The Christmas season used to be a time of peace and goodwill when people took a break from the daily grind and celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. Nowadays, Christmas is more likely to be seen as a time for indulgence and excess, with tourists descending to see the seasonal decorations and indulge in excesses like drinking, shopping, and partying. Since COVID-19 appears to be over, Christmastime in European cities is one of the loveliest times to visit. Travel agencies are cashing in by booking visits to the most beautiful places in Europe this winter, such as St. Petersburg, which offers outdoor ice rinks and colourful lights. In this article, we look at some of the most delightful and unusual Christmas destinations.
Best Christmas Markets in Europe
The best Christmas markets in Europe are a great way to experience the culture and traditions of different countries. From traditional gingerbread to mulled wine, they offer everything you need to get into the holiday spirit. Some of them are more famous than others and attract millions of visitors every year.
1) Prague – The market is located in the historic Old Town Square, where visitors can shop for unique wares and sample local cuisine.
2) Vienna – You can get your fill of roasted chestnuts and hot wine at the market that sets up shop right in front of City Hall.
3) Strasbourg – Strasbourg’s Christmas Market has been running for over 300 years, making it one of the oldest in all of France. There are about 170 wooden chalets there selling regional specialties from France like cheese, honey, and ham.
4) Munich – The Marienplatz square in the heart of Munich is where you’ll find the city’s famous Christmas market. 5) London-The London Christmas market is one of the largest in Europe, with more than 70 chalets selling and serving a wide variety of food and gifts. Winter Wonderland is only open during the month of December, so be sure to save some room for their famous mince pies, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Christmas Eve Traditions Around the Globe
Around the world, there are many different Christmas traditions and superstitions. Many countries, like the United Kingdom and some regions in Spain, celebrate Christmas on 25 December as it is recorded in the Bible (Luke 2:8). While elsewhere in Europe, including Russia, the Christmas celebrations are held on 6 and 7 January, the traditional dates of Christmas. Furthermore, some Christians are celebrating the 12 days of Christmas traditions, beginning on Christmas day itself, while others begin on the evening of December 24 and ending on January 5.
The Christmas turkey and ham are served along with other dishes such as roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and dessert (such as Christmas pudding and mince pies). In preparation for the festive meal, many families will use a wassail bowl (usually decorated with holly) that is kept in the kitchen and filled with mulled wine throughout the year for the special occasion.
Best Christmas Destinations in Russia – St. Petersburg’s Magical Atmosphere & Moscow’s Bright Lights
Christmas is a major celebration in Russia and one of the country’s most important religious holidays, second only to Easter. Christmas is typically celebrated on the 7th of January rather than the 25th of December by Russian Orthodox Christians, who use the Julian calendar. If you are travelling to Russia this Christmas, you will be able to take part in some of the most popular Christmas traditions, including taking part in a 24-hour Russian Christmas carol, or going for a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer across a frozen lake. Around St. Petersburg on Christmas Day, you will find a brightly lit fir tree in the main square.
Even though many people look forward to the Christmas season each year, there’s no doubt that the best destination for Christmas and New Year celebrations is still Moscow, famous not only for its Red Square and Kremlin but also for its traditional Russian culture. It is the right place for the best celebration.