Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain, a must-see for visitors, could soon start charging an entry fee. From 2025, access to the fountain will be limited as part of a plan to protect it and manage the large crowds expected during the Catholic Jubilee Year, starting 24 December 2024.

Mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced that a new walkway will be built inside the fountain basin to allow visitors to enjoy the landmark while preventing damage from foot traffic.

Every year, around three million people visit the Trevi Fountain, making it one of the busiest tourist spots in Rome. To help control the crowds and promote respectful behaviour, city officials are considering a ticketing system. This could mean free access for locals but a small charge of €1 for tourists. The aim is to keep the area safe and clean, rather than to raise money.

Currently, the monument is being barricaded as a two-month clean-up of the fountain is underway, which will allow limited visitors to use the new walkway while maintenance is carried out.

As these changes take shape, travel advisors should keep their clients informed about the new access rules for this iconic site. With a focus on sustainable tourism, these measures may help preserve the Trevi Fountain for future generations.

Magical lighting, orchestral music and video mapping showcase the site's incredible architecture from the most spectacular sections to the smallest details, with the inside of this iconic Parisian landmark coming to life and taking on its true power.

Aura Invalides will open on 22 September for several seasons.

An original creation creating an interplay between historic heritage and digital culture Aura Invalides is a gargantuan creation where lighting, orchestral music and video mapping meet the majestic architecture of the Dôme des Invalides, whose golden curves have brightened the Parisian skyline for over three hundred years. 

It is an unforgettable journey that takes in historic and architectural heritage.

For 50 minutes in the evening after the sun sets, visitors can enjoy a timeless shared experience under the painted 60-metre dome, where classical architecture and digital creations come together in a series of spellbinding and sonorous scenes.

Produced by the Cultival agency and designed by the Moment 

Factory international multimedia creation studio, in collaboration with the Musée de l'Armée, Aura Invalides encourages you to see the outstanding Les Invalides heritage from a new perspective and (re)discover all it has to offer.

A timeless experience

Inaugurated by Louis XIV in 1706, the Dôme des Invalides — which has housed Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb since 1861 — is both the majestic setting and the protagonist of the immersive Aura Invalides experience.

The artistic teams have designed a work of images and sound inspired by the site's symbolism and genius to reveal the full extent of the creativity employed by its architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

As visitors walk around the experience, which is divided into three sections: construction, memories and elevation, they feel at one with the landmark and revel in a timeless escape from their normal lives.

An artistic, technical and architectural challenge

The landmark's enormous size posed an unprecedented challenge for the creators at Cultival's partner, the Moment Factory multimedia studio. For over a year, multidisciplinary teams specialising in video, projection,lighting, sound design and special effects worked on the project's artistic, technical and architectural design with the aim of glorifying the Dôme's imposing architecture from all angles, down to the smallest details.

They also worked in close collaboration with scientific teams from the Musée de l'Armée. Aura Invalides is the fruit of this extensive creative work by passionate teams who specialise in showcasing heritage and the digital arts.

The public can enjoy this monumental experience from 22 September.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Experience accessible to all ages; recommended from age 5.

Prices:

• Adult: €24

• Ages 16 to 26: €15

• Ages 5 to 15: €10

Address: 2 place Vauban: Dôme des Invalides side

Open: all year round from 22 September 2023;

booking required

Public transport: Invalides, La Tour-Maubourg and

Varenne metro stations

Bookings: www.aura-invalides.com 

aura@cultival.fr

ABOUT CULTIVAL

Cultival is an expert in unique cultural excursions and a leading creator of immersive experiences in prestigious locations.

As Île-de-France's foremost provider of unparalleled cultural visits, Cultival has used its expertise to create unique guided tours at over 15 iconic Parisian sites during its 22 years in operation.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors have used it to explore Palais Garnier, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, UNESCO, the Manufacture des Gobelins, Stade Roland-Garros and Stade de France.

Since 2018, the Cultival agency has added a new strategic string to its bow, producing exclusive and unforgettable immersive experiences at heritage sites: Assassin’s Creed at Les Invalides and Arsène Lupin and the secret of the Opera at Palais Garnier.

