Mulled wine, skating rinks, snow, reindeer teams and Santa Claus lookalikes everywhere - Christmas has arrived in Europe! Here is a list of 10 unforgettable Christmas markets with mulled wine, Christmas sweets, decorated Christmas trees and festive illuminations, where you can feel the indescribable spirit of this wonderful holiday. Go skating in Maastricht, see the Christmas parade in Hamburg or visit the fair of the capital of Austria? Travel to where Christmas has its roots, explore European traditions of celebration and get into the spirit of this fabulous time of the 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-style Christmas market, in one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, Wroclaw, starts from Świdnicka Street (Ulica Świdnicka) and reaches the market square of this ancient city. Starting from soap self made to leather and wool products, traditional Christmas sweets along with decorations and souvenirs - everything can be bought here. Lovers of delicious food can taste both local cuisine, such as the typical smoked hard cheese Oscypek, as well as traditional Hungarian kalachi or Lithuanian sausages. Visitors to the fair can warm up with a Polish variety of mulled wine (“grzaniec”), which is served in celebratory mugs. To the delight of adults and children, an open-air skating rink is flooded here. A 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 gift bag.

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 full original gifts and Belgian delicacies and traditional waffles. In every stall you can find everything from books to traditional Christmas items: handmade candles and candlesticks, oil lamps, toys and sweets. There is even a spruce forest here, hiding a small village of Santa Claus. There, the Belgian Santa Claus reads fairy tales to little visitors or offers a ride on a miniature carousel. In addition, local bands perform every evening on the Ladeuzeplein 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 organized on the 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 center of the fair is a 28-m tree, which is best admired at night. The market prides itself on the variety of goods offered to visitors, including art, all kinds of jewelry and traditional handicrafts. Along with mulled wine, hot spiced wine, fragrant fruit punch, local pastries, roasted chestnuts and almonds are the most popular among the guests of the fair. From November 21st to December 26th, you can listen to Christmas carols, enjoy the performance of 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 in Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg. The market boasts an impressive number of Christmas lights (5 million!), turning this place into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Guests can walk through several themed areas of the park, 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 smallest visitors. In addition to 80 traditional Christmas shops and stalls, there is a Designtornet arts and crafts market where you can find unique gifts for Christmas. Walking 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 dated 1294, the Austrian capital's main Christmas market is held in front of the majestic city hall. The market is named "Viennese Advent Magic" in reference to the festive lights that decorate the stalls, the city hall building and the trees of the nearby park. This square attracts many visitors with performances of international choirs singing carols and smells of cotton candy, mulled wine, caramelized fruit and roasted nuts. 50 wooden houses sell Christmas gifts and Christmas decorations, while children can ride a pony in the park or learn one of the local crafts, courses especially organized for younger visitors.

7. Christmas market in the city of Maastricht (Maastricht, the Netherlands)
The famous Christmas market of the Kingdom of the Netherlands called "Magic 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, such as traditional Dutch pancakes (“Poffertjes”) served with butter and powdered sugar. The undisputed highlight of the Christmas market in Maastricht are the old two-story carousels. If you are here, do not miss the opportunity to ride on the 60-meter Ferris wheel, which offers a beautiful panorama of the city in the evenings in the evening.

8. Historic Christmas market at the Town Hall Square in Hamburg, Germany
Germany, as one of the founding countries of the tradition of Christmas markets, is famous for its fairs, and Hamburg, of course, is no exception to the rule. The largest and most popular market is located on the square in front of the City Hall. Everything here is subject to the motto "art instead of commerce": this historic Christmas market is run by the Roncalli circus and traditional gluwine (mulled wine) is served here by circus performers and clowns. The owners of 69 festively decorated tents offer a selection of handicrafts and art. The market itself also features products from all over Germany, including the famous Nuremberg gingerbread and pottery from the Lausitz region. 4 weeks before 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. Nuremberg Christmas Market, Germany
The Nuremberg Christmas market is one of the oldest in Germany: since the 16th century, it has been held annually on the city's central market square. Many traditions remain unchanged for centuries. So, for example, the official opening of the market begins with the opening speech of Christkindle, personifying the Christ child, who delivers the traditional celebratory monologue on the Friday preceding the first Sunday of Advent (that is, 4 Sundays before December 25). Along with fried sausages and mulled wine, which can be tasted on every corner, well-known gingerbread, the recipe of which is more than 600 years old, Nuremberg is also famous for its "Zwetschgenmännle". These edible figurines are made from prunes, nuts, raisins and figs and are a popular Christmas souvenir. In addition, for charitable purposes this year, on December 11, the players of the Nuremberg football team (German 1. FC Nürnberg) will fry and sell sausages.

10. "Christkindelmärik" or Strasbourg Fair of the Christ Child, France
The history of the Strasbourg Christmas market, which once bore the name of St. Nicholas, goes back to the 14th century. Since then, it has changed venues and even its name somewhat. Today's "Fair of the Christ Child" 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 Kléber Cathedral Square, an elegant 31-meter spruce attracts attention, and the Christmas market itself offers visitors huge selection Christmas decorations and arts and crafts, as well as the Alsatian Christmas bredle cookies (French bredle) and the traditional French Christmas cake in the form of a Bûche de Noël log. Well, in order not to freeze, you can taste the local hot spiced 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 the picturesque Alpine valley. The range of counters of almost 80 houses, installed right on the waterfront, will delight guests. Here you can find products from sheep wool or purchase one of the handmade wooden toys. Little visitors to the fair will not get bored either: for them, there is a craft workshop and a culinary workshop where you can bake cookies. Pony rides, a skating rink, a chocolate factory and even a small train - everyone will feel the spirit of the holiday!

