The most beautiful places to go for Catholic Christmas. Waiting for a miracle: where to go for Christmas
Yes Yes. Flights, accommodation and dinners in old European neighborhoods are a steal in broad daylight and a cozy Christmas evening. But what if we expand the horizons of well-worn routes and go to Europe through Kaliningrad or St. Petersburg? These cities are like the door behind Papa Carlo's canvas and the wardrobe to Narnia.
What is the beauty of Christmas in unpopular Europe:
- Fewer tourists and queues. Cozy tables by the window are yours.
- Cheaper. Each Christmas pretzel saves up to two euros.
- The holiday atmosphere is like in the capitals, but a little more comfortable.
We use Koninsberg as a portal to Europe. Fly here from your city and rent a car. A car for two days will cost 4-5 thousand rubles. It works on a budget if you travel with friends.
Gdansk
If we go to Poland, then we go to Gdansk. Halfway we stop in pretty Elbląg and have lunch at the authentic place “Pod Kogutem” (“Under the Rooster” that is). The one who is not the driver tastes locally produced beer. Let the Cathedral take a photo as a souvenir.
An hour later we are in a city that, in its history, fell to either the Germans or the Poles, or generally lived on its own as a separate state. The main Christmas market in Gdańsk lives on Targ Weglowy Square. We stay nearby for a couple of nights and immerse ourselves in a fairy tale.
A Venetian carousel spins in the center, a little further on there is a skating rink with lights and music. If you follow the pine scent, you will come to an exhibition of Christmas trees from the world, decorated according to traditions different countries. As for souvenirs, we love everything - craft toys, ceramics, canvas bags. Typical items include amber gifts.
In Poland, they eat carp for Christmas. So coming to Gdansk, a city on the Baltic coast, is a great success. To try fresh fish in Polish, we go to the KOS bistro - 5 minutes from Targ Weglowa, and we are there.
Klaipeda
Now we are heading for Klaipeda - a tiny port town a couple of kilometers from the Curonian Spit. We drive from Kaliningrad to it straight along the spit, with a stop in the dancing forest. This is where the trees are equally and mysteriously twisted. Along the way we will play “Baltic safari”. In winter, wild boars and foxes often come out onto the road. The bravest ones feed them from their hands - the animals willingly make contact in search of food. And in three hours we will be at the ferry, which will take us to Klaipeda.
The place is colorful. It seems that you are not in Lithuania, but somewhere in Bavaria. This is understandable. The heyday of Klaipeda dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when the city was ruled by the Germans and was affectionately called Memel. In such cities you feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages - there are no tourist traffic jams in narrow streets, you walk into a cafe as if visiting relatives, and on the paved paths you are unexpectedly greeted by bronze figurines of a cat, a golden mouse, a red dragon, a black ghost and a beautiful mermaid.
Klaipeda is a godsend for lovers of sculptures and monuments. Take a map and look for a boy meeting ships, a song girl, a monument to money, the first postal letter and even a button. When you find a wall with a scattering of buttons, raise your head up - another “resident” is sitting on the roof of the house - a chimney sweep.
In December, the Christmas festival “Salve Musica” takes place in Klaipeda. So combine fairs and walks with classical music and ballet.
For a festive dinner we reserve a table at Stora Antis. This is a family wine restaurant that has preserved its 19th century appearance. The owners love to tell the story of how Mireille Mathieu herself once visited them.
On the way back Curonian Spit, between the raging Baltic Sea and the frozen bay, you will want to go out again and remember this wonderful “road on the water”. And if you take your skates with you, you can linger for an hour or two on the natural ice skating rink.
Traveler's estimate
Four guys are going to Klaipeda for Christmas:
- Flight and car - 4,800 rubles per person.
- Ferry - 800 rubles per car with driver, 60 rubles per passenger. That is, 245 rubles per person.
- The same German house in Kaliningrad - 1,075 rubles per person.
- Loft with attic in the center of Klaipeda for a couple of days 9,000 rubles or 2,250 per person.
- Budget per person - 8,370 rubles.
- For comparison, a flight from Berlin to Moscow and back costs from 17,715 rubles.
