London | Welcome to the winter wonderland
One of the cities most identified with markets in general, and with Christmas markets in particular, is London.
The whole city is decorated in honor of the festive period, and many streets are decorated with British flags, lit up in different colors and decorated with the symbols of the holiday, which has long been not only related to religion.
The most famous and largest festival in the capital of England is Winter Wonderland ("Winter Wonderland"), held every year in Hyde Park.
As part of the festival, more than 100 wooden cabins are set up filled with gifts and warm and comforting food, and stalls that include handicraft gifts and beautiful jewelry.
Not far away is the UK's largest outdoor ice rink, a giant Ferris wheel and Christmas shows.
The festival and Christmas markets will be active from November 18 to January 2.
Of course, there are many other markets scattered throughout the city, and it is recommended to spend a few days in order to visit at least some of them.
Ron Kutner, an Israeli tour guide and the owner of We Are London who lives in the city, tells about the special atmosphere during this period: "London is one of the most popular destinations during the Christmas season. No matter which part of the city you travel to, there is a reference to the holiday in every corner - including the famous street decorations of Oxford, Regent and Carnaby streets, and between the famous Bond Street, where the big designer stores like Gucci and Cartier compete every year for the most spectacular storefront designs for the holiday.
"You can't forget the big Christmas tree that is placed every year in Covent Garden, next to the snow machines that will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale. Beyond the magical decorations, special markets open around the city for Christmas, and they all offer plenty of food, chocolate with whipped cream, mulled wine , souvenirs and festive stalls. One of the most famous markets is the Southbank Center (South Bank) Market, spread along the River Thames. One of the most popular attractions at this time is, of course, the large light display at Kew Gardens in Richmond Park. It is a mesmerizing and unique display, where you go Almost three kilometers through a crazy light show you won't forget. Keep in mind that tickets are rare, and very hard to get."
"The Christmas markets start already in the middle of November, so you should plan your vacation for this period to enjoy and experience the holiday atmosphere," says Nir Mazur, VP of Aviation Relations. "December, at the end of which Christmas is celebrated around the world, is a magical month for a vacation.
It is recommended to go to both the Christmas market in London Bridge, and the market in Greenwich, where you can find stalls and shops of Greenwich Market.
The old maritime neighborhood, decorated with lights, is also a spectacular sight that should not be missed."
Budapest | A romantic carousel in a fairytale atmosphere
The short flight and the convenient prices of the flights to Budapest make the destination, which is also loved and sought after by Israeli tourists, a favorite especially during the Christmas period.
The markets in Budapest will be open from November 18 to January 1.
As before the corona, photo: GettyImages
"The Christmas markets are returning to full activity this year, after last year they were held in a minor format, due to the corona virus," explains Ilan Shalu, VP of the Vacation Lines Group. Study days, and enjoy all the best that European capitals have to offer during this amazing period.
In Budapest, from mid-November to the end of December, the Christmas market is held in Warszmarty Square, with 100 stalls, including a rich supply of goulash soup and artistic works by the locals.
It is recommended to visit St. Stephen's Basilica and Óbuda, where the largest ice skating rink in Budapest, a romantic carousel and open-air concerts await you."
There are many more Christmas markets throughout Europe - in Alsace in France, Basel in Switzerland, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Brussels and many other cities.
Many tourists choose to rent a car and travel between the countries, which makes it possible to experience markets in several countries and enjoy the winter atmosphere on the continent.
The prices of hotels and flights to most destinations are tens of percent lower than those we are used to during the summer.
Berlin lift the spirits with a classical concert
"The Israelis love Berlin, its cultural life and nightlife, the museums, restaurants and cafes, the crazy energy of this huge city," explains Neta Gafni, marketing manager at Ofir Tours.
"Most Christmas markets in Berlin start already around the end of November, and on these dates you can find cheaper flights. The closer you get to December, the higher the flight prices.
"Whoever comes to Berlin during this period will immediately see the streets filled with colorful decorations, the shop windows painted red, green and gold, stalls open in every corner and the traditional Christmas markets. Besides souvenirs related to the holiday, you can enjoy good beer and grilled sausages at the markets, and raise your temperature The body with warm wine and pleasant music. The Christmas markets held in Berlin are considered to be the most beautiful and the best in the world."
One of the largest and busiest of them is the market in Alexanderplatz square, where, among all the colorful lights and traditional foods, is the Christmas pyramid.
Not far from there you can visit the town hall market, where the city's famous giant wheel is located, surrounded by street artists who act out the life of the city as it was in the distant past.
Another famous Christmas market in Berlin is held in Gendarmen Square, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the city.
The market attracts almost a million visitors, who come to enjoy the large concert hall, the German cathedral and the French cathedral.
