At the beginning of December, cities across Europe shine brightly, illuminated by creatively arranged lights and adorned with Christmas trees and city decorations, attracting visitors with the vibrancy of markets. It is a time for gift shopping, holiday preparations, and planning New Year’s celebrations in some European square or ski resort..
During the Advent, pre-Christmas season, cities across Europe sparkle with creatively arranged lighting, flaunt Christmas trees and city decorations, and attract visitors with markets showcasing traditional pastries, food and drinks, and artisanal crafts. Clearly, it is also a time for rich outdoor shopping amidst the hustle and bustle of hundreds of tourists and the sounds of street musicians, along with many events. It is difficult to single out any city as it all depends on whether you prefer to see the lights of Tivoli Park in Copenhagen, designed by Tiffany’s chief designer, taste Belgian chocolate delicacies, enjoy Budapest’s cooked sausages, bask in the glow of eternal Rome, or admire the Gothic beauty of Prague… Some may say it is a time of Christmas kitsch. Perhaps it is, but few can resist enjoying it.
Rome – Life-Size Nativity Scenes
Throughout Rome during the Advent season, you can enjoy displays of the birth of Jesus, from puppet shows to life-size nativity scenes set up in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. You can find figurines made from various materials at many markets in the Eternal City.
However, the center of market activities is Piazza Navona, with its Bernini fountains, surrounded by toys from colorful stalls offering handmade figurines, various games of chance, sweets, decorations, and ciambelle (ceramic plates). If you want a unique Roman souvenir, look for La Befana, the Christmas witch who traditionally brings gifts to Italian children a few weeks after Christmas.
Where: St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy
When: from November 30 to January 1
Info: Roma Tourist Board
Budapest – Many Temporary Ice Rinks
Budapest, one of the favorite European city tourist destinations, transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with magical lighting and many temporary ice rinks during the Advent season. The Advent market is located in the center of the Pest district, in the strict center of old Pest, not far from the popular shopping destination, known as Fashion Street, and always features more than 150 stalls and tents. They offer verified products approved by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce: from traditional food and drinks to decorations and handicrafts. One of the biggest attractions can be seen during the day – it is the display of the Advent calendar in the windows of Gerbeaud, a café from the 19th century. The main souvenirs are red paprika, sausages, beer, and mulled wine.
Where: Vörösmarty Square, Budapest, Hungary
When: from November 18 to December 30
Info: Budapest Tourist Board
Prague – Thousands of Sparkling Lights
The Prague Advent market takes place in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square and offers unique food products and decorations. The main attraction of the Prague Advent is the enchanting architecture adorned with thousands of lights, creating a fairy-tale impression. Food and drink are the main interests of tourists and Prague residents during the Advent season. In the week before Christmas, you can see containers with water and carp, a traditional holiday food for Czechs, on the crowded and lively streets. When it comes to food offerings at the stalls, do not refuse roasted pig on a spit, a piece of Trdelník cake, a mug of beer, or a glass of grog and honey liqueur, traditional drinks.
Where: Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic
When: from December 1 to January 1
Info: Czech Tourism
