Mulled wine, ice skating rinks, snow, reindeer sleighs and Santa Claus look-alikes everywhere - Christmas has arrived in Europe! Here is a list of 10 unforgettable Christmas fairs with mulled wine, Christmas sweets, decorated trees and festive lights, where you can feel the indescribable spirit of this wonderful holiday. Go ice skating in Maastricht, see the Christmas parade in Hamburg or visit a fair in the capital of Austria? Travel to where Christmas originates, explore European celebration traditions and get into the spirit of this fabulous time of year!
Below you will find a list of the 10 most popular Christmas markets.

1. Christmas Market (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy) of Wroclaw, Poland
"Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy", a Polish Christmas market, in one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, Wroclaw, starts from Świdnicka Street and reaches the market square of this ancient city. From handmade soaps to leather and wool products, traditional Christmas sweets along with decorations and souvenirs can all be purchased here. Lovers of delicious food can try local cuisine, for example, the typical smoked hard cheese “oscypek”, as well as traditional Hungarian rolls or Lithuanian sausages. Visitors to the fair can warm up with the Polish variety of mulled wine (“grzaniec”), which is served in festive mugs. To the delight of adults and children, there is an open-air skating rink here. A special feature of the Christmas market in the city of Wroclaw are people dressed as gnomes. If you stroke the cap of these fabulous “dwarfs” 3 times, you can get a nice souvenir from their bag of gifts.

2. Leuven Christmas Market, Belgium
On the Ladeuzeplein square in the Belgian town of Leuven there are 140 festively decorated houses. The stalls of this Christmas market are filled with original gifts and Belgian delicacies and traditional waffles. Each stall offers everything from books to traditional Christmas items: handmade candles and candlesticks, oil lamps, toys and sweets. It even has its own spruce forest, hiding a small village of Santa Claus. There, the Belgian Father Christmas reads fairy tales to little visitors or offers rides on a miniature carousel. In addition, local bands perform every evening on the Ladeuzeplein square itself, and the nearby Stella Artois brewery offers special tours throughout the Christmas period.

3. Christmas market (Christkindlmarkt) on the square. Domplatz and pl. Residenzplatz in Salzburg, Austria
Since the end of the 15th century, a Christmas market has been held on Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares in Salzburg. The Austrian "Christkindlmarkt" is located in the city center, at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the picturesque Salzburg Cathedral. The centerpiece of the fair is a 28-m high Christmas tree, which is best admired at night. The market boasts a variety of goods on offer to visitors, including art, jewelry and traditional crafts, among others. The most popular among fair guests, along with mulled wine, hot spiced wine, are aromatic fruit punch, local pastries, roasted chestnuts and almonds. To delight the soul, from November 21 to December 26, you can listen to Christmas carols, enjoy performances by Salzburg choirs or children's school groups, attend a church mass or attend one of the many concerts.

4. Christmas market at Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg, Sweden
Sweden's largest Christmas market is located at Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg. The market boasts an impressive number of Christmas lights (5 million!), turning the place into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Guests can explore the park's several themed areas, including a medieval camp and recreated Lapland landscapes. A separate part is occupied by the territory with the house of the local Santa Claus, where you can find deer and see the northern lights. And the Swedish Santa himself will not only read the story, but also take an interest in the “wish list” of the youngest visitors. In addition to 80 traditional Christmas shops and stalls, there is an arts and crafts market called Designtornet where you can find unique gifts for Christmas. While strolling through the park, visitors can try polkagrisar, a Swedish chocolate candy, smoked fish and local baked goods. The magic of winter is organically complemented by an ice skating rink, a small ski slope, theatrical performances, musical performances and a zoo with deer and ponies.

6. Vienna Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt), Vienna, Austria
First dating back to 1294, the Austrian capital's main Christmas market is held in front of the stately city hall. The market is named "Viennese Advent Magic" in reference to the festive lights decorating the stalls, the city hall and the trees of the nearby park. This square attracts many visitors with the performances of international choirs singing carols and the smells of cotton candy, mulled wine, caramelized fruit and roasted nuts. The 50 wooden huts sell Christmas gifts and tree decorations, while children can ride a pony in the park or learn one of the local craft courses specially organized for younger visitors.

7. Christmas market in Maastricht (Maastricht, Netherlands)
The famous Christmas market of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, called “Magical Maastricht”, is worth looking for in the heart of the city, on Vrijthof Square, surrounded by churches, restaurants and bars. The center of the fair is a skating rink with an area of ​​100 square meters. The market specializes in local goods and products, in particular, here you can try traditional Dutch pancakes (“Poffertjes”), served with butter and powdered sugar. The undisputed highlight of the Maastricht Christmas market are the ancient two-story carousels. If you find yourself here, don’t miss the opportunity to ride the 60-meter Ferris wheel, which offers a beautiful panorama of the city in lights in the evening.