From St. Petersburg you can also go to Europe by car, to Tallinn or Helsinki. True, in this case the distance is more serious - almost 400 kilometers in one direction. There is another option - five days, three European capitals and one cruise ferry.
From northern capital The ferry Princess Anastasia departs. He sails first to Helsinki, then to Stockholm, then to Tallinn and returns to St. Petersburg - five days and four nights on board. The ferry arrives in each city in the morning and leaves in the evening. That is, you don’t have to pay for hotels “on land”, but spend the night in a cabin, meeting you in the morning new country. After exploring the Christmas markets, get back on board. Here you will find your own variations of the holiday - a casino, karaoke or romantic forays onto the deck, from where you can see the city lights and the dance of huge ice floes parting in front of the “Princess”.
In December, cabins for four cost from 185 euros, or 3,500 rubles per person.
It is not necessary to order food on the ship - we go out into the city in the morning, wake up in the nearest bakery to coffee and views from the window, and go in search of Christmas.
Helsinki
In Helsinki, everything happens on Senate Square. We'll get there in 20 minutes. The market will be divided into a gift alley, where traditional woolen socks and triangular candles are purchased, and a food court with hot mulled wine and snacks.
11 ideas on how to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2020 in Europe. Cities and countries where you can celebrate holidays are interesting!
New Year is a fabulous time, and even if you haven’t believed in Santa Claus since childhood, with the onset of December 31, something freezes inside on the eve of a miracle. If you are a romantic and the pre-holiday bustle inspires you, we recommend celebrating the New Year in Europe - in an atmosphere of antiquity and magic.
It’s not easy to choose where exactly to go for Christmas and New Year 2020. We offer 11 countries where you can have a great New Year’s holiday.
Where to find cheap New Year's tour? Search on services and they will find you best deals among different tour operators. Want to save money? Explore our.
(Photo © spacejulien / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
How to save: If you want to spend the New Year, holidays and Catholic Christmas in Europe, we advise you to fly out on December 22, 23 or 24, and return back in early January. Book everything a few months before your trip.
About prices in the article. Hotels - per double room in New Year's Eve. Tours are for two people. Flights are for one person in both directions. We are considering flights from Moscow. We indicated prices for air tickets and tours for New Year's dates (departure on December 29-30 and return on January 3-6), since it is on these days that tourists fly on vacation.
Finland - Helsinki and Lapland
Where to celebrate New Year 2020 and Christmas in Europe, if not in the homeland of Santa Claus? At the end of December it is frosty outside, down to –15°C, and there is a lot of snow. People come to Finland for solitude and a winter fairy tale. Rent a cottage and spend your New Year holidays active recreation- skiing and snowmobiling, for example. Admire, explore local cuisine and visit the Joulupukki residence in Lapland.
Tours from Moscow for 4-5 nights cost from 65 thousand rubles.
Flights from Moscow to Helsinki and back cost from 11 thousand rubles. St. Petersburg residents can get there by train or bus (more on that).
(Photo © Visit Finland / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)
Czech Republic, Prague
The Czech Republic is another country in Europe where you can celebrate the New Year 2020 gloriously. In Prague, the main Christmas tree shining with lights is installed on the Old Town Square. There is a fair, tourists and locals walk, eat almonds fried in spices, delicious trdelniki and drink mulled wine and honey. Read: and.
The weather in Prague at the end of December is good: during the day it can be slightly above 0°C, at night - up to −5°C. There is not always snow cover.
Tours to Prague for 7 nights for the New Year you can buy from only 65 thousand rubles. Read our
Flights. Flight to new year holidays from Moscow to Prague and back costs from 16 thousand rubles.
Hotels. Rent a hotel room for two in the center - from 90 € per night and above. New Year's dinner in a restaurant will cost 100-170 € per person. Find out which ones.
(Photo © elPadawan / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
If you want to inexpensively celebrate New Year 2020 in Europe, go to Cyprus. In winter it is warm there, about +15...+20°C. and see the whole island while it’s not hot and there are no tourists.