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The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe

Here, every breath of cool wind brings the warm scent of fresh gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, intricate handmade toys adorn ancient fir trees, and master artisans work in their stalls, past which the bustling crowd floats

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 the schedule of their work.

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

Since 2007, a 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 open, where you can buy holiday souvenirs and arts and crafts, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, as well as gastronomic specialties of the region.

Opening hours: from Sunday to Thursday - from 11:00 to 22:00, on Friday and Saturday - from 11:00 to 23:00. On Christmas Eve from 11:00 to 18:00 New Year- 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. Almost 2 million visitors come here every year to admire the 25-meter Christmas tree and the unique starlights tent - a "tent" of a network of 1000 square meters 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 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 all over the world is the Christkindlesmarkt. in Nuremberg. The bazaar is considered the oldest in Germany, and thanks to the scope of the 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 adorned with glittering toys and a web of shimmering garlands and glass icicles. Makeshift shops sell sweet almonds, the famous roasted Nuremberg sausages, gingerbread and hot mulled wine. For younger visitors, the Kinderweihnacht children's Christmas market is open, where kids ride on old carousels and show performances on biblical themes.

Every year, the Christkindlesmarkt hosts an exhibition and sale of traditional products of 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. It is prohibited to sell any modern souvenirs and Christmas decorations made of plastic, so that when buying 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 through the streets of the city from Grand Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, where more than 200 Christmas stalls begin their work, and in the very center an ice rink opens and a Ferris wheel is installed. Brass bands play in the squares near the twinkling lights of Christmas trees, free performances are shown for children, and exhibitions of ice sculptures are held. Makeshift chalet shops sell mouth-watering delicacies: local chocolates and sweets, mussels, french fries, Belgian waffles and even beer.

Opening hours: The market 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 enjoys great love not only among tourists, but also among the Belgians themselves. in Bruges, the main attraction of which is a huge skating rink on the main square of the city.

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

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

The largest and most beautiful Christmas market is the 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 Bazaar provides an opportunity to plunge into the fantastic atmosphere of the holiday loved by all and, long before its onset, feel the spirit of a bright Christmas.

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

Here you can not only try various sweets and buy Christmas gifts for relatives and friends, but also take part in various competitions or just listen to choirs. By the way, on the first floor of the City Hall opens kids club, where kids can take part in workshops 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 wonderful concerts of choral music, which come to perform groups from all over the world. People come here to buy gifts, drink mulled wine with honey and taste sugar bread cooked in a fire oven. 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: December 30 to January 12. The 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 7th.

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

Tallinn Christmas Market also works longer than usual, as in Prague. The Estonian capital is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. And according to historians, it was in Tallinn that the tradition was founded to put up a large Christmas tree on the central square of the city. (According to documents, the first mention of a public display of a smart Christmas tree in Tallinn was in 1441!)

The Christmas market opens at 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 souvenirs handmade, taste various Estonian dishes, such as the famous black pudding with sauerkraut and, of course, gingerbread.

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

The house of the Estonian Santa Claus (Jõuluvana) also appears on the Town Hall Square. All children can visit the gray-haired grandfather and chat. Favourite hobby children - feeding Santa Claus's deer and rabbits that live in his house.

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:00, hot Christmas drinks are sold on 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.

Perhaps the coast of Spain is not what comes to mind when we imagine a traditional Christmas market. But nonetheless Barcelona boasts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Fira de Santa Llucia opens every year in front of 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 the locals cherish 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.

Fair visitors are entertained musical concerts, parades, exhibitions and various performances, and instead of the usual mulled wine, sangria flows like a river here, which they drink 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

Christmas time in Europe is a special time, filled with history, joy and magic, classical music, a million twinkling lights and the smell of fruitcakes. Visiting the Christmas market in the heart of one of the European cities is an incomparable pleasure, the memory of which will live for a very long time. On the eve of the New Year holidays, ELLE found out which Christmas markets in Europe are worth going to for the feeling of a fairy tale.

As a rule, Christmas markets are located in the central square of European cities around the main cathedral, starting their work four weekends before Christmas. The smell of gingerbread, mulled wine and sausages roasted over an open fire quickly spreads through the square and surrounding streets, attracting crowds of locals and tourists to the markets. Many markets close on Christmas Eve, but in some countries it is customary to continue festivities and the sale of New Year's paraphernalia right up to Epiphany.

Where: Place Broglie

This French city on the border with Germany is not without reason called the capital of Christmas, because it was here that the tradition of Christmas markets was born in 1570. The oldest market in Europe still proudly bears the banner of the most authentic and most spectacular - every year classical music concerts are played here, performances are held, an ice rink is open and hot wine flows like water. Indispensable attributes of the Strasbourg Christmas market - roasted chestnuts, lush bagels and the so-called "fire pie" - a kind of thin pizza with bacon, onions and sour cream.

Where: Altstadt

Surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks, the Austrian city is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. In the heart of the old town of Innsbruck, against the backdrop of medieval houses, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Austria is located, which from mid-November begins to spread the fragrant smells of gingerbread and donuts with cranberry sauce. Numerous wooden stalls offer a variety of handmade Christmas decorations and original creations by local glassblowers. And at sunset, trumpeters play Christmas melodies on the balcony of the 500-year-old symbol of the city - the Golden Roof building.

Where: grand place

Despite the fact that the Brussels Christmas market has only been held annually since 2002, it quickly gained popularity as the most colorful one. Basically, thanks to the win-win fairy-tale atmosphere of the main square of the city - the famous Grand Place, which is rightfully considered the most beautiful square in Europe. Today, the market includes almost 250 wooden-roofed stalls, a glittering Ferris wheel and a spacious ice rink, and in the evenings it delights visitors with a unique light and sound show. And of course, the legendary Belgian waffles for every taste, sugar donuts and chocolate cockerels will not do.