8. Historic Christmas market on the Town Hall Square in Hamburg, Germany
Germany, as one of the founding countries of the Christmas market tradition, is famous for its fairs, and Hamburg is, of course, no exception to the rule. The largest and most popular market is located on the square in front of the city hall. It's all about "art over commerce": this historic Christmas market is run by Circus Roncalli and traditional glühwein (mulled wine) is served by circus performers and clowns. The owners of 69 festively decorated stalls offer a selection of handcrafted items and art. The market itself also features products from all over Germany, including famous gingerbread from Nuremberg and ceramics from the Lausitz region. 4 weeks before the European Christmas, every Saturday residents and guests of the city come to watch the parade: at this time, mythical creatures, among others, elves and gonomes, fill the central streets of the city.

9. Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany
The Nuremberg Christmas market is one of the oldest in Germany: since the 16th century it has been held annually in the city's central market square. Many traditions remain unchanged for centuries. For example, the official opening of the market begins with the opening speech of the Christkindle, personifying the Christ child, who delivers the traditional holiday monologue on the Friday preceding the first Sunday of Advent (that is, 4 Sundays before December 25). Along with the fried sausages and mulled wine that can be sampled on every corner, and the well-known gingerbread, whose baking recipe dates back more than 600 years, Nuremberg is also famous for its “Zwetschgenmännle”. These edible figurines are made from prunes, nuts, raisins and figs and are a popular Christmas gift. In addition, this year, on December 11, players of the Nuremberg football team (German: 1. FC Nürnberg) will fry and sell sausages for charitable purposes.

10. “Christkindelmärik” or Strasbourg Fair of the Child Christ, France
The history of the Strasbourg Christmas market, once named after St. Nicholas, dates back to the 14th century. Since then, it has changed venues and even its name several times. Today's "Christ Child Fair" or "Christkindelsmärik" dates back to 1570 and is the oldest in France. It occupies several streets and squares in the city center, including the famous Broglie and Cathedral squares. On the Cathedral Square of Kleber, an elegant 31-meter spruce attracts attention, and the Christmas market itself offers visitors a huge selection of Christmas tree decorations and arts and crafts, as well as Alsatian Christmas cookies bredle (French bredle) and the traditional French Christmas log cake “Bûche” de Noël." Well, in order not to freeze, you can try the local hot spicy wine or grog.

11. Italian Christmas Market, Merano, Italy
This year the Christmas market in Merano, Italy, will open to visitors for the 27th time. This market is famous for its unique festive atmosphere and location in a picturesque Alpine valley. The assortment of stalls in almost 80 houses located right on the embankment will delight guests. Here you can choose products made from sheep's wool or purchase one of the handmade wooden toys. Little visitors to the fair will not get bored either: there is a craft workshop and a culinary workshop for them, where they can bake cookies. Pony rides, an ice skating rink, a chocolate factory and even a small train - everyone will feel the holiday spirit!

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The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe

Here, every breath of cool wind brings the warm aroma of fresh gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, intricate handmade toys decorate ancient fir trees, and master craftsmen work in their stalls, past which a bustling crowd floats by.

Christmas markets, with their rich history, food and entertainment, give tourists a special feeling of the approaching holidays. RBC.Travel will tell you about the most beautiful historical winter markets, the program of events and their work schedule.

Berlin Often called the capital of traditional Christmas markets, more than 50 holiday markets open in the city during this period. Today the most popular is market at the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, which is visited by more than 4 million people annually. The temporary market welcomes guests with the smells of roasted almonds, hot chocolate and mulled wine and offers fantastic gifts for all loved ones.

Since 2007, the Christmas market has been held at Charlottenburg Castle. In just a few years Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market has become one of the most famous holiday markets in the German capital. For 35 days, special lighting begins to work on the territory of the castle and its park, which creates a festive atmosphere. Traditional Christmas shops are opening, where you can buy holiday souvenirs and arts and crafts, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, as well as gastronomic specialties of the region.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday - from 11:00 to 22:00, Friday and Saturday - from 11:00 to 23:00. On Christmas Eve - from 11:00 to 18:00, on New Year's Eve - from 11:00 to 01:00.

Another impressive German Christmas market is located in Cologne. It is located right at the foot of the majestic Cologne Cathedral. Nearly 2 million visitors come here every year to admire the 25-meter Christmas tree and the unique starlights tent, a 1,000-square-foot network of LED lights. m, which seems to cover numerous stalls with Christmas souvenirs.