New Year holidays on the island last from December 23 to January 6. IN major cities There are performances, dances, and the Christmas tree is decorated. However, for the most part, New Year and Christmas are family holidays, and after two in the morning the streets are already quiet.
Tours to Cyprus during the New Year holidays in 2020 for 7 nights cost from 60 thousand rubles.
Flights Moscow - Larnaca and back cost from 13 thousand rubles and above.
(Photo © unsplash.com / @matt__feeney)
Germany - Berlin and Munich
The best New Year in Europe, in our opinion, is in Germany. Do you want to plunge into a real Christmas fairy tale? We advise you to go to Munich, Cologne, Nuremberg or other cities. Visit fun fairs with all the gastronomic attributes of Christmas and New Year: caramel apples, gingerbread houses and hearts, stollen and aromatic hot mulled wine. The weather at this time of year in Germany is usually pleasant, from 0 to –4°C, and snow does not always fall.
Tours for 4 nights they cost from 60 thousand rubles for two.
Flights. A flight from Moscow to Berlin and back costs from 16 thousand rubles (direct flights), to Munich - about the same.
Hotels in the center of Berlin - from 120 € per night for two. New Year's dinner in a restaurant costs approximately 100-200 € per person. Find out which ones.
(Photo © visitBerlin / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Montenegro, Budva
Where to inexpensively celebrate New Year 2020 and Christmas? Tourists recommend going to Montenegro (namely Budva or Podgorica). Popular and ski resorts- Kolasin and Zabljak.
Locals usually celebrate midnight with family or friends, and then go out into the street. Traditionally, performances, fireworks and concerts take place in city centers. The weather is changeable and there are rains. There is snow and cold in the mountains, and about +10°C on the coast.
Tours vacations to Montenegro cost from 60 thousand rubles (Tivat, 7 nights).
Flights. A flight from Moscow to Tivat and back on New Year’s dates costs from 15 thousand rubles.
(Photo © Casal Partiu Oficial / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-SA 2.0)
Greece, Athens
New Year's traditions in Greece are close to Cyprus, and the New Year and Christmas celebrations in both countries are almost identical. In cities, residents gather in the center for a concert and fireworks, and young people, after the official celebration of the holiday, go to clubs. Tourists prefer to relax in Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki or Athens. As in Montenegro, the weather is changeable, but warm, about +12...+15°C.
Tours for the Christmas and New Year holidays they cost from 50 thousand rubles for two for 7 nights.
Flights from Moscow to Athens and back cost from 15 thousand rubles.
Hotels. A double room in Athens costs from 14 €, in Chalkidiki (for example, Sarti) - from 24 €. Find out which ones.
(Photo © Paul D "Ambra / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Italy Rome
To have a fun New Year 2020, you need to go to Italy. Locals They love New Year and Christmas very much and celebrate them on a grand scale. In addition, you can relax in the country relatively inexpensively.
Cities popular with tourists for celebrating the holiday are, and. How to mark? Choose original ways: in thermal baths and spas, in medieval castles and villas, cruise. A good idea is to go to.
The weather in the capital of Italy at the end of December is quite good, up to +12°C, but there are rains. There is no snow in Rome, but there may be snow in the north of the country. Enjoy some leisurely sightseeing and museum exploration during the New Year holidays. Read what.
Tours Cheap holidays to Italy for New Year and Christmas. For example, in Rimini for 7-8 nights - only from 56 thousand rubles. And trips to Rome for 4 nights can be purchased from 60 thousand.
Flights Moscow - Rome cost from 18 thousand rubles in both directions, to Milan and Venice - from 16.5 thousand rubles.
Hotels. A night in a double room in a 3* hotel in Rome - from 50 € and above in the city center. Dinner on New Year's Eve will cost 50-250 € per person.
(Photo © Trishhhh / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)
France Paris
Where to go for New Year 2020 if not to the most romantic city in Europe? There are illuminations everywhere, Christmas markets (the best ones are in Champs Elysees and in the Defense quarter). The aromas of hot wine and roasted chestnuts waft through the streets. Try foie gras, choucroute, maroon glace and fondue. True, the weather is not impressive: it rarely snows, the temperature is up to +5°C, it is quite damp and it can drizzle.
Tours. 5-night packages to Paris and Cote d'Azur cost from 80 thousand rubles for two.
Flights. A flight from Moscow to Paris and back costs about 16 thousand rubles.
(Photo © colorsoftimeless / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Türkiye, Istanbul
Many people go to Istanbul for winter holidays: there is good service and a variety of recreational opportunities. New Year is not celebrated as such - it is a holiday for tourists. However, the city is beautifully decorated and hotels, clubs and restaurants offer entertainment.
You can celebrate New Year's Eve on the Galata Bridge, on Istiklal Street, in a hotel, in a club, on a ship, and so on. But dedicate your vacation to the sights - read our big one.
Tours. In addition to Istanbul, you can fly on holiday for the New Year to the resorts: Antalya, Alanya, Side, Kemer and others. Vouchers for 5 nights cost from 58 thousand rubles.
Flights. A flight from Moscow to Istanbul in both directions costs from 10 thousand rubles.
(Photo © Tim Moffatt / flickr.com)
Latvia, Riga
The New Year holidays in Riga are long: both Catholic and Orthodox Christmas is celebrated. A good reason to go to the capital of Latvia! As in other European countries, preparations for Christmas and New Year begin well in advance, around the end of November - beginning of December. The city is gradually “coming to life” with garlands and decorations, main square The Christmas tree is put up and the fair begins. The New Year 2020 itself can be spent in a hotel, restaurant, or just walking around the city - concerts and performances are organized.
The weather in Riga at the end of December is usually pleasant: the medieval city is covered in a white shroud, and there may be a slight frost.
Tours. New Year's tour packages to Riga for 4-5 nights cost from 56 thousand rubles.
Flights. To during the period winter holidays to fly to Riga from Moscow and back, you will have to pay 13 thousand rubles and more.
Hotels. Room in budget hotel in the city center costs from 30 € per night for two. On average, a New Year's dinner in a restaurant will cost 50-100 € per person, but you can look for places where.
(Photo © Janitors / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
Great Britain, London
Christmas and New Year in London are fabulous: shop windows are beautifully decorated, garlands are hung, fairs with souvenirs and delicacies are open, Christmas carols are sung. Fireworks are set off over the Thames and the chimes of Big Ben strike twelve times at midnight.
Flights to London from Moscow and back on New Year's Eve 2020 cost from 14 thousand rubles and above.
Hotels. The cost of a room for two in central London is from 60 € per night, a room in a 3* hotel is from 80 €. New Year's dinner - from 80€ per person.
(Photo © Eloïse L / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0)
Introductory image source: © Cem K. / flickr.com.
When it comes to celebrating the New Year, everyone chooses their own way to celebrate this holiday. Some sit at home in front of the TV, others rush around the world, trying to get as many impressions as possible on this day.
In this article we will figure out where to go to Europe for the New Year holidays. There are many places in Europe where you can celebrate this bright holiday. Everyone wants bright memories to remain after the New Year. Therefore, I have selected for you the most interesting options for cities and hotels that will help create an atmosphere of magic and fun. After all, the main night of the year.
In all European cities, New Year celebrations are approximately the same. I will try to highlight the distinctive features of each option. And also hello to the options for air tickets, I will advise good hotels and tours to Europe for the New Year holidays 2018. Go!
New Year holidays in Europe – where to go?
London, Great Britain
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Why?
London looks especially magical during the New Year. The whole city shimmers with festive lights. If you like England, then it’s time to decide to celebrate the New Year there.
Things to do?
If you decide to ring in the New Year in London, visit London Wonderland in Hyde Park or book a table at a club/bar/restaurant to enjoy delicious food and great music. Be sure to watch the Queen's Parade - a real three-hour extravaganza that runs along the Thames. Usually about 300,000 people and 10,000 artists and musicians gather here.
Watch the New Year's fireworks from the famous Ferris wheel London Eye. Count down the strikes to midnight with Big Ben. Sing "Auld Lang Syne" with the crowd. Stroll along the Victoria Embankment and Waterloo and Westminster Bridges.
Helpful advice
Save on housing in Europe by renting apartments from locals with Airbnb. Get 2100 rub. as a gift for your first booking.
Ibiza, Spain
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Why?
Where in Europe it’s warm on New Year’s Day is Ibiza. average temperature during the day +17 degrees Celsius. The island of Ibiza is famous for its wild nightlife. If you like warmth, club life and dancing until the morning, then Ibiza is the best choice for you.
Things to do?
Celebrate the New Year at Ibiza's most famous nightclub, Pacha. Keep your eyes, mouth and ears wide open, you're in for a very fun holiday at this place.
If you suddenly want luxury and quiet solitude with your family, head to Hacienda Na Xamena Spa Hotel, here you can just relax and enjoy life, everything else will be done for you.
Where to stay?
Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Why?
Dubrovnik is one of the less obvious places in Europe where you can celebrate the New Year, but no less wonderful. People most often come here in the summer and ignore it in the winter, which is a shame!
Things to do?
If you want to get really drunk and have fun on New Year's Eve in Dubrovnik, then go to the Latin American clubs Fuego, Capitano or Revelin.
If you want to plunge into the flow of celebrating people, then go to the streets of Stadun and Old city Dubrovnik (Big Dubrovnik old Town Street). Sit back and listen to a wonderful concert of Croatian bands. Of course. There will be fireworks.
Where to stay?
Barcelona, Spain
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Why?
New Year's Eve in Barcelona is not for the faint of heart. Celebrations and festivals here begin at 21:00. You can walk the streets, listen to music, watch performances, drink and eat various delicacies. Barcelona is another place where you will be warm for the New Year, with an average of +15 degrees.
Things to do?
New Year is celebrated here with great pomp and the holiday is called Nochevieja. All the fun starts at Montujic’s Magic Fountain. Both locals and tourists from all over the world gather here to count the chimes together and celebrate the New Year. There are also very beautiful fireworks here.
New Year in Paris, France
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Why?
Paris for the New Year offers the widest range of New Year's parties for every taste. If you want to visit one of the most best places to celebrate the New Year - feel free to go to Paris. New Year's Paris beautiful, which is worth the Cathedral on the Champs Elysees alone.
Things to do?
If you want some variety on New Year's Eve, then you've come to the right place. Cruise on the Senna and sightseeing with a delicious lunch at Bistro Parisien, champagne and a colorful show at Crazy horse, beautiful Bluebells girls from Lido de Paris and much, much more. Whatever way you choose to celebrate the New Year in Paris, it will definitely be memorable.
Where to stay?
A special choice for a special day is Eiffel villa Garibaldi.
Madeira, Portugal
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Why?
If you want something more exotic, then head to the Madeira Islands. They look very elegant in holidays. And celebrating the New Year on the island is a completely special feeling. In addition, Madeira is also warm, on average +18.
Things to do?
The Madeira Islands are known for their sales in December and many people come here for shopping. New Year's fireworks look very beautiful from the islands. Here, the New Year begins to be celebrated slowly from the beginning of December until the twelfth night (greetings from Catholic Christmas). The entire island is beautifully decorated and there are concert programs everywhere you look. The Madeira Islands are a place where you should stay longer, and not just for one night.
Berlin, Germany
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Why?
Vienna, Austria
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Why?
Vienna is traditionally considered one of best cities Europe to celebrate the New Year.
Things to do?
Residents of Vienna gather in the city center for the New Year to walk the “New Year’s Path” or “Silvesterpfad”. The party starts at 14:00, people slowly pour out into the street and refuel with hot mulled wine and caramel apples.
At midnight the Pummerin bell rings from the tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the first fireworks are set off over Prater park.
The famous “palace on rails” - the Majestic Imperator train invites you to celebrate the change of year in luxurious style with a gourmet dinner and tie at midnight on the Danube bridge, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city and festive fireworks.
For a more relaxed New Year's Eve, head towards the Town Hall to watch the New Year's Eve concert projected on the big screen.
The main thing is to eat at least a little “Glücksschwein” or “good luck pig”. Pork on a festive night is sold in all types and forms.
Be sure to eat some Glücksschwein, or good luck pigs, which you'll find in every form, from suckling pig to pig marzipan. New Year's Vienna will delight and surprise you.