Where: Stortorget area

The traditional Swedish Christmas tree market is located directly opposite the building of the Nobel Museum near the Royal Palace. Colorful stalls made of red-painted wood with snow-covered roofs offer signature Swedish sweets, led by gingerbread cookies, venison sausages and the famous glegg, as well as handicrafts - glass and clay Christmas tree decorations and toys.

Where: square of the old town

Nothing brings out the holiday spirit quite like a four-ton fruitcake. At least for the inhabitants of German Dresden, this rich dessert with raisins has long become a symbol of the festive season. A gigantic stollen fruitcake leads the traditional procession through the city center on the second Sunday in December, triumphantly entering the Old Town Square to be cut into thousands of small pieces for the delight of all gourmets. In addition to the stollen, Dresden's Stritzelmarkt Christmas market is decorated with a six-story pyramid with wooden figurines.

Where: Old Town Square

In the capital of the Czech Republic, there are two Christmas markets - one on Wenceslas Square and the other on Old Town Square, where small wooden stalls line up in a ring around a giant Christmas tree. Hunters for Bohemian crystal, ceramics, jewelry handmade and classic Czech puppets will discover real treasures in Prague Christmas markets, while children will enjoy local delicacies - hornet's nest biscuits, honey gingerbread and trdelniks made from sweet dough, added in sugar, raisins and nuts.

Where: Rathausplatz square

Winter is Austria's favorite time of the year, and Christmas holidays even more so. As a rule, Vienna is buried in snow in December, and the Christmas stalls decorating its main square near the city hall resemble small fairy-tale houses. Since the Christmas market for the inhabitants of Vienna is a special secular tradition, you can watch them in huge numbers with noisy conversations and songs in the company of punch and mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and spicy Christmas cookies.

Christmas is one of the most beautiful holidays in Europe. Unlike the New Year, it is celebrated on a grand scale and prepared for it in advance. Vestnik ATOR will tell you where to go for Christmas in Europe, what to buy and try at fairs, and how much the tour will cost.

WHEN TO GO TO EUROPE FOR CHRISTMAS

For those wishing to fully enjoy the spirit of Christmas, tour operators recommend purchasing tours with departure dates at least a few days before December 25, when Catholic Christmas is celebrated in Europe (although Christmas is celebrated on the same dates in Protestant countries, so it’s more correct to call it “Western” Christmas ).

It should be borne in mind that most often, Christmas markets open at the beginning of the 20th of December and are already closed after the holiday. However, in some cities, Christmas markets continue to work in new year holidays- this point is better to specify when booking the tour.

You also need to take into account that directly on the eve (December 24) and on Christmas Day itself (December 25), and sometimes on December 26, even in large European cities, most commercial enterprises, including shops, are closed. Often on Christmas there are no festivities on the streets of European cities - this holiday, unlike the New Year, is considered a family holiday and is celebrated at home.

All this does not exclude holiday decoration cities. In the UK, for example, on the eve of Christmas, the windows of houses and churches are decorated with candles, in Spain people in national costumes take to the streets and sing songs, and in Italy, shepherds from the mountainous regions play national musical instruments, sing songs, stage performances. By the way, in some small towns in Italy it is still observed old tradition Throw old things out of the window on Christmas Day.

Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in Europe. “It is celebrated everywhere in Europe, wherever tourists go - in a small village, in a big city or the capital of the country. Smartly decorated houses, streets, shop windows, Christmas markets - this is exactly what this part of the world looks like at least a week before Catholic Christmas (in some places even earlier) and at least a week after, ”says the specialists of the tour operator ICS Travel Group.

WHERE TO GO FOR CHRISTMAS. CHOOSE COUNTRIES

CZECH

The capital of the Czech Republic is one of the most popular destinations for Russians for Christmas. Prague is transformed and sparkles with thousands of lights, Christmas trees are decorated. Many stores have Christmas sales.

What to buy and try

At Christmas markets, you can try punch, mulled wine and mead, buy traditional local sweets such as honey gingerbread, vanokva (a braid of nine "strands" with raisins), vanilla bagels and "nut nest" cookies, Prague ham, roasted chestnuts, trdelnik , fried cheese, hot pancakes, etc.

Christmas markets are open in Prague from December 2 to January 6. Tourists are advised to come to Christmas Prague in advance - December 20-21 - then there will be more choice of places in hotels.

How much does a Christmas tour to the Czech Republic cost?

You can book these options for celebrating the New Year as part of the LEAD TOURGROUP package tours with flights on charter or regular flights.

ITALY

Italy is another great option meet Christmas (here you can meet both Catholic and Orthodox Christmas) and Christmas holidays. You can go on popular routes - Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Rimini, or you can try something new - in any corner of the country, tourists are waiting for the Christmas mood and their own traditions.

A very interesting option is to go with children to the Italian holiday Befana. Befana (Baba Yaga) is one of the most beloved children's characters. She arrives at night on her broom and descends through the chimney into the fireplace and leaves stockings with sweets and gifts for obedient children. On the day of the Epiphany (or, as it is also called in Europe, the Day of the Three Kings), on January 6, in the ancient town of Urbania (the Marche region), the national day of Befana is held and festive fairs are organized on the streets. This is one of the most beloved children's holidays of Italians and will surely appeal to little Russians.

What to buy and try

Visitors to Italy's Christmas markets are advised to pay attention to very original local souvenirs made from various types of wood, try nougat sweets, fresh cheeses, horsemeat sausage, tortellini. And of course, visit the Christmas sales in local clothing and footwear stores.

Christmas markets operate in Italy mainly from November 23-24 to January 6 (depending on the region, the dates may vary).

