Save
Christmas is coming. The trees are up, the fairy lights are twinkling, the mulled wine is flowing and the goose is getting fat.
With that in mind, we've put together some festive food experiences on offer around Europe riding that magical Christmas wave in the run-up to the big day.
Whether sipping cocktails in a pop-up pod aside the Thames, feasting on three Michelin starred food in the Italian mountains or saying "skol" aboard a Swedish steamboat, here are some of the festive food experiences to try out in Europe this season:
1. Stromma Steamboat, Stockholm
Take to the water and enjoy a festive cruise aboard a restored historical boat around Stockholm's archipelago while tucking into a traditional Swedish buffet.
2. Winter Igloos at Coppa Club, London
Snuggle up in one of the cosy igloos that pop up annually next to Tower Bridge. Eat, drink and be merry against the backdrop of the Thames, Tower Bridge and The Shard. Book ahead, now until 31 January 2020.
The Igloos at Coppa Club
3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6AH
Website
3. The Gingerbread House, Gordon Ramsay, London
Tuck into an indulgent festive menu with options like pheasant terrine, sirloin steak and gingerbread latte-tini in the Gingerbread Winter Cabin in the courtyard of Gordon Ramsay's York & Albany restaurant in Camden. Pre-order a giant gingerbread to complete your festive experience. On now until February 2020.
Gingerbread Winter Cabin at York & Albany
127-129 Parkway, NW1 7PS
Website
4. Ice Hotel, Sweden
Disappear into the icy depths of northern Sweden and try a unique experience staying at the Icehotel. When it comes to dinner time take your pick of traditional Nordic flair with a contemporary or pull up a seat at the chef's table for a decadent feast.
Icehotel
Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Website
5. Michelin starred dining in the mountains, Italy
Where better to enjoy a complete festive experience than nestled in glistening white mountains. Whether you're strapped into skies or taking a more sedate approach to winter sports, there are plenty of fine dining options in festive log cabins to be found, including the newly 3 Michelin starred Restaurant St.Hubertus.
Discover all the Michelin starred addresses here.
6. Ducasse on the Seine, Paris
Enjoy a two-hour river cruise on the Seine taking in iconic sites like the Eiffel tower and the Louvre whilst enjoying a special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Eve with a menu curated by the multi-starred French chef Ducasse.
Boarding: Port Debilly, 75116 Paris
Website
7. Christmas Markets, Europe wide
Sausages in Nuremberg, apple strudel in Trento and jenever gin in Bruges. Take your pick of Europe's tastiest markets showcasing regional specialties. Many remain open until January. Discover all the markets here.
8. Fondue Experience, Switzerland
If you love hot cheesy laden bread, Switzerland is your destination. Not only can you enjoy fondue by the bucket load, but you can also do it in some very unusual locations. From eating fondue in igloos to tuk tuks, discover more here.
9. Festive Afternoon Tea, London
London is awash with festive afternoon teas with most of the high-end hotels and patisserie's putting their spin on on this traditional British favourite. Whether you choose Dominque Ansel's festive tier (above) or settle into the sofas at Claridge's there are plenty of choices to be found.
10. Gingerbread City, London
The Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City is back at the V&A museum with a tempting fantasy gingerbread city to drool over. Check out the gingerbread house making workshops if you're tempted to conjure up your own edible home. From 7 December 2019 to 5 January 2020.
Museum of Architecture
Somerset House
Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website
11. Georgian Christmas, Bath
If you ever wondered how Christmas looked in Georgian times, head to No.1 Royal Crescent in picturesque Bath where a Georgian Christmas festive setting from 1786 will be on display until 5 January 2020.
No.1 Royal Crescent Bath BA1 2LR
United Kingdom
Website
12. Harrods Food Hall, London
Visit the spectacular food halls inside the luxury department store Harrods and prepare to be amazed. These legendary food halls were built in Georgian times and never cease to surprise with the array of fresh food counters chocolate, patisserie and specialist counters conjuring up an opulent taste of Christmas past.
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Website
13. L'Ile food pod, Paris
The luxury pod stationed in the west of Paris on Ile Saint-Germain returns for a second year. An enchanting bubble installed in the huge garden of the country house for a festive evening. Book the pod here.
Il était une bulle
L'Ile, Parc de l'Ile Saint-Germain, 170 quai de Stalingrad, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Paris
Website
14. Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, Paris
Dine-in a classic eighteenth-century setting reminiscent of the Salon de la Paix in the Château de Versailles as the team at le Meurice Alain Ducasse haute cuisine restaurant and share a wonderful winter experience! Oysters and caviar, lobster and venison...
Whether Christmas eve or new year's eve you are guaranteed an unforgettable gastronomic experience in an unforgettable setting.
Find out more here.
15. Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studios, UK
Harry Potter enthusiasts can dine in The Great Hall at Hogwarts, when the film set of it at Leavesden is transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas, decked out for the wizarding school's Yule Ball. See the website. On until 26 January 2020.
16. Covent Garden's Great Pudding Race, London
For a taste of British eccentricity head to Covent Garden for the Great Christmas Pudding Race where teams in fancy dress go head-to-head in a festive obstacle course around Covent Garden, while balancing a Christmas pudding on a tray, all in the name of charity. On 7 December 2019.
