The French will be able to gather at Christmas, but not on New Year's Eve, which "concentrates all the ingredients for an epidemic rebound", warned Prime Minister Jean Castex.
However, that did not rule out the possibility of inviting a few people while respecting the curfew.
Like France, many European countries have dampened hopes for the end of the year celebrations under the sign of normality, in the face of the threat of a deadly third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Parisian takes stock.
Screw tower in Germany
At the beginning of December, the number of people allowed to meet during the holidays was set at ten people, from two different households only.
But the deterioration of the health situation in recent days has led several Länder to lower the gauge to five people.
Even more severe restrictions could even be decided this weekend.
Austere festivals in Belgium
The government has decided: for lack of satisfactory health results, the Belgians will celebrate the end of the year holidays in a very small committee.
Or only one guest per family.
Only people suffering from isolation will be able to accommodate two people.
In case of violation, the fine will be heavy: 250 euros for the guests and 750 for the organizers.
The curfew, in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Brussels and Wallonia, is also extended until January 15.
The only exception: Walloons will be able to return home at midnight on Christmas Eve.
A little air in Spain ...
While the health situation has improved significantly in recent weeks, Spanish health authorities have decided to ease restrictions for the holidays.
The aim of the government is to allow the Spaniards to experience “different Christmas celebrations, without stripping them of their soul and spirit which make them the most popular with citizens”.
Travel restrictions from one region to another will therefore be exceptionally lifted between December 23 and January 6, to meet with family or friends.
Up to ten people will be able to gather under one roof, children included, compared to six currently.
The curfew, set between 10 p.m. and midnight depending on the region, could be extended to 1:30 a.m.
Finally, bars and restaurants should remain open during this period.
… And in the United Kingdom
Despite worrying indicators in recent days, Boris Johnson's government has so far not reversed the easing of restrictions for the holidays.
At the end of November, the authorities had decided to lift travel restrictions and raise the "gauge" to three families under one roof, from 23 to 27 December.
However, these reunions will not be allowed in bars, pubs or restaurants.
Caulked Italy
Authorities have warned that travel from one region to another will be banned for the holidays.
It will even be impossible to leave his town on December 24 and 25.
Finally, the authorities recommend, as in France, to limit meals to six commensals.
In the Vatican, there will be neither midnight mass in St. Peter's nor blessing on December 25.
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No checks in Poland
Even if Poland is hit hard by the second wave of the pandemic, the government did not want to impose coercive measures for the holidays, in a very Catholic country.
Authorities recommend limiting the number of guests to five, but no controls will be put in place.
Czech Republic remains flexible
Faced with a further rise in Covid-19 cases in recent days, the Czech Republic, which had been badly affected by the second wave this fall, forced restaurants to close their doors after 8 p.m.
But for now, the government has not wished to tighten travel and has kept private gatherings at a limit of ten people during the holidays.
Limited restrictions in Sweden
The Swedes will have to limit their feasts to a maximum of eight people for the next few weeks.
On Sunday, they will not be able to celebrate Saint Lucia, nor will they be able to attend midnight mass in churches on December 24.
However, travel will not be limited and ski resorts will remain open.
Semi-containment in Denmark
Faced with an alarming increase in the number of new coronavirus infections, the country placed sixty-nine municipalities in semi-containment on Wednesday until January 3.
Ten people can however gather for the holidays, but without “julefrokost”, the Christmas buffet.
The traditional dance around the tree will nevertheless be tolerated, provided that a two-meter distance is respected between guests from different homes.
