Celebrations in Europe start four Sundays prior to the eve of Christmas which marks the beginning of the Advent. Post the Advent, most of the Catholic countries also celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas on the 6th of December. This may not be the tradition in all countries but some of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe do celebrate it as a part of their culture. Following the feast, the main celebration is that of the Christmas Eve wherein people attend the Midnight Mass and relish a heart-warming meal their families, and friends
Prague, Czechia
Prague is a fairy-tale city that only becomes more spectacular at Christmastime, when a winter wonderland is leashed within the streets. The city’s magnificent architecture provides a stunning backdrop for its famous Christmas markets where visitors can savor mulled wine and delicacies like trdelnick, a traditional hot sugar-coated pastry as well as spit-roasted hams. The Old Town Square hosts the most impressive Christmas market of all, complete with a stable full of donkeys, goats and sheep, dazzling holiday lights and music. The charming wooden huts are filled with all types of festive delights, from craft gift items and beautiful Christmas tree ornaments, not only at the Old Square Market, but those held in Wenceslas Square and Namesti Miru too.
Budapest, Hungary
Christmas spirit sparkles in front of Budapest’s grandest cathedral during the 8th annual Advent Feast at the Basilica, an open-air festive-season market welcoming everyone with delightful gift items, delicious Hungarian and international food such as the all-time favorite ‘flódni,’ the Hungaricum chimney cake, mouth-watering burgers and a range of fish dishes.
Free attractions are also available for all ages – including ice-skating for children (offering skate rental, and weekend skating lessons for kids under 14) in a central rink that surrounds a towering Christmas tree.
From November 22 through January 1, discover this enchanted city-center Christmas celebration rich with Central European holiday traditions, which also features modern elements such as flash mobs, a wide range of the best Hungarian contemporary hand-craft products
London, England
London gets a lot of things right, including the holidays. With special markets, lights galore, and hearty English fare—think warm scones—and world-class shopping, the city screams really festive. To soak it all in, stay at the newly reopened Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in the posh Knightsbridge area—it's the only hotel to actually sit on Hyde Park—that has floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the park and is a stone's throw from Harvey Nichols and Harrods, arguably some of the best shopping in the world. Added bonus of being across the street from Hyde Park is that it turns into a winter wonderland with ice skating, performances, and rides and games—all just outside your door.
Madrid,Spain
From mid November through to January 6th (Reyes Magos), Madrid becomes a glittering disco ball. Fancy and often creatively themed Christmas lights hang above all the main streets and plazas, and remain switched on until late into the evening.
There are Christmas markets too, the largest of which can be found in Plaza Mayor. I visited this particular Christmas market 2 years ago and had a good look. You can buy Christmas ornaments, gifts, festive food, artisan products, brightly coloured wigs and random costumes for children (I still do not quite understand why). There are markets in Plaza España, Santo Domingo and late night bars in Mercado de San Antón.
Madrid’s ‘Navibus’ (‘navi’ derived from ‘navidad’ meaning ‘nativity’) takes passengers on a tour of Madrid to see the shimmering Christmas lights. You can jump on in Plaza de Colón at the Colón metro station. The bus is a double-decker bus and so enjoy the festive displays are best enjoyed from the top deck.
One thing not to be missed is the ice-skating in Retiro Park.
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