Although you can find winter festivals around the world, it is perhaps in Europe that they are most celebrated, as people drink mulled wine to keep themselves warm.
Nothing heralds the onset of winter and Christmas more than Christmas carols, mulled wine and a Christmas Market. As the big day nears, it’s not just the kids who are getting excited, most of Europe is a frenzy of activity.
If you like your Christmas market steeped in tradition then try either the Salzburg Christmas Market or Vienna Christmas Market. Alternatively, the Dresden Christmas Market is noted for its giant stollen. Other winter festivals of note include Brno Christmas Market and Brussels Christmas Market. In the UK, you could do far worse than heading for the Padstow Christmas Market or Beverley Festival of Christmas, where food is mot definitely to the fore. Click here for a full round up of Christmas Markets in Europe and the UK.
Not in a festive mood? Head to the Netherlands for the Amsterdam Lights and watch the city glow with fantastic lightworks. In North America, head for the Quebec Winter Carnival and join Bonhomme and his friends playing around on the snow and ice. In Asia? The Harbin Ice Festival in China is the world’s largest snow and ice festival.
Winter festivals are not just about stollen and mulled wine, the Winchester Christmas Market is a great celebration of classical music and carols played in the surrounds of the wonderful Winchester Cathedral.
While if you want to enjoy a winter wonderland and are in the UK capital, head for the Hyde Park Christmas Wonderland and join in on all the fun.
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