Christmas is one of the most beloved times of the year internationally, with each city and country expressing its unique tradition in the way they celebrate it. From the dazzling events and beautifully lit trees in the squares to the traditional meals and special ceremonies, cities in every corner of the world create a unique environment for their residents and visitors.

Let's see how Christmas is celebrated in six very well-known cities around the world and the places you must visit if you travel to any of them during this period.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the European city of wonders during the Christmas season. During a stroll through its streets, you feel like you are in a fairy tale. The charming Christmas markets welcome you, inviting you to try the wine glogg. It is a traditional Scandinavian drink served during the winter months, mainly at Christmas. Essentially, it is a warm and aromatic mix of red wine with various spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, etc.

Christmas Customs in Denmark

During the Christmas season, Danes make handmade ornaments to decorate their homes. A characteristic feature is the poinsettia wreath with four candles, each of which symbolizes the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is celebrated with a traditional meal among family and friends. A large almond is hidden inside the Danish dessert, and whoever finds it wins the "almond gift."

What to visit?

Tivoli Gardens is a magical Christmas destination in Copenhagen, as it transforms into a winter fairy tale with enchanting decorations, sparkling lights, and festive ornaments. The park takes on a festive atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. It hosts a traditional Christmas market, where you can explore stalls with festive handmade treats and unique gifts. It features an ice rink, offering the opportunity for skating under the Christmas lights, while the venue also hosts live performances such as festive concerts, theatrical productions, and other shows.

Paris, France

Christmas in France is the festive climax of the year. Compared to other European countries, the pre-Christmas season is less significant. During the holiday season, the streets of Paris transform into a magical setting as delicate garlands and elegant decorations create a dazzling atmosphere.

What to visit?

The avenue Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the glamorous Avenue Montaigne, and the beautiful Georges V are adorned with Christmas touches in shades of green and red. These decorations discreetly embrace the architectural beauty of the city, offering passersby a sense of magic and joy.

Of course, you must not forget to visit the Christmas outdoor markets that are everywhere, in squares, pedestrian streets, or even outside churches. The most famous ones in Paris are the Village de Noël du Champ de Mars, a few meters away from the Eiffel Tower, and the market in the La Défense district. In these markets (and not only) you will taste the well-known Bûche de Noël, a traditional French dessert made from dough filled with either vanilla or chocolate. This dough is thinly spread in a mold and rolled up. Usually, its surface is decorated with cream, chocolate, or other garnishes that resemble the appearance of a log.

Christmas Customs in France

A characteristic of Christmas in France is that on Christmas Eve, local markets are filled with seafood, mainly oysters. On the same evening, residents await Père Noël (Santa Claus) to distribute gifts.

On Christmas Day, turkey dominates the lunch table, accompanied by rich delicacies. On New Year's morning, the first gastronomic destination is pancakes, which naturally constitute a traditional breakfast for the French.

London, England

The festive season gives a magical warmth to the wintery atmosphere of the capital of England. The country may not be famous for its traditional Christmas markets, but the center of London is full of them.

What to visit?

The Winter Wonderland, perhaps the most well-known of these, is a treasure trove of delights with exciting rides and numerous stalls offering delicious treats. Within it, you will find the Bavarian village, where you can enjoy a bite of traditional German bratwurst. It is a type of sausage usually made from pork, beef, or a mixture of these, along with spices and herbs. In the tradition of Christmas markets, it is served in small buns and can be accompanied by various sauces and vegetables.

Christmas Customs in England

In England, festive decorations include adorning the fireplace with poinsettias and lights. This tradition is associated with hanging mistletoe. When someone stands underneath it, they must exchange a kiss with the person next to them. The festive table is never without turkey and Christmas pudding. According to tradition, family members must all stir the pudding together during its preparation for good luck in the new year.

Prague, Czech Republic

The capital of the Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with most of it preserving its medieval character. During Christmas, the decorations and festive atmosphere in this city will captivate you.

What to visit?

The central Christmas markets are located in Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). There you will find handmade gifts, local products, and delicious treats. Of course, you must not miss trying the local specialty Trdelník, a traditional Czech sweet that is also popular in other Central European countries such as Slovakia and Hungary. Trdelník is essentially a soft donut in a conical shape. The dough usually includes eggs, butter, sugar, and milk. After baking, Trdelník is coated in sugar and cinnamon, offering a sweet, aromatic, and crunchy result. You can find it in various flavors and toppings, such as cocoa, coconut, cream, etc.

During this period, you will still find live carp being sold on all the streets and squares. We will explain why right after.