How much is Christmas Italy

Offers a trip to the Befana National Day in Urbania 03-10/01/18. In addition to visiting the festival itself in Urbania, the tour includes a visit to the medieval fortress in Gradara and San Leo, the ancient republic of San Marino, Pesaro - the birthplace of the composer Rossini. Adults will be interested in visiting the winery with tasting and the opportunity to purchase their favorite varieties. The cost of such a tour from "Russian Express" (per person) is 1109 euros with a full individual service (excursions, transfers, etc.).

Tour operator ICS Travel Group offers tours with a flight to Rimini from 64,895 rubles (for 2 people for 7 nights, 3* breakfast, flight by Ural Airlines). Tours with flights to Rome, Venice, Milan, etc. on regular flights lasting from 3 nights, they cost in the company from 71,350 rubles (for 2 people, 3 * hotel for breakfast).

FRANCE

Traditionally, the majority of Russians traveling to France for the winter holidays choose Paris. This, of course, is far from the only holiday destination in the country: as an alternative to Paris, tour operators recommend paying attention to Alsace - after all, it is here that the most iconic and most beautiful French Christmas markets are located. The journey from Paris to Strasbourg takes less than two hours by train.

What fairs to visit in France

Strasbourg is the "Christmas Capital" in France. The city twice (in 2014 and 2015) received the award for the best Christmas market in Europe. Here is the oldest fair in Europe - Christkindelsmärik - was first opened in 1570. Now the fair consists of 300 kiosks located at 12 sites in the city center. Here you can taste not only local products, but also listen to live music, attend various cultural events.

Not far from Strasbourg is a small but very beautiful town of Colmar. For six weeks, the city is bathed in the lights of five local Christmas markets at once. Each market is actually a mini-village, where visitors are offered products of local craftsmen. Most of them are from Alsace and were chosen for the quality and uniqueness of their products.

In Strasbourg, the fairs will be open from November 25 to December 31, in Colmar - from November 24 to December 30.

How much is Christmas France

Tour operator ICS Travel Group offers to come to France in advance and celebrate Christmas with the Parisians. A tour lasting from 4 nights with departures from December 21 to 23 starts from 60,405 rubles for two (2 * hotel with breakfast, regular flights with connecting flights, without transfer).

If you want to celebrate the New Year in Paris, ICS Travel Group offers a 7-night tour with a departure on December 26 (direct flight by Air France, 2* with breakfast, transfer included) at a price of 98,430 rubles for 2 people.

NORWAY

The Scandinavian countries have a special attitude towards Christmas. In Norway, they begin to prepare for the holiday in advance, and by the beginning of December reigns everywhere festive mood the country is changing.

In addition to visiting the Scandinavian capitals, there are options for tourists who are fond of sports. So, he invites you to celebrate the New Year and Christmas at the largest ski resort in Norway, Trysil.

Trysil is ideal for families with children: special ski areas with plenty of entertainment have been created for young skiers. In addition, there is a family snow park, a children's club "Troll", a ski school and a garden for kids, sledding and dog sledding.

What to buy and try

As in many European countries, traditional Christmas markets are held in most Norwegian cities on Christmas Eve. Visitors are advised to pay attention to the traditional Christmas types of cookies: "goro", "krumkaker", "berlinekrans".

It is worth noting that many shops and restaurants in Norway close at noon on December 24th and only reopen on December 27th. Exceptions can be found in mountainous areas and in large cities.

How much is Christmas Norway

The cost of the tour "Christmas in Trysil" (arrival on January 2) for 7 nights at PAC GROUP starts from 83 thousand rubles (flight Moscow - Oslo - Moscow on Aeroflot).

Tour "Weekend in Oslo" lasting 2 nights can be bought at a price of 15 thousand rubles. If you plan to visit Finland during the New Year holidays, tour operators offer to go to Lapland.

FINLAND

Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays in Finland. They start preparing for the holiday here in early December, when “little Christmas” or “pikkujoulu” is celebrated. In Helsinki, Aleksanterinkatu, the official street of Christmas, is decorated with Christmas illuminations. The tradition began in 1949. Thus, the townspeople wanted to light a flame of hope and joy in the harsh post-war years.

What to buy and what to try

In December, fairs are already opening in the cities of Finland, offering guests delicious treats and Christmas gifts and a warm glög. The oldest and most popular fair in Helsinki is held in Senate Square (Saint Thomas Fair).

There are about 140 stalls at the fair where you can buy both Christmas decorations and traditional delicacies - fish, meat, ready meals and, of course, warming drinks. Guests of the fair will not be able to pass by such traditional treats as smoked salmon, marinated herring, fried vendace, sea buckthorn jam, mustard with cognac or homemade grilled sausages and much more. Santa Claus visits the fair every day. In addition, this year a beautiful old carousel will be recreated for children in the center of the fair this year, on which children can ride for free.

How much is New Year's Finland

According to the Sletat.ru package tour aggregator, a tour to Helsinki (3 nights, accommodation in a 4 * hotel, air flight from Moscow) costs from 50 thousand rubles.

If you are planning to visit Finland in new year holidays, tour operators offer to go to Lapland. This year, ICS Travel Group has delivered a special charter program with a flight from Moscow to Lapland (Kittel airport near Rovaniemi) with departures on December 29 for 5 nights and on January 3 for 7 nights.

ICS Travel Group offers tourists guaranteed accommodation in hotels and cottages. The cost of tours to Lapland today starts from 131,333 rubles for two people (5 nights, 4 * hotel with breakfast, full package - including flights and transfers).

EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS CRUISE

One of the most original ways visit Europe for the holidays - go on a river cruise. This is not only an opportunity to see Christmas Europe from an unusual angle, but also a way to visit several festive European cities at once. Not surprisingly, the demand for such cruises is growing rapidly. This year, among the offers for Christmas, there are already a sufficient number of cruises with guaranteed Russian groups. And this applies to the dates of both Catholic and Orthodox Christmas.

