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Forgotten Christmas Cheer
Guide: 5 lost European holiday traditions ready for rediscovery In Europe, the trees are bare. The wind, colder and perhaps carrying a touch of rain, rustles the branches and emits a soothing woosh. As autumn turns to winter, we start looking toward Christmas! Ah, Christmas in Europe: sparkling lights, hot wine, wet cobblestones, rich sauces poured generously over root veggies and juicy meats. Perhaps the distant jingling of silver bells might pique your interest. But if you’ve ever stopped to …
Winter celebrations in Flanders
The right place for the most wonderful time of year As the year ends, Flanders’ art cities become more enchanting than ever. Winter markets pop up, chasing away the dark with food, drinks, and the warmest possible welcome. Brussels Winter Wonders ’ 250 or so enchanting chalets radiate an atmosphere along a three-kilometer route through the city center, which includes the iconic Grand’Place. During these festivities, you’ll find a huge Christmas tree, a sound and light show, cultural activities, …
Christmas magic in Switzerland
Where to feel the Swiss Christmas spirit Walk through the city, marvel at the Christmas lights and festive decorations, listen to musical sounds, and enjoy the magical atmosphere while sipping mulled wine. Swiss cities are beautiful all year round, but thanks to the lights and decorations, they look extra magical around Christmas time. Christmas in Montreux Festive Montreux ( Montreux Noël ) offers a significant number of activities in conjunction with the traditional Christmas Market, from …
Unforgettable Christmas in Spain
Experience the holiday magic At Christmas, the streets of Spain are lit with thousands of colored bulbs and filled with traditional street markets, exuding charm as at no other season. Admire stunning Nativity scenes and the Three Kings Parade on January 5th, glide on ice-skating rinks, and make the cold more bearable with a hot chocolate and churros or some roasted chestnuts from the many stalls you’ll find during your stroll. Wonderful aromas will help you find them! Here are some of the …
Christmas in Cyprus
Jingle all the way to the Cyprus Christmas Village We invite you to experience the local culture and heartwarming traditions from the island of Cyprus, taste the season’s special dishes, listen to choirs singing Christmas carols, and enjoy this festive atmosphere to the maximum. Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany (January 6 th ) are known as the “dodecameron", the twelve days that include these three feasts. They are very significant as they correspond to the twelve months of the year. The …
Christmas markets in Finland
Experience the magic of Christmas, Finnish style Finns love to celebrate the holiday season, and what better way to set the mood than visiting Christmas markets around Finland . In the homeland of Santa Claus, Christmas is celebrated in every city and village throughout December. Experience Finnish Christmas cheer and maybe even meet Santa himself at these Finnish Christmas markets in Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Turku. Helsinki Christmas Market Located in Senate Square is the oldest and most …
Christmas in Ireland
Discover the best of the Irish festive season Christmas is a magical time in Ireland. Nothing beats frosty mornings, warm pubs, carol singers, and bustling streets thronged with twinkling lights and busy shoppers. Christmas markets in Ireland are all about our famous welcoming atmosphere. The Belfast Continental Christmas Market is perfectly placed in front of its festively decorated, perennially handsome City Hall. In Dublin , a sense of magic and merriment fills the air on Grafton Street and …
Magical Christmastime in Poland
Christmas markets and other holiday attractions Yuletide in Poland is a Christmas tree glimmering with colors, gingerbread's aroma, and carols' sound. Unique gifts, beautiful holiday decorations, and delicious smells of traditional food are just some of the attractions at Christmas markets, which pop up in Polish city centers and towns in anticipation of Christmas. Visitors can discover regional and local dishes, taste sweet treats, enjoy beer, wine, and mead, and buy charming gifts. Poland’s …
Christmas in Germany
Immerse yourself in a magical world Spring, summer and autumn have their charms – but for many, winter is the most romantic season in Germany. When it is bitingly cold outside, people in Germany draw closer together on the long winter evenings. Discover the most beautiful German Christmas traditions with us and see for yourself why a trip to Germany at this time of year is worthwhile. Winter baking for foodies Few things are more romantic than strolling through the festively lit Christmas …
Hungary’s unique winter charm
The winter wonderland of Budapest No matter how cold it is, bundling up and leaving your hotel room to explore the city center of the Hungarian capital in the wintertime is a must. Christmas fairs in the city, with their irresistible aromas of cinnamon, hot wine, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked delicacies, must be on your itinerary. These bazaars also entice visitors with their wooden stalls and a wide, and colorful variety of Hungarian merchandise such as ceramics, special honeys, …