Two Weeks of European Winter Magic: Our Travel Guide
Winter European Adventure: Our Perfect Itinerary
We're heading on the winter trip of a lifetime this year! From the festive lights of Paris to the snowy charm of Copenhagen, our two-week European journey over New Year's is packed with iconic landmarks, charming streets, delicious markets, and dreamy experiences. After almost 7 months of planning, we’ve finally booked our dream two-week Europe trip — just in time to catch the tail end of Christmas markets and ring in the New Year abroad! I have been dreaming of the day John and I would get to country hop around Europe. Creating memories together and documenting our journey on here, as well as my YouTube channel, makes it even more special.
From Paris to London, with festive stops in Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the UK, we’re packing our days with cobblestone streets, mulled wine, castles, scenic cruises, and all the cozy cafés I can find.
Places we're staying and taking day trips to:
- Paris
- Dublin
- Kilkenny
- Wicklow
- Glendalough
- Frankfurt
- Cologne
- Amsterdam
- Brussels
- Ghent
- Copenhagen
- Edinburgh
- Glencoe
- Pitlochry
- Loch Ness
- Glen Coe
- London
Here’s our full itinerary and everything we plan to see, eat, and experience along the way!
Paris: December 27-29
Summary: Paris, the City of Light, is world-renowned for its iconic monuments, romantic ambiance, and world-class cuisine. In December, the city becomes even more magical with festive lights, Christmas markets, and the smell of fresh pastries and mulled wine in the air. A must-do in Paris during winter includes viewing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, enjoying a warm crepe while strolling along the Seine, and exploring world-famous museums like the Louvre. Not to mention, its a famous icon in most peoples eyes. I hope you're all prepared for the fashion content, outfit of the day TikToks, and shopping hauls to prepare for this trip lol.
Our Paris Itinerary:
- Explore the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro
- Walk through Montmartre & visit Sacré-Cœur
- Shopping and window browsing along Champs-Élysées
- Visit the Louvre Museum and the glass pyramid
- Seine River Cruise to view Paris by night
- Enjoy hot chocolate at Angelina and a classic, romantic French dinner
Dublin: December 29-31
Summary: Dublin is the lively capital of Ireland known for its friendly locals, literary history, and pub culture. During the holiday season, the city glows with cozy charm. From traditional music-filled pubs to historic landmarks, Dublin offers a great mix of fun and culture. I went to Dublin back in high school (10 years ago, yikes) and I have been dreaming of the day that I would get to go back.
Our Dublin Itinerary:
- Explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells
- Walk through St. Stephen’s Green & Grafton Street
- Visit Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral
- Guinness Storehouse Tour & tasting at the Gravity Bar
- Dinner at a cozy pub with live Irish music
Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains & Kilkenny day trip
Perfect for: Castles, ancient ruins, cozy towns, stunning mountain landscapes
Highlights:
- Glendalough Monastic Site & Lakes – hauntingly beautiful and peaceful
- Wicklow Mountains – scenic drive through "the Garden of Ireland"
- Kilkenny – a storybook medieval town with Kilkenny Castle, cobbled streets, shops, and pubs.
Frankfurt: December 31 - January 1
Summary: Frankfurt, Germany's financial hub, surprises visitors with a charming old town, lively riverfront, and rich history. On New Year's Eve, the city comes alive with fireworks and celebration. It's a great blend of modern and traditional Germany. John and I stopped in Germany during a layover but never got the opportunity to explore. We've been dreaming of going back ever sense and knew we had to include a stop or two on this trip.
Our Frankfurt Itinerary:
- Explore Romerberg Square and the Old Town
- Walk along the River Main
- Visit the Palmengarten (botanical gardens)
- New Year’s Eve dinner & fireworks in the city
Cologne: January 1-2
Summary: Cologne is a vibrant city famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral, charming old town, and Christmas markets that linger into January. It's rich in history but full of youthful energy.
Our Cologne Itinerary:
- Explore the Old Town and grab dinner by the river
- Visit Cologne Cathedral
- Walk along the Rhine River promenade
Amsterdam: January 2-5
Summary: Amsterdam is a picturesque city of canals, bicycles, and culture. In winter, its cozy cafes, world-class museums, and beautiful historic streets make for a perfect stop.
