European City Breaks Surge This Christmas, with Madrid and Barcelona Leading Growth

Published on December 1, 2025

As the festive season approaches, European city breaks are experiencing a significant surge in demand for Christmas 2025. According to recent booking data from RateGain, Madrid and Barcelona are seeing some of the strongest growth in hotel bookings, outpacing traditional favourites like Paris and London. This trend reflects a broader shift towards more diverse, culture-filled city holidays across Europe during the Christmas and New Year period.

Rising Demand for Christmas City Breaks in Europe

Europe’s popularity as a winter travel destination continues to grow, particularly for those seeking festive cheer combined with cultural experiences. While Paris and London remain popular, their year-on-year booking growth has been more moderate, with increases of 22 percent and 31 percent, respectively. In contrast, Spain is leading the charge in bookings, with Madrid recording a 75 percent increase and Barcelona seeing a 46 percent rise in demand for the holiday season. These cities are now ranked third and fourth in the list of most in-demand destinations for Christmas.

Other European cities that have experienced impressive growth include Rome and Warsaw, with bookings up 49 percent and 51 percent, respectively. This reflects the growing interest in destinations that offer rich cultural heritage and unique experiences, beyond the well-trodden paths of Paris and London.

Why Madrid and Barcelona Are Gaining Popularity

The surge in bookings for Madrid and Barcelona during the festive period can be attributed to several factors. Both cities offer a mix of holiday-themed events, cultural richness, and mild winter weather that make them appealing for travellers looking for a short-haul escape with a touch of festive magic. In addition to their rich cultural offerings, both cities have embraced Christmas with open arms, featuring Christmas markets, festive light displays, and seasonal celebrations that draw visitors from all over the world.

Moreover, these cities are well connected and offer affordable options for short breaks, making them ideal for both budget-conscious travellers and those seeking a more luxurious holiday experience. The easy access to world-class museums, dining, and shopping further boosts their appeal during the holiday season.

Longer Stays and Early Bookings: A Shift in Consumer Behaviour

RateGain’s data also highlights a shift in consumer behaviour. More travellers are now booking their Christmas city breaks earlier, almost three months in advance, on average. This earlier planning gives hotels and operators greater visibility for the season and allows them to accommodate more bookings. Interestingly, there has also been an increase in the length of stays, with 22 percent of bookings spanning 7-10 days and 29 percent of bookings exceeding 10 days.

This shift towards longer stays is particularly beneficial for destination economies, as it leads to more spending in local businesses, including restaurants, retail, and tourism experiences. With more travellers opting to explore city-centre attractions, as well as Christmas markets and festive events, hotels, restaurants, and shops across these cities are seeing increased foot traffic.

European City Breaks: An Attractive Option Amid Economic Uncertainty

The growing popularity of European city breaks is partly driven by economic factors. Inflation and geopolitical instability in some long-haul destinations have caused many travellers to reconsider far-flung trips in favour of closer-to-home alternatives. As a result, European capitals, especially those in the Iberian Peninsula and Central Europe, are benefiting from a growing preference for predictable, safe, and enriching destinations.

According to Fritz Müller, Senior VP of Revenue at RateGain, economic pressures and the need for safer, accessible options have been key drivers behind the increased demand for nearby destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome. With many Europeans still looking for value-driven, culturally enriching experiences, European cities are positioned to meet this demand better than ever.

Implications for the Travel Industry

For travel industry professionals, the data signals a robust demand for longer city breaks and a shift towards mid-haul destinations. Operators and online travel agencies (OTAs) should consider offering tailored city break packages that include cultural programming, festive events, and longer stay options to capitalise on this growing trend.

For hoteliers, the trend towards earlier bookings and longer stays offers a chance to plan for the peak festive season with greater accuracy. They should focus on offering value-added experiences, such as wellness programmes, Christmas-themed packages, and exclusive access to local events to entice travellers looking for enriching festive experiences.

The Rise of European City Breaks for Christmas

The 2025 Christmas season looks set to be a record-breaking period for European city breaks, with Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, and Warsaw emerging as key players in the Christmas travel market. As more travellers opt for closer-to-home destinations that offer rich cultural experiences, shorter stays, and festive celebrations, cities across Europe are reaping the benefits of these shifts in consumer preferences.

For travellers seeking an authentic holiday experience with a blend of culture, dining, and festive spirit, these cities offer the perfect getaway. As the holiday season approaches, the demand for European city breaks continues to surge, and 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for the industry.