Offers several options for routes on the eve of Catholic Christmas. Three cruises at once start on December 20 (until December 27), and two more on December 23. All prices below are for the cruise itineraries themselves (excluding flights from Russia and back).

Motor ship Bellejour with a guaranteed Russian group goes along the route Düsseldorf (Germany) - Koblenz (Germany) - Mannheim (Germany) - Kehl (Germany) / Strasbourg (France) - Speyer (Germany) - Mainz (Germany) - Boppard (Germany) - Bonn (Germany) ) - Cologne (Germany) - Düsseldorf (Germany). The cost of such a tour starts from 88.8 thousand rubles per person.

Motor ship Amastella will follow the route Budapest (2 days, Hungary) - Vienna (Austria) - Melk (Austria) - Passau (Germany) - Regensburg (Germany) - Nuremberg (2 days, Germany). Price - from 167 thousand rubles.

Motor ship Fidelio with a guaranteed Russian group will go along the route Vienna (2 days, Austria) - Melk (Austria) - Dürnstein (Austria) - Budapest (Hungary) - Esztergom (Hungary) - Bratislava (Slovakia) - Vienna (Austria). Price - from 64 thousand rubles.

Cruise on a boat River Discovery II starts December 23rd and ends December 28th. Route: Vienna (2 days, Austria) - Dürnstein (Austria) - Melk (Austria) - Bratislava (Slovakia) - Budapest (2 days, Hungary). The price of the tour starts from 53.5 thousand rubles per person.

Motor ship Amazonata goes on a cruise from December 23 to December 30 on the route Basel (Switzerland) - Breisach (Germany) - Riquewihr (Germany) - Strasbourg (France) - Speyer (Germany) - Heidelberg (Germany) - Rüdesheim (Germany) - Koblenz (Germany) - Cologne (Germany) - Amsterdam (2 days, Holland). The price of the cruise is from 167 thousand rubles.

WHAT OTHER CHRISTMAS FAIRS SHOULD YOU VISIT IN EUROPE AND WHEN

AT Croatia the best choice Christmas is, of course, Zagreb. The capital of Croatia has twice received the award for the "Best European Christmas Market".

It will be beautiful and fun here on Christmas days literally at every step. At the fairs in the city center you can taste traditional Croatian delicacies on fresh air or participate in local quite diverse interactive programs in the fresh air.

Every year before Christmas the squares and streets around the Cathedral and Town Hall Aachen turn into a celebration of light and color, a festival of music and seductive smells. The local fair has become known far beyond the Aachen region and offers tourists a wide selection of goods - from delicacies to souvenirs.

On the streets Dresden on Christmas there are a total of eleven completely different Christmas markets. Striezelmarkt first opened here in 1434 and is waiting for guests again this year. The sounds of the holiday fill the air throughout the city. From everywhere you can hear the organ and concerts of church music. Christmas stories also come to life in the city's theaters, special exhibitions are held in museums, and light-decorated boats sail down the Elbe.

The magic of Christmas will be felt in the festively decorated cologne. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon cookies and mulled wine will "float" along the alleys. Large Christmas markets will be located in the center of Cologne, but there will be small bazaars that can be seen in other areas of the city.

AT Austria at Christmas, you should definitely see the fairs in Vienna and in Graz.

From mid-November until Christmas, the main squares Vienna turn into fabulous Christmas markets. The aroma of holiday baking and hot toddy creates a pre-Christmas mood. One of the most famous Christmas markets in the city is the traditional fair. Christkindlmarkt, which is located on the Town Hall Square. Guests of the fair will find various local delicacies, souvenirs, warming drinks, as well as a carousel and Christmas workshops for children. If you decide to go to Vienna for Christmas, be sure to try the local gingerbread and mulled wine.

Several Austrian Christmas markets city ​​of Graz conveniently located within walking distance of each other. The oldest Christmas market is located near the Franciscan church. Tourists will find here Styrian artisans, regional farm products, hot punch and mulled wine. nearby, near the town hall, there is another Christmas market - with a giant elegant Christmas tree and old carousels for children.

Estonia- one of the few European destinations where you can find Christmas markets not only on the eve of Catholic Christmas. Holiday markets in Tallinn are open here until Orthodox Christmas, and this is undoubtedly very convenient for Russian tourists who go on vacation on a long New Year's weekend. annual Tallinn Christmas Market- a real corner of a fairy tale, located on the historical square of the city, surrounded by elegant houses, shining lights. It sells Christmas delicacies, souvenirs, various handicrafts, in the center of the square a high and very beautiful tree. Children will love the fun carousel and Santa Claus. Hundreds of singers and dancers will perform on the main stage.

If you are traveling to Hungary well worth a visit Budapest and its Christmas and New Year's fair on the square in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Every night there is a festive illumination. AT fairy houses on St. Stephen's Square, you can buy wonderful products of almost eighty craftsmen, as well as find unique works of folk and applied art, handmade, textile and Leather Products, ceramics and jewelry along with designer clothes and accessories.

Of course, it will not do without gastronomic impressions. A variety of Hungarian cuisine can be found at the Christmas Market in Budapest at Veresmarty Square: fresh pastries, fried sausages, sweets, fruit marshmallows and much more. Be sure to try the traditional Hungarian pie kurtoskalacs - dough wrapped around a "pole", baked, covered with sugar and cinnamon.

