{"id":7011,"date":"2016-11-09T07:30:33","date_gmt":"2016-11-09T06:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=7011"},"modified":"2020-01-23T22:45:04","modified_gmt":"2020-01-23T21:45:04","slug":"10-reasons-spend-christmas-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/10-reasons-spend-christmas-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons to Spend Christmas in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>From experiencing atmospheric festive traditions, to embracing the apr\u00e8s ski scene in Europe&#8217;s most idyllic mountain towns, with our favourite time of year approaching, we take a look at why you should spend Christmas in Europe.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-7013\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2016\/11\/ChristmasMarket_istock_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas in Europe\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ChristmasMarket_istock_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ChristmasMarket_istock_www.istockphoto-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ChristmasMarket_istock_www.istockphoto-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ChristmasMarket_istock_www.istockphoto-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ChristmasMarket_istock_www.istockphoto-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ChristmasMarket_istock_www.istockphoto.jpg 1698w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Christmas Markets<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There aren&#8217;t many traditions more evocative of Christmas in Germany than the season&#8217;s outdoor markets. Between the bustling stalls, visitors can sip on steaming cups of mulled wine and tuck into warm st\u00f6llen and roast chestnuts. In fact, these Bavarian-style markets can be found all over Europe, from the romantic Austrian city of Salzburg, to England&#8217;s vibrant capital, London.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Outdoor Ice Rinks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Christmas markets often come hand-in-hand with sparkling open-air ice rinks. The Natural History Museum Swarovski Ice Rink and Skate at Somerset House \u2013 two of London&#8217;s most popular rinks \u2013 are celebrated as destinations in their own right, each set within impressive surroundings, amidst architectural grandeur and twinkling lights.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-7014\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2016\/11\/Gingerbread_iStock_AMzPhoto_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas in Europe\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Gingerbread_iStock_AMzPhoto_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Gingerbread_iStock_AMzPhoto_www.istockphoto-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Gingerbread_iStock_AMzPhoto_www.istockphoto-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Gingerbread_iStock_AMzPhoto_www.istockphoto-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Gingerbread_iStock_AMzPhoto_www.istockphoto-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Gingerbread_iStock_AMzPhoto_www.istockphoto.jpg 1698w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Seasonal Shows<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Performances spanning a wide range of genres are on offer across Europe year-round, but December brings an influx of festive shows, perfect for a seasonal dose of Christmas spirit. From classic pantomimes such as Cinderella to nostalgic plays like The Snowman and whimsical ballet The Nutcracker, London certainly stands out for its theatrical offering.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Cosy Winter Fare<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>With the wintery days and first snowfall comes a feast of warming winter fare, which is distinct to each location. Indulge in a rich fondue or raclette on the Swiss slopes, tuck into an Italian beef stew infused with rosemary and red wine, or embrace the heartiest of French festive cuisine.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-7015\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2016\/11\/Panettone_iStock_fabphoto_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas in Europe\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Panettone_iStock_fabphoto_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Panettone_iStock_fabphoto_www.istockphoto-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Panettone_iStock_fabphoto_www.istockphoto-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Panettone_iStock_fabphoto_www.istockphoto-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Panettone_iStock_fabphoto_www.istockphoto-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Panettone_iStock_fabphoto_www.istockphoto.jpg 1698w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Warming Winter Cocktails<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Mulled wine and hot spiced cider are of course widespread at this time of year. But with such an outstanding selection of bars across Europe&#8217;s most happening cities, this is just the beginning of the winter cocktail offering. Step into chic bars and onto cosy winter terraces to try a new Christmas tipple.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Mountain Towns<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Flanked by snow-capped mountains and pine forest, there aren&#8217;t many settings more idyllic at this time than Europe&#8217;s mountain towns. Dotted across the 1,200-kilometre expanse of the Alps are a number of romantic Alpine towns, each of which has its own unique appeal.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-7017\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2016\/11\/Dolomites_iStock_Hoamatgfui_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas in Europe\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dolomites_iStock_Hoamatgfui_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dolomites_iStock_Hoamatgfui_www.istockphoto-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dolomites_iStock_Hoamatgfui_www.istockphoto-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dolomites_iStock_Hoamatgfui_www.istockphoto-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dolomites_iStock_Hoamatgfui_www.istockphoto-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dolomites_iStock_Hoamatgfui_www.istockphoto.jpg 1698w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Apr\u00e9s Ski<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>While some of these Alpine towns offer tranquillity, others are at the heart of Europe&#8217;s vibrant apr\u00e8s ski scene. Join the skiers of towns such as St Moritz and Cortina d&#8217;Ampezzo as they come in from the slopes to celebrate the setting with a glass of Champagne.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Nostalgic Settings<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>From alpine lodges to manor house hotels and grand castles, nostalgic settings abound throughout Europe. After all, what better way to end the day than sitting by a roaring log fire amid such splendour?<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-7016\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2016\/11\/Salzburg_iStock_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas in Europe\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Salzburg_iStock_www.istockphoto-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Salzburg_iStock_www.istockphoto-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Salzburg_iStock_www.istockphoto-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Salzburg_iStock_www.istockphoto-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Salzburg_iStock_www.istockphoto-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Salzburg_iStock_www.istockphoto.jpg 1698w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Annual Traditions<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>While many traditions have been adopted worldwide, some of Europe&#8217;s festive customs have remained lesser known, from regional culinary specialties across Italy, to the handicrafts that can be found in Germany&#8217;s Christmas markets.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Winter Festivals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A number of festivals pop up across Europe during the build-up to Christmas, bringing together the season&#8217;s markets, shows, ice rinks and more, all in one place. One of the most popular in London is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, where highlights this year include The Nutcracker on Ice.<\/p>\n<p><em>Join Trafalgar on a trip to <\/em><em>Germany&#8217;s Christmas Markets<\/em><em>, the <\/em><em>Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland<\/em><em>, or the <\/em><em>Christmas Markets of Strasbourg and the Black Forest<\/em><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Image credits: Cover photo of\u00a0Erfurt \u00a9 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/gb\/photo\/christmas-market-erfurt-gm170430981-24976034\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">iStock \/ Juergen Sack<\/a>.\u00a0Christmas Market \u00a9 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/gb\/photo\/christmas-market-with-snow-gm498278726-79564003\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">iStock<\/a>.\u00a0Gingerbread \u00a9 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/gb\/photo\/gingerbread-christmas-ornaments-gm513353203-47173088\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">iStock \/ AMzPhoto<\/a>.\u00a0Panettone \u00a9 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/gb\/photo\/panettone-gm528588181-54141962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">iStock \/ fabphoto<\/a>. The Dolomites \u00a9 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/gb\/photo\/hugo-dolomites-gm516849254-89188783\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">iStock \/ Hoamatgfui<\/a>.\u00a0Salzburg \u00a9 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/gb\/photo\/historic-city-of-salzburg-in-winter-salzburger-land-austria-gm509659929-45953450\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">iStock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From experiencing atmospheric festive traditions, to embracing the apr\u00e8s ski scene in Europe&#8217;s most idyllic mountain towns, with our favourite time of year approaching, we take a look at why you should spend Christmas in Europe. The Christmas Markets There aren&#8217;t many traditions more evocative of Christmas in Germany than the season&#8217;s outdoor markets. Between [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7019,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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