Our Amsterdam Itinerary:
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum
- Explore Jordaan neighborhood and Nine Streets
- Enjoy apple pie at Winkel 43
- Canal Cruise through the light installations
- Visit a local market and take a food tour
3rd day in Amsterdam:
Take a day trip to Brussels & Ghent (leave early and return by 7pm)
Morning: Explore Brussels (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Walk from Brussels Midi to Grand Place (~15 min walk or quick metro)
- Admire Grand Place and snap photos of the stunning guild houses
- See Manneken Pis (5 min walk from Grand Place)
- Quick walk around the nearby Brussels Christmas Market (Winter Wonders) if still open
- Grab a waffle or hot chocolate from a market stall or local café
- Parc de Bruxelles
- Royal Palace of Brussels if there is time
Train to Ghent
- Depart Brussels Midi: 12:30 PM
- Arrive Ghent St. Pieters: 1:00 PM
Afternoon: Explore Ghent (1:00 PM – 5PM)
- Walk or tram from station to city center (10-15 min)
- Visit Gravensteen Castle (allow 1 hour)
- Explore St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Van Eyck altarpiece
- Wander through the picturesque canals and streets, stop for a coffee or light snack if you want
- Optional quick visit to the Ghent Christmas Market near the city center (usually open early Jan)
Copenhagen: January 5-7
Summary: Copenhagen is a storybook winter destination. Known for its colorful harbor, design-forward culture, and hygge lifestyle, it offers a perfect balance of sightseeing and cozy winter experiences. One thing I am most excited about is our couples experience at AIRE Ancient Baths. We get a couples massage and to experience all the spa has to offer like the Ancient baths.
Our Copenhagen Itinerary:
- Visit Rosenborg Castle & the Crown Jewels
- Explore Torvehallerne Market for lunch
- Canal Cruise from Nyhavn
- Stroll through Christmas Markets
- Dinner at The Union Kitchen
2nd day in Copenhagen:
- Watch Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace
- Visit Frederik’s Church & the Round Tower
- Brunch at Café Atelier September
- Spa session at AIRE Ancient Baths
- Evening at Tivoli Gardens
Edinburgh: January 7-9
Summary: Edinburgh is a dramatic and historic city filled with cobbled streets, medieval charm, and stunning views. In winter, it has a magical atmosphere. You can explore castles, learn about ancient legends, and enjoy cozy cafes. As a Harry Potter fan, I can't wait to explore all of the famous stops, shops and filming locations. One in particular is the Elephant House where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter!
Our Edinburgh Itinerary:
Day one we are going to explore Edinburgh and all it has to offer!
- Arrive in the morning
- Walk the Royal Mile
- Tour Edinburgh Castle
- Visit The Elephant House (where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter)
- Explore The Real Mary King’s Close
- Sunset hike up Arthur’s Seat
Full-day Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Glencoe tour
- Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Loch Ness Day Trip
- Duration: 12–13 hours
- Departure: 8:00 AM from Edinburgh
- Return: ~8:00–8:30 PM
What You’ll Experience:
- Drive through the Scottish Highlands – rugged, stunning, cinematic
- Rannoch Moor & Glencoe – hauntingly beautiful and full of history (think “Outlander” or “Harry Potter” vibes)
- Loch Ness – optional boat cruise across the legendary loch (keep an eye out for Nessie!)
- Lunch stop – typically in Fort Augustus or Inverness area
- Ben Nevis views – the UK’s tallest mountain
- Pitlochry or Callander stop on the way back for a cute village snack or bathroom break
London: January 9-11
Summary: London in January is vibrant yet relaxed, with iconic sites, fantastic shopping, and cozy tea spots. From royal palaces to the South Bank and charming neighborhoods, there's so much to see and do.
Our London Itinerary:
- Tower of London
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Borough Market for lunch
- Scenic River Cruise (afternoon or dinner)
- Evening drink at Sky Garden or Bar Elba
2nd day in London:
- Watch Changing of the Guard at 11am
- Visit Buckingham Palace
- Stroll Westminster Bridge, see Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey
- Afternoon tea at Sketch
- Shop along Oxford Street
- Dinner at The Ivy Café Marylebone or Carlotta
Last day:
Morning coffee & goodbye stroll before heading to the airport!
This trip is the perfect blend of romance, history, charm, and celebration. From Parisian pastries to Dublin’s lively pubs, Frankfurt’s New Year’s fireworks to canal strolls in Ghent and Amsterdam, each city offers its own kind of magic. We’ll experience a rich mix of cultures, languages, and traditions, all while ringing in the New Year in the most memorable way. Cozy cafés, iconic landmarks, festive markets, and local treats await—and we can’t wait to share every moment. Let the adventure begin!
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