Europe is one of my favourite places for the festive season – the continent’s bohemian atmosphere suits the holidays so well. I have too many favourites to list here, but if I had to choose, here are a few delights that are at the top of the list:
Gubbio, Italy
Along the hillside is a massive Christmas tree made out of 500 lights on the slope of Monte Ingino. It is billed as the world’s largest Christmas tree and if you look closely you’ll see how tiny the city appears below the massive “tree” above.
Photo courtesy of Simon and Pino Berettoni
Venice, Italy
Venice is a charmer year-round but I just love the glass Christmas tree that erected for the holiday sesason. The world’s largest class tree, it is a stunning display at night and in my view a must-see.
Photo courtesy of Wenzday01
Lisbon, Portugal
There are plenty of titles for “biggest” or “tallest” Christmas trees in Europe, including this one. It’s a giant steel structure in one of the main squares of Lisbon, but it is beautiful both by day and night.
Photo courtesy of Jose Ferreira Jr.
Paris, France
Who doesn’t love Paris? In winter, it transforms itself from a lover’s paradise into a charming and cozy winter haven. The tree in front of the Notre Dame is wonderful, but don’t miss the massive tree inside Galleries Lafayette.
Photo courtesy of OneDanShow
Nuremberg, Germany
Germany is home to the original Christmas market and the idea has spread to nearly every European country. One of the biggest and most popular is the market in Nuremberg; I had a chance to visit it last year and had such a wonderful time. The city is full of history to round out your visit by day, but be sure to soak up the atmosphere at night; the German railways have a more robust schedule during the festive season so it is easy to get to airports or other gateway destinations.
Photo Copyright Andrew Hayes
What’s your favourite European Christmas activity? Share in the comments.
PS – For those of you that do not celebrate Christmas or have an alternative holiday preference, I wish you a happy festive season.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Andy, nice to contact another travel Scot here I am in Lisbon and have been for the last 28 year but was born an bred in Burn’s country. You night like to see my 1st youtube video of last years tree http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrsLyoc6N – will be waiting for the light to be lit on this years offering up at the park tomorrow so look out for this years version.
@Mary – Ooh sounds good – will keep an eye out!