I have had the privilege of spending the last three Christmas vacations in Europe. For two of those years, we had the chance to travel during what many in the military community call “holiday block leave,” which typically covers the two weeks encompassing Christmas and New Year’s Day. No matter where you find yourself in Europe during this time, you are likely to be there on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (Dec. 26). As a result, many establishments will be closed on at least one, if not all three days, necessitating the need to find alternative ways to spend your time. Below are some recommendations to ensure you can still make the most of your vacation even when it appears that everything is shut.
Prior Planning: While spontaneity can inject excitement into a trip, if many places are expected to be closed, it is wise to have some non-perishable snacks or a well-equipped mini fridge in your hotel room. Check if your hotel provides room service or has an on-site bar or restaurant that will remain operational during the holidays. Do you need to make reservations beforehand? Before you go off on your adventure, it is essential to think about these things.
Choose Larger Cities for Greater Options: Initially, our plan was to spend Christmas Day near Stonehenge. However, since Stonehenge is closed on Christmas Day, we altered our plans and decided on a two-day stay in Oxford, England instead. We found a coffee shop that was open all day and a pub called the Kings Arms that served until 5:30 p.m. in a larger city. We had a big lunch there in case our room service dinner selections were limited. In previous experiences, McDonald’s has proven to be a dependable choice on Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays.
Learn About Local Holidays: While Boxing Day may not be widely recognized in the U.S., it holds significance in the U.K., with many places remaining closed. Originating in the Victorian era, Boxing Day is meant to be a day of charitable giving to those in need. Although fewer establishments close compared to Christmas Day, numerous local businesses may still be shut. In Germany, I once found myself in front of a closed grocery store on a random Tuesday due to my lack of awareness about the holiday.
Research Thoroughly: While Stripes Europe is a valuable source for uncovering places to explore and activities to partake in, I also turn to other websites and apps to aid me in my adventures. On Christmas Eve, I used the Get Your Guide app to check for any open or operational venues on Christmas Day. To my surprise, there was a guided walking tour available at Oxford University. During the tour, I visited locations that inspired scenes in the Harry Potter films, sites where Queen Mary I executed Protestant heretics, Oxford cathedrals and dining halls, as well as the exteriors of exclusive libraries. I have since made it a personal goal to gain access to one of these libraries to behold Tolkien’s literary treasures.
Ready Yourself for Walking and Sightseeing: Irrespective of your travel spot, there will always be sights worth seeing. Even without guided tours, you can explore the exteriors of grand buildings and gardens on foot. I distinctly remember wandering around Hannover, Germany two Christmases ago, where only a few intrepid visitors, myself included, braved the cold to admire the stunning castle grounds.
Embrace Leisure: After our walking tour and pub lunch on Christmas Day, we retreated to our hotel room and indulged in watching the first two Harry Potter movies. By planning ahead and confirming that our hotel would provide some form of room service on Christmas day, we relished delicious comfort food while immersing ourselves in the enchanting world of wizards.
Irrespective of the holiday you are traveling during or near, these suggestions can assist you in optimizing your time and enjoyment.