There are so many places around the globe that transform in December – street lights change colour, decorations are hung, and festivals turn drowsy city centres into large-scale celebrations. There’s something magical about celebrating Christmas in Europe with its grand style and peculiar customs. As the temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, the old continent becomes a winter wonderland offering a wide array of cultural delights and experiences. If you want to make this holiday extra special, you might just find these ways to celebrate Christmas astounding.
Oslo does Christmas in its own way. Preparations for the holiday season begin ahead of time, typically the last weekend of November, with baking cookies (gingerbread and pepperkaker), shopping for gifts, and sending out dinner invitations. As far as decorations are concerned, heart shapes dominate the landscape. Christmas trees are adorned with heart-shaped paper baskets called julekurver that are incredibly simple but look pretty and elegant. Speaking of which, you shouldn’t miss the lighting of the Oslo Christmas tree, which marks the beginning of the celebration. The lights of the Oslo Christmas tree are lit in Austurvöllur Square, Reykjavík, on the first Sunday of Advent.
What’s more enjoyable than a city break in Oslo with your beloved or family? Enjoying some holiday cheer in Amsterdam. The splendid Christmas decorations transform it into a magical and unforgettable holiday destination. The Christmas tree returns to Dam Square in December to take its rightful place. There’s no shortage of magic. Travelling to the Netherlands is a little bit easier now, thanks to everyone working on the railway. The route connecting the two is long, but it’s a rare option for travelling between northern and western Europe. You can catch the train to London when you get homesick. On average, the train from Amsterdam to London is just 4 hours.
The tradition has been practised for decades, and Christmas wouldn’t be nearly as magical without its famous tree. The lights symbolise the light in the darkness, Jesus, that is. People by the thousands flee to see the big event and are impressed by its show-stopping effect. Every year since 1947, Norway has gifted the UK a Christmas tree to mark appreciation for the British help in World War II, and it marks London’s countdown to Christmas. Selected several months in advance, the tree is cut in Heiðmörk, the municipal conservation area of Reykjavík, which decreases the carbon footprint of its transportation.
Strasbourg is a top destination for holiday cheer, and it’s advisable to set aside at least two full days to get a taste of the region. For a good reason, the capital of the former Alsace region is referred to as the Christmas capital of Europe. The city comes to life as soon as the night falls, thanks to the twinkling lights, which give way to lyrical and delicate shades. You’ll immediately notice the baffling array of scents from the market stalls, confusing you when deciding what to eat. Try bredele, the traditional Christmas biscuits, which come in many flavours, such as lemon, honey, and almond.
If you want to start a brand-new Christmas tradition, a skiing holiday will make your celebration even more merry. What can be more satisfying on Christmas morning than opening presents in a picturesque chalet, next to a snow-covered mountain? After you spend the day on the slopes, you can sit back and stare out the window as you reminisce about good memories. Christmas music has the added bonus of making you happy. There’s no need to worry about distant relatives turning up on your doorstep, which can put a damper on the festive mood. Give yourself a Christmas present by booking a winter ski holiday early.
It’s really easy to get to Val Thorens. Convenient as flying may be, consider travelling by train. Getting to Val Thorens is quick and comfortable, as France is connected by an intricate rail system. Moûtiers is the closest train station. If you ever travelled to Paris by train, you’re not learning the entire process from scratch. Visiting a ski resort means you can experience a different experience to what you’re used to. For example, if you go on a ski holiday to Val Thorens, France, you can indulge in a glass of mulled wine, a couple of carols, and fireworks.
Christmas debuts at the beginning of December when the glittering lights are turned on and the town transforms into an eventful destination. If you’re planning on taking your kids along, ensure the facilities are suitable for your little ones. By booking your holiday ahead of time, you can benefit from the most advantageous prices. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to dream about the powder-white slopes.
If most cities shut down during Christmas, not the same is true for Krakow. Its historic centre accommodates a lot of visitors on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so the transport system is up and running, not to mention that many of the restaurants are open. You’ll have the chance to admire the imposing Baroque palaces and Gothic churches and try the famous pierogi, hot soups, chestnuts, and cured meats. Poland’s charms don’t come at inflated prices, so it’s an amazingly cheap place. Each year, the Krakow Nativity crib contest takes place on the first Thursday of December, and it’s something not to be missed.
Christmas may be the most magical time of the year, but it’s also the busiest time to travel. It’s best to plan your trip in advance. Make a list of all the things you need to pack, figure out the duration of your trip, book tickets for your flight or train, and get an idea of what activities can be done. You should leave early so that you have additional time for unexpected mishaps that might come along the way. Be ready, and if it happens, sit there smiling sweetly. There’s a mental state that you must put yourself in during the busiest time of the year.
All in all, Christmas is a time of celebration and excitement, filled with beautiful lights, delicious treats, and vividly coloured presents, to name but a few. Nations and cultures around the world have different ways of celebrating this special day, and once you become aware of your ignorance, you’ll develop a better attitude and want to learn more. In Europe, Christmas lasts more than a day, and there are so many great things to do. It’s easy to overspend during the festive season, so avoid financial stress with a budget. On the old continent, you’ll never be without fun, so your Christmas is going to be awesome. Choose to believe that everything will go well.
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