5 cities to celebrate real Christmas in 2021 – photo, description, map
Christmas! Fluffy snow that envelops the city in a magic mantle… the chime of bells and the glow of colorful garlands on the street… ice slides and Santa Claus, good-naturedly laughing over a bunch of children. There is no better way to learn about the traditions of an entire people than to visit them on this holiday. Here are five cities in which you will remember the meeting of Christmas for a lifetime.
Saint-Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is one of the most colorful cities in Russia, so it's no wonder that celebrating Christmas here will seem like a real fairy tale. The northern capital successfully combines the splendor of the past with the European gloss of modernity. One of the most popular places for folk festivals during the holidays is Palace Square. It is here that the main Christmas tree of the city is located, near which you can meet the good-natured Santa Claus, dance around the Alexander Column.
Walking along Nevsky Prospekt, which, as usual, is closed to traffic on holidays, you can feel how history comes to life next to you. As if a little more, and a cab will fly out from around the corner to meet you, raising a whole heap of iridescent snowflakes behind it! St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Palace, the Hermitage and many other monuments, bridges, whose magnificent contours are decorated with illumination, will impress even the most ardent critics of romance! In the northern capital during the holidays, you can go skating, go to fairs or even feel like a boyar, riding a sleigh pulled by three horses. In any case, after visiting St. Petersburg, you will have a pleasant feeling that you did not spend Christmas here in vain.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
This small town in the southeast of Switzerland captivates tourists with its location and beauty. On all sides, St. Moritz is surrounded by mountains, which, like huge stone guards, guard the peace of this wonderful place. The city is especially beautiful in winter, when its small houses, old chapels are covered with a soft coat of snow-white snow. All this, as well as the mountain peaks hidden in the clouds, is reflected in the smooth surface of the lake, which surrounds St. Moritz on one side. The landscapes of this small Swiss town in themselves set you in a festive and even fabulous mood: who knows, suddenly right now you will hear the ringing of bells and see Santa Claus descending from the mountain on his sleigh! Of course, St. Moritz is considered one of the best places to celebrate Christmas: there are ski resorts, the opportunity to walk through the winter forest or spend time in the best restaurants and spas. True, all these pleasures are affordable for those for whom it is not a problem to part with a large amount of money, because this resort is a favorite place for the rich and famous.
Salzburg, Austria
There are many beautiful places in the world, but often they are full of tourists, and then the whole holiday turns into a process of avoiding strangers. But there are cities where time stops, where calmness and regularity are not just words, but a real way of life. It is here that it is so pleasant to celebrate a wonderful holiday – Christmas. Salzburg is rightfully considered one of these places. Fans of extreme skiing will have a great time here. No wonder the city lies at the foot of the Austrian Alps, which are not as famous as the French or Swiss, but have no less beautiful views.
Even more Salzburg will appeal to those who love the cozy atmosphere in the city. All festive festivities are held to the music of Mozart, because it was here that the great composer was born. The ringing of bells, walks along the old streets of this picturesque city will not leave anyone indifferent. Here you can have fun at the Christmas market, buying various souvenirs, ride on the main ice rink in front of the Mozart monument, or just walk and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this wonderful place. Salzburg is a city with a Christmas spirit, once you get here, you will definitely take a piece of the holiday with you.
Helsinki, Finland
Finland is loved by everyone who loves Christmas. It is here that the city of Rovaniemi in Lapland is located, which is known for its main inhabitant – Santa Claus. However, the holiday did not bypass the rest of the city. Helsinki will fry you with impressions that will stay with you for a long time. Here you can see and experience all the delights of winter life: reindeer sleigh rides, snowball throwing competitions, ice skating and ice slides of unprecedented beauty. There is not a single person in the whole city who would ignore the meeting of Christmas. That is why Helsinki is one of the cities where the most beautiful walks take place at dusk. Multi-colored garlands, decorations shimmer not only in every store or shop, but also in every private house. There are competitions for the best decoration,
To complete the atmosphere of magic and celebration, fabulous houses appear on the streets of the city, in which good-natured gnomes become the main inhabitants, always ready to treat passers-by with mulled wine and amuse both children and adults. Helsinki is a city where you will find that atmosphere of well-being, fun and kindness that is so characteristic of Christmas!
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague deserves the title of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. At Christmas, when all the old winding streets take on a new glow in the light of multi-colored lights, Prague becomes even more inimitable. Even the absence of snow on Christmas Day (and this happens quite often here) does not prevent the city from gaining a festive atmosphere. The thing is that every resident tries to outdo his neighbor in decorating his house or shop. If you walk along one of the streets of Prague, you will get the impression that you have become the hero of some Christmas movie, the beauty of old architecture and beautiful decorations are so harmoniously combined here.
One of the main attractions of the city these days is a huge live spruce, which is specially found and cut down in the mountains on the occasion of the holiday. It is noteworthy that among the Czechs there is a tradition to decorate their homes with living Christmas trees in pots. That is why at numerous Christmas markets, instead of cut down pines, you will see these lovely living trees.
Everyone who wants to celebrate the holiday is treated to mulled wine and punch, so that nothing prevents people from immersing themselves in the Christmas atmosphere of the city. In addition, it will be possible to try national sweets here – bagels with vanilla, “nut nest”. Prague is the city that you need to go to celebrate Christmas if you like to walk along the old streets, enjoying the spirit of the holiday that reigns on every corner.
Christmas is a special holiday. Give yourself the opportunity to feel its magical atmosphere – go on a journey. There are many wonderful places to celebrate Christmas, but only close people and a good mood will make this time unforgettable.