3 reasons and 3 ways to do Christmas in Europe

It won’t take long for you to warm your winter heart at a bustling Christmas market no matter what village or city you travel to when you visit Europe, says Teresa Richardson, MD South Africa The Travel Corporation (TTC), which incorporates Trafalgar.

“Think handmade wooden toys hanging from traditional stalls lit by fairy-lights and toasty treats enjoyed under giant Christmas trees in Europe’s oldest town squares. Christmas Markets typically start in mid-November, signalling the beginning of Advent, and run up to the night before Christmas.”

.

So popular are these annual celebrations, in fact, that Trafalgar offers special German Christmas Markets and Christmas Markets of Austria Germany and Switzerland itineraries with visits to Europe’s most popular markets in Munich, Innsbruck, Nuremberg and Dresden, says Richardson.

The origins of Christmas Markets hail from German-speaking Europe in the Late Middle Ages.

“This was where villagers would stock up on supplies for their Christmas celebrations, but it’s certainly not limited to towns and cities in Germany. You will find Christmas Markets with different traditions all across Europe.”

.

Give yourself the early gift of Christmas in Europe, adds Richardson.

“Trafalgar has a few departures left on some of its popular winter breaks, which coincide with Christmas, so travellers can bundle up for their holidays instead of slaai and a braai at the pool South African-style.”

Richardson offers her top 3 reasons and 3 ways to do Christmas in Europe this year:

1. Frohe Weihnachten in Vienna

Trafalgar’s departure on its 10-day Prague, Vienna and Budapest trip on 21 December will see you celebrate Christmas in the City of Music, Vienna. While the Viennese tend to have their main celebration on Christmas Eve, don’t miss an opportunity to extend the celebration to Christmas Day, indulging in a slice or two of stollen as you explore Vienna’s kaffee culture. All this of course is enjoyed against a glittering backdrop of Baroque façades that inspired great musical masters.

Rathaus (city hall) and christmas market in Vienna, Austria

Why Vienna?

Only the former home of Haydn, Mozart and Strauss could put on a musical spectacle during the festive season like the one that Vienna treats its visitors annually. Check out the official Vienna event listing to see where concerts, shows and festivals are being held during this period.

Christmas Market, Vipiteno, Sterzing, Bolzano, Trentino Alto Adige, Italy

2. Buon Natale in Venice

Depart Rome on 20 December on Trafalgar’s Best of Italy trip and you’ll celebrate Christmas in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. With any Italian celebration you know food is going to take centre stage, and in Venice this is no different. Christmas Day is celebrated with family over a large lunch of ossocollo (Venetian sausage), pasta in broth and panettone. Luckily, you’ll be spending the 26^th in Venice too, which is when the Venetians celebrate Santo Stefano and there’s a free concert at the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. You have a free afternoon in Venice so revel in the tradition.

Colorful Christmas decorations on Trentino Alto Adige, Italy Christmas market

Why Venice?

Unlike much of the rest of the year when Venice’s streets are bursting with people, December is quieter and has an air of wintery magic that challenges you to find a cosy bacaro for a warm hot chocolate. The cioccolata calda is so decadently thick and indulgent in Venice, you’ll want to spend all your free time getting lost along its canals to work off the calories.

3. Merry Christmas in London

Start your Delights of London and Paris trip with Trafalgar on 22 December and you’ll celebrate Christmas in the Big Smoke. Lucky for you, you have a full free day on the 25^th to enjoy the holiday spirit in London on your own terms but if you’d like to celebrate like the locals, there’s no better way than taking a stroll down Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights. You could also choose to settle in for a hearty Christmas lunch at one of the local pubs or walk off the turkey and trimmings in wintery Hyde Park.

Why London?

The Brits may not be renowned for their culinary prowess, but they know how to come to the party when Christmas cuisine is involved. Think Christmas pudding, roast turkey with stuffing, mince pies and mulled wine. Make sure you book well in advance for a traditional Christmas lunch at a gastro pub or restaurant.

.

With your Christmas celebration for 2018 sorted, all that’s left to do is pick out your best Christmas jumper – you can’t go wrong with a reindeer or two – and start dreaming of a white Christmas in Europe. Perhaps Santa will oblige.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.