Christmas festival guides

Spend the holidays in Valencia, where mild weather and festive spirit combine. Stroll through glowing streets, browse Christmas markets, and explore the city's nativity scenes.

Experience the festive season in Piraeus, Greece's port city, where Christmas events blend with maritime charm. From the Village of the Elves in Korai Square to seaside celebrations at Pasalimani, discover what to see, how to get there, and how to verify current schedules.

Athens celebrates Christmas from St Nicholas Day on December 6 to Epiphany on January 6, a full month of festivities. Enjoy festive lights at Syntagma Square, shop at Christmas markets, taste melomakarona and kourabiedes, and join New Year's Eve fireworks over the Acropolis.

Timing your visit to Sintra around one of its festivals can turn a simple day trip into a memorable cultural experience. From classical concerts set in palaces to traditional fairs and Christmas markets, this guide gives you an overview of the events that regularly appear on Sintra's calendar, along with practical tips for checking dates and booking tickets.

Nancy's Saint-Nicolas festival is one of northeastern France's most anticipated winter events, blending a centuries-old patron saint tradition with a spectacular parade, light shows, and Christmas markets. This guide covers its history, the dark legend of Père Fouettard, key events, local foods, and practical visitor tips.

Nancy's Saint-Nicolas parade is the highlight of the Grand Weekend, the weekend closest to December 6. Discover its route from Place Carnot to Place Stanislas, what to expect from the floats, and practical tips for enjoying the festivities without the guesswork.

From the historic Bravades to the world-famous Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera town hosts a rich calendar of traditions, regattas, and cultural events. Learn what happens each season, when to visit, and how to plan your trip around these local celebrations.

Funchal’s festive season bursts into life on December 1 when the downtown Christmas lights are switched on. Explore the Funchal Christmas Market and Avenida Arriaga market for local crafts and treats like Bolo de Mel and Poncha. Experience traditions like Missa do Galo and Janeiras, and enjoy the island’s mild winter climate.

Beaune's Christmas season revolves around its old town market, where twinkling lights and wooden stalls invite you to browse local crafts and sip mulled wine. This guide covers the market's highlights, festive foods, and other winter activities like visiting the Hospices de Beaune and exploring Burgundy's wine country.

Discover the magic of Manarola's illuminated nativity scene. Learn how this hillside art installation came to be, when to see it glow, and where to stand for the best view.

Amalfi's Christmas is intimate and tradition-bound, far from the flashy festivities of larger cities. At the heart of the celebration is the presepe—the Italian nativity scene—nowhere more charming than the one built into the Cap 'e Ciuccio fountain in Largo Scario, complete with miniature shops and a Christmas Eve arrival of Baby Jesus. Discover how locals celebrate, where to spot unique nativity scenes, and how to plan a quiet festive visit to the coast.

Winter turns Como into a festive destination centered on the Città dei Balocchi festival. Explore Christmas markets with wooden chalets, dazzling light projections on historic buildings, and an outdoor ice rink—all within a walkable lakeside setting. This guide helps you plan, with practical tips and a reminder to verify each season's dates and details.