At the Cologne Fair, you can watch artisans at work, drink original Christmas mulled wine from a festively decorated mug, or choose gifts for yourself and your loved ones, such as various sets of sweets or local delicacies.

Opening hours: Sunday-Wednesday - from 11:00 to 21:00, Thursday and Friday - from 11:00 to 22:00, Saturday - from 10:00 to 22:00.

Another German Christmas market that has become famous throughout the world is Christkindlesmarkt. in Nuremberg. The market is considered the oldest in Germany, and thanks to the scale of folk festivities, the Bavarian town of Nuremberg was even awarded the title of “capital of Christmas”. Every year more than 2 million tourists come here to experience the holiday atmosphere.

The fair is held in the city's main square, which is decorated with sparkling toys and a web of shimmering garlands and glass icicles. Temporary shops sell sweet almonds, famous fried Nuremberg sausages, gingerbread and hot mulled wine. The Kinderweihnacht children's Christmas market is open for little visitors, where kids ride on ancient carousels and are shown performances on biblical themes.

Every year, Christkindlesmarkt hosts an exhibition and sale of traditional goods from the region: gingerbread, bread, sweets and Christmas souvenirs (wooden angels, Christmas tree decorations, candles). The organizers of the Nuremberg Christmas market always closely monitor the quality of products sold on its territory. The sale of any modern souvenirs and Christmas tree decorations made of plastic is prohibited here, so when purchasing Christmas gifts in Nuremberg, you can be sure of their uniqueness.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 21:00. On Christmas Eve the market is open until 14:00.

Recognized as one of the most original European Christmas markets in Europe: it stretches for almost two kilometers along the city streets from Grand Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, where more than 200 Christmas stalls begin their work, and a skating rink opens in the very center and a Ferris wheel is installed. Brass bands play in squares near twinkling Christmas trees, free performances are shown for children, and ice sculpture exhibitions are held. Temporary chalet shops sell mouth-watering delicacies: local chocolate and candies, mussels, French fries, Belgian waffles and even beer.

Opening hours: the bazaar is open from 12:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and from 11:00 to 22:00 on weekends. On December 24 and 31, the fair is open from 11:00 to 18:00.

The Christmas market is very popular not only among tourists, but also among the Belgians themselves. in Bruges, the main attraction of which is a huge ice skating rink on the main square of the city.

The festive market forms a ring around a specially built open-air ice skating rink, where traditional “gingerbread” stalls sell mulled wine, holiday souvenirs and handicrafts from local artisans. The fair hosts an ice sculpture festival, which is a crime to miss: talented sculptors have 300 tons of crystal clear ice and 400 tons of fresh snow at their disposal, with which they create their creations, adding winter charm to the ancient city.

Opening hours: daily from 10:30 to 22:00. On Friday and Saturday - until 23:00.

The largest and most beautiful Christmas market is considered to be Christmas Market. in Vienna, which opens annually on the square in front of the city hall and is one of the oldest and most visited Christmas markets in Europe. The Vienna Market provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the fantastic atmosphere of everyone’s favorite holiday and, long before its onset, become imbued with the spirit of a Merry Christmas.

Hundreds of stalls open on the square, selling Christmas tree decorations, souvenirs, as well as gingerbread cookies, roasted almonds and hot mulled wine. The city center is literally enveloped in the aroma of seasonal delicacies - it is impossible to miss.

Here you can not only try various sweets and buy Christmas gifts for family and friends, but also take part in various competitions or simply listen to choirs. By the way, a children's club is opening on the ground floor of the city hall, where kids can take part in master classes on making cookies and Christmas candles.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 21:30, on Fridays and Saturdays - until 22:00. On Christmas Eve, December 24, the fair is open from 10:00 to 17:00.

Christmas market in Prague, which is located on Wenceslas Square, is famous not only for its souvenir shops, but also for its wonderful concerts of choral music, where groups from all over the world come to perform. People come here to buy gifts, drink mulled wine with honey and taste sugar bread cooked in an oven over a fire. And in the late afternoon, tourists flock to the Old Town Square (just a 5-minute walk from Wenceslas Square) to see with their own eyes how the Christmas tree is lit with hundreds of twinkling lights.

When: from December 30 to January 12. Festive festivities last longer than in all other European cities, and all because of the huge influx of tourists from Russia who celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

Tallinn Christmas Market also opens longer than usual, as in Prague. The capital of Estonia is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. And if historians are to be believed, then it was in Tallinn that the tradition of displaying a large Christmas tree in the central square of the city was founded. (According to documents, the first mention of a public display of a decorated Christmas tree in Tallinn was in 1441!)

