Where to spend Christmas in Europe? Here are the 5 most popular LGBT destinations
LGBT travelers seeking festive and inclusive destinations during the Christmas season in Europe often look for cities known for their vibrant queer communities, welcoming atmosphere, and unique holiday experiences. Several European cities stand out as popular choices each year, offering a range of events from Christmas markets and light festivals to lively nightlife and cultural attractions. Accessibility, safety, and a diverse scene cater to travelers looking for both traditional festivities and contemporary celebrations within an inclusive environment.
The five most popular LGBT destinations in Europe for spending Christmas are Berlin, Amsterdam, Madrid, London, and Vienna. Berlin is renowned for its open-minded culture and hosts multiple queer-themed holiday events alongside traditional markets. Amsterdam offers an extensive LGBTQ+ scene and picturesque winter canals, while Madrid is noted for its lively nightlife and inclusive social spaces. London boasts a wide array of seasonal shows, drag performances, and queer-friendly venues, and Vienna is appreciated for its classical Christmas spirit combined with a welcoming LGBTQ+ community and dedicated queer winter events. These cities consistently attract LGBT travelers seeking both festive charm and a sense of belonging during the holiday season..
If you are planning a short Christmas vacation this is the article for you. Just during the long holidays, both Italy and the most major European capitals are open to welcome a long line of tourists who are about to flock to hotels and restaurants to experience Christmas in all its forms. And, over the past few years, there are so many destinations that are dressing up for the holidays to give visitors an intense and complete experience. Not only good food but also entertainment, culture, art and history. In Europe we are surrounded by all this, so why not savor our traditions right during Christmas? There is still time to book your next trip, and that is precisely why we have selected 5 destinations – all LGBT friendly or entirely LGBT friendly – to experience the holiday season safely but with an eye on traditions and your wallet. These are all destinations that are easily reached by plane since they are only a few hours away from our country. In the top five we thought we would also add a renowned Italian city.
Christmas in Berlin
Berlin is loved for its creative spirit and very open-mindedness, so much so that over time it has become special and unique for today’s LGBTQIA+ people. There is also room in the city for many different kinds of interests, making it truly as varied as the colors of the rainbow. At Christmas time in addition to museums and areas of interest, Berlin is famous for its nightclubs with queer parties and gatherings for all kinds. Such as the Silver Future in Neukölln, with a very hip charm and atmosphere that has made this venue (and many others) an ideal place for tourists. Also worth seeing at Christmas are the famous markets where it is easy to admire an all-Teutonic tradition. Here is the information about it.
Christmas in Lisbon
It is one of the most incredibly gay-friendly cities that can be recommended to LGBT travelers. Portugal’s capital is rich in culture and places to visit. La nightlife in the Bairro Alto is a lot of fun and there are several gay-friendly pubs, discos, and even a sauna. But Lisbon’s gay life is not just limited to the city center. Along the southern coast stretches the Costa da Caparica, an extraordinary place to enjoy the sea, with beautiful long beaches and areas equipped for tourists. This region is served by a train from Lisbon that runs along the entire coast. “Beach 19”-suitable even in winter-is a well-known gay beach and a great place to meet new people and have fun. Last but not least, the Portuguese are very open and LGBT people are free to be themselves.
Christmas in Amsterdam
History and culture collide in a unique and magical universe. It is impossible not to love the capital of the Netherlands. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage, and the city is known for its tolerance and frivolous but calm and serene life. Its culture is based on the celebration of diversity and that is why Amsterdam becomes its most important center. The gay scene is mainly concentrated in the many gay bars on the Reguliersdwarsstraat, such as the Amstel Fifty Four where there are parties every Wednesday. But Amsterdam is also home to Van Gogh and the characteristic red-light districts that are worth experiencing by day and by night.
Christmas in Brighton
There is no more gay-friendly place than Brighton. A small town, positioned near London, that is a real gem. Everything is beautiful-from the old burnt-out pier at The Lanes to the hundreds of bars, restaurants, and accommodations to choose from. Established as a destination tourist destination for English aristocrats in the late 1800s., today it is a family and community destination. It was here that one of the first pro-LGBT movements was born that made Brighton a gem for England and for tourists. So if you are looking for a perfect gay-friendly city for your next stay, then there is Brighton.
Christmas in Rome
Rome is an incredible city with so many places to photograph and historical sites that will leave you breathless. Inclusive and international, gay life in Rome is beautiful. The heart of the nightlife is Gay Street, right behind the Colosseum. It is the locals’ favorite place for a drink to start the evening, before heading to Muccassassina. Besides that, Rome is history, art, culture and good food-a perfect combination.