Istanbul, Türkiye
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Why?
At the very least, you don’t need to worry about a Schengen visa. Türkiye is an unusual representative of Europe and the New Year can be celebrated here in a completely special way. The weather in Istanbul on New Year is also quite warm, about 7 degrees above zero.
Things to do?
Istanbul also changes for the New Year. Start your evening with a traditional Turkish lunch at Bebek or Istiklal Caddesi, where the celebrations take place in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Then join the cheering crowds at Taksim Square, Istikul Street or Faith, where revelers organize impromptu street parties. The best view is from the Golden Horn.
If noisy parties are not your thing, then you can take a river cruise along the Bosphorus and watch the celebrations from afar, passing by the city. But you will have the best position to watch the fireworks at midnight.
Where to stay?
Prague, Czech Republic
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Why?
Prague is another great option for those who want to celebrate the New Year in Europe and are looking for an inexpensive place to go. Many Russians like to celebrate the New Year in Prague. Besides, it's not far. In Prague on New Year's Eve there is a very dramatic (in a good way) atmosphere. You have many options for where to start celebrating.
Things to do?
New Year's Prague will delight you with a variety of opportunities. There are many good clubs, bars and restaurants. You can start the holiday on a jazz cruise along the river, or you can join the city residents in Old Town Square. You can go to some a nice place, for example, in Lesser town, Petrin hill or Prague castle. At midnight, the most interesting thing is in the main square.
In Prague there is a cute tradition of breaking champagne bottles, sometimes on your head; if you want to participate, bring a helmet.
Gdansk, Poland
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Why?
New Year's in Gdansk is a lot of fun. You should definitely come here if you love food. In Gdansk they believe that the more you eat, the better your next year will be.
Things to do?
Of course, have a good meal at Wigilia, and then go and get really drunk at Skwer Kosciuszki, and then have a good dance at the Walrus club.
The most festive streets of the city are Dluga and Pl. Teatralna.
Where to stay?
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Why?
Amsterdam is often called the city of love, and if you want to celebrate the New Year in a romantic setting, then this is a great choice.
Things to do?
New Year's Amsterdam surprises. In addition to organized celebrations in public places like Rembrandtplein, Nieumarkt, Museumplein and Dam Square, Amsterdam hosts many impromptu “chamber” parties that you can join. And if you want to celebrate the New Year in a crowd of joyful people, then you should go to the above streets.
Of course, it won’t be complete without festive fireworks. Most best view traditionally from bridges, when you can see the lights not only in the sky, but also their reflection on the water surface.
Grab a glass of champagne and local delicacies from the street vendors, and make a wish with everyone as the chimes strike. And then go to any bar, club or restaurant to continue the celebration.
Stockholm, Sweden
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Why?
Christmas in Sweden is celebrated in a very calm atmosphere, but on New Year's Eve in Stockholm they have a blast.
Things to do?
Despite the fact that the Swedes northern country, they still prefer to celebrate the New Year on the street. Therefore, eat delicious seafood in some good restaurant, and then go towards Skansen to see the most New Year's Stockholm. The New Year has been traditionally celebrated here since 1895. At midnight, some famous Swede will read the poem “Ring Out, Wild Bells” to the accompaniment of fireworks.
After midnight, after walking around, drinking champagne and hugging Swedes, go to a club or bar. As a rule, they work until 3 – 4 am.
If you want to celebrate the New Year in peace and romance, head to Lake Malaren.
When it will be free time, go see a local City hall, Sodermalm, Fjallgatan and Monteliusvagen, they really deserve attention.
Where to stay?
Reykjavik, Iceland
© borkurdotnet / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Why?
On New Year's Eve, daylight in Reykjavik lasts only 4 hours, which means locals happily illuminate everything around them with bonfires, bright lanterns and garlands. What turns New Year's Reykjavik into a fairy-tale town.
Things to do?
Light bonfires with the locals as a symbol of burning away the troubles of the old year. There is no official part of the holiday and fireworks are set off by local residents. On New Year's Eve, about 200,000 people take to the streets and half an hour before midnight the sky is colored with lights.