Cultival has been the Musée de l'Armée's exclusive partner for guided tours since 2013. The adventure now continues with an amazing immersive experience at the Dôme des Invalides.

More information: www.cultival.fr

ABOUT THE MUSÉE DE L’ARMÉE - INVALIDES

Located at the Hôtel National des Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée takes visitors back in France's history through the prism of military events and battles. This museum of history, fine arts, science and technology has one of the world's most extensive military history collections. 

It is also home to the famous Dôme des Invalides, which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. With 1.2 million annual visitors, the Musée de l'Armée is one of Paris's most popular museums.

The Musée de l'Armée is currently undertaking a significant extension and transformation project to be completed by 2030, known as MINERVE. It will eventually become the museum of France's international history through the lens of military events, with a comprehensive and resilient curatorial approach taking account of the country's interactions with the world and giving the floor to otherness.

ABOUT MOMENT FACTORY

Moment Factor is a multimedia studio that brings together a wide range of expertise: the team includes specialists in video, lighting, architecture, sound and special effects to create memorable experiences. Based in Montreal, the studio also has offices in Tokyo, Paris, New York and Singapore. Since it was founded in 2001, Moment Factory has undertaken over 525 uniqueprojects around the world, including the Lumina night walks. Its clients include Reims Cathedral, Singapore Changi Airport, Jain, Microsoft, Disney, Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo and Muse.

 The Palace of Versailles, one of France's main tourist sites, re-opened on Tuesday after closing temporarily in its second security scare in four days.

France was already on its highest state of alert after the Oct. 13 murder of a teacher in a suspected Islamist attack.

The Palace said earlier in the day on social media that it had evacuated visitors for "security reasons" without providing further details.

BFM TV, citing police sources, said that a bomb squad had been dispatched to the Palace.

The local police body for Versailles said later that the police operation had ended and an earlier security cordon that had been put in place was lifted.

The Palace, built in the 17th century for King Louis XIV, was the main royal residence until the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy in 1789.

Tourists queuing outside the Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, had mixed feelings.

"It's a very worrying and tense situation, but we can't stop living either," said Jean-Pierre Brehon, 72, from nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye outside Paris.

"As foreigners, we're not really used to all of this," said 19-year old Swiss tourist Margarita Costa. "We find it a bit shocking."

On Saturday, one day after a teacher in France was killed, bomb alerts that proved false forced the evacuation of the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles and Paris' Gare de Lyon train station.(Reuters)

Soon there will be a new requirement for those planning trips to Europe. Starting next year, many non-European citizens, including Americans, will need to apply for and receive approval for a visa waiver—i.e., an ETIAS travel authorization—in order to visit. 

Haven’t heard of an ETIAS travel authorization, or feel unsure about the process for applying for one? Not to worry! You can find all the need-to-know details, below. 

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a visa waiver program created by the European Union (EU). The program was created with the goal of protecting the Schengen Area—i.e., European countries that have adopted a common visa policy and eliminated the need for passport or border control among them—from visitors arriving from outside the region. By requiring visitors to register, the EU will be able to better identify any possible threats or risks associated with travelers coming into the area. 

In 2024, all visitors—i.e., tourists and business travelers—who do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024, but no specific date has been set yet. 

What is an ETIAS travel authorization? 

The ETIAS travel authorization is a visa waiver, similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver. All eligible visitors (i.e., those who do not need a visa) will be expected to present an approved ETIAS when traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries.

Approved ETIAS visa waivers will be valid for three years, and will allow people to enter the Schengen Area for periods of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

How do I apply for an ETIAS travel authorization? 

To apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, you must have a valid passport, internet access, and the financial means to pay for the fee. 

An ETIAS travel authorization will cost €7. Travelers will be required to pay for the cost of ETIAS when they complete their online application form. 

In addition to a fee, travelers will be required to provide their personal information, and answer questions about the country they intend to enter and public health risks, disclose any criminal history, as well as provide information as to whether they’ve previously been refused entry or been ordered to leave a member state.

Applications should take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and most applicants will receive their authorization in a matter of minutes. 

What countries will I need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter? 

