From the amazing beauty of winter to shopping for handcrafted gifts at a traditional Christmas market to ringing in the new year with a live concert and spectacular fireworks display, there’s no shortage of European Christmas vacations to enjoy during the holiday season, regardless of your travel style. Make the most of Europe’s magical festive season with this guide on where to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Europe and what to do once you’re there
With colourful Christmas Markets, stunning twinkling lights that line the streets, seasonal displays, music and ice rinks, Europe really comes alive in December. Combine this with holiday shopping, traditional foods and sightseeing and you cannot beat the unbelievable atmosphere of Christmas or New Year in any number of European cities.
Christmas is a magical time of the year, celebrated with great enthusiasm and unique customs across European countries. Holiday customs in nearly every European country include gatherings for meals and observation of religious traditions as early as November, and as late as January.
However, European Christmas traditions vary greatly from country to country. Each nation has its own special traditions, delicacies, and ways of commemorating this festive season. While you’ll find Santa Clause in many countries, there are also witches, gnomes, and even goats that deliver gifts. And, while Christmas Markets may be a newer concept for many Americans, the tradition goes back centuries in Europe, where countries including Germany, France, Austria, and Italy have perfected the art of holiday celebrations