For the best vantage point, head to Perlan or Landakotskirkja Church.
After the festivities, many go to clubs and bars. Because Icelanders leave home to celebrate the New Year relatively late, and then celebrate until the morning. If you wait until 5 a.m., you'll see locals lining up to drink up their hangovers and snack on hot dogs. Many people go to hot springs to improve their health.
Helsinki and Lapland, Finland
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Why?
The world's most popular Santa Claus lives in Finland. It is here that the atmosphere of the New Year's miracle is felt very clearly. If you want to celebrate the New Year with children, then choose Finland.
Things to do?
First, decide on the location of the celebration: Helsinki or Lapland?
The main holiday of the country takes place in Helsinki, on Senate Square. Local residents gather here to drink champagne, listen to the mayor’s congratulatory speech, watch a festive concert and tell fortunes on small tin horseshoes.
In Finland, fireworks are allowed for only 8 hours, so the Finns have a blast, coloring the sky with colorful lights and the air with pops and the smell of gunpowder.
We all really like it New Year and Christmas. All over the world these holidays are treated in a special way. You have probably seen more than once that in European countries Christmas is celebrated following many traditions and customs. So, where to go for Christmas in Europe?
First of all, it is worth noting that the date of Christmas is different in many countries. In all eurozone countries, the holiday date is December 25th. And it is celebrated exclusively with family. I would like to add that a few days after the holiday, in European countries no establishments are open, since everyone should be with their family on these bright days. Before the holidays, you need to stock up on groceries in advance. Some stores are still open on holidays, but these are more likely private shops.
Mass celebrations are held in the central squares of each city, where you can have a lot of fun. Celebrations in some cities take place in medieval style. Here you can taste aromatic mulled wine and Christmas treats. Everything around is decorated with colorful sparkling garlands, and Christmas songs are played everywhere. Isn't this wonderful? Of course, you will involuntarily rejoice and have fun, since everyone around you is in a festive mood.
Where to go for Christmas? To Germany!
In Germany, holidays are celebrated in more than 200 cities. This is truly a “universal” celebration. Here you will witness thematic fairs and taste specialties of German cuisine. By the way, the treats here are prepared according to exact recipes from the 17th century. Also at Christmas in Germany, many people dress in medieval folk costumes. Knightly competitions are held here, and melodies are heard on the street that come from live instruments from street musicians.
In Germany, it is customary to spend Christmas evening in the family circle. Everyone exchanges gifts and souvenirs. At the large table the family communicates, jokes and has fun. One of the main Christmas dishes here is roasted or baked goose.
At Christmas in Germany, all temples and churches are literally overflowing with guests. In them you can hear Christmas songs performed by a church choir.
Go to France for Christmas
During the holidays, France is incredibly beautiful. Everything around is decorated with numerous colorful lights, toys, balls and much more. Restaurants serve special Christmas oysters, which are especially delicious these days. Wine is served as a complement to oysters. The traditional holiday duck is also a regular treat here.
At Christmas in France, skating rinks are flooded everywhere. The largest and most famous skating rink around Eiffel Tower. Just like everywhere else, in this country the Christmas tree is decorated with family, and after that congratulations and gifts are exchanged. In France they love to invite friends and relatives to visit, and at Christmas this is a must.
Spend Christmas in Italy? - Great idea!
Italy especially loves Christmas. Here the Pope conducts a Christmas service, which must be attended by the whole family. If in many countries the Christmas holidays last on average 10 days, then in Italy they last more than a month. This is due to the fact that they include several other major holidays.
The dinner for the poor deserves special respect. Local residents cook whatever they can and give the food to the poor. For themselves, Italian residents prepare food only from local and own products. Among the traditional Italian dishes on the table you can see duck, eel, fruits, vegetables and sweets.
At Christmas in Italy there is a very interesting tradition. Children visit elderly people and give them a cake called pannetone.
Spend Christmas in England
Christmas in England is celebrated on a very large scale. In the last days before the holidays, it will be very difficult for you to find a free seat on a train or bus, since everyone is going to visit their relatives. It will also be difficult to buy gifts, for the same reason. By the way, gifts in England must be wrapped in gift paper. As in other countries, in Great Britain gifts are placed under the tree and opened in the morning.
