Christmas tree on Old Town Square in Prague
Christmas markets in Prague
As Radio Prague notes, during the winter holidays the main decoration of Old Town Square becomes a giant Christmas tree (this year a 22-meter tree was brought to Prague from the town of Semily in the Liberec Region), and a traditional nativity scene depicting the Holy Family.
In dozens of wooden stalls set up these days on Old Town Square, Prague residents and tourists can buy original souvenirs and a wide variety of treats – Prague ham, mulled wine, punch, grog, sweets. Especially for children, a mini-zoo is set up every year on the square between the market rows. On weekends, various folk and children's ensembles perform on Old Town Square.
The Christmas atmosphere also reigns on other squares of the capital. For example, the market near the Church of St. Ludmila is a popular place where citizens come to buy candles, Christmas tree decorations, and other products of traditional Czech crafts. Most of the city's Christmas markets operate until the Feast of the Three Kings, celebrated on January 6.
Christmas markets in Bucharest
Almost all major cities in Romania can boast Christmas markets, but the most famous are in Bucharest and Sibiu. In the capital, the Christmas market runs from November 26 to December 28 on Constitution Square, and the lights on the country's main Christmas tree were lit this year by former footballer Miodrag Belodedici, one of Romania's three ambassadors for Euro-2020.
At the market, you can not only buy Christmas tree decorations or souvenirs but also try various tasty dishes – both traditional Romanian and exquisite delicacies. In total, 130 houses are set up on the square where you can sample all kinds of treats. In addition, in the evenings, market guests can sing carols together with their favorite singers and artists.
By tradition, Christmas celebrations will also take place at the Museum of Peasant Art, and the International Women's Association in Bucharest has organized a Christmas charity bazaar.
Christmas market in Switzerland
The Christmas market in the town of Einsiedeln, located in central Switzerland, is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Every year, the market, which is held in the historic center of the town at the walls of the monumental monastery, is visited by over 70,000 people.
The history of Einsiedeln Monastery began in the 10th century and is the most important pilgrimage site in Switzerland. The local abbey is also one of the key stops on the pilgrimage route of St. James, which thousands of believers undertake annually in Europe.
Christmas in Warsaw
Warsaw is also sparkling with Christmas lights. As every year, the famous Royal Route is illuminated by millions of lights. The Christmas route leads from the New Town through the Old Town Square, Krakowskie Przedmieście, and ends at the summer residence of King John III Sobieski in Wilanów.
Literally every meter of this Christmas route, with a total length of 13 kilometers, is decorated with Christmas decorations; along the way, you can visit the house of St. Nicholas and his helpers, who bring gifts to children at Christmas. And in the very center of the city, on Castle Square, you can see a 30-meter Christmas tree and go ice skating on a huge rink.