The December holiday season is shaping up to be a fascinating time for Spanish travelers, with both traditional and unexpected destinations stealing the spotlight.
According to eDreams, Europe’s largest online travel agency, iconic European cities with festive atmospheres are dominating holiday travel bookings, with London, Amsterdam, and Paris leading the way.
Known for their vibrant Christmas markets and stunning decorations, these cities have become go-to destinations for those seeking a quintessential European holiday experience.
However, it’s the surprising growth in bookings for other European destinations that has captured attention this year.
Zurich, with its dazzling Bahnhofstrasse lights, has seen an impressive 159% surge in bookings compared to the same period last year. Munich, home to the renowned Christmas market in Marienplatz, follows closely with a 91% increase.
Even within Spain, cities like Bilbao are rising in popularity, with a 66% growth in holiday reservations.
For those venturing beyond Spain’s borders, Paris offers an exceptional draw this year. The grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, following years of meticulous restoration after the 2019 fire, has made the city an even more attractive destination. Visitors this December will have the unique opportunity to witness the rebirth of this iconic landmark, adding a cultural and historical dimension to their holiday trip.
Meanwhile, Spain’s sun-soaked Canary Islands are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for those seeking warmth instead of winter’s chill. Gran Canaria, in particular, has experienced a 109% increase in bookings compared to last year, offering Spanish holidaymakers a sunny retreat and a break from colder weather.
Within Spain, Madrid and Barcelona remain top picks for domestic travelers during the holiday bridge, followed by Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are also favorites for those seeking a warm and welcoming escape.
This trend highlights Spain’s diverse appeal. The country offers options for every type of traveler, from cosmopolitan city experiences to relaxing island getaways.
Internationally, Spain continues to attract a significant number of tourists during the holiday season, with French visitors leading the pack at 21%, followed by Germans (18%) and Italians (17%). Together, these three nationalities account for more than half of the international bookings to Spain.
Other noteworthy markets include the British (7%), Portuguese (5%), Swiss (5%), and Dutch (5%). Key destinations for these international tourists include Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Tenerife, Valencia, Sevilla, Bilbao, Alicante, Gran Canaria, and Palma de Mallorca.
Spain’s combination of cultural richness, festive ambiance, and warm weather ensures its ongoing appeal to visitors from across Europe.
| No | Top Destinations for the December long weekend |
| 1 | London |
| 2 | Amsterdam |
| 3 | Paris |
| 4 | Madrid |
| 5 | Roma |
| 6 | Barcelona |
| 7 | Palma de Mallorca |
| 8 | Brussels |
| 9 | Bilbao |
| 10 | Budapest |
Planning trends for the December bridge also shed light on Spaniards’ enthusiasm for travel. Most travelers plan their trips one to two months in advance, accounting for 41% of bookings, while another 32% plan their getaways two to three months in advance. However, spontaneity still plays a role, with 12% of travelers making last-minute arrangements within the month before departure.
On the other hand, 15% of travelers exhibited meticulous planning, reserving their trips more than three months in advance, underscoring a mix of approaches to enjoying this much-anticipated holiday break.
This December bridge highlights a season filled with diverse travel choices, from festive European city breaks to warm, sunlit retreats in Spain’s islands. With travelers embracing both tradition and spontaneity, the holiday season promises to be a vibrant time for discovery and relaxation.