You will need an ETIAS to visit any member country of Europe’s Schengen Area. 

Right now, the list of 30 countries includes Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as the microstates of San Marino, Vatican City, and Monaco.

At the time of publication, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus are in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Once they’re approved, travelers will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to visit those countries, as well.

It's a little over a year until the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the city is buzzing with extensive construction projects. However, the city council is looking beyond the Games as it seeks to make the city more climate-friendly.

On 12 March 1470, Louis XI signed a letter at Amboise castle officially founding the royal silk factories in Tours. This political decision by a king who was aware of the importance for his kingdom of acquiring an economic force, was to be the starting point for several flourishing centuries for silk in Touraine. 

To echo this boom in silk in Touraine, the Royal Château of Amboise will be presenting an exhibition devoted to Renaissance clothing, entitled "Da Vinci Mode", from 4 February to 13 April.  In addition to this exhibition, conferences are scheduled. Times: 7pm to 8.30pm - Reservation required

Attention: Lectures in French - no translation provided

"European fashions during the Renaissance" Friday 10 March 2023

Pascal BRIOIST, University Professor of Modern History - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours
Océane MAGNIER, Doctoral student in history - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours
Léa MICHEL, Student in Master 1 "Heritage Science" - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours
This round table will explore the evolution of clothing trends during the Renaissance, when a new relationship to physical appearance developed. It will be an opportunity to look at the role played by the Italian Wars, the Counter-Reformation and the increase in trade in the diffusion of new clothing trends in Europe. The focus will be on the fashion of the corset, but also on the multiple uses of perfume.

"Silk and silk factories in Touraine " Friday 17 March 2023

Pascal BRIOIST, University Professor of Modern History - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours
Olympe LADAME, Student in Master 2 "History", UFR Arts et Sciences Humaines - University of Tours
Arnaud LEBERT, Managing Director of Maison Roze, President of the Da Vinci Committee
In 1470, Louis XI established the first royal silk factory in Tours. In Touraine, the activity reached its peak between 1545 and 1550. Nearly half of the inhabitants of Tours made a living from the silk economy, thanks in particular to the presence of the Court in the Loire Valley.

This round table will provide an opportunity to review the structuring of this silk industry and its impact on the economic development of Touraine during the Renaissance. Emphasis will also be placed on the cultural and industrial heritage represented by this Golden Age of silk in Tours.

"The challenges of the silk industry in Touraine" Friday 24 March 2023 

Marc BAYARD, Head of Cultural and Scientific Development - Mobilier National
David GIRON, Director of Research at the CNRS - Director of the Research Institute on Insect Biology (IRBI)
Arnaud LEBERT, Managing Director of Maison Roze, President of the Da Vinci Committee
In connection with the establishment of a conservatory

Citizens of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have almost always travelled haggle-free to their neighbouring country, Croatia, the three of which were once part of the same federated country – Yugoslavia.

While the first two are neither part of the European Union bloc nor the Schengen Area, Croatia has been an EU member since 2013, and only recently, on January 1, 2023, became a full Schengen Area member.

Up until now, travellers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, only needed to show their valid passports at the Croatian borders, in order to enter the country.

However, starting from November 2023, every Bosnian and every Serb will need to apply for an online travel authorization called ETIAS – which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System – in order to be able to enter Croatia, and the other 26 Schengen Area Member States.

The ETIAS is a system on which the EU has been working on since 2016, and was supposed to start operating in 2021, but due to technical issues has been postponed several times. The current date for its launch is November 2023.

The reason behind the creation of such a scheme is that the EU wants to enhance security in the bloc by knowing who is coming even before the travellers start their trip.

Bosnians and Serbs will need to apply online for an ETIAS, by going to the ETIAS website, which hasn’t been created yet, and completing the application form. The form will ask simple questions like the traveller’s name and surname, date and place of birth, passport data, and some background security questions.

Travellers will also have to upload their photo in the system and a scan of their passport.

Once the application is approved, the ETIAS will be granted and will be valid for either three years, or until the passport expires, whichever happens first.

Bosnian and Serbian travellers will be able to use the same ETIAS to travel to Croatia, and the other Schengen Area countries.

