Christmas in Europe isn’t just a one-day celebration, it’s a season that starts a couple of months before. This means that wherever you travel in Europe in the months of November and December, you will experience the festivities and traditions that go back centuries.
Let’s take a look at how to celebrate Christmas across Europe and what you will find when travelling during this season.
Different European Christmas Experiences
Germany
Germany is the home of the Christmas market, with the first one appearing back in the 12th Century. Known as “Weihnachtsmärkte”, Christmas markets will appear in near enough every village, town and city across Germany from mid to late November. They are filled with enchanting lights and decorated stalls that sell handmade gifts and traditional foods, like mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and stollen. They may also showcase classic entertainment like ice rinks, fairground rides and musical performances.
The advent calendar also originated in Germany, so if you’re travelling before the first day of Advent, you will find an array of calendars to choose from and take home with you. Some German traditions include Christmas Eve being the day where the final decorations are added to the tree and main gifts are exchanged. On Christmas Day, huge banquets are served which usually include roast goose or duck alongside Christstollen, Lebkuchen and marzipan.
France
Food also plays a significant role in France during Christmas, especially on Christmas Eve. Known as “Le Reveillon de Noël”, this Christmas Eve feast is a tradition across the country, but each region serves their own local specialities. For example, in Paris you will start with raw oysters whereas in Alsace you will start with foie gras. Red wine is the drink of choice and enjoyed throughout the nation for Christmas.
When visiting France in December, the main streets will begin to light up, large Christmas trees will be decorated in main squares and town halls will be dazzling too. You will also notice French nativity scenes being sold and used as decorations as these are very popular here.
Spain
The Christmas celebrations start at the beginning of December in Spain with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on the 8th. From this date, you will see nativity scenes of all sizes displayed in homes and churches. As one of the main features in Spain at Christmas, there will be larger versions around town halls which we recommend exploring to see.
Their Christmas dinner is also eaten on Christmas Eve before midnight mass and usually consists of fish as the main dish and either turron, a hard or soft nougat, or polvorón, a Spanish shortbread. A tradition that sets the Spanish apart is that gifts are not usually exchanged until the 6th of January. Also known as The Epiphany, this is thought to be when the Three Kings brought gifts to Jesus, so is replicated in the modern day.
England
In 1954, London’s Regent Street started the city-wide tradition of extravagant light displays. Walking through the main streets, you will come across an abundance of spectacular festive lights that will take your breath away. Whilst you’re shopping, you will come across decorative window displays and Christmas trees, both indoors and outdoors.
You will also see many shops selling Christmas crackers which originated in England in 1846. Traditionally opened around the table during Christmas dinner, you will find different varieties filled with different treats alongside the classic paper crown and cheesy joke. Another tradition which we recommend experiencing when visiting the UK during Christmas is the pantomime!
Portugal
If you fancy a warmer Christmas period, Portugal is the ideal destination offering a unique experience. Although there aren’t an abundance of Christmas markets at this time of year, there are some small ones throughout the city of Lisbon and the famous umbrella street in Águeda gets transformed for Christmas too.
In addition to nativity scenes throughout the country, it is quite popular for there to be live nativity scenes where people dress up and act out the Christmas story. Another difference in Portugal is after Midnight Mass, there is usually a large communal fire where people of the community gather and wish each other a Merry Christmas.
Fancy spending the festive period somewhere new this year? Indulge in all things Christmas by visiting these European countries. Take a look at our range of Christmas Market holidays and Christmas Holidays to see where Travel Department can take you.
