How to Skip The Line at Christmas Attractions
The holiday season brings festive cheer, twinkling lights, and… long lines. But with a bit of planning, you can experience some of the world’s most popular Christmas attractions without the endless wait. From iconic museums to dazzling observation decks and enchanting Christmas markets, here’s a guide to top holiday hotspots and how to skip the lines, so you can spend more time enjoying the magic and less time waiting.
The Louvre Museum, Paris – Masterpieces Without the Wait
Holiday Wait Times: During peak holiday hours, waiting times at the Louvre can reach up to 2-3 hours without a skip-the-line ticket, with over 10 million visitors annually. Tips to Skip the Line:
Buy Skip-the-Line Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance to bypass the general admission line.
Evening Visits: The Louvre stays open later on Wednesdays and Fridays, and these evening hours often see fewer crowds.
Guided Tours: A guided tour not only gives you priority entry but also takes you on a curated route to the museum’s highlights.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Rome – Artistic Wonders Without the Crowds
Holiday Wait Times: The Vatican Museums attract over 6 million visitors per year, with December lines stretching to 3-4 hours during peak times. Here is how to get faster access:
Early Morning or Night Tours: Early morning and evening tours offer a quieter experience with shorter lines.
Book in Advance: Skip-the-line tickets are essential during the holiday season. Look for options labeled as “fast-track” or “priority entry.”
Avoid Free Days: Free admission days at the Vatican can mean packed rooms and longer waits, so plan accordingly.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona – Gaudi’s Masterpiece with Less Waiting
Holiday Wait Times: With nearly 4.5 million visitors each year, wait times for the Sagrada Familia can reach 1-2 hours without a reservation during the holiday season. Tips to Skip the Line:
Timed Entry Tickets: Purchase tickets online with a timed entry to ensure swift access.
Early Morning Visits: Arrive early to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the basilica’s beauty at a more leisurely pace.
Priority Access Tours: Many guided tours offer priority entry, saving you time while providing insights into Gaudi’s work.
Colosseum, Rome – Ancient Rome’s Iconic Attraction
Holiday Wait Times: The Colosseum, one of Italy’s most visited sites, receives over 7 million visitors annually. Wait times can reach 2-3 hours during peak holiday periods. Find out how:
Combination Passes: Purchase a pass that includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for seamless access to multiple sites.
Visit Later in the Day: Afternoons can sometimes be quieter, giving you a more relaxed experience.
Guided Tours with Fast-Track Entry: A guided tour helps avoid lines and gives you a richer understanding of this historical marvel.
London Eye, London – Festive Views of London Without the Queue
Holiday Wait Times: The London Eye sees around 3.5 million visitors each year. During Christmas, wait times can peak at 1-2 hours. Follow the tips below for express entry:
Fast-Track Tickets: Buy a fast-track ticket to skip the general line and head straight to the boarding area.
Book a Private Pod: For an exclusive experience, consider a private pod reservation for family or friends.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Late afternoon or early evening slots tend to be quieter and offer beautiful views as the city lights up.
Empire State Building, New York – Holiday Views Without the Wait
Holiday Wait Times: The Empire State Building sees over 4 million visitors each year, with holiday season waits reaching up to 2-3 hours without express entry. Here is how:
Express Pass Tickets: Purchase an Express Pass online to head directly to the observation deck.
Late Night Visits: Open until 2 AM, the Empire State Building is quieter late at night, and you’ll enjoy the holiday lights of NYC at their best.
VIP Experiences: Book a VIP experience for priority access, ensuring a faster, less crowded trip to the top.
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam – History with a Plan
Holiday Wait Times: The Anne Frank House welcomes over 1.3 million visitors annually, with holiday wait times often extending to 1-2 hours. Take the following into account:
Reserve Tickets Early: Book tickets online as soon as possible, as they’re limited and in high demand.
Late Afternoon Slots: Afternoons are typically less crowded than mornings, making for a more peaceful visit.
Skip-the-Line Tours: Look for tours that include entry to the Anne Frank House for a convenient experience.
Tower of London, London – History and Holiday Spirit Without the Wait
Holiday Wait Times: The Tower of London sees over 2.8 million visitors annually. During the holiday season, wait times can reach 1-2 hours. Tips to Skip the Line:
Advance Booking: Book skip-the-line tickets online to ensure swift entry to this historic site.
Visit Early or Late: Arriving right when the Tower opens or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the crowds.
Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour that often includes priority access and provides fascinating insights into the Tower’s rich history.
Nearby Christmas Market: After exploring the Tower of London, take a stroll to the nearby Southbank Centre Winter Market, known for its festive stalls, delicious food, and holiday cheer.
Conclusion
The holiday season is one of the most magical times to explore iconic attractions, but it’s also one of the busiest. By planning ahead with skip-the-line tickets, timed entries, and priority passes, you can enjoy these famous destinations—whether museums, historical sites, or enchanting Christmas markets—without spending hours waiting.
For city-specific tips and detailed guides on visiting these attractions, check out our individual city pages for Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and more!