The Queen's Address takes place at lunchtime. After her televised address, mass celebrations and fun begin.
Christmas is a real fairy tale
Almost all countries celebrate Christmas. In terms of tradition, celebrations are similar everywhere. Only some countries have their own distinctive features, but they are not significant. In fact, Christmas is like a real fairy tale, which both adults and children believe in. This is one of those holidays that brings the whole family together. It is at Christmas that everyone is united and kind to each other as never before.
Remember, when this bright holiday approaches, your soul is happy, but when the holidays go, it becomes sad. So that the holidays last a little longer, and all the houses, trees and parks are decorated around.
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Christmas is one of the most beautiful and brightest holidays on earth. Many people have hopes and expectations associated with it for something important, fabulous, magical. And those who no longer feel like waiting, and have nothing to do, can arrange a holiday for their loved ones: Christmas is a great reason to spend a few days with dear people, surprise them and give them, for example, a weekend in Europe. In our selection you will find a list of places where, according to seasoned tourists, the best way to celebrate Christmas.
1. Classic Catholic Christmas
In order to get acquainted with all the traditions and enjoy the special flavor of Catholic Christmas, it is best to go to Old Europe: Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, France, Poland, Germany. In all these countries, Christmas markets are already opening: many charming shops with countless souvenirs, sweets, mulled wine and punch. You can spend more than a hundred euros in these markets – but it’s worth it! European cities At Christmas they become like those fairy-tale kingdoms that we once read about in the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and the great Andersen: maybe real magic even happens in them.
In Germany, Nuremberg is considered the capital of Christmas, where the country's main Christmas market opens. In France, Paris itself is turning into a magical kingdom. In Hungary, Budapest hosts a music and wine festival at the end of December, and in Belgium and Denmark there is a Christmas beer festival.
But the most beautiful Christmas cities experienced tourists name two cities: Prague and Vienna. It's really hard to choose between them, but BusinessTimes leans towards Vienna: there are already 6 Christmas markets open in this city, city hall turned into a fairy-tale castle, and the park next to it - into a magical kingdom, with colored glowing lanterns and huge candies and icicles in the treetops. The entire city dresses up in colorful garlands and the festive atmosphere gradually captures all residents and tourists.
2. Classic Northern Christmas
You can see a traditional Christmas with northern landscapes in the homeland of Santa Claus - in Finland. Norway or Sweden are also perfect for snow lovers, where you can visit numerous snow festivals, go skiing, but at the same time enjoy the Christmas coziness of small European cities.
3. Christmas for sports fans
If souvenirs and garlands seem unnecessary to you, but the main thing for you is good vacation with family and sports entertainment, That the best option– ski resorts in France, Switzerland, Italy. For those who would like to relax for Christmas without spending a lot of money on it, we can recommend Poland or Belarus - in Lately Ski tourism is actively developing here, and even in Belarus you can find good places to relax for a very symbolic price. True, you won’t feel the Christmas flavor there: Belarus celebrates both Catholic and Orthodox Christmas, but not as widely as in Old Europe.
4. Christmas on the Beach
If you are tired of winter, cold and darkness, then a great option is to go to the beach for Christmas week. And here the choice of place depends only on your preferences: it can be either classic Egypt, Thailand, Turkey, or less popular places like Indonesia, India or Cuba. In Goa on Christmas it is about 30 degrees Celsius, so get ready to surprise your colleagues with a wonderful tan when you return to work.
5. Exotic Christmas
This option is suitable for those who have already been to a lot of places and seen a lot of things. If you have some spare cash and want to relax, but are already tired of Europe and Thailand, go to Mexico: there you can try Mexican punch and special sweet bread, which is baked especially for Christmas - after all, Mexico also celebrates it. Theatrical reconstructions and exotic excursions, warmth and sea - all at your service in one trip. Here you can add the beaches of Brazil or Florida, where the temperature never dropped below 0 degrees Celsius - after all, what could be more exotic than Christmas with palm trees!