The Christmas market opens on Town Hall Square, one of the best preserved medieval town squares in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the local holiday fair you can buy original handmade souvenirs and try various Estonian dishes, such as the famous blood sausage with sauerkraut and, of course, gingerbread.

For the duration of the festive events, a skating rink is poured on the square and a stage is erected, where various performances and concerts are held daily.

The house of the Estonian Father Frost (Jõuluvana) also appears on Town Hall Square. All children can come visit the gray-haired grandfather and chat. Children's favorite pastime is feeding Santa Claus's reindeer and the rabbits that live in his house.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:00, hot Christmas drinks are sold in the square until 23:00. Entertainment program on Fridays from 17:00 to 19:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 17:00 to 19:00.

The Spanish coast may not be what comes to mind when we imagine a traditional Christmas market. But nonetheless Barcelona boasts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The Fira de Santa Llucia opens every year opposite the Cathedral. The history of the fair is very rich: it has been held at the foot of the cathedral for more than 200 years, and local residents carefully preserve and honor the cultural traditions of their ancestors.

During the Christmas market, three hundred stalls with souvenirs and traditional delicacies open here. Those with a sweet tooth should definitely try the local turron (a confection made from honey, sugar, egg white and roasted nuts), nougat and Christmas bread.

Visitors to the fair are entertained with musical concerts, parades, exhibitions and various performances, and instead of the usual mulled wine, sangria flows here, which they sip while enjoying the warm rays of the southern sun.

Opening hours: on weekdays from 10:30 to 20:30, on weekends and holidays - from 10:30 to 21:30.

Irina Lavery

The holiday is coming to us: 10 of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe

Christmas in Europe is a magical time. Decorated Christmas trees appear in the central squares, the streets are illuminated with garlands, music sounds, and the dizzying aromas of mulled wine, fresh pastries and meat roasting on a spit are in the air. Fairs also open, where it is almost impossible to leave empty-handed and with a full wallet. We have selected 10 Christmas markets for you that are worth visiting at least once!

1. Prague, Czech Republic

The capital's most famous fair is located on Old Town Square, next to the Town Hall, where the Orloj astronomical clock has recently returned after reconstruction. It is noisy and crowded here, the main Christmas tree of the country shines with lights, and in the evenings there are concerts and theatrical performances. The smells of baked meat, sausages, traditional sweet pastries called trdelnik, mulled wine, grog and mead emanate from the numerous food stalls, while souvenir stalls sell puppets, Bohemian glassware, paintings and Christmas tree decorations. We recommend paying attention to the latter: among the faceless consumer goods, you can come across worthy handmade products that you wouldn’t be ashamed to bring as a gift to your family. Or for yourself ;)

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Please note that on the evening of December 24, most of the tents are closed, and queues form in front of the rest. Between money and the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with family, Czechs definitely choose the latter. But the fair is the last to close, delighting tourists until the beginning of January.

Schedule:

from 1.12.18 to 6.01.19, from 10:00 to 22:00 (food stalls are open until midnight).

Alternative: If you don’t like crowds, look for fairs “for your own people.” You don’t have to go far from the center: check out Peace Square (11/20-12/24/18) or the area near the Anděl metro station (11/24-12/23/18). In such places it is less crowded, the atmosphere is more soulful, the food is tastier, and the prices are lower than in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares.

2. Vienna, Austria

The largest fair takes place at Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz, in front of the Town Hall. This year, there will be 152 stalls with sweets, food, drinks and souvenirs, as well as a 3,000 m² skating rink (by purchasing tickets online, you will save 10% of the regular price and will not have to stand in line to enter).

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Master classes on Christmas baking, decorating toys, weaving “dream catchers” and creating Christmas tree decorations are planned for parents and children. They will take place in the building of the Vienna City Hall, participation costs €2-4, there is no need to register in advance.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, guests of the fair will be entertained by carol performers from different countries, who can be listened to for free. Be sure to try the famous Vienna sausages, mulled wine (here its name is different - gluwein) or punch. Strong drinks are poured not only into disposable dishes, but also into souvenir cups, which can be kept as souvenirs for €4-5.

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Schedule:

from 11/16 to 12/26/18, from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 21:30, on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00. On December 7, the fair will be open from 10:00 to 22:00, 24 - from 10:00 to 18:00, 25 and 26 - from 11:00 to 21:30.

Alternative: From 23.11 to 26.12.18, the Belvedere Palace complex (Prinz Eugen-Straße 27) will host a “village of craftsmen” where you can buy handmade goods and traditional delicacies.