And at Christmas you can visit Portugal. Here, except for Lisbon, we strongly advise you to take a closer look at the Christmas Madeira: Holiday markets on this island are open until January 7th. Such a period, of course, is not at all because they celebrate Orthodox Christmas, but because Three Kings Day (Epiphany) falls on January 6 in Western tradition - and this main holiday when in Spain and Portugal they give Christmas gifts to children (similar to the three "kings" - the Magi, who brought gifts to baby Jesus).

The Christmas market in the heart of the capital of the island of Madeira, the city of Funchal, will be located along Avenida Arriaga. Fair visitors will find a variety of local delicacies, sweets, wine, port wine, exotic flowers and traditional souvenirs. Here you can also take part in the festivities, see the Portuguese Christmas carols and performances of folklore groups.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas and Advent (pre-Christmas 4 weeks) plan ahead. There is nothing better than this time in Europe. The Christmas tour is the perfect combination of shopping, culture and just having fun. So, where to go for Advent and Christmas in Europe?

⇒ Read also: ⇒ Read also: Strasbourg: the most beautiful bazaar in Europe In the capital of Alsace, the most beautiful Christmas market in France, it is also the oldest - it first appeared in 1570! Street orchestras, mummers and very exquisite decor: huge gingerbread men, balls, bears... Up to 2 million tourists come here every year to look at all this magnificence. Therefore, it is better to get to Strasbourg on weekdays and without a car, so at least you will avoid problems with parking. Pay attention to pastries - pies, pretzels, buns. In one of the pavilions, they are cooked right in front of your eyes. Try sausages, sausages, pork shank. And don't forget the traditional Christmas drink - hot wine. Dive into childhood! At Christmas markets, buy useless little things, drink the obligatory mulled wine and do not skimp on sweets! Berlin: welcome the New Year! Berlin is a very party place. It is worth going here to celebrate the New Year and see with your own eyes how thousands of people gather at the Brandenburg Gate. Every year, on a festive night, the capital of Germany hosts the most grandiose fireworks and the largest outdoor disco in Europe with the participation of world-class stars and famous DJs. However, you can also come to the Christmas markets. One of the most beautiful markets is located on the Gendarmenmarkt. Here is one of the largest ice rinks in Europe. The fair is designed in the style of the turn of the 18th-19th centuries: the stalls are stylized as wooden houses of that time. Especially for those who dream of tasting a traditional Christmas in Europe. Nuts, chestnuts, chocolate-covered fresh fruit… Try the Berlin curry sausage (Carrywurst) too! ⇒ Read also: London: the most beautiful shop windows in Europe At Christmas and New Year's, shopkeepers in London compete with each other in the luxury of decorating holiday windows. Sometimes the decor is so magnificent that it can compete in popularity even with the most famous sights of the English capital. Before Christmas, shopping is everything! It is worth coming to London at least to choose a great gift. If traditional shopping centers are fed up, take a stroll through the markets. The most famous ones are Old Spitalfields Christmas Market, Southbank Center Christmas Market, Leaden Hall Christmas Market… And be sure to admire the country's main Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. ⇒ Read also: Prague: Christmas in the Fairy Kingdom The Czech capital resembles a fairy-tale kingdom in winter. Santa Claus, Mikulash, Ezhishek and Father Frost congratulate the children on the holiday. Fairs are held on two squares located in the neighborhood - Old Town and Wenceslas. Look out for local Christmas treats: small biscuits called zukrovi. They are sold everywhere. The Czech Republic lives off tourism, so there are a lot of entertaining pre-Christmas events here. You can, for example, go to a master class on cooking a real Christmas dinner, a medieval show in Detenice or a tour called "Mystical Prague". ⇒ Read also: Salzburg: Europe's oldest Christmas market The local Christmas market is considered one of the oldest in Europe. Back in the 15th century, some townswomen began to go out with their goods to the main cathedral closer to Christmas. Demand was for things directly related to the holiday. This is how the Christmas assortment gradually formed, and solid pavilions appeared in place of the hawkers. The smell of roasted chestnuts and almonds, the aromas of mulled wine and punch... Visit the Cathedral Square and the Residenzplatz, stroll through the narrow streets, look at the Hellbrun Palace, listen to Christmas melodies, take part in entertainment programs. Salzburg has a fantastic atmosphere: a real Christmas in Europe! ⇒ Read also: Rome: the main Christmas service in Europe A shot of the famous Colosseum in front of an ornate Christmas tree can be a hit in your photo collection for years to come. Here it is customary to celebrate Christmas at home with the family, so the Italians do not attach any importance to the external decoration of the streets. The center of the celebration is traditionally shifted to the Vatican. A Christmas tree is set up in the middle of St. Peter's Square, and a nativity scene is always present nearby. Inside the cathedral there is another nativity scene, striking both with the subtlety of work and special illumination: during the day the sun rises here, in the evening the stars light up. The Christmas service is conducted by the Pope himself - this is the main service for the whole of Catholic Europe. ⇒ Read also:

Whatever one may say, we are all children of the media space and victims of advertising campaigns: who, with the phrase “Christmas in Europe”, does not imagine fairy tale, like in the cartoon about The Nutcracker with obligatory bazaars, Christmas trees, fluffy snow and hot mulled wine?

In today's article, I will talk about some of the nuances of the Christmas period that many miss, and as a result either arrive at the celebration of life when everything is over, or are disappointed in the idea itself, and then say: “Well, we expected something completely different!” How to avoid disappointment, what to consider when planning your trip and the best affordable Christmas destinations in Europe - in today's article.

MOST IMPORTANT: CHRISTMAS IS NOT AS FUN AS ADVENT

The main mistake that most tourists from Russia make is confusion with dates. No, everyone knows that Christmas in Europe is celebrated on December 25, and therefore they are guided by this date in the calendar. But they miss the point. December 25 is a family holiday, when Europeans gather at the table with relatives and friends and often do not even show their noses into the street.

