Belgium On December 13 and 14, the largest Christmas beer festival will present more than 75 types of beer for tasting. Tourists from all countries annually come to the Belgian city of Essen (in the north of Belgium, not far from Antwerp) to taste the traditional Kerstschaap, specially brewed for the festival, and all sorts of other beer. The fun is provided not only by the variety of types of foamy drink, but also by a special festive program prepared for this extraordinary Christmas festival.
And on December 9, the Krakrock festival will take place in the town of Avelgem, presenting contemporary ethnic music performed by groups from France, Spain and other countries. Interest in world music came from southern Europe, and now it is very popular in Belgium, as is the festival itself.
Hungary In the capital of Hungary, Budapest, from December 5 to 8, a Christmas song festival will be held at the Church of St. Matthias. According to the organizers, the main distinctive feature of the festival is that any choir can perform and there will be no competition or contest between them - a Christmas song should evoke only positive emotions, and the performance should bring joy to the singers themselves. The Church of St. Matthias, which for three days will turn into a stage for a gala concert, is a surprisingly beautiful place.
From November 30 to December 28, pre-Christmas celebrations will be held at the royal palace in Gödöllő. Puppet shows and Christmas music in the palace concert hall, a fair of Christmas souvenirs and a unique exhibition-sale of Christmas wreaths, international meetings of mummers - all this will create a festive atmosphere for visitors.
From December 1 to 24, a Christmas fair will be held in Budapest. Handicrafts and applied arts, exclusive Christmas souvenirs, corporate gifts and much more can be found on Vörösmarty Square.
On December 31, a New Year's concert and ball will be held at the Budapest Opera House. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, opera and ballet soloists, and invited stars will play and dance all night. After champagne drunk in honor of the New Year, the ball will begin, which will last all night until dawn.
Great Britain In London on December 7, 14, 24 and 28, a musical Christmas festival will take place. The Royal Festival Hall was created specifically for such events. December 7 - a costumed performance by the orchestra and choir (Mozart Festival Orchestra): by candlelight, musicians in 18th-century costumes will perform Handel's famous oratorio "Messiah". December 14 - performance by the London Choir with the BBC Orchestra, with popular Christmas songs on the program. December 24 - Christmas works of the classics are performed. And December 28 - a day of Strauss music with a costumed ball.
Germany The Tollwood Festival of cabaret, dance, theater and circus is almost as popular in Munich as Oktoberfest, with more than a million people visiting it annually. Originally Toolwood was just a cabaret festival, now it has grown to world scale. The festival runs from December 29 to 31, meaning its last day falls on New Year's Eve. Chefs from different countries offer visitors a taste of national dishes, and on stage, along with world stars, local celebrities and talents perform. In parallel, a Christmas market takes place in the city. Christmas music, dancing, and national cuisine to suit any taste - all this will ensure an unforgettable New Year's Eve in Munich.
Italy The Music from Heaven festival annually takes place in various cities in Italy in December. Tim Peterson's Choir truly performs "music of the heavens" - this is church music, appropriate to the pre-holiday Christmas atmosphere. From December 2 to 30, the choir will go on a tour of the country's major cities.
Netherlands On December 5, the Netherlands celebrates a traditional holiday. According to beliefs, it is on this day that Santa appears on his white horse and travels around the country. Every night, children hang stockings or shoes near their beds, waiting for gifts to appear. And when in the morning they find the long-awaited treats, it means that Santa has finished his journey through the country.
Switzerland On December 5, processions take place in Switzerland in honor of Saint Nicholas and bells ring. For example, in the Swiss town of Küssnacht, a nightly procession will take place along the streets. Gothic huge candlesticks, carts and whips, a choir in white robes symbolizing the bright sides of life, and a choir in black robes symbolizing the dark sides of life - all these are integral attributes of the holiday. And it will end with a light and beautiful ringing of bells and small little bells.
Sweden Saint Lucia's Day is one of the most beautiful national holidays in Sweden. On December 13, young blonde girls from all over the country will walk in a long procession through Stockholm, illuminating the twilight of the December evening with wreaths of lit candles.