind tall black iron gates. This is the Campbell House Museum, the oldest remaining house from the original Town of York, now what we call Toronto. The house was built in 1822 in high Georgian style for Chief Justice William Campbell and his wife, Hannah. The preserved interiors and furnishings remained a historical example of life in the early days of Toronto in the 19th century. During the Christmas season, the Three Ships Collective’s theatre company enters the house to perform their immersive production of ‘A Christmas Carol.‘

The show is set inside the Campbell House Museum and brings the audience into the world of Victorian England. The Campbell house was built around the same time Dickens wrote ‘A Christmas Carol,’ so it becomes the perfect backdrop for the show. The audience literally follows the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey of redemption. The show features magic, music and even the macabre! If you think you know this story, this immersive production will transform how you see it. The shows sell out immediately, so be sure to buy your tickets as soon as they go on sale!

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Kensington Market Lights Festival

Kensington Market is one of the most popular trendy destinations for tourists to discover. This little bohemian neighbourhood is home to eclectic shops, vintage boutiques, delicious bakeries and food stalls! It is a hipster mainstay of the city, but at Christmas time, it is also home to the Kensington Market Lights Festival. The Kensington Market Lights Festival is one of Toronto’s most unique winter festivals. 

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The Kensington Market Lights Festival started in December 1988. The event was inspired by the old traditions of the fiery winter solstice. The night’s event includes an evening of festive celebrations. It all starts with a torchlight procession with a cavalcade of costumed characters. Everything from giant puppets to stiltwalkers and firebreathers. The street closes to vehicle traffic starting at 6 PM when the event begins. The festivities continue across the neighbourhood until late into the evening. There is live music, DJs, and a wide variety of food and drink (my favourite part of a visit to Kensington market!)

Miracle Bar Toronto

Popping up just for Christmas, Miracle Bar is one of Toronto’s most kitschy yet magnetic cocktail bars. The company pops up in various Canadian cities, like Montreal, where they take over a local venue and transform it into a Christmas Wonderland! There is no doubt that this place is Christmas kitschy to the extreme. But if you love the holiday as much as me, you’ll find the kitschiness absolutely charming, and walking inside makes one beam with holiday energy! 

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But it’s not just the festive decor; the drinks menu goes all out to make you feel like you’re at the North Pole! There is something for everyone from the Christmapolitan to the Snowball Ol-Fashioned and the Holiday Spiced Chai. And each drink is served in an adorable seasonal Christmas mug or cup. You can even buy the cup as a souvenir to remember a fun night with friends! In addition, to being one of the merriest places in the city, the organization donates $1 of every drink sold to Nellie’s Shelter. Nellie’s is an organization providing shelter, education and advocacy for women and children in the GTA. 

Open November 18th to December 31st

Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market

Most people who visit Toronto rarely experience the east end of the city. The downtown core definitely hogs all the attention. But in my opinion (and I suppose I’m biased since I live here), this is a sorely overlooked part of town. The east end is full of charming architecture, a laid-back atmosphere and fantastic shopping and restaurants. But to find all that east-end energy in one place, you should head to the Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market. The market is held every weekend in December. It features 30-40 local artisans and east-end businesses selling all the best Christmas goodies and handmade items perfect for your Christmas gift list. In addition to the shopping, there is also a hot chocolate bar, a chance to meet Santa, ornament-making workshops and a children’s craft corner! Something for everyone

Location & Dates

The location has yet to be announced, check website for updates!
Dates: FREE ENTRY Dec 3-4 | Dec 10-11 | Dec 17-18

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Nutcracker Ballet

Another tradition for many families at Christmastime is to go down to Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts to see a production of ‘The Nutcracker.’ Marius Petipa‘s beloved classic Christmas story is brought to life on stage by some of the country’s best ballet dancers. It has been playing every year in Toronto since 1995, so for many kids, Christmas isn’t Christmas with going to the Nutcracker with grandma.

It is a joyfully imaginative show about a beautiful nutcracker doll who comes to life by magic on Christmas eve. The magical Nutcracker takes siblings Marie and Misha on a journey into the icy realm of the Snow Queen. And to the fantastic golden palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy! Meeting all sorts of different Christmas characters along the way. Especially if you’re travelling with children, this is a great way to spend a festive evening.

Dates & Tickets

Dates: December 10th – 31st
Ticket Prices range from $55 to $250

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I hope you enjoyed this tour of Toronto’s best Festive Christmas events, activities and sights! I love exploring the city during the holiday season, and there seems to always be something new to discover in addition to the seasonal classics. Tell me in the comments what traditional Christmas events you love to explore every year in your hometown! Or your favourite parts of Toronto during the holidays.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post 14 Amazing Festive Events You Can’t Miss in Toronto this Christmas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Even though I travel a lot, it still surprises me that I haven’t had more close calls with missed flights. Maybe I’ve been lucky. Maybe too confident. Either way, going through it for the first time taught me more than any travel blog warning ever could. At the end of this post, I’ve added the things I wish I’d known then. What to do if you think you’re going to miss your flight. How to stop it from happening in the first place. And what your options are if you actually do miss it.

Now that I’ve lived through it, I feel oddly calmer about the whole idea. It’s stressful, sure, but not the end of the world. And maybe that’s the real takeaway.

The Backstory

I knew flights would be expensive around Christmas time but I had set my heart and mind set on going. And when I do that, there is little anyone can do to stop me. Luckily, a family friend managed to get me a discount code for my flights on a particular Canadian airline. When I went to book them, I unfortunately discovered the code wouldn’t work. I checked the fine print and knew there were no blackout dates so I couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

I called up the airline and they told me that since there are no direct flights from Toronto to Stockholm, I would need to make a stop-over in Copenhagen. And for some reason, the coupon code wouldn’t work for the second leg of the journey. Thinking I knew better than the system, I thought to myself, “Well then, I’ll just book the flight from Toronto to Copenhagen using the code and then book the Copenhagen to Stockholm flights on the other airline’s site directly.” I thought I had gamed the system, and started happily planning the rest of my trip.

Departure Day

The day of my flight arrived, the sun was shining in the morning and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I was leaving right from the office so feeling relieved I went about my day and set to work. About 3 hours later I got up to eat lunch and turned to see a blizzard outside the window. My heart dropped. I immediately went online and checked the departures schedule on the Pearson airport website. When I opened the website I saw every single flight was delayed out of Toronto.

I had no idea what I was going to do. Why, you ask? Because I had done something very stupid. By booking my two connecting flights separately it meant that if I missed the connection, neither airline was responsible for rebooking me without a charge. I don’t know why this never crossed my mind. I had never done separate bookings before, so I think in my naive brain I just assumed that I could get on the next flight without paying for a new ticket. But after a quick google, I found out that was not the case (at least in most situations).

I only had an hour and a half to make my connection at Copenhagen airport. At this moment I had no idea what I could have been thinking, how could I have made a mistake like this? Especially in the winter when I knew there were always travel issues with the weather.

Arrival at the Airport

Eventually, the storm passed, but flights were still delayed. My stress was getting the best of me and I decided to go to the airport and be stressed out there. The airport felt deserted, so many flights have been cancelled and passengers were safely tucked away at home. I sat near my gate and watched the arrivals board like a hawk. I looked out the window, waiting for my outbound plane to arrive. To my surprise, as the snow dissipated, more and more planes began arriving and departing on time. Before I knew it my plane was sitting at the gate, hours before we planned to leave. The time on the board had us departing exactly on time and with no sign of bad weather, I thought we were in the clear….

Key Decision Making

As we were about to board they made an announcement asking passengers with carry-on luggage if they wanted to check their luggage to their final destination. I went up to the woman at the counter and sheepishly asked her if I could do gate-check instead. She told me that that wasn’t an option but I should take them up on the offer of checking my luggage to the final destination.

I told the associate how worried I was about making the connecting flight since the connection was only an hour and a half. She half laughed and tried to assure me it would be fine since they were set to depart on time and the Copenhagen airport wasn’t very large. I hemmed and hawed and she just stared at me blankly. I just had the worst feeling and knew that travelling with your bags is key to making connections. After a few more minutes of chatting with her, I declined the offer and kept my bag with me. This would be a key decision in this entire journey.

Finally Boarding!

We began boarding early and before we knew it, we had boarded the entire plane and we were ready for taking off. At least we thought so. The plane felt oddly empty… But I just assumed this was from all the delays. Then the announcements came on and they told us we were waiting for passengers to arrive who had late connections. But I knew to wait for them meant I would be late for my connection. My nerves started up again.

Minutes counted down on my phone and soon we had been waiting for more than 40 minutes for these passengers. When they finally arrived we pulled out from the gate. I asked the flight attendant if we had a clear flight plan and she assured me that even with the 40-minute delay we would arrive with enough time to make my flight. There were 25 other passengers on the plane that were in the same boat as me so she assured me we’d all be ok. I tried to relax but as the plane began to pull away from the gate, I could see we weren’t going in the right direction. I know this airport and the runways, and in a moment I knew where we were going…The dreaded de-icing.

De-icing

If you’ve never flown out of an airport during the winter, feel blissfully lucky. De-icing is a necessary evil for winter flights but it adds sometimes hours to your take off. All the planes have to line up to be spewed with a bunch of sludge to ensure the engine doesn’t freeze upon take off. Necessary? Sure. Disappointing when trying to make a connection? YES!
As we crawled through the line of planes, we slowly realized that none of the passengers who were attempting to make that connection were going to make it.

I asked the flight attendant and she said all those with Air Canada connecting tickets would simply be rebooked onto the next flight out and not to worry. I told her I didn’t have an Air Canada ticket, as I booked the second part of my journey with SAS directly. Her smiling face dropped and I knew this has a bad sign. She said more than likely I would have to buy a new ticket as my only option. She gave me the most sympathetic look and as my eyes filled with tears.

Buying a new ticket was out of the question, it would have cost me too much money. Almost as much as the entire trip combined. I quickly grabbed my phone and started to look for alternatives. I knew there was a train that left from Copenhagen to Stockholm every few hours so I took a few screenshots of the schedule. This was my backup plan. I had a good little cry in my seat but knew I just had to keep my heart focused on the joy I would feel upon seeing my friend. These things were completely out of my control and I shouldn’t let them get the best of me.

The Kindness of Strangers

To add insult to injury when my special gluten-free meal arrived (I have celiac), it was a fish dish. Not only did it smell to high heaven, but I’m also allergic to fish. Things just weren’t coming up roses for me today. When my kind-eyed flight attendant walked by I asked her if there was anything I could buy since I couldn’t eat this meal due to my allergy and couldn’t eat the regular meal due to being a celiac. She took my meal away and came back with a fruit tray. It was her diner, the one she ordered but gave it to me since she could see I was really having a hard day. It was a little touch of kindness that went a long long way in this kind of situation.

I watched a few movies and tried to fall asleep. When I awoke I checked the flight plane and saw we had made up some time in the air and our plane was to arrive about 20 minutes before my connecting flight was set to depart. I had been to Copenhagen airport before but couldn’t’ remember the size of it. But even in some of the smallest airports, 20 minutes to taxi to your gate, disembark and get to your new gate was an impossibility. The man sitting beside me on the plane was also on this connecting flight. We had chatted briefly during the descent and had made a plan to try to run together to our flight if there was a chance of making it. A pack between seatmates!

The pilot came on the PA and made an announcement. He blurted out that upon landing could almost all passengers please not disembark the plane. He asked that they allow the 25 passengers attempting to make the Stockholm connection to deplane first. My flight partner and I looked at each other with a glimmer of hope. But upon landing they announced, instead of our connecting gate number, that we needed to head directly to the customer service counter. Since we didn’t know what this meant I tried to keep a positive attitude.

Run for It!

The second the seat belt light went off my seatmate and I ripped off our belts, grabbed each other’s bags and ran out the plane. We immediately sprinted to the customer service counter, followed by a few dozen of our fellow passengers. When we got there, a surly flight agent told us very curtly that our plane had already left and to please form a line so that we could be rebooked onto other flights. My heart dropped.

All this hope and it had been dashed in one sentence. But I was confused. I looked at the clock on the wall. We still had about 15 minutes until the plane was scheduled to leave. I looked at the bright blue, digital gate sign behind the gate agent. Displaying on the board was our flight, “BOARDING AT GATE B4”. I knew in my heart and in my seasoned traveller brain that planes never left that early. Especially when they still had so many passengers left to arrive. And without thinking I started to run.

Gate B4

Upon seeing me sprint away, my seatmate and a few other passengers started running alongside me. We all caught each other’s eyes and collectively gave each other the look of, “well, let’s give this a try!” The ground sped underneath our feet and we blew by slow-moving passengers carrying bags of Christmas presents. I had worn every single heavy piece of clothing I had packed in order to save space in my luggage so the second I set off I was sweating bullets. We had arrived at the “A” gates so I knew we had to run to an entirely different terminal. But I still didn’t stop. I am not a fit person and running is not my forte. But I kept repeating the name of the gate in my head as I went like a mantra. “B4, B4, B4”. I was making good progress, tracking how many gates I would pass every minute. I thought to myself for a second, I’m going to make it….and then – PASSPORT CONTROL.
“NO!” I thought to myself. This meant talking to an agent and who knows how long that would take. But no one was in line so I ran up to the counter.

The agent at the front took my passport and I just yelled at her out of sheer panic, “STOCKHOLM!” She looked at my passport and then up at me indignantly and said, “...is the captial of Sweden?” I grunted and repeated, “No, no that’s my destination!” She simply shrugged, glanced at my return ticket (which I had printed out and passed to her with my passport) and stamped my passport. I was off again! I saw out of the corner of my eye, my seatmate leaving the EU passport control booth. He smiled at me with an exhausted look and we kept running. I could see our gate coming up in front of my eyes. We had 2 minutes to make it.

And then suddenly, I could see my seatmate’s knapsack start to open as he ran in front of me. I guess all the running had loosened the zippers and everything had started to fall out. I knew if I stopped and helped him I might miss the flight. But as I screamed at him to stop, a stuffed animal in the form of a Canadian moose fell out. I knew I had to be a good Canadian and help him. I stopped and gathered his things in my arms and we kept running together. We rounded the corner to gate B4 and tore up to the gate and screamed, “WE’RE HERE FROM THE TORONTO FLIGHT!” With one minute to spare, I thought we had made it…

An Airport Miracle

The woman at the counter looked at us with a sad expression and said, “Oh you’re the Air Canada passengers? I’m sorry you’ve already been rebooked.” But then I remembered, I wasn’t technically an Air Canada passenger. I had a separate SAS ticket. They might not have even known I was a connecting passenger, just a late arrival. So I exclaimed, “WAIT! I have an SAS ticket!”

The gate agent looked up at me, clearly frustrated, but glanced down at her computer and began typing. Then she glanced back up with a sly smile and said, “Are you the passenger on this booking?” Relief rushed through my body. “Yes, that’s me!” She looked down at my bags. “And you don’t have any checked luggage?” I shook my head and repeated, “No, it’s all with me.” She gave me another wry smile and pressed the red button on her desk to reopen the closed metal gate. “It’s your lucky day. The flight is still loading passengers on the jetbridge. You can get on.”

I collapsed in tears upon hearing these words and must have looked pretty ridiculous. I wandered down the jetbridge in a daze and onto the plane. When I finally sat down in my seat, I turned to my new seatmate and whispered, “Excuse me is this the flight to Stockholm?” He chuckled, “Yes. Oh, do we have a Home Alone situation on our hands?” I laughed and exhaled loudly, “No, I just can’t believe I made it.”

I wiped the dripping sweat off my face and closed my eyes in sheer exhaustion as we took off. When they came down the aisles offering beverages I immediately asked for a huge glass of water. Which of course they don’t have, so they gave me two small plastic cups instead. I honestly think I looked like I had been through hell and back and the flight attendants were just hoping I didn’t have a heart attack on the plane. I watched Copenhagen drift off into the distance as we flew off and felt one of the biggest waves of relief wash through my body.

Arriving in Stockholm

I immediately fell asleep, even though the flight was only 40 minutes, my body didn’t care and just shut right down. I awoke, to the jostling of the landing plane, Swedens’ countryside was splayed out in front of me. I stumbled clumsily off the plane, half from exhaustion half from being so dehydrated from my run. After disembarking I took a moment to sit down with my bags, buy a huge bottle of water and change into something less sweaty.

After catching my breath, I wandered through the Christmas laden gates of Stockholm airport. It felt like walking into a dream. There were twinkle lights everywhere I looked and Chrismas music was playing throughout the airport. After all this stress it felt like a sweet reward. I barely remember anything about how I got from the terminal to the airport bus towards the city. It was like I blacked out in my Christmas stupor.

I took the bus from the airport to the centre of town where I was met by my friend’s wonderful partner (my friend was at work when I arrived and couldn’t pick me). He greeted me with a HUGE smile and a bouquet of flowers. As I got off the bus, he gave me the biggest hug and I collapsed in tears in his arms. He laughed and asked me if I was ok. I laughed through tears of joy and we walked off as I told him the entire tale over Fika in an adorable coffee shop.

What to Learn from this Experience?

Today, this is one of my favourite stories to tell. Was it stressful and dramatic? Yes. But did I learn a lot? Yes. The experience reads like an exaggerated tall-tale but trust me, it did happen just like that. But what can we learn from this experience? Well, here are my top tips for ensuring you don’t miss your flight or what I learned to do if you don’t make it to the gate in time!

Don’t Book Connecting Flight Separately!

Although the booking of the two separate tickets was in the end why I ended up making the connection, I still wish in retrospect I hadn’t. If I had booked my connecting flight together with just one airline, I would have been WAY LESS worried since I would have simply been rebooked on one of the next flights out, which ran throughout the day. The way I had done it, if I hadn’t made that flight, I would have had to either pay for an entirely new ticket, (which would have been very expensive during the Christmas season) or taken the 6-hour train ride in Stockholm (assuming I could even get a seat on there either). Make sure that if you’re booking a connecting flight you do it all on one ticket!

Call in Advance

One thing I learned is that if you know you’re going to miss your flight, you should call the airline in advance to let them know. By doing this you might be able to make a last-minute flight change for a fee (which would be much much cheaper than an entirely new ticket.) The airlines appreciate you calling in advance since they then can open that seat up for a standby passenger. If you’re lucky and ask nicely, they might even waive the fee since you were nice even to give them a courtesy to call in advance.

Flat Tire Rule

There is some evidence that certain airlines have an unofficial “flat tire rule” which they can use at their discretion that allows the ticket agent to rebook your flight at no charge. This wouldn’t work if you’ve just slept in but if you went through something like I did (where its the other airline’s fault) they might be more inclined to use this discretion. Just don’t rely on that happening, but its always worth asking. They might only charge you a rebooking fee or ask you to pay the difference between the new flight and your old one, but either of these options is more than likely still cheaper than a new ticket.

Don’t Risk Short Connections

The other thing I learned was to NEVER book a flight with that short of a layover during the winter seasons. There are always bound to be delays due to the winter weather (at least in the city I live in). As much as you might wanna get to your destination ASAP, a longer layover will just mean you don’t have to worry as much and your trip will feel much more stress-free.

Ditch the Checked Luggage

If you think there might be any chance of missing a flight, be sure to pack carry on luggage only! In the end, having a few fewer clothes is well worth being able to catch the flight. While this is a decision you can’t make at the last minute, it’s just a good piece of advice for travelling altogether.

Talk to Your Flight Attendant

Being kind goes a long way, and I found that asking my flight attendant questions was so helpful. I was sure to do it in a way that didn’t make them feel like I was upset or blaming them. My flight attendant was so helpful in calling ahead to try and see where our gate would be and to check to see if that flight perhaps has been delayed itself (in which case we would have been able to more easily make the connection).

Never Give Up

Lastly? Never give up. Ask questions nicely, people are more likely to be helpful than not that way. And help others even when you’re in crisis yourself. Good karma is never a bad thing to have on your side. The enormity of the stress I felt on arrival just meant that I treasured the rest of the trip so much more. Everything felt like a dream and I just felt so lucky to be there, on time and on budget. Anything that went wrong just slid off my back and I didn’t take it to heart. All that mattered was that I was there, in Sweden, at Christmas, with my friend, and making memories that I will hold in my heart forever!

I’d love to hear your worst travel stories and see what tips or tricks you might have learned from them! I hope you’re all keeping safe and healthy!

The post That Time I Almost Missed My Flight at Christmas and What I Learned! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

As someone who hates the cold, I was worried the chilly weather would keep me from seeing everything. But what surprised me most was that with proper preparations, I actually enjoyed it. The look of the icy water, snow-topped hillsides and twinkling Christmas lights against the midnight blue sky. I found my time there in the winter, more enjoyable than in the summer! Maybe just because it was so different. There are a myriad of reasons to travel during the wintertime to these snowy destinations. Hopefully, this list inspires you to get out and enjoy the world, north of the equator in the winter months.

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Embrace "hygge"
2. #2 Deals on Airfare!
3. #3 Try out the Slopes
4. #4 Christmas Markets!
5. #5 Winter Comfort Food
6. #6 Coffee Culture
7. #7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold
8. #8 See the Northern Lights
9. #9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel
10. #10 Warm up in a Sauna
11. Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

#1 Embrace “hygge”

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness. It conveys the feeling of wellness and contentment. Hygge is so crucial to the people of Scandinavia that it is considered “a defining feature of our cultural identity,” according to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute. These countries who practice hygge means that everywhere you go; you’ll find burning candles, cozy fireplaces, delicious hot coffee or chocolate and rich homemade sweets. Hygge makes every interior you find one of the most welcoming and warm places in the world!

But hygge is not just about hybernating. It is also about enjoying long walks outside. Despite the cold weather, you’ll find parks decked out in decorations, beautiful skating rinks and a feeling of a country that embraces the winter. Welcome the spirit of hygge into your heart during this season, and you’re bound to have a wonderful time.

#2 Deals on Airfare!

Winter is by far the cheapest season for travel in Europe. From early December to about mid-March, you’ll find flights around Europe super inexpensive. This time of year people are usually looking to escape to warm-weather destinations. Keep in mind you should always be booking these trips three months in advance as that is when the flight prices are usually the cheapest, outside of any last-minute sales. Travel during the week of Christmas is at its peak since families commute home during this time, so avoid going around those days if possible. If you’re worried about not being able to see Christmas Markets because the Christmas week is expensive to travel, fear not! Christmas Market opens as early as the last week of November.

#3 Try out the Slopes

If you’re someone who loves to hit the slopes, winter isn’t a downer but instead your favourite season! Just a short train ride into the countryside you’ll find ski resorts like Hemsedal, Riksgransen, Are Duved, Ruka, Vemdalen and Lillehammer. They are easily accessible from any major city in Scandinavia. If you don’t want to stay at the resort, the towns around these ski hills are full of alternative options for every budget. Also, if skiing isn’t your bag, many of these resorts also have toboggan or snow tubing hills. This allows you to enjoy the scenery and mountain top hot chocolates without needing an ounce of skill!

#4 Christmas Markets!

There is just something about a European Christmas market that gives me all those warm and fuzzy feelings. The twinkle lights on the trees, the smell of mulled wine floating through the air and freshly baked breads ready to warm your hands. If you’re a couple, there is something truly romantic about an evening stroll under the lights of the market. Most of the big cities have multiple Christmas Markets you can visit while you’re there. These places are not only beautiful but also great spots where you can find traditional handicrafts. You can also sample some of their famous Christmas foods.

If you’re looking for something outside the big cities, visit the Christmas Market in Lapland, which is the home of Santa Claus! As such, this town goes all out at Christmas time. Tivoli Park in Copenhagen is transformed during the holiday season into a real-life fairytale book. They even perform the traditional Christmas ballet The Nutcracker on stage inside the park, which makes for the ideal Christmas evening.

#5 Winter Comfort Food

Scandinavian foods are meant to be enjoyed in the winter. This is a country that knows how to make a warm and cozy meal. Almost all of their food is comfort food. Smørrebrød, rye bread, meatballs, stewed reindeer, pancakes and waffles are all the best things to enjoy in the winter. The portions are huge, as are the flavours. After you’re finished eating you’ll be ready to take on a long walk in the winter cold, without feeling a thing as you’ll be warmed from the inside out!

#6 Coffee Culture

Did you know that Scandinavia is at the top of the list of the most coffee-consuming countries? There is a good reason for this aside from just that their coffee is delicious. Coffee in Scandinavia is more than just a to-go cup you grab alone on your way to work. Having coffee is a chance to get away from the daily grind and catch up with friends. In Sweden, they call this Fika. Fika in Swedish means “to have a cup of coffee and a snack with a friend.” It’s absolutely built into the fabric of their daily life. They embrace the idea of bettering relationships while enjoying something scrumptious.

While other Scandinavian countries don’t have that words, the concept still remains. The prevalence of this coffee culture means there is an abundance of fantastic coffee shops to stop into on your trip to warm up while you enjoy the city. Take this time to step back for a minute, stop rushing around, enjoy the moment and reflect on your adventures.

#7 Museums are the Perfect Escape from the Cold

If you’re feeling particularly chilly, museums and art galleries are the best places to pop into to escape the cold. And what’s more, in Scandinavia, most state-run museums are free of charge to enter. Unfortunately, in countries like Denmark, recent government cuts have changed these policies. However, many of those museums are still open on certain days of the week for free. In Sweden, there are over 15 different museums and galleries which you can still enter free of charge everyday of the week! They make the perfect place to hide away from the cold without worrying too much about your budget.

I went to a myriad of different museums, some of which I didn’t even know anything about before I went. Still, since they were free, I didn’t have anything to lose. I could wander around and look at what interested me and simply head out once I finished. There was no pressure to make a whole day out of it since I didn’t pay a huge admission fee, which would have made me feel more inclined to “make it worth it.” It was the ideal place to get warm and see something exciting and new while I was at it.

#8 See the Northern Lights

Scandinavia is by far the best place to see the Aurora Borealis. The high latitude in Finland, Sweden and Norway makes these countries the best place for spotting those iconic green and blue waves in the sky. And winter (September to March) is the only time you can reliably spot them! Alta in Norway is probably the most famous city to travel to see them but other popular destinations are Abisko National Park and Porjus in Sweden, Senja in Norway and many cities in Finnish Lapland. Just remember you need to go far north for this, don’t think your visit to Oslo will allow you to see the lights!

#9 Staying inside an Ice Hotel

Ice hotels are one of the trendiest new things to come out of winters in Scandinavia! These luxury creations are somewhat of a novelty but combine cozy, fireplace lit interiors with icy architecture. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi Sweden was the first hotel in the world to be built out of ice. Every springtime, the ice melts, and come the next winter, a new design is created to form a brand new looking hotel. So every year, there is something unique to experience. Despite being at least -10°, you’ll be nice and cozy with the special thermal PJs, and cold weather insulated sleeping bag you’re given. These will keep you snug all night long while enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime views.

There are plenty of other Ice hotels around Scandinavia from The Lapland Hotel’s Snow Village in Finland to The Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta Norway. All of these locations also have on-site activities like dog-sledding, an ice bar or ice church and even snow sculptures to see in ice galleries. It’s truly something you just can’t experience anywhere, or anytime other than in the winter in Scandinavia!

#10 Warm up in a Sauna

All over Scandinavia, you’ll find strangers getting together, in a small, hot spaces to indulge in sauna . Saunas originated in Finland, and the word “sauna” comes from the Finnish word for bathhouse. Pits dug into the ground were the first saunas. Stones were added atop a burning fire to fit the pit. Water was then thrown on top of the rocks to produce steam. There have been sauna pits discovered as far back as 4000 B.C.E in Finland. It is a commonly shared belief in the Nordic countries that saunas relax muscles, soothe pain, releases endorphins, increases blood circulation, flush toxins, relieve stress, help fight illness, cleanse the skin, burn calories and also provides a social space to enjoy with friends. It’s basically thought to be a cure-all for everything.

While there are some small differences between sauna culture in the different Scandinavian countries, overall, the experience is the same. While some same-sex saunas are clothing optional, in most big cities, you can find tourist-friendly options where bathing suits are worn. This is great if you feel like you might be uncomfortable being naked around strangers. But once you take the plunge, the feeling of freedom is pretty unparalleled.

Cold Dips

Speaking of taking the plunge, some saunas also offers a dip into cold, almost freezing water. This could be just a cold bath or some spots located near bodies of water offer access right into the frozen sea. The dramatic plunge into cold water from the hot sauna is thought to increase the blood flow in the body and help increase all those other benefits we spoke of before. While some might be scared to try it, I vote to give it a go. It sure might feel unpleasant at first, but man does it wake your body up in a way that is indescribable and entirely worth it!

Here are some TIPS to ensure you have the most fantastic winter vacation!

Dress for Success

Making sure you bring the right clothing is key to ensuring you are in the right mood throughout the day. There is nothing worse than being freezing cold to ruin a perfectly lovely experience. I was terrified of this exact scenario when I was planning for my trip, so I made sure to buy warm thermals to wear to help keep that heat in. In addition to this, I bought a few 100% wool sweaters, which were perfect for keeping the heat in without overheating and making me sweat. Wool sweaters can be purchased brand new online, but also you can find them at your local thrift shop for a 10th of the price of a new one! I found some with the most amazing designs, so don’t be afraid to go digging as you might find something amazing!

Hours are odd

Although I disagree with Rick Steves about not visiting Scandinavia during the Winter, I love this quote from him, “Scandinavia’s metabolism slows down like a hibernating bear’s, and many sights and accommodations are open on a limited schedule (especially in remote fjord towns).” This is something to be aware of. Outside of the official government holidays around Christmas, I never found anything to be altogether closed. But various attractions did run on shorter winter hours. Definitely nothing to cancel your trip over just something to be aware of and plan around.

Christmas Holidays

If you’re planning on staying over the Christmas Holidays, December 24th and 25th specifically, you will want to check to see what’s open on those particular days. While I heard EVERYTHING would be closed in Sweden on Christmas day, I actually found a few museums which were still open and holding special events. I also managed to find some once a year community events to take part in while I was there that made me feel like celebrating with a huge group of new friends. So many people might tell you there will be nothing to do, but trust me, I found a bunch of things to do, you just need to dig a little bit. If you know a particular museum will be open on those government holidays, make note of that and save that activity for those days when lots of other things might be closed.

Christmas Day

I also found that attending a church service on Christmas Day was a great experience. There were plenty of services which were non-denominational if you want to enjoy the spirit of the holiday but might not identify with a particular denomination. While there are some restaurants still open on these days, I did find that the majority were closed so you might want to hit up a grocery store on the 23rd to grab some easy to make meals. If you don’t have a kitchen, you can always buy cheese and meats, which you can make into an in-hotel-room charcuterie dinner. A lot of fast food restaurants remain open on those holidays as well so that’s always a last-ditch option.

Daylight is Precious

In Scandinavia, there are only a few hours of “daylight” in the winter, and depending on how far north you’re going, this could be as short as 4 hours of light with 20 hours of darkness. While the locals might find this darkness exhausting, I actually found the long hours of darkness exciting since it wasn’t something we experience in North America. But if you’re planning on taking any photos which require the light, such as any wide cityscape shots, just be sure to plan your schedule accordingly. I always headed out early in the day to take my pictures of the city and then scheduled my indoor activities, which didn’t require sunlight, for the afternoon into the early evening.

Be Cautious with Winter Air Travel

I had a near-disastrous flight to Sweden this winter. Luckily for me, everything worked out by some Christmas miracle, but I’m sure I’m not always going to be that lucky. Flying during the winter means weather might impact you more than other times of the year. To avoid as much stress as possible, be sure to book a direct flight if at all possible. This means should your outbound flight be delayed, you won’t need to worry about missing a connection. If you can’t book direct, ensure the layover between your two flights isn’t too tight. I BARELY made my connecting flight and felt so silly, not ensuring I had more time to account for bad weather. Yes, this might mean not getting to your destination as fast as possible, but trust me, it is worth it for the peace of mind. 

Let me know if you’ve ever travelled to somewhere cold in the winter and how you enjoyed your experience. Or comment to let me know what’s holding you back from a snowy adventure in the north!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post 10 Reasons Why You Need to Take a Winter Vacation to Scandinavia first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. It's really not that cold!
2. The Lack of Tourists
3. About That Smell…
4. Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!
5. Use Those Savings for Something Special
6. Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside
7. Embrace Cafe Culture
8. Discover Covered Passages
9. Skip the Noisy Construction
10. You Avoid Smokers
11. People Are Just Nicer
12. The Christmas Markets!
13. Christmas Lights & Decor
14. Winter Sales
15. Winter Fashion
16. Festival of Lights
17. Vin Chaud
18. Parisian Hot Chocolate
19. Roasted Chesnuts
20. Winter Comfort Food
21. Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris
22. Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

It’s really not that cold!

If you’re from a colder climate (like me – I’m from Canada), the winters in Paris are laughable. It seldom gets below 35°F or 2°C. Check the chart below for winter temperature predictions for Paris. For those of you from warmer climates, you might find this temperature a little chilly. But just make that an excuse to buy yourself a cute new winter wardrobe. Make being out in the cold something fun instead of something frustrating. In November and December, there is actually more rain than snow, so be sure to bring along a good umbrella. In January and February, there is more snow which creates a gorgeous white dusting across the city! There is honestly something so beautiful about the snowfall and especially when it’s across a town as beautiful as Paris!

The Lack of Tourists

If you’ve ever been to Paris in the summer or even the spring these days, you’ll see the telltale lines which seem to sweep all around the city. Paris is filled to bursting and getting into your favourite restaurant or museum always entails a lengthy wait. But in the wintertime, the tourists, scared of the “cold” stay away. And I’ll take it. And you will too! In the winter you can walk down famous streets and find them almost empty. That crowd around the Mona Lisa, maybe won’t disappear but it will be much less intense. Overall, the wintertime brings this peaceful atmosphere to a city which often gets a bad reputation as being rude, crowded and smelly!

About That Smell…

One of the biggest things I hear time and time again from people on their way back from Paris is about the smell! It smells terrible, it really does. Not everywhere, of course, but Paris, as a big city, has a big garbage problem. And garbage, along with dog pee (another prevalent issue on the streets) is responsible for the horrible smell. In the summer, the heat amplifies these smells to a thousand! But in the winter, you’ll barely notice the scent. I never had this experience when in the city except perhaps for the occasional steamy grate near the metro.

Accommodation & Airfare are Cheaper!

With this lack of tourists comes cheaper accommodation and flight prices. There are almost always flight deals during the winter months to entice visitors into the city. Take them up on that offer! Except for the dates right around Christmas, you can almost ways find a significant reduction in airfare and hotels. Prices seem to begin to increase after Easter and start going down after American Thanksgiving.

Use Those Savings for Something Special

There is only one thing better than a hot bath on a cold day. A trip to the spa! There are dozens of fantastic resorts in Paris which cater to locals who want an intimate experience in those colder months. These spas come with steam rooms, swimming pools, saunas and of course, lengthy massages. It’s the perfect way to wind down (which is what a vacation is for after all) but also to warm you up from the inside out if you’ve spent an unusually chilly day outside.

Most Big Ticket Attractions are Inside

Paris truly has the best collection of museums in the world. In such a condensed space, you’ll find hundreds of different places you’ll need to visit! And the best part, they’re all inside. Going to the Louvre in summer and winter is exactly the same experience, except for the number of tourists. Notre Dame is particularly stunning in the winter before Christmas when the entirety of the nave is decorated for the holiday season.

Visiting the underground catacombs in the winter, when the chill in the air is replaced with an oddly warm underground warmth is a truly remarkable experience. Even Versaille, which boasts some of the longest lines, is a great place to visit in the winter. If you’re lucky enough to be there when it snows, you’ll be treated to one of the most unique perspectives on this illustrious palace. And the rest of the enormous tour is all inside.

Walking around the city and seeing the incredible French architecture everywhere you look is an unmissable part of the Parisian experience. But the fact that you can duck into a museum or indoor attraction every few minutes is a great relief for anyone who doesn’t like to be outside for too too long. You can’t walk very far without finding something which will catch your attention.

Embrace Cafe Culture

Another way of escape the cold, if you are getting a bit too chilly on your wanderings, is to duck into one of the many cafes which Paris is so famous for. If you’re a millennial, it seems impossible not to have escaped the lasting impression which the film ‘Amelie’ had on our young minds. Cafes in Paris are THE place to be to soak in the local ambience and sip smooth coffee. Winter means it’s ok to pack on those pounds and hide them under layers. So indulge yourself in the pastries which these cafes serve up by the dozen! Vacation is no time to retrain yourself, have a little fun and satisfy your taste buds!

Discover Covered Passages

Most Metro stations will stop off underground. Inside these little underground passageways are covered arcades and secret entrances to some top attractions. The Louvre’s default (and extremely crowded) entrance is outside near the glass pyramids. But most people don’t know it can also be accessed underground, without ever having to go outside, directly from the Metro station. And in fact, this entrance is FAR less busy since it’s not out in the open where people like to take their pictures. In addition to hidden entries, you’ll also find underground shopping centres. Paris’ covered passages were built during the early 19th century, sort of like Europe answer to North American malls. The oldest of these passages is the Passage des Panoramas which dates back to 1799! During the wintertime, the window displays are lushly styled, and at Christmas, they are a feast for the eyes!

Skip the Noisy Construction

In an old city like Paris, construction is almost constant. If you’ve ever been woken up by noisy jack-hammering on your relaxing vacation, you know how annoying this can be. But in the winter, when it’s colder, it’s much harder to do construction work, and therefore this noise is significantly reduced. If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a specific attraction only to show up and see its covered ins scaffolding you’ll know how disappointing this can be. Sure this might be unavoidable, but in the winter you’ll have a better chance of it not being under construction.

You Avoid Smokers

There are lots of smokers in Paris. It’s one of those cities where this vice is still hanging on. In the summer, everyone on the street seems to have a cigarette in their hands. If you’re like me and hate the smell of this stuff, then you’ll find that in the winter, fewer people are willing to take those smoke breaks, to avoid standing out in the cold.

People Are Just Nicer

I’ve you’re a resident of a famous tourist city, anywhere in the world, you’ll know what it’s like to be invaded by hoards of tourists every summer. In Toronto, right in the centre of downtown, the streets seem to erupt with tourists. And while it’s great for the economy and brings in lots of exciting events and festivals, it means transit is more crowded, streets are filled with slow walkers (my personal bane), and pretty much everything has a line. In Paris, it’s no different, so its no surprise to find that locals are just a little bit grumpier in the summer when they can’t move about their own city.

The French already have a bad rep for being rude, so add the heat and humidity of summer on top of the crowds, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. But in the winter, people seem more relaxed. More accepting and inviting. You made an effort to come here at a time when others don’t. There appears to be a silent appreciation which they give tourists around wintertime, which I think is just peachy.

The Christmas Markets!

Despite the week of actual Christmas being pricey, the early parts of December are still pretty affordable. And with December comes Christmas markets! Europe does Christmas better than anyone else, and Christmas markets are one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the holiday season. Wander the wooden huts of the market outdoors under the watchful eye of Paris’ splendid architecture. Visiting a Christmas market is one of the best places to do your Christmas shopping. You can find such unique treasures which your friends and family will just gush over! There are markets all over the city and even one at the base of the Eiffel Tower, what better ambience could you ask for?

Christmas Lights & Decor

Once again, this only applies if you’re visiting before, or just after Christmas, but the Christmas decorations around the city during the holidays are honestly magical. I freak out over fairy lights and Christmas trees and travelling anywhere in Europe during the holidays means this in spades!

Winter Sales

Many many people come to Paris to shop. And with good reason, Paris is the fashion captial of the world, and some of the most luxurious brands have their flagship stores here. Even if you’re not into those uber expensive brands, the dribble down effect is real, and many extremely affordable local brands also have some fantastic shops here. In the winter, there are government-mandated sales in Paris where stores cut their prices down on almost everything! This usually happens between early January and early Feb. The famous Galeries Lafayette is one of the best shopping malls to hit up to find rows and rows of deals all in one easy to find place! And the best part – it’s indoors!

Winter Fashion

Being the fashion capital of the world, means you’re going to see just how good winter can look on the French. And you might even be able to grab some of this style for yourself! Learning how to dress stylishly for the winter is a skill, and there’s nowhere better to learn that in France. Sit at your favourite cafe, and people watch. Study their looks, fabulous coats, boot and hat combinations as they walk by. You can spend an entire afternoon doing this, much better than rifling through a magazine.

Festival of Lights

From November 18th to January 19th, the Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants) hosts an incredible exhibition of enormous lanterns set amongst the greenery of the garden. Each one is designed to look like a different part of the ocean, which is a nice juxtaposition outdoors on land. It’s a fantastical place to explore for adults and kids alike. This exhibition is only on during the winter when the plants have all died out and yet they are interested in still getting visitors to come out to see the rest of the gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vin Chaud

France is known for its wines. But what you might not know is that during the wintertime they indulge in vin chaud (hot wine). This is similar to the North American tradition of mulled wine but made in a French fashion. It’s served at most cafes and markets places and makes for the perfect drink to keep you all warm and fuzzy as the sun sets at night.

Parisian Hot Chocolate

If you’re not someone who drinks alcohol or are travelling with children, there is another traditional beverage you can’t miss, and that’s hot chocolate. While it might seem like a childish treat, Chocolat Chaud in France is rich, decadent and is made from wonderfully high-quality chocolate! It’s a fantastic treat for young and old alike. And just doesn’t take the same on a hot summer day. No, as the snow falls, there is nothing better in your hand than a cup of this creamy liquid!

Roasted Chesnuts

Chestnuts have long been a staple of the Parisian winter season, and vendors can be found on nearly every street corner selling the warm, sweet treats. The chestnuts are roasted over open flames, creating a smoky fragrance that entices passerby. Taking a break from exploring the city to enjoy a handful of hot, fresh chestnuts is a timeless tradition for both Parisians and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed as a snack or paired with a warm mulled wine, winter roasted chestnuts are a true delight of the season.

Winter Comfort Food

Every country has its own way of dealing with the cold, and in France, they did it through the cusine. Winter foods in France are rich and hearty. They warm you from the inside out. They are full of fatty meats, heavy starches and sweets mixed in for good measure. Stews, cassoulets and confits are all just some of the marvellous foods you’ll find on the menu in the winter. No one would imagine serving a casserole in the heat of the summer, so getting a chance to try these fantastic meals is something you’ll only get in the winter!

Winter is Easy in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris might not be on every traveller’s list, but if you’re a Disney-head like me, you’ll know it should be. Like almost every Disneyland in the world, one of the most significant downsides of visiting is the crowds. But in the winter, you’ll find the lines are almost twice as short as any other time in the year. And the fact that half the rides are indoors is a great incentive to ensure you’re not out in the cold all day. Around Christmastime, the entire park is decorated for the holiday season in magical baubles and sparkling garlands which just amplifies the already enchanting atmosphere.

Cheaper Prices on Famous Entertainment

With fewer tourists, come discounted ticket prices on almost everything to incentivize both locals and tourists alike to attend shows. Palais Garnier, one of the most famous architectural masterpieces in the city, hosts opera and ballet performances all year and during the wintertime, you can find tickets for a fraction of the cost. Even try to go up on the day and see what’s left, and you might find yourself with front row seats for the price of the nose bleeds. Even if you don’t know anything about the performance, being inside this historic building and seeing all its luxury and elegance is entertainment enough.

All in all, visiting in the colder winter months has so many wonderful advantages; you’ll just have to try it out for yourself to see if they stack up to any perceived negatives! What’s your favourite place to travel to in the winter? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post Why Visiting Paris in the Winter is the Best Time to Explore this Amazing City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.