Christmas in Europe: The Finest Places

The booming tourism industry- With sunshine, beaches, scenery, and historical monuments, the Mediterranean countries, and their growing tourism industry provide employment and foreign currency to thousands of Europeans, especially the summer months in famous places of Europe.

You must visit the Old Continent, where the Royal Family lives and you can admire the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World in Italy.

Europe is often described as a "peninsula of peninsulas." As part of the Eurasian supercontinent, Europe is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and the  Caspian Sea.

 

Despite the drop in temperature, I always look forward to Christmas and the excitement it brings. Being from Southeast Asia, however, I can tell you that we don't have the stereotypical white Christmas around here. Europe offers a lot of holiday markets, snow, and tasty holiday food, so traveling back for the holidays is enticing.

 

The following famous places in Europe would be excellent choices if you're planning on spending Christmas away from home. Here are some suggestions.

 

# Salzburg, Austria

 

Mozart was born in Salzburg, as was the Christmas carol, "Silent Night" at the same location in the Sound Of Music. There is wonderful shopping at Salzburg's Christmas market on Cathedral Square, mulled wine to keep you warm, and even choirs to bring cheer to your day.

 

Salzburg's Christmas market even draws special visitors - from naughty Krampus who punishes children as they misbehave to Christkind and winged angels. There's never a dull moment in Salzburg!

 

# Vilnius, Lithuania

 

Lithuania's high latitude limits the number of daylight hours during winter. However, that doesn't matter because it's going to be a Merry Christmas this year thanks to their beautiful Christmas tree lit with 50,000 bulbs. If you're celebrating with children, you can even ride around the city on a heated train.

 

As the holidays approach, the Lithuanian capital has a number of holiday events, including a charity fair, a Christmas run, and a lot more. Vilnius seems like an exciting place to spend Christmas, and I'd love to spend next Christmas there.

 

# Lille, France

 

Britain's desire to spend holidays on the land has led to the popularity of this French city. Children and adults alike will enjoy the colorful, enchanting Lille Christmas market, with its Ferris wheel providing hours of entertainment.

 

In addition to the Christmas tree, there is a tall Christmas light display on Place Rihour to provide illumination. So many vendors are participating, even from Russia. That is so exciting.

 

# Cologne, Germany

 

Choosing from several Christmas markets is very easy in Cologne - there is not just one. The Cologne Cathedral offers live music performances near Heumarkt, as well as skating on Heumarkt. With its gay and lesbian Christmas market, the city caters to the LGBT community.

 

However, everyone is welcome here - there are sure to be unique gifts to take home. Summertime is vibrant in Cologne, but I've always wanted to visit in the winter.

 

# Budapest, Hungary

 

My former home, Budapest, holds a very special place in my heart, and it is a fantastic place to enjoy spending the holidays! Vörösmarty Square's Christmas market is located right in the middle of downtown, so if you're feeling exhausted from all the shopping, the food is a great way to recharge.

 

For its charming atmosphere, this is one of my favorite Christmas markets in the entire city as it isn't ostentatious at all. It's a must-see when you plan to visit famous places of Europe.

 

# Lapland, Finland

 

The hometown of Santa Claus might be an interesting place to spend Christmas. If you spend Christmas in Santa Claus Village, you'll be able to meet and greet him. I'm still very excited about the prospect of living abroad, even as an adult. Doesn't feel right? You can also browse craft stores and restaurants that serve food from this region of Finland. It is a place where you can live out all your childhood dreams for Christmas.

 

# Manchester, England

 

Manchester is counted among famous places of Europe. Are you confident in your endurance? You can browse over 300 stalls at one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK. There is an easy walk between the two locations, even though they are in different places.

 

There are European Christmas markets and a traditional German market nearby where you can stroll. A skating rink was even built this year for children to enjoy. Manchester's market might make me go there even though I've never been there.