Around 1.4 billon people from over 60 different world countries, will have to apply for an ETIAS before any trip to the Member States, starting from November 1, 2023. Travellers from other Western Balkan countries that have a visa-free agreement with the EU will also need an ETIAS – which area Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

Citizens of Kosovo for now still need to apply for visas, but after the ETIAS becomes effective, the EU is going through the necessary procedures to grant Kosovo with visa liberalization on January 1, 2024, the latest, which means that Kosovo citizens will also need an ETIAS, though at a later point.(SchengenVisaInfo)

Nakon što su pandemijska ograničenja obustavila održavanje bečkih balova dvije godine zaredom, mnogi su jedva dočekali da se prepuste valceru u blještavim dvoranama s raskošnim cvjetnim dekoracijama.

Grad Beč izgubio je oko 300 milijuna eura prihoda jer su zbog covida propuštene dvije sezone slavnih balova, no ove se godine sve vratilo na mjesto. Štoviše, sezona balova mogla bi biti jedna od uspješnijih uopće. 

Direktor Odjela za turizam Bečke gospodarske komore Markus Griessler očekuje da će grad ove balske sezone zaraditi 170 milijuna eura. 

"Svaki treći Bečanin stariji od 15 planira na neki od balova", kazao je Griessler, usporedivši to s pretpandemijskom 2019., kad je na bal planirao svaki četvrti stanovnik austrijske prijestolnice. Očekuje da će do kraja sezone biti prodano 550.000 ulaznica za balove. 

Svaki sudionik u prosjeku potroši 320 eura po balu, a svaki deseti stiže iz inozemstva.

Nervozni početnici 

Sezona je počela u petak Cvjetnim balom, jednim od najpoznatijih među 450 bečkih balova, koliko ih se održi svake sezone. Ovaj se ponosi svojim cvjetnim aranžmanima, pažljivo izrađenim od 100 tisuća cvjetova. 

U snježnobijelim haljinama za bal i klasičnim crnim večernjim odijelima, četvero debitanata "prilično je nervozno" jer otvaraju bal. 

"Dvorana je prekrasno dekorirana", rekao je 18-godišnji Eduard Wernisch, najmirniji među njima. "Početnici", kako su se sami opisali, još u rujnu su počeli pohađati satove plesa kako bi se pripremili za bal. Svaki su tjedan vježbali po nekoliko sati. Ritam valcera može biti zahtjevan i 17-godišnja Emma posebno se boji da će joj ispasti cvjetni buket. 

"Ljudi dolaze ovamo kako bi iskusili proljeće", u suprotnosti sa sivim i maglovitim zimama kakve prevladavaju u Beču, kaže umjetnički direktor Cvjetnog bala Peter Hucik. Na prvome velikom ovosezonskom balu bilo je 2400 sudionika, što znači da nije bio potpuno rasprodan, ali Hucik tvrdi da je posjetom jako zadovoljan. 

Trn u Crkvinu oku

Direktor bečkog turističkog ureda Norbert Kettner podsjeća na višestoljetnu tradiciju balova koja počinje u 18. stoljeću, kad su balovi habsburškog dvora prestali bili rezervirani samo za aristokraciju. 

Bečani su počeli prihvaćati dvorske običaje i ubrzo su pokrenuli svoje cehovske balove - lovaca, cvjećara, krčmara... Balove su koristili da bi se približili suprotnom spolu, dobro popili i pojeli, pomalo ogovarali i dobro se naplesali.  

"Sezona balova uvijek je bila trn u oku Katoličke crkve", rekao je Kettener. "Plesači su preblizu i previše je zabave. Zato sezona balova otprilike prati kršćanski kalendar i završava prije Pepelnice, odnosno početka korizme."

U moderno vrijeme od balova zarađuju mnogi: cvjećari, hotelijeri, krojači, frizeri, ugostitelji... Svi oni trljaju ruke jer je ova sezona krenula kao nekad. (Hina)

The city of Gödöllő is located 30 km northeast of Budapest. The most notable attraction of the former royal holiday resort is the Baroque palace, named after its builder as the Grