The Best Christmas Hotels in Europe for Families in 2025: Top 7 Luxury Picks
There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when families decide to celebrate Christmas elsewhere—somewhere snowy enough to feel cinematic, indulgent enough to keep every generation happy, and far enough from home that no one is arguing about who’s bringing the stuffing. And nowhere does this better than Europe, where December feels like an art form. Cities and ski towns alike glow under canopies of lights, orchestras rehearse carols that echo through old streets, and grand hotels lean fully—almost theatrically—into the season.
For multi-generational travelers, Europe offers something rare: destinations where grandparents, teenagers, toddlers, and sleep-deprived parents can all find their rhythm. Ski slopes sit minutes from fireside lounges; husky rides coexist with wine tastings; and centuries-old traditions mingle with Michelin-level Christmas feasts that require precisely zero washing up afterward. The continent’s best luxury hotels go even further, designing thoughtful interconnecting suites, villas large enough for sprawling families, and festive programming that feels heartfelt rather than hokey.
So if 2025 is the year you trade the familiar holiday frenzy for a setting worthy of your most nostalgic memories—and your best winter outfits—Europe’s finest Christmas-ready retreats deliver the sparkle, serenity, and togetherness every family craves. Here are our top Christmas Hotels in Europe…
1. Badrutt’s Palace — St. Moritz, Switzerland
Perched in the snow-dusted Swiss Alps, Badrutt’s Palace offers the quintessential winter fairytale. Its richly decorated lobby, roaring fireplaces, and elegant halls set a festive tone from the moment you arrive. For families, the St. Moritz Suites can be interconnected with adjacent rooms, making them ideal for grandparents, parents, and kids to stay close but still enjoy privacy. During Christmas week, the hotel glows with garlands and a fully decorated tree, while its restaurants host special holiday menus — including Christmas Day lunch with local and international flavors. Room rates in December typically start from around CHF 1,200+ per night, though this may vary.
2. The Peninsula Paris — Paris, France
In the heart of Paris, The Peninsula feels like a grand family home dressed for the holidays. A towering Christmas tree in the lobby, elegant seasonal décor, and live music evoke old-world charm. Their Family Moments offer includes connecting rooms (with a discount for the second room for children under 12), so large families can stay together comfortably. Over Christmas, the Peninsula offers festive brunches, special holiday dinners, and Christmas Day lunch in its Michelin-level restaurants. December rates are high season — you can expect suites from roughly €2,000+ per night, especially around Christmas.
3. Hotel de la Ville, Rocco Forte — Rome, Italy
Overlooking the rooftops of Rome, Hotel de la Ville brings sophistication and warmth to your holiday. The hotel’s Mosaico restaurant typically hosts a Christmas Day brunch with a mix of Roman and seasonal Italian dishes, while the décor sparkles with traditional festive touches. The hotel accommodates families via a variety of room configurations — and its Rocco Forte Kids program ensures younger guests are well cared for. Though it’s less “cabin cozy” than alpine hotels, the setting feels heartfelt and celebratory. Expect December room rates to rise steeply; ask the hotel directly for seasonal quotes.
Hotel de la Ville, Rocco Forte.
4. The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel Madrid – Spain
The Westin Palace Madrid provides a luminous, historic setting for a Spanish Christmas celebration. Its grand lobby is decked with a tall Christmas tree and festive lights, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families. With spacious suites and the option of adjoining rooms (subject to availability), multigenerational groups can stay close without being cramped. Over the holiday, the hotel’s restaurants may offer special Christmas menus or lunches, though specifics vary year to year, so it’s wise to check when booking. Winter rates in December often range between €400–800+ per night, depending on the room type.
5. Hotel Sacher — Vienna, Austria
In Vienna, Hotel Sacher is a timeless choice for a Christmas steeped in elegance. Think chandeliers, polished wood, and refined décor — warmed by fireplaces and holiday lights. For families, the hotel offers interconnecting rooms or suites that comfortably host children and grandparents. The hotel’s cafés and restaurants serve special Christmas menus, and being in the heart of Vienna, it’s a short walk to the city’s iconic Christmas markets for festive strolls. December rates typically run from €600–1,200+ per night during the holiday season.
https://www.sacher.com/de/wien/
6. Carlton Hotel St. Moritz — St. Moritz, Switzerland
Another alpine gem, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is ideal for families who want space, luxury, and a snow-filled Christmas. This all-suite hotel offers large suites and interconnecting options, making it great for multi-gen families. During the festive season, the hotel decorates beautifully, and past Christmases have featured special dinners, gingerbread-house-making for children, and even Santa visits in a classic Alpine setting. Suite rates in December often start from CHF 1,000+ per night, depending on size and configuration.
7. Skýra Retreat — Norvajärvi, Lapland, Finland
Skýra Retreat is a brand-new, intimate luxury hideaway opening in December 2025 in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Tucked between forests and the frozen Lake Norvajärvi (just 20 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport), this retreat combines elemental Nordic design with deep wellness. Though small (just 15 rooms), Skýra offers configurations for families: its Private Lakeside Villa spans 130 m², with three bedrooms, a flexible fourth room, a full kitchen, a lakeside sauna, and space for up to six guests — perfect for multigenerational Christmas travel.
While Skýra doesn’t replicate a traditional busy Christmas hotel scene, its design philosophy of “raw luxury” brings warmth: log walls, fireplaces, saunas, and quiet gathering spaces. Guests enjoy Nordic rituals (like afternoon pullakahvit with coffee and sweet pastries), table-served meals, and unlimited access to an open-air Nordic Spawith forest saunas and icy plunges.
For its Grand Opening Retreat (1–15 December 2025), Skýra is offering a special 2-night program that includes full board (breakfast, light lunch, three-course dinner), welcome seasonal refreshments, a Quiet Mind massage, and a creative writing workshop — all starting from €1,420 per person, per night.
