Christmas Spirit around Europe

Almost every city and town in Slovenia has its own Christmas lights and Christmas tree, but Ljubljana is definitely a winner every year. The Christmas lights will be lit on 1st of December and Christmas market will fill Ljubljana city centre. You’ll be able to see the Christmas crib made of straw, there’ll be a magical forest, St. Nicholas will visit Ljubljana on 5th of December, people will even play on barrel organs. On Christmas eve there’ll be a traditional Christmas concert and so much more. Of course there’ll also be concerts and events on New Year’s eve so everyone who wants to celebrate in Ljubljana will be enjoying themselves. If you don’t know where to find an accommodation, check out hostel Tresor right in the city centre or hostel Ljubljana a little outside of the city centre.

Christmas markets in Vienna are an old tradition so it is obvious that there are more than 20 Christmas Markets around the city. Events date back to the Middle Ages when in 1928 Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market. There are several Christmas markets happening. Vienna Christmas Dream market is in front of the City Hall and will go on until 26th of December. You can expect 154 stalls, ice skating ring and a Christmas world for the children. In front of Belvedere Palace there’s Christmas village, opening on 24th of November and closes on 26th of December. Of course, there’s also a Christmas and New Year’s market at Schönbrunn Palace so you can enjoy a punch or “Vanillekipferl” there. On New Year’s, you can expect amazing fireworks on City Hall Square and in the Prater. For a more fancy event, there are New Year galas in the city halls and city’s leading hotels. Stay at hostel Brigittenau Youth Palace and enjoy the Austrian Christmas miracle.

In the Croatian capital there’s also a Christmas market happening from 2nd of December to 7th of January. Christmas Market in Zagreb has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe for two times in a row so you simply have to see for yourself if it’s truly as wonderful as they say. Christmas Fair will take place in the streets surrounding the Jelačić Square, Upper Town and New Zagreb. You’ll be able to enjoy yourself on the ice ring in Ice park. In Zrinjevac park you’ll be able to shop for handmade souvenirs and Christmas ornaments, but the best thing will be the food. Pasta with cabbage, a traditional Zagreb specialty, strudels, mulled wine, cinnamon… Can you smell it? If you want to see some concerts, European Square is a place to be as it offers concerts, attractions and exhibitions. And of course, mulled wine. Yum! You can see the full programme of concerts here. Find an accommodation in Youth Hostel Zagreb.

Let’s be real. Christmas markets are all over Germany, but we had to choose one. Nuremberg Christmas Market is the first thing that came to our mind when we heard the word Christmas. The Christmas Market opens on 1st of December, the opening ceremony is at 17:30 if you don’t want to miss it. It is open to December 23rd and is definitely an eye catcher. Nuremberg even made a list of things you shouldn’t miss while visiting the market. Famous Nuremberg gingerbread, Nuremberg sausages made the list, but you should also find an international fair. Market of the Sister Cities has an international fair where you can get everything from Scottish kilts to Czech wooden dolls or French marmalade. Interesting! Hostel Nürnberg is a place to be when you want to rest your full stomach.

Prague Christmas markets open on 2nd December and last till 6th January. You can find them on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, the mentioned are the biggest but there’re also some smaller markets.  Wooden toys, embroidered lace, candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hats and so much more… Of course, it’s not all about shopping. Sometimes it’s also about the food. Large hams are roasted, barbequed sausages, cakes, pastries and you simply must try Trdelnik, a hot sugar coated pastry. If you came for the culture, there’re a lot of concerts and ballets, the most popular The Nutcracker is performed at Prague opera and ballet. The nativity scene is also not to be missed, children can pet sheep, goats and the Christmas donkey. Right in the city centre is hostel Advantage with its cosy Christmas atmosphere to conclude a magical night.

 

Of course the mentioned Christmas markets are just some of the amazing markets, which are going on through the whole December. Take the time to enjoy in a cup of hot mulled wine with your friends and family.