Christmas Traditions in the Czech Republic

The most important day for Czechs is Christmas Eve and the Christmas dinner. Naturally, what comes to mind is turkey and all the other well-known festive dishes. But here you will be surprised by what you read. Czechs eat carp roe soup as a starter and carp fillet with potato salad as the main course. Due to its high nutritional value, it is considered a symbol of good life. So, a week before, Czechs buy the carp alive and let it swim in their bathtub until it is cleaned.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the top European destinations for Christmas. From mid-November to Christmas, its most beautiful squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The aroma of warm punch and roasted almonds fills the air. The Old Town and the shopping streets are adorned with festive lights that spread the Christmas spirit.

What to visit?

The Christmas market Viennese Dream in front of the City Hall is an unforgettable event for those wishing to get into the spirit of the season. The unique setting gives this market its own charm, and the wonderful aromas are sure to draw all visitors into the seasonal joy. Inside the City Hall, on the ground floor, there is a space dedicated to children where they can learn how to make Christmas cookies or candles.

Additionally, you can explore the baroque way of life and traditional crafts. The popular Christmas village at Belvedere Palace is set in the splendid baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence, one of Vienna's most beautiful and significant attractions. More than 40 festively decorated market stalls offer traditional handmade products, intricate Christmas decorations, and unique gastronomic delights.

Christmas Customs in Austria

In Austria, each city sets up its own Christmas tree, which is decorated with ornaments of gold and silver, straw stars, sweets and candies wrapped in aluminum foil, and gingerbread cookies.

On Christmas Eve, shops close around 4 pm, and you won't find any cinema or theater performances or concerts. Most bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are closed, and traffic is almost non-existent. However, there are some shops that remain open, especially in Vienna.

Around 7 pm on Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for the first time, and the whole family gathers to sing Christmas carols. "Silent Night," which was written and first performed on December 24, 1818, by Josef Mohr and Franz Gruber in the Austrian village of Oberndorf, remains the most popular.

And of course, the "Christkind" has already visited secretly, without being seen, and has placed the gifts under the Christmas tree. According to Austrian tradition, the gifts are not brought by Santa Claus, but by the "Christkind" (the little Jesus). He comes in the form of an angel, with white feathered wings, a halo above his head, and blonde curls. The gifts are not opened on December 25, but on Christmas Eve.

New York, United States

Of course, it couldn't be missing from our list, as it represents the ultimate festive experience. Christmas is a special time for New York, perhaps the most exciting of the entire year. Millions of lights, decorated shop windows, music, Santas, Christmas trees, and countless happenings make their appearance in the famous metropolis.

What to visit?

One of the most famous attractions in New York during this period is the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center in Rockefeller Plaza. The famous hosts, musical performances, and of course the dazzling first lighting of the tree, fill the air with festive spirit and have become a beloved annual tradition.

The Christmas markets in New York, such as Union Square and Columbus Circle, are very popular and definitely worth a visit.

Columbus Circle is located at the southwest corner of Central Park. It is quite large and if you are looking for Christmas gifts, this is the right place. There are wooden crafts, chocolates, jewelry from up-and-coming designers, clothes, and accessories. As in most European Christmas markets, you can enjoy melomakarona, cakes, and bratwurst. The Christmas market is held every year from November to December.

The Union Square market is located in Midtown, in the heart of Manhattan. There are about 200 stalls and you can warm up with a hot soup or chocolate. Here, you will find a variety of gifts, from scarves, hats, and gloves to soaps, candles, art items, and household goods. The Union Square Holiday Market starts in mid-November and ends on Christmas Eve.

Christmas customs in the United States

In the United States, the festive Christmas season begins on November 25 with Thanksgiving, which has its roots in the celebration of the harvest.

On Christmas Day, gifts are exchanged under the Christmas tree. Then, a traditional breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup is served, while family and friends gather for the festive meal. Eggnog, a sweet drink made from milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks (a little rum, brandy, or whiskey can be added) is served as a welcome.

Turkey is usually the main dish of the festive table and is accompanied by green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberries. The stuffing can vary from house to house, with the most classic containing cornbread, celery, onions, and sausage bits. Other popular dishes include lobster and seafood, due to the rich marine life in the area. The meal concludes with the "cranberry mold," a refined dish with cooked cranberries reminiscent of pudding.

A beautiful celebration with rich flavors and family moments, but it only lasts one day, as December 26 is a working day for Americans.

Christmas destinations and local customs are countless and become the occasion for moments that unite our hearts and create indelible memories. As we leave behind these magical places of the world, we take with us the history of the place we got to know and, in some cases, its strange Christmas customs, the moments we shared, the laughter and the feeling of solidarity and warmth of these days.

Merry Christmas!!!