{"id":10037,"date":"2023-10-03T16:32:33","date_gmt":"2023-10-03T08:32:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rearviewmirror.tv\/?p=10037"},"modified":"2024-02-07T16:55:51","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T08:55:51","slug":"christmas-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rearviewmirror.tv\/christmas-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Road Trip: Europe in December Travel Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I like to think there\u2019s never a bad time for a road trip, whatever the weather. Yet, driving during the rain or snow can pose challenges. So, if you’re tempted by a festive journey this Christmas, my advice is to keep it short and sweet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you get the most out of your travels, I’ve crafted these mini Christmas road trip itineraries to give you some ideas on where to go in Europe this December. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They offer festive European destinations within a comfortable driving distance, minimising time spent on potentially tricky roads.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Christmas<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Christmas Road Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No one wants to spend all their holiday time on the road anyway, so a short road trip with just a few destinations is simple and manageable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stick to destinations that are no more than a few hours apart, eliminating the pressure of feeling like you need to rush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can pull over for a while if you need to, and you will have more time to relax in your cosy hotel or with a warm drink than out on the road in miserable conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could take these trips using the train too, of course, and if this is a solo trip for you, then I\u2019d recommend that instead of driving. Train travel in Europe is convenient, reliable and more sustainable than driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you are travelling in a group or want a little more comfort then having your own car is always nice. Plus, driving gives you the added freedom of coming and going as you please and getting to smaller towns or villages is considerably less hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These mini road trips are centred around the best Christmas markets in Europe<\/a>, a highlight of travelling in December. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

With these destination combinations, you get the big city attractions, bustling Christmas markets of a capital city, and the contrast of a more intimate, relaxing, smaller destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I suggest adding a small town or village to your road trip itinerary or somewhere a little off the beaten path to mix things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how I like to plan all of my trips. I choose places that might be in the same region but maybe with a different culture or language, plus somewhere smaller but intriguing and less talked about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendations are below, but you can get further ideas with my guide to European Christmas markets<\/a> for 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put together, you’ll have a memorable December road trip itinerary with the option of visiting the Christmas markets in each destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

December Road Trip Itineraries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Zagreb – Ljubljana – Trieste<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Trieste<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Zagreb, Croatia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, Zagreb has repeatedly been voted the best Christmas market in Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zagreb has been underrated as a city break destination for such a long time. It\u2019s nice to see it finally getting some well-deserved recognition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In December, the main Zagreb Christmas market takes over Ban Jelacic, the centre square of the Lower Town. The Upper Town has its own Christmas market and decorations in the streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also quiet spots in the parks surrounding the Upper town and great views over the funicular down to the Lower Town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zagreb to Ljubljana<\/strong>
Distance:<\/strong> 140 km.
Driving:<\/strong> 1 hour 45 minutes.
Train:<\/strong> 2 hours 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you’re interested in exploring the winter charm of Croatia’s capital, read my guide to Zagreb in winter<\/a> to get some ideas on what to expect. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Ljubljana, Slovenia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ljubljana has a special place in my heart after spending a few months there one winter. The city is small, compact and adorable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slovenians pride themselves on having developed Ljubljana as a sustainable travel destination, and they are achieving great things in protecting their pristine natural resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ljubljana Christmas market<\/a> sells eco-friendly, handmade Christmas decorations and gifts; much of the food is local, seasonal and organic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ljubljana to Trieste<\/strong>
Distance:<\/strong> 90 km.
Driving:<\/strong> 1 hour.
Train:<\/strong> 2 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While in Ljubljana, consider exploring nearby Lake Bled; read my guide to Day Trip to Lake Bled<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Trieste, Italy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Just across the Slovenian\/Italian border is Trieste, a grand, wealthy Italian city with a massive main square on the waterfront, the place for events, rallies and festivals for centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Piazza Unita d\u2019Italia is the perfect location to watch the sunset over the water while sipping on an Aperol spritz and snacking on Italian Christmas specialties like panettone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a lively Christmas market by the Grand Canal and Piazza della Borsa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover the unique blend of Italian and Central European culture in Trieste by reading my guide to Trieste: Prosecco, Gelato and Castles<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n