3. Nuremberg, Germany

Christkindlesmarkt, held on the Hauptmarkt next to the Church of St. Sebaldus and the Town Hall, is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe (first mentioned in 1628). His symbol is the infant Christ (Christkind), a charming creature with white curls, dressed in golden robes. The performer of this role is chosen from among the young townspeople every 2 years, and she opens the fair on the Friday preceding the first Sunday of Advent.

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When you're hungry, go in search of Nuremberg sausages. They are prepared from minced pork with marjoram, served in 6, 8, 10 or 12 pieces with horseradish or mustard, or put 3 pieces in cut buns (this dish is called Drei im Weggla or “Three in a bun”). The recipe and format of these miniature (7-9 centimeters, 20-25 grams) sausages have been unchanged since 1497!

Another local specialty is Lebkuchen gingerbread, which has been baked here for over 600 years. About 70 million of these gingerbread cookies are sold every year in Nuremberg.

If you get cold, mulled wine will warm you up, which can also be poured into a souvenir mug (its design changes every year). According to statistics, visitors take 80% of mugs with them.

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At Hans-Sachs-Platz there will be a children's fair, where kids can enjoy a carousel, a train and communication with the Christmas Angel, master classes on baking gingerbread cookies (€3), decorating candles or glassware (€2), making cards and Christmas gifts (from €1), creating sand paintings (€5). You can also send a letter to your loved ones, visit St. Nicholas and warm up in a free gaming room from Bruder.

Schedule:

Alternative: The downside to Christkindlesmarkt's popularity is the crowds, with about 2 million people visiting each year. You can escape the influx of tourists to one of the neighboring small towns: Bamberg, Erlangen or Forheim.

4. Budapest, Hungary

The oldest fair in Budapest is located on Vörösmarty Square. This is a paradise for gourmets; it is unlikely that you will leave here hungry. Those with a sweet tooth will love the Kurtoskalacs cinnamon pastries, similar to Czech trdelnik; meat eaters will appreciate sausages or goulash in bread; dodolle potato dumplings, langos or roasted chestnuts are suitable for a light snack. You can't do without traditional mulled wine.

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In the evenings, enjoy a light show on the façade of Café Gerbeaud and free concerts of folk, jazz, indie, blues and pop music.

Schedule:

from 9.11 to 29.12.18, from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 21:00, on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00. Food stalls will remain open until January 1st.

Alternative: on the square in front of St. Stephen's Basilica, the fair will be open from 11/23/18 to 01/01/19, from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 21:00, from Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00. Here you can buy souvenirs made by Hungarian craftsmen or go skating, and every day, every hour from 16:30 to 22:00, see how a video sequence is projected onto the façade of the basilica, this year for the first time in 3D format.

5. Helsinki, Finland

The St. Tuomas Christmas market in the center of the capital, on Senate Square, is an integral part of Pikkujoulu, “little Christmas”. In 2015, she was included in the list of the 15 most popular in the world according to Huffington Post.

This is a paradise for lovers of stylish things: 120 stalls sell jewelry, dishes, toys, garlands and much more. In the central part of the fair there is an ancient carousel, delighting visitors of any age.

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At the fair you can meet Joulupukki, the Finnish “Christmas grandfather”, buy yourself or your loved ones a sweater with reindeers and warm up with spicy tea or glög (this is an analogue of mulled wine, to which vodka or Madeira is sometimes added for strength). When you get hungry, stop by one of the stalls to buy sausage or joulutortta, a pastry made from puff pastry with jam.

Schedule:

from 1 to 22.12.18, from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 20:00, on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.

Alternative: from November 26 to the end of December you can visit the fair in the medieval town of Porvoo, located half an hour’s drive from Helsinki. Traders in ancient costumes offer works of local craftsmen, residents go skiing and traditional sleigh rides, small houses are decorated for Christmas... Walking along the narrow streets, you will be transported back in time for a while, taking a break from the noise and crowds.

6. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen Christmas Market No. 1 is located at Tivoli Gardens (Vesterbrogade 3), the third most visited amusement park in Europe. During Advent, the historical park is filled with decorated wooden houses, Santa’s reindeer (he himself will also come to the celebration), snow-covered trees and illuminated with garland lights. There are many cafes, both indoor and outdoor (they usually have heaters and offer blankets to guests).

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A warming drink based on wine is called glög, glogg or glück. The base is red wine, to which raisins, cinnamon, almonds, cloves and a little schnapps or aquavit are added. If you prefer beer, look for Christmas varieties, which Tuborg and other producers begin brewing in November.

Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the traditional Æbleskiver pastry - something like donuts dipped in powdered sugar, often served with jam. Also sold at the fair are rye bread sandwiches with Smørrebrød pickled herring, baked duck sandwiches, roasted chestnuts and almonds.

