For the last two years, my partner and I have spent the week before Christmas enjoying the festive atmosphere and experiencing Europe in a way different from any other time of the year. I’ve come to love these trips and while I’m not sure we’re going to be able to make one happen in 2013, it’s fun to look back at some of the incredible scenes from my time in Paris, Belgium and Northern Italy during Christmas.
These pictures are spectacular. How did you process them? The aerial view of Brussels and the following photo from Florence are my two favorites.
Go again in 2013, so I can look at more pictures! :)
Ah thanks I appreciate them. Nothing more than the clarity function for some on the Camera+ app
The one good thing about European winters – Christmas markets. I absolutely love them
Ugh there is nothing like Xmas in Europe!!! I love it!
This year, for various reasons, we have decided to spend the actual Christmas holiday abroad. We’ve been looking at Europe, and New Zealand, and would be there from mid-December to New Year’s Eve. First time away during the holidays…advice?
I live in New Zealand, and it’s summer here at Christmas, so there is not the same festive atmosphere as in Europe. There are a few small Christmas markets, and most cities have an outdoor Christmas Carols concert about one week before Christmas. Many churches have a special Christmas Eve service if you are interested in that. But only a few shops dress their windows, and Christmas lights aren’t noticeable until late in the evening because of the long daylight hours.
New Zealand is a great place for a summer holiday, and there are lots of beautiful places to visit, especially if you like natural scenery and wildlife. But if you want a festive, “Christmassy” holiday then you could be disappointed. If you will be staying with friends it will be better though, as most families still have a Christmas tree and decorate their homes, and often do special baking.
On a practical note, the restaurants here have surcharges on public holidays (Dec 25&26, Jan 1&2), and they will be very busy because lots of workplaces have their Christmas functions in December. But if you enjoy shopping there will be sales, and the shops will be open late into the evening.
I hope you have a great holiday where ever you choose to visit :)
We had the same plan as you guys last year, but we ended up just going to ones in England, Edinburgh and Manchester, are penciling in the full Christmas Market Crawl this year and this post is great inspiration, man! Thanks. What I remember the most about them is the smells, something about things cooking in the cold that just makes them even more mouthwatering!
Scott
Thanks Scott and don’t forget, these photos were taken over two years. I’m a big fan of selecting an area and doing day trips. It’s so much fun!
There is no Christmas Market in Europe on par with Germany (Particularly Bavaria). Munich and Nuremberg are truly spectacular!
Awesome photos! I didn’t know that there are such beautiful Christmas markets in Milan, Florence and Paris. I have to visit them. :)