But bazaars, Christmas trees, Christmas decorations and singing in churches are signs of Advent, the pre-Christmas period, when a festive atmosphere really reigns in towns, villages and villages, lights are lit, houses are decorated with illumination, and skating rinks are flooded in the squares. That is, unlike the Russian New Year, which kicks off the festive season, Christmas in Europe draws a line under it. This is the final point, not the starting point, and therefore all the fun in most cities simply ends on December 25th. The exception is the Baltic countries, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Belgium. There, Christmas markets are open until January 6-7, but still the holiday atmosphere is not as radiant as it is during Advent.

Conclusion: for a Christmas fairy tale in Europe you need to go from December 1 to December 24. You will just have time to recharge with a festive atmosphere and buy gifts for your relatives for the New Year.

WE DRESS WARM!

The second mistake that most Russians make is choosing unsuitable clothes. Well, it's understandable. You look at the weather forecast in some Verona or Berlin, and there is + 14. “Wow,” the tourist thinks, “perhaps I’ll get by with an autumn jacket.” Stop. This is another snag for the Russians.

Yes, in Europe during the pre-Christmas period, the air temperature rarely drops to zero, but the cold here feels completely different. The reason for this is high humidity. So at 0 you will freeze, as in Moscow at -10. Add to this the wind, light rain, which can charge early in the morning, and you will get an approximate picture. Hence my advice to you: choose warm waterproof down jackets for the trip.

In terms of shoes the best option in the absence of rain - cursed by all the fashionistas of the world ugg boots. Or just warm boots. You should also take warm pajamas with you, because (surprise!) in Europe there is no central heating at such humane prices as in Russia, and therefore the average temperature in hotel rooms in winter is around 20-22 degrees. If you rent an apartment, keep in mind that there can be only + 17, because the owner saves. And don't think badly about him! If you had heating bills of this size, you would also be sitting at home in woolen socks.

HOW MANY DAYS TO ALLOW FOR THE TRIP?

Wherever you go in search of a Christmas fairy tale, it makes sense to spend about 3 days on a trip. A full weekend to enjoy and not get tired of the fairs. Next, you should either come up with other entertainment for yourself, for example, sightseeing and trips around the district, or go home with a clear conscience.

WHERE TO FLY: THE BEST AVAILABLE CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS

Well, now let's move on to the main thing: where can you ride for the weekend to recharge your Christmas atmosphere, visit the markets and not spend too much time on the flight. I’ll make a reservation right away that the directions were meticulously chosen and checked personally, and when compiling their list, I also took into account an important geographical factor, because, for example, the Christ Child Fair in Strasbourg, France is beautiful, but direct flights across reasonable price I didn't find it in this area. And yes, it's a whole story.

1. ZAGREB (CROATIA)

I never get tired of complimenting the capital of Croatia: this is where they know how to arrange Christmas markets for everyone to envy! There are so many fairs in the city center that they simply smoothly transition from one to another.

In the bazaars they sell not only sausages, mulled wine, donuts and gingerbread and Christmas souvenirs, but also things from Croatian designers. Here, in general, handmade is very popular: you can find incredibly cute accessories or handmade toys.

Another feature of Zagreb is a giant skating rink, which is poured on King Tomislav Square. It is the largest in Europe, and you don’t need a reservation to visit it: just buy a ticket, rent skates and good luck! By the way, its entire ice zone is very beautifully illuminated. Does it snow in Zagreb? At this point, how lucky, but on the square of Ban Josip Jelacic, scenery in the form of Christmas trees, powdered with artificial snow and hoarfrost, is invariably set up.

And in general, in terms of decoration, the capital of Croatia in the pre-Christmas period is beautiful: illumination is everywhere, and in city squares every second tree is buried in shining garlands. .

2. BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)

There are only two bazaars in Budapest, and the main one is located on Vörösmarty Square in the center of the pedestrian zone of the Hungarian capital. But it's heartfelt here! You can not only try mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and delicious sausages, but also see the work of Hungarian glassblowers, buy gifts for relatives and friends wooden Toys, items of national clothing, and at the same time listen to live concerts: they take place here in the evenings.

The second fair is located near the Basilica of St. Stephen. It's good there too. What is nice, Christmas markets are open until January 1st.

3. DRESDEN AND BERLIN (GERMANY)

Although the oldest and most famous fair in Germany, the Striezelmarkt, is held annually in Dresden (it’s not for nothing that the sweetness of stollen was invented there!), it’s still easier to get to Berlin. Plus, the city is big, and therefore the bazaars here are “many and different”, they are, as they say, for every taste.

The largest is located in the Charlottenburg district, another miniature and elegant fair is on the Gendarmenmarkt cathedral square, and an ice rink is flooded near the Berlin TV tower and Alexanderplatz at the end of November. By the way, an interesting feature of the Berlin Christmas markets: they sell not only traditional sweets, gingerbread, mulled wine and hot dogs, but also Arabic and even Vietnamese dishes. Globalization, sir!

4. VERONA (ITALY)

In fact, the best Italian Christmas markets are located in the towns of Trento and Bolzano, but getting there is difficult. But Verona is also good. Sometimes mercatini natale is opened right in the city's Arena - inside the ancient amphitheater, but mostly people spend time at the fair in Piazza della Signoria.

She is small, but kind. They sell here not only hot wine and sausages, but also pretzels stuffed with bacon (they are brought just from Trento). You can also taste dishes straight from the fire: polenta with venison or canederli, an Italian variety of dumplings.

5. VIENNA (AUSTRIA)

The traditions of the Christmas markets in Vienna are great. It is believed that the first Krippenmarkt took place here in 1298. This year, 20 fairs will open in the capital of Austria, and the largest one will be held near the city hall.

Young and creative people should visit the Museum Quarter of the city. They promise live music, DJs, and the assortment of stalls here will be special: in addition to traditional gingerbread with mulled wine, guests can find designer items from young fashion designers and local handmade masters.

And, of course, skates! From November 18 to March 3, the Town Hall Square will be converted into a huge skating rink with a size of about 8,000 m², which is called the "Viennese Ice Dream". Riding there is a real pleasure, especially after dark, when the town hall building is beautifully illuminated, and the branches of the trees sparkle with the lights of garlands. At the same time, since the rink is huge, there are no crowds on the ice. We are two years ago during New Year holidays Vienna got into the habit of going there every day.

A smaller skating rink - "Small Ice Dream", with an area of ​​​​about 3,000 - will open on November 16 along with a Christmas market. It will work until January 6, 2019, then it will be closed for a small reconstruction in order to work again on January 18, 2019.

6. LAUSANNE (SWITZERLAND)

The option when you want something non-standard. In Lausanne around Christmas, you'll find the installations of the Lumières Festival, a city run dressed up as Santa Claus, and, of course, fairs.

But again, not easy! In addition to mulled wine with raclette, they also serve oysters, which are recommended to be washed down with white Chassela wine, which is made in the canton of Vaud. By the way, we do not miss the opportunity, because Swiss wines are excellent, but they are not exported, so you can only taste them during a trip to the country.

There are also two skating rinks in Lausanne: an ordinary ice rink and one for roller skates, and sometimes street tents are set up near the Chateron bridge where you can taste fondue and listen to the playing of alpine horns: this is such a hefty wind musical instrument. .

7. STOCKHOLM (SWEDEN)

In the Swedish capital, Christmas is treated with trepidation: how else to overcome seasonal depression if you don’t see the sun until next spring? There are several fairs in Stockholm. The central one is located on Stortorget Square, it has been held annually since 1837.

There is everything here: and glög - a vigorous Swedish analogue of mulled wine, when vodka is added to the heated wine for strength, and nuts with dried fruits for taste, and traditional Swedish cookies. But the most inquisitive should drive to the Skansen open-air museum, which is a kind of Sweden in miniature: traditional houses from different parts of the country are collected here.

On the eve of Christmas, Skansen is completely transformed: all buildings are decorated with garlands, and festive pastries begin to be served in restaurants. In a word, Skansen is the place where you can easily feel like a child again.

8. BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)

The Brussels Fair is huge: it starts at the Grand Place and stretches to St. Catherine's Square. What is its feature? Firstly, there are a lot of chalet stalls: there are more than 200 of them in total.

The second is a consequence of the first. It's satisfying here. Waffles, french fries, cheeses, sausages, mussels, gingerbread, chocolate, local mulled wine vin chaud and many, many strong beers (by the way, it is more popular at the fair than any other drinks). The entertainment component is also in full order: there is a giant Christmas tree, a Ferris wheel, a skating rink and slides with carousels.

10. BASEL (SWITZERLAND)

The main feature of the Basel Christmas market is a thirteen-meter pyramid, near which couples in love usually meet to drink mulled wine and enjoy raclette, grilled sausages and waffles with jam or hot chocolate. In the inner courtyard of the City Hall, a Book of Wishes is always installed, in which anyone can write down their most cherished desire or congratulations to relatives and friends.

It’s also good for kids in Basel, for them, in the pre-Christmas period, they arrange a fairy-tale forest on Münsterplatz square. Numerous circles are open there, where kids are taught to decorate gingerbread, make candles and Christmas tree decorations, or just entertain them: they ride on a children's train and treat them to hot chocolate and sweets.

11. COPENHAGEN (DENMARK)

Tivoli Gardens is the oldest amusement park in Europe and is where Copenhagen's main Christmas market takes place. By mid-November, the fir trees of the park are decorated with garlands and bells, Santa Claus, who in Denmark is simply called Father Christmas, is registered in the local theater, and a skating rink is arranged on a frozen lake.

In addition, there are themed shows dedicated to Scandinavian fairy tales and legends. Two minuses: Copenhagen is very expensive and very cold. Scandinavia, what do you want?

WHERE ELSE IS IT WORTH OR NOT WORTH TO GO?

However, you will find the right fairs in all German cities without exception, in Austrian Innsbruck, Ljubljana, as well as in small towns near ski resorts in France or Italy. They are small, but cozy, focused more on eating delicious food and taking a walk, but on the 25th they all close without exception.

If we talk about Prague, then, for my taste, their market on the Old Town Square is greatly overpriced. Well, yes, there are stalls with red roofs where they sell the same mulled wine and gingerbread, but over the past 10 years, not appearance fairs, nor its assortment has changed at all.

And I can't help but warn you. Perhaps this year something will change, but in the past in Paris, Christmas had to be targeted in expensive hotels and restaurants. There, yes, everything was in the most beautiful festive decorations, but the streets of the capital of France were decorated extremely ascetically. We found only one bazaar - near North Dame. It was small, and all the guests there walked like ponies in a circle, sadly moving between stalls with Spanish jamon and German gingerbread.

Passage to the Christmas market eiffel tower was complicated due to constant searches, and at nine o'clock in the evening it was closed. They say it's all about the desperate struggle of the French against terrorism. I reacted to this circumstance with understanding, but I did not manage to find a Christmas fairy tale in Paris. You can, of course, try your luck, but I do not guarantee you success.

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Julia Malkova- Julia Malkova - founder of the website project. Former editor-in-chief of the elle.ru Internet project and editor-in-chief of the cosmo.ru website. I talk about traveling for my own pleasure and the pleasure of readers. If you are a representative of hotels, tourism office, but we are not familiar, you can contact me by email: [email protected]