Europe’s best festive getaways

Europe’s best festive getaways 

If there’s one thing we at National Express know, it’s how to get people moving, ideally without the stress, the parking charges, or the vague dread that comes from driving to the airport at 4 a.m. in sleet.

And while we can’t promise to improve your in-laws’ Christmas pudding, we can get you to the airport so you can swap mince pies for market stalls and drizzle for fairy lights. Here are our top European destinations to visit this Christmas, and yes, we’ll get you to your flight without any festive meltdowns.

1. Bruges, Belgium – Where Christmas was clearly invented

Bruges doesn’t do subtle. The whole city looks like it’s been designed by an enthusiastic elf with a fondness for chocolate. Expect twinkling canals, cobbled streets, and enough waffle stands to make gym memberships tremble across Europe.

How to get there:
Flights to Brussels are quick and easy and we’ll take you straight to your airport terminal so you can skip the parking panic and focus on the important stuff (like sampling your body weight in pralines). With free Wi-Fi, comfy seats, and a generous luggage allowance, we’ll even let you rehearse your “I only bought a few souvenirs” face in peace.

2. Vienna, Austria – Elegance, strudel, and a touch of snow

Vienna is Christmas turned up to eleven: imperial palaces, orchestras, and Christmas markets that could make Santa rethink his décor. It’s grand, graceful, and full of cake. Lots of cake.

How to get there:
Hop on a flight from your nearest UK airport and we’ll handle the getting-you-there part. We offer direct services to all major airports, so you can sip your airport coffee smugly knowing you didn’t just spend half your holiday budget on long-stay parking.

3. Prague, Czech Republic – For those who like their Christmas gothic

Prague in December looks like the backdrop to every snow-dusted fairytale you’ve ever read. Expect ornate architecture, market squares, and enough mulled wine to make you forget you still haven’t wrapped anything.

How to get there:
Short flights, big rewards and no need to drive yourself. Let us handle the A-to-airport leg so you can concentrate on perfecting your festive playlist. (We won’t judge your choice of Wham!.)

4. Copenhagen, Denmark – The capital of cozy

If your idea of a good Christmas is a warm glow, woolly socks, and excellent pastry, Copenhagen is calling. Tivoli Gardens turns into an actual winter wonderland, and the Danes do “hygge” so well it should be an Olympic sport.

How to get there:
Get to your UK airport with us, stress-free, drop-off-fee-free, and full of seasonal spirit. We’ll deliver you to departures faster than you can say “gingerbread latte.”

5. Munich, Germany – Where markets meet märzen

Munich’s Christmas markets are legendary. Wooden chalets, spiced gingerbread, and beer that tastes suspiciously better under twinkling lights. It’s festive efficiency at its finest.

How to get there:
Fly from the UK and let us worry about the roads. With our reliable airport coaches, reclining seats, and onboard power sockets, you’ll arrive calm, charged, and ready for bratwurst.

We’ll handle the boring bit – You handle the festive fun

Wherever you’re jetting off to this Christmas, start your journey with National Express. We’ll get you to the airport safely, comfortably, and without the stress of finding a parking space that doesn’t cost more than your flight.

Because the holidays are for mince pies and merriment, not motorway meltdowns.

If you know, you Ho Ho Ho with National Express.

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