There you will also find traditional foods, ornaments and toys in the spirit of the holiday.
The main and central attraction is the ice skating rink around the Neptune fountain, which is almost 600 square meters in size.
celebrating Christmas in Europe,
Prague | Lights and sounds on the banks of the Vltava River
The capital of the Czech Republic is considered attractive in all seasons of the year, due to the affordable prices, the historical sites of the city, the beautiful streets and the affordable shopping.
Prague's Christmas markets are considered one of the best in the world in terms of decor, lighting and other holiday decorations.
The main market is in the old square, but other markets will be held throughout the city from November 26 to January 6.
"The capital of the Czech Republic is also the largest and most central city in the country," says Tali Noy, VP of ISTA. "It is located on the Vltava River, and in the eyes of many is considered one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe.
From the end of November to the beginning of January, the city has a particularly lively, happy and colorful holiday atmosphere.
"The fairs and Christmas markets are scattered among the many squares, and provide a colorful and special sight that cannot be ignored. The decorated stalls offer tourists a variety of unique handmade souvenirs, household items and traditional foods. Thousands of tourists and locals wander between the illuminated stalls, inhaling the smells of local foods and hot alcoholic beverages , with orchestras and choirs playing and singing holiday songs in the background."
Basita points out that this time of the year is considered relatively cheap to visit Prague.
The hotels offer deals and the flights are cheaper.
In the town square, the locals place a large fir tree, the lights of which are turned on every evening at sunset against the background of the two impressive spiers of Tin Church.
The square becomes even more spectacular, and the impression is created as if it were taken from fairy tales.
At the stalls scattered in the square you can buy handmade wooden utensils, and enjoy traditional foods such as a particularly decadent pastry reminiscent of fried bread, Czech sausages on the grill, the famous Czech gingerbread cookies, Christmas cookies and hot chestnuts, alongside the local drink - svarak (Mulled wine punch).
The children will be able to ride sheep, goats and donkeys.
A short distance from the square in the old city, in a smaller square - Wenceslas Square - you will find another Christmas market where a fir tree whose lights are turned on every day at 17:00, and next to it children's choirs, stalls with pastries and a hot alcoholic honey liqueur called Medovina.
If you visit the Prague Castle in St. George's Square - enjoy a breathtaking view, beautifully decorated traditional food stalls and the adjoining market.
The end of the civil year celebrations are held in Prague for two days - on December 31 and January 1 - during which the Vltava River is decorated with dozens of decorations.
Colorful lights and video shows are projected on the walls of the buildings and on top of the National Museum of Prague, and the clock in the Old Town Square will strike midnight.
Blue and white Christmas A celebration in the desert
On December 26-29, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a Christmas celebration for the whole family will be held in Timna Park in the Southern Arava.
The park, which covers an area of about 70 thousand dunams, presents an alternative to the Christmas markets abroad this year as well.
As part of the event, there will be a lighted and festive fair, where the general public is invited to enjoy a celebration in the open air.
A decorated and illuminated fir tree will be placed on the lake plaza, which will rise to a height of six meters, alongside a variety of light displays, Santa Claus, a reindeer sleigh, star displays and illuminated gifts.
To complete the atmosphere, a band of musicians will play and sing songs in the holiday spirit.
There will also be interactive activities for children and the "Sparks" show - a spectacular aerial circus show that combines acrobatics and aerial dance, which takes place on top of a special device carried by a crane.
Similar to Christmas fairs around the world, food stalls and local art stalls will be operating in the park in the spirit of the holiday.
Participation in the fair requires pre-registration, and the number of places is limited.
Getting around the park is by private car, and there is an arranged parking lot in the fair area.
The price of entering the fair is included in the price of entering the park - NIS 49 for an adult, NIS 39 for a child.
The ticket is valid for a week, and allows visitors to come to the park and walk around it throughout the day.
One of the cities most associated with Christmas celebrations in Israel, and in the world in general, is Nazareth.
Every year many come to enjoy the special atmosphere in the northern city and to visit the Church of the Annunciation, and this year the celebrations will be even bigger.
also in Israel,
The events in the city will last two months, from November 15 to January 15, and will be spread over several centers.
The holiday experience will include the lighting of the fir tree and the Christmas market, the city will be decorated and decorated with thousands of lighting fixtures, and a variety of unique music and cultural performances will be held in churches and halls, Christmas markets in hotels, guided tours in Ma'ayan Square and Paulus VI Street, banquets, food fairs and more.
You can also enjoy the holiday atmosphere in the German colony in Haifa, where the houses, shops and restaurants in the entire area are decorated, as well as in Jaffa and other mixed cities.
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