With the first cold, devoting yourself to Christmas is a great remedy to overcome the winter’s greyness. What better way than a trip? Since the end of November and throughout December, in many European cities, in fact, the Christmas season starts to be felt, to warm the hearts of those who don’t like cold at all. Among Christmas markets, Santa Claus villages and trees to decorate, having a trip to some of those European destinations where you can already start breathing the Xmas atmospheres, makes it even more magical. We at The Blonde Salad have therefore decided to dress up as Santa’s little helpers (in a travel advisor version, of course) and take you to discover three must-see destinations! Stay away then all the Grinches out there because below we will take you on a journey that Christmas Carol has nothing to envy:
BRUGES AND THE GROTE MARKT
Bruges, Belgium, is a small town with a medieval appearance and a magical atmosphere. Among the coloured brick houses, the bell towers and the old bridges, it offers some of the most enchanting views to admire during the Christmas season. In particular, the Grote Markt is the stop you can’t miss! In the past, the Grote Markt was the commercial centre of Bruges and today it has become its beating heart. In the vast square, you can admire the characteristic houses with pointed spires lit ad hoc for the Christmas period, horse-drawn carriages and the immense ice rink. But that’s not all! It is in this square that one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Belgium is set up, made up of stalls full of Christmas treats and unusual decorations. Between tastings of chocolate and glüwein, Bûche de Noël (traditional sponge roll with cream) and glittered decoration we are sure that it will give you an unforgettable emotion! PS. From November 21st until mid-January it is also possible to attend the snow and ice sculpture festival, not to be missed!
PRAGUE AND WENCESLAS SQUARE
Christmas in Prague is sacred and it’s starting to be celebrated as early as December 5th. In fact, the city is filled with Christmas markets, decorations, lights and trees that will catapult you into a movie atmosphere. Located mostly in the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, there’s the key ingredient of Christmas in Prague: Christmas markets. They are all close to each other and consist of small wooden huts decorated with bright colours, handicrafts and traditional Czech food. Don’t miss the local handicraft products such as Bohemian crystal, wooden toys, scented candles, traditional puppets and much more! But not only … in the square is also set up a huge crib to be photographed to serve as a backdrop for the true protagonist of the city: the Christmas tree.
STRASBOURG AND THE BREDLE MARKET
Strasbourg is located in the heart of Europe, not far from Paris, Geneva, Munich and Brussels. Its position has therefore given it a particularly cosmopolitan character, which has absorbed the traditions of different countries to constitute a unique one of its kind. Spending December in Strasbourg, in fact, will make you feel inside a fairy tale of other times: the streets and houses are richly coloured by lights and huge traditional puppets that will guide you towards what is the oldest Christmas market in France. The large Christmas tree is erected in Place Kléber since mid-November and small wooden chalets have been set up to house some of the best artisans in the area. The Strasbourg market is called Bredle Market, a name taken from the delicious sweets prepared right here during the Christmas season. But that’s not all… throughout December Strasbourg turns into a real village of Santa Claus in which all the inhabitants bring their gifts under the tree of the central square, gospel choirs perform, and adults and children enjoy the fun of the iconic skating rink.
So did you choose where you will enjoy Christmas this year?