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Entrance to the park is paid (120 DKK=€16). Before Christmas, it is better to buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.

Schedule:

from 11/17 to 12/31/18, from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 23:00, on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 24:00.

Alternative: From 8 to 20 December you can visit the fair in Christiania, a partially self-governing “state within a state”. In addition to the atmosphere of the area itself, the event is interesting with the opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs, including jewelry, mirrors, candlesticks, Christmas tree decorations, clothes, leather goods and other interesting things. The fair is held in the Gray Hall concert hall (Refshalevej 2).

7. Tallinn, Estonia

The fair takes place on Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats), where the country's main Christmas tree has been installed since 1441. The wooden houses sell handmade souvenirs, sheepskin products, local honey, mulled wine and hot beer with spices. When you're hungry, try verivorst blood sausage, also called black pudding, sauerkraut, and gingerbread for dessert.

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The program includes entertainment for adults and children: carousel rides, concerts with Estonian and foreign performers on weekends and the opportunity to visit the house of Estonian Father Frost (here called Jõuluvana), where each young guest will receive a gift from the hands of the living symbol of Christmas.

Schedule:

from 11/16/18 to 01/7/19, from 10:00 to 20:00. Drinks are sold from Sunday to Thursday until 22:00, on Friday and Saturday until 23:00. Accompanying program: Friday from 17:00 to 19:00, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 14:00.

Alternative: On December 15, in the village of Vanamõisa, located near Tallinn, you can visit a Christmas market for children 3-5 years old. A festive show program, craft master classes, steam locomotive rides and communication with animals are planned, and, if the weather is favorable, the construction of a snow town, sleigh rides, skiing and ice skating. Admission for an adult costs €8, a family ticket costs €24.

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's main Christmas market is located at Stortorget Square in the Gamla Stan district, a few steps from the Royal Palace. The red-roofed houses that surround the ornate Christmas tree display works by Swedish craftsmen, such as hand-painted Christmas tree ornaments, angels and straw gnomes. Here you can also buy ceramics, jewelry, spices, soap, clothes, cheeses and other delicacies. Food and drink stalls offer waffles, gingerbread and hot chocolate, while those with a sweet tooth can order sausages or venison. There is, of course, glög, the Scandinavian cousin of the much-loved mulled wine, as well as hot beer with spices.

On Christmas and New Year's days, European cities turn into a fairy tale: according to centuries-old traditions, squares, streets, buildings, and bridge parapets are decorated. Every country, every city has its own highlights. The constant heroes of festive decorations are angels who bring goodness, happiness and love. Christmas and New Year 2020 in Europe: we tried to present the most beautiful cities and Christmas markets in this material.

European cities begin to spruce up long before the upcoming holidays: already at the end of November, shop windows are decorated, festive wreaths appear on the doors, lights and illuminations are turned on, and traditional Christmas markets begin. The aromas of cinnamon, ginger and vanilla are in the air.

If for most Russians the main holiday is New Year, then in Europe it is Christmas. Advent - Three weeks until December 25 - a special time for Catholics, each day is dedicated to the events leading up to the birth of Christ. Not only in churches, but also on the streets and in shop windows, compositions based on biblical subjects are installed.

Fairs these days are beautifully decorated pavilions, where residents and guests flock in search of gifts for family and friends, spending many hours here: the choice is great, and it is difficult to settle on something specific. To keep visitors warm and satisfy their hunger, at fairs you can always warm up with hot coffee or mulled wine and taste local delicacies.

Advent ends on December 24th. Everyone in their homes is preparing for Christmas; Europeans prefer to spend it with their family. Already in the afternoon on the eve of the holiday, the streets become noticeably empty, shops close earlier, and on December 25 and even 26, tourists find it difficult to find not only entertainment, but also open cafes and restaurants.

Therefore, being in Europe during Christmas itself will seem boring to many. Of course, you can wander the streets without the fuss and bustle and see the sights, which take on new features surrounded by festive figures and decorations.

Another thing is the New Year: it is celebrated brightly, noisily, cheerfully, with incredible fireworks and fireworks. Recognized leaders in the beauty of winter holidays: Germany, France, Czech Republic.

Berlin

The capital, according to many, is an atypical German city, and the festive decorations are more reminiscent of fantasy stories than a traditional fairy tale: an abundance of luminous cones, geometric shapes against the backdrop of decorated Christmas trees and soaring angels.

Trade fairs

• Boulevard Saint-Germain turns into a Santa Claus village until the end of December: 25 colorful houses appear, full of fabulous souvenirs and a variety of food. Against the backdrop of Christmas miracles, you can take a photo with the French Santa Claus.
• near Notre-Dame de Paris - until 12/23/2019. This year, Notre Dame Cathedral is being restored after a fire, its beauty emerging through the scaffolding. But the fair, although not as plentiful as in previous years, attracts with the aromas of cheeses, sausages, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. Here you can choose original gifts and souvenirs that you cannot buy in any store;
• in the Tuileries Park - until 01/05/2020. The defunct Christmas market from the Champs Elysees moved here. The beautiful garden has acquired a festive charm in Christmas decorations, evening lights, bright tents where you can choose a souvenir to remember your Paris, eat French products, warm up with mulled wine;
• at the Eiffel Tower - until 01/05/2020. 100 houses, where souvenirs and culinary delights of not only France, but also other European countries are presented. People flock here not only to shop, but also to ride the famous carousel or ice skating rink;
• in Montparnasse - until the end of December. In 40 beautifully decorated houses you can taste traditional French holiday dishes (for example, a Christmas log), choose elegant or sweet souvenirs, eat hot food, and enjoy the surrounding attractions;
• in the Defense area - until December 28, 2019. The huge - 350 retail outlets - market will amaze with the variety of souvenir (and other) products, the aromas of French products from different regions: ham from Corsica, cheeses from the Alps, abundance of candy;
• in Montmartre – until December 24, 2019. A small fair of 20 houses is located next to the Sacre Coeur Basilica - one of the main attractions of Paris. It’s nice after a tour of the narrow streets to warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine in the festive atmosphere of the market and choose a memorable gift;
• near the Eastern Station - until December 20, 2019. It’s worth coming here if only to experience the gastronomic and other passions of the Alsatians: wine, foie gru, Christmas glazed gingerbread cookies and pretzels, holiday decorations for the home and many other amazing things.

Christmas

In, as in all of Europe, this is a family celebration. Of course, few people sit down to a meal, which the French call Réveillon, after visiting the temple, but much earlier. But this does not detract from the awareness of the importance of the holiday. In France, they adhere to a long-standing tradition: placing a lighted candle by the window as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for the birth of Christ.

New Year

On New Year's Eve, the streets of Paris, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs are filled with people. You can spend the outgoing year and welcome the coming one almost everywhere:

• on the Champs de Mars or near the Eiffel Tower, or on the Champs Elysees at the Arc de Triomphe among thousands of people, where, accompanied by incredible fireworks and fireworks, you will hear congratulations in different languages, cheerful songs, and cannot resist fiery dances;
• on a New Year's cruise along the Seine, where you can sit at a festive table, dance, and take part in various entertainment (cost: 940 €);
• in the Crazy Horse cabaret you can watch a 1.5-hour performance and drink champagne (price - from 300 €);
• in the Moulin Rouge cabaret on New Year's Eve they offer a show, champagne with various snacks and a gift at the end of the evening (price - from 600 €);
• in the “58 Tour Eiffel” restaurant at the Eiffel Tower there is a 5-hour program with music, entertainment, a festive table (price – 400 €);
• at Disneyland - a fairy tale within a fairy tale on a fabulous night with fireworks, light installations, parades and gifts (from 20.00 on December 31 to 1.00 on January 1).

Holiday poster

In the last days of December and the first days of January, you can devote time to enjoying art:

• Opera "Bastille" - the operas "Prince Igor", "The Barber of Seville", a symphony concert by Gustav Mahler (ticket - from 245 €);
• Palace of Congresses – ballet “The Nutcracker” (ticket from 167 €).

Main attractions

Of the many attractions, you should definitely see five symbols of Paris: the Eiffel Tower (however, on a cloudy day you may not see its top or it will rise above the low clouds), the Louvre, the Champs de Mars and the Champs Elysees (on New Year's Eve, traffic is blocked here and a long road is formed pedestrian zone), Plant Garden (until January 19, it will turn into an abode of luminous sea animals).

It is important to know: if you plan to visit museums and attractions, then it is advisable to purchase a “Paris Pass” card for 131 €, which provides the opportunity to visit many attractions and museums for free and without waiting in line.

Tired of walking around the city and wanting to warm up, you can sit down at a table in a street cafe - this is not a typo: in winter they are heated.

Sales

From January 8 to February 11, traditional winter sales will be held in almost all retail outlets in Paris, when many things can be bought at a discount of up to 90%. The most popular outlets: La Vallee Village (near Disneyland) and Usines Center Paris Nord (near Charles de Gaulle airport).

Note: when purchasing goods worth 175 € in one store with one check, you can use “Tax Free” and get 12 percent back at customs.

Tours

There are many offers of tours for the Christmas and New Year holidays in Paris. We present to your attention the average prices for two (in rubles):

• for 4 days: from 78000;
• for 7 days: from 84000;
• for 10 days: from 95000.

Prague

The Czech capital in its festive decorations looks like a mysterious city of gingerbread houses. Maybe it’s the other way around: the idea of ​​the favorite delicacy was born in Prague. Here you lose the sense of time and reality, as if you are transported into a fairy tale. The buildings are decorated with garlands and wreaths. Every resident tries to hang a twig of cherry on the door of their house so that good luck does not pass them by. Christmas nativity scenes are installed in churches, shop windows, and at home under the Christmas tree they always place a figurine of Ezulatko - a beautifully dressed baby Christ.

This is interesting: in Prague there is a long-standing tradition - on the Charles Bridge, from December 1 to December 23, from 4 pm, you can see a lamplighter in ancient attire lighting gas lamps (on other days they light automatically).

Trade fairs

Christmas markets, the most fabulous in Europe, open in Prague in the last week of November and are open every day, except December 25, from 10.00 to 20.00. In the elegant pavilions you can choose original souvenirs, including jewelry, clay products, Bohemian crystal, ceramics, puppets and Christmas tree decorations, characteristic only of this country. Of course, you can taste sweets, roasted almonds, enjoy Czech beer, warm up with mulled wine, honey or Becherovka liqueur.

Popular fairs:

• on Old Town Square, the main one in Prague and one of the most beautiful in the world. A huge fir tree is installed here, and on December 1, at exactly 17.30, the lights on it are solemnly lit. On Christmas Eve, December 24, a Christmas service is held on the square, December 31 - New Year's Eve (open until 6.01);
• on Wenceslas Square - the scale is smaller and the tree is smaller, but it is not inferior in popularity; your eyes widen from the abundance of beautiful Christmas tree decorations, unique products created by artisans here (open until 6.01);
• on Republic Square - 20 stalls sell traditional souvenirs and handicrafts, you can taste grilled meat and baked chestnuts, various sweets (open until 30.12);
• on Peace Square in front of the Church of St. Lyudmila - 75 beautiful tents with a large selection of Christmas tree decorations, toys, candlesticks, handicrafts, sweets (open until 24.12).

Christmas

Christmas in the country is a family holiday. The evening of December 24 is called Generous Evening. A device must be placed on the festive table for an unexpected guest. The main dish of Christmas Eve is carp in any form, the scales of which, along with small coins, are distributed to each participant in the meal - so that wealth accompanies him.

This is interesting: there should be 12 different dishes on the festive table, you need to taste each one and not leave food on the plate - then the year will be successful and abundant.

New Year

You can celebrate the holiday in nightclubs, restaurants, cafes. But the most popular and favorite places are the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, where music is played and artists perform. But grandiose fireworks do not go off when the clock strikes; fireworks are only on a local scale - they are launched near hotels, restaurants, or those gathered in the square. It is customary in Prague to greet the New Year with enchanting fireworks at 6 pm on January 1st.

Attractions

In any weather, a walk through the medieval one will give you an incredible experience. You should definitely walk along the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town, see the dancing house, John Lennon's Wall.

Holiday poster

• 26.12, 31.12 – musical “Tarzan” at the Municipal Theater (tickets from 167 €);
• 28.12 – Bizet’s opera “Carmen” at the National Theater (tickets from 237 €);

• 6.01: “Procession of the Three Kings” is an annual costume festival starting from the Church of St. Thomas and moving across the Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square, where the biblical story with the main characters - the Magi - will be recreated.

Sales

There are two periods of winter sales in Prague: from December 24 - Christmas, January 3-5 - New Year. Sales take place in all stores and retail outlets, but the best places for shopping are the Flora, Novy Smichov, and Black Bridge shopping centers. It is more profitable to make purchases in the first weeks of January in local kroons rather than in euros. When purchasing goods worth more than 2,000 CZK using the Tax Free system, you can return 11 percent of the cost.

Tours

The highest prices are on December 29 and 31, the best prices are on December 25 and 26. Cost of tours to Prague from Moscow:

• for 7 days – from 370 €;
• for 10 days – from 422 €.

Everyone enjoys the winter holidays in Paris, Berlin, Prague as well as in other parts of Europe, except for the unpredictable weather. Of course, the snowy decorations in the cities create a truly fabulous atmosphere. But bad weather with a cloudy sky and a humid wind cannot stop you from being happy and cheerful.

You need to take care of your trip for Christmas and New Year in advance in order to have time to choose the desired route on suitable days and at reasonable prices.

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