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In the spirit of the holiday: what to do at Christmas in the hottest destinations in Europe

London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Barcelona - we all dream to visit and travel as much as possible and on Christmas days, all these amazing cities are decorated and offer a variety of attractions, traditions and unforgettable experiences.

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Here's all you need to know

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Walla!

Tourism in collaboration with Shufersal Travel

Sunday, 17 October 2021, 11:05 Updated: 15:22

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Israelis know and love to travel.

Sukkot, Pesach, the great freedom - time and time again we "conquer" the amazing cities of Western Europe, which offer us so many attractions, historical places, entertainment and more.

But at Christmas?

At Christmas everything looks different and the same cities that everyone knows about suddenly change their shape and become something completely new, something you just have to be in it to believe and be impressed.

Christmas is one big celebration in Europe and each of the big cities in the west of the continent celebrates it in ways unique to it, ones that will make you fill your smartphone with photos and your head with memories and stories.

So that you can choose your favorite destination, we decided to make some order and show you everything that can be done in the hottest destinations in Europe this coming Christmas.

More on the subject

It's not just called a classic: Christmas in the best cities in the heart of Europe

To the full article

London

The capital of the kingdom offers countless Christmas options, from sumptuous fir trees and holiday carols in Trafalgar Square, through a spectacular theme park adapted for the cold London winter in Hyde Park to a huge variety of performances.

For special tours, you can get to Warner Bros. Studios and see Harry Potter's Hogwarts in a snowy and festive atmosphere, take a special night bus that takes you on a lights tour of the city streets or take a walk in the Royal Kew Gardens, which is decorated in the holiday spirit.

At Covent Garden the traditional pudding race awaits you and if you are with children, they will surely enjoy the ice skating rink that is set up every year outside the Natural History Museum.

Football fans will also not want to give up a game from the familiar Christmas celebration of the Premier League.

Christmas in London (Photo: ShutterStock)

Paris

The French capital is so special at this time of year that a few years ago a film called "Christmas in Paris" was made.

So what do you do in the city of lights?

First, they are amazed by the holiday lights that flood the Champs Elysees and create a vibe that no other street in the world has.

In general, the whole city is decorated as only the French know and you will find the traditional and impressive wood in the "Gallery Lafayette".

In addition, do not miss the various markets and especially the Christmas market at the foot of the mythical Notre Dame Cathedral and the famous French desserts, which get a twist in the holiday spirit.

Investors can enjoy a Christmas Eve meal on a boat on the River Seine and dream of snow at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, which makes observing it unique.

Christmas in Paris (Photo: ShutterStock)

Amsterdam

A little jump north and we are in the Dutch capital, where Dam Square, the city's main square, is adorned and flaunted in honor of the holiday with a tree offering a show of colors, while the crowds gather and are happier than ever.

The atmosphere in the Netherlands is relaxed and light on days like theirs, and at Christmas it only gets stronger and one of the things you really will not want to miss is the Sunday market, called "Funky Xmas Market" - a celebration of art and fashion in Westergasfabriek, located in the north of the city.

Another special event is a show starring 48 swans (real!) And highlights spread throughout the city can include the special Christmas circus held annually at the Carre Theater, a festival of lights that lasts about two months (before and after the holiday) and a beautiful night cruise between the city’s endless canals.

Christmas in Amsterdam (Photo: ShutterStock)

Rome

Did we say there's a movie called "Christmas in Paris"?

Well, guess what - there's also a movie called "Christmas in Rome".

Italy has recovered in the last year from the blow it received at the beginning of the corona and today it is renewed and smiling again, with its wonderful aromas and flavors.

This coming Christmas, as always, you will find in the capital the Coliseum decorated as ever and nostalgic and you can take a closer look (and buy!) At the special Christmas market in Piazza Navona, alongside the crowds celebrating.

In terms of tradition, the Italians decorate their homes every year on December 8 and the city also enters from that day into the holiday atmosphere.

Rome of course has a deep connection to Christianity, so you will find in it things that are nowhere else and most importantly, an emphasis on the Nativity scene, works of art that commemorate the birth of Christ.

Join a tour between them, one that also passes through the Vatican City and St. Peter's Square, and you will not regret it.

Christmas in Rome (Photo: ShutterStock)

Barcelona

We'll end with the magical Barcelona.

In Spain, Christmas celebrations last longer than in most places in Europe, all the way to early January and the traditions are many and interesting.

One of the weirdest ones that you have to look for in those "scenes of the birth of Christ" is the figure of Caganer.

Somehow, over the years she joined those works of art and her job was to go to the bathroom.

Yes, this is not a mistake and it is so famous that in the holiday markets it can be found in a variety of familiar figures.

Strange, but tradition is tradition.

In addition, do not miss the charming "Parade of the Three Kings" and in the Gothic Quarter will be waiting for you about 300 stalls with everything you need for the holiday and a colorful atmosphere, lasting over 200 years (starting from 1786).

Just be careful on December 28th, which is "Innocent Day", the local version of our April 1st.

Christmas in Barcelona (Photo: ShutterStock)

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