Rome during Christmas. Photo: shutterstock Christmas arrives in the most beautiful season of the year and Europe gets ready to celebrate: streets are decorated with colorful lights, Christmas trees, Santa Claus dolls, and other sparkling holiday decorations. In the main squares and boulevards, traditional Christmas markets spread out offering handmade items, holiday foods, hot wine, ginger cookies, and mainly a magical atmosphere with a hint of roasted chestnuts.
Here are some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in four beloved port cities in Europe: Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Larnaca, that you shouldn't miss this holiday season:
The weeks before Christmas in Barcelona are a comprehensive celebration of wandering through the picturesque streets of the old city and between the illuminated and decorated squares.
What Not to Miss in the Christmas in the Capital of Spain:
Fira de Santa Llúcia: Santa Llúcia Fair is the oldest and largest Christmas market in the city and is considered the most popular in all of Spain. The fair has about 300 stalls selling gifts of all kinds, most of them handmade. It's recommended to visit the market during the day and during the evening in a romantic and illuminated atmosphere with a variety of lights. Near the fair, you will find additional attractions such as: Saint James' Square, the Barcelona Cathedral, and the Gothic Quarter.
Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Família: The market operates around the gardens outside the Sagrada Família Church. Besides strolling among the stalls, it also provides an opportunity to enjoy the amazing scenery and even visit the impressive church.
Mercat Gòtic (Fira de Brocanters): An antiques market located near Catalunya Square, among the bustling shopping streets of the city.
d'Artesans de l'Alimentació: A delicious and unique market presenting stalls selling delicacies and treats at fair prices, with friendly vendors offering a variety of tastings.
Barcelona during Christmas. Photo: shutterstockThe capital of Italy and the whole Catholic Christian world, dons its festive look many weeks before Christmas. All the main squares and attractions in the city are decorated, illuminated, and boast large and impressive Christmas trees, including Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum, Piazza San Pietro in the Vatican, and more.
What Not to Miss in Christmas in the Capital of the Boot-shaped Country:
Piazza Navona: The central Christmas market takes place in Piazza Navona, one of the main squares of the city. The market opens at the beginning of December and lasts until January 6. In the giant market, around the fountain in the center of the square, you can find a variety of products and gifts, and also a unique food fair with traditional Christmas foods like caramel apples, sausage in a bun, roasted chestnuts, and more. Furthermore, there are many street performances throughout the square.
Villa Borghese Park: In the week of Christmas, the locals and guests have access to a range of performances in Villa Borghese Park. This is the largest park in the city, and besides the festive performances, it’s a wonderful place to leisurely stroll and view the frozen lake and trees covered in snow and festive Christmas decorations.
Ice Skating: Another attraction for Christmas visitors, especially for young people and families, is free skating on ice. In the winter months, an ice skating rink opens for guests outside the ancient and special Sant Angelo Cathedral.
Rome during Christmas. Photo: shutterstockOne of the closest destinations to experience Christmas in all its glory is Athens, the capital of Greece.
What Not to Miss in the Christmas in the Capital of Greece:
Syntagma: The central Christmas market of Athens operates each year in Syntagma Square, from early December to early January. It hosts entertainment and music performances throughout the day, gift-selling stalls, fast food and drink centers, and, of course, a decorated and illuminated Christmas tree, with plenty of festive activity offers for children.
Christmas Factory Technopolis: The most central attraction in Athens during the Christmas period is the Christmas Factory. In the factory in the Ghazi neighborhood, you can enjoy ice skating, Christmas-themed creative workshops, carousel rides for children, entertaining meetings with Santa Claus, a Ferris wheel, and spectacular theater performances.
Local Holiday Beverage: All around the city, you can find sweet ginger cookies and hot wine as per the holiday tradition, but the stronger and more popular local winter drink is Rakomelo – a drink made with Raki, including honey, cinnamon, and cloves, and contains about 40% alcohol. Don't miss it, unless you are driving.
Athens during Christmas. Photo: shutterstockLarnaca in Cyprus also dresses up for Christmas. The city is adorned with glittering lights and decorations, and the Christmas markets present handmade crafts and local foods, while holiday carols and live performances add to the festive mood.
What Not to Miss in Christmas in Larnaca on the Neighboring Island:
Christmas Eve in Cyprus begins with processions and parades through the city, including Christmas carol choirs going door to door. Christmas Day is celebrated as a family gathering. The celebrations last until January 6, marking the date of the Orthodox Christmas or the Epiphany for non-Orthodox Christians. During these celebrations, there are two special holidays on January 1 and 5. Cyprus celebrates New Year's Day with a national holiday on January 1, marking not only the new year but also the feast of Saint Basil of Cyprus (“Saint Basil the Giftbringer”), similar to Santa Claus.
Larnaca during Christmas. Photo: For more worldwide port destinations, visit the Israel Cruise WebsitePassportCruise