It so happened that Christmas for our compatriots is for the most part a religious holiday - and it is noted modestly, without special pomp, most often in the family circle, with a mandatory visit to the church. Perhaps this is due to the fact that first we celebrate the New Year, and we are so tired of fun and let joyous, but still a hassle that by Christmas there is no power left for anything.
Remember that for Europeans Christmas is a family holiday, on this day shops and municipal institutions often do not work, traffic is carried out according to a special schedule. Prices at this time are also higher than usual, so it is reasonable to plan a trip in the first half of December - you will feel the holiday atmosphere, but you will not experience any inconvenience.
Christmas in Europe: where to go?
In Europe and America, where most of the population refers to the Catholic faith, Christmas is celebrated a week before the New Year - December 25, and much more attention is paid to it. Cities are transformed, festive atmosphere reigns everywhere - garlands, smart Christmas trees, ubiquitous Santa Clauses and their faithful deer - all this makes an incredible impression! And prepare for the holiday Catholics begin in advance - so you have a chance to see everything with your own eyes, even if you can not get to the city in the midst of events. Spontaneous travel to another country for vacation has become commonplace - you can plan a trip without leaving your house, buy tickets and book a suitable hotel, for example, on Hotellook.ru.
Nuremberg, Germany
A real adventure may be a trip to Nuremberg - this German city is deservedly considered the European Christmas capital. It is there that you can meet the heroes of the biblical stories - the baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary, imbued with the spirit of the fairy tale, writing a letter and sharing your dreams that will come true - the magic mail works without interruption. The famous Christmas market in Nuremberg opens on December 1 and lasts until Christmas Eve itself, so, after visiting it, you can still see a lot of interesting things!
Prague, Czech Republic
Choosing where to go to feel the Christmas atmosphere, you can not ignore Prague - this city always attracts tourists, thanks to its architecture, traditions and customs. If there is an opportunity to visit this city on Christmas Day or before it - it can not be missed. As in any other European city, you can visit a lot of Christmas fairs, taste baked carp - a favorite Czech food during this period, admire the main spruce of the capital, which, by the way, is lit on December 1.
Paris, France
In Paris, a city so beloved by romantics, preparations for the Christmas holidays will begin as early as the end of November. Indeed, having got to Paris in December, you can not think of anything, except for a fast approaching holiday - all around are absorbed in gay turmoil and think, probably, only about gifts. On the Place de la Concorde, the main spruce is established, 35 meters high, and a variety of festive events will be held there. An interesting Parisian tradition is to play puppet shows in showcases that will impress not only children but also adults. In addition, every winter throughout the city pour ice rinks - the one that the city hall, of course, the most famous. The atmosphere that reigns there on Christmas Eve is simply inexpressible!
London, Great Britain
London - one of the most interesting and beautiful capitals of the world, and the way here celebrate Christmas, this confirms. Prepare for it begin as beforehand - the last week of November is already filled with festive troubles. According to many, it is London streets that decorate the holiday in the most amazing way - in the center of the city almost every street has its own unique style. In the famous Hyde Park, there are Christmas fairs, attractions, ice rinks - all for the pleasure of citizens and tourists! There you can ride a Ferris wheel and see the festive London from a height of 60 meters - an unforgettable sight! On Hotellook.ru you can now book a room in the most famous hotel in London - The Savoy.
Brussels, Belgium
Speaking of European Christmas, always mark the capital of Belgium, Brussels. This city is amazing, even if for the first time you come here in the unfriendly and rainy weather. To decorate their city the people of Brussels love and know how - especially worth noting is the Grand Place, where the fairs and the main part of the celebrations are held. There is also the famous Town Hall and the statue of the Archangel Michael - they are illuminated by a stunning illumination that turns the square literally into a picture from a Christmas card.
Find a hotel in almost any city in the world will help you Hotellook.ru - here you can choose the hotel class, its location, read reviews and find out the price for the dates you are interested in. It is very convenient - you can choose a hotel that is in the thick of festive events, near the main parks and Christmas markets. The whole process of booking will take a minute, and the result will pleasantly surprise you and please. Do not be afraid of independent travel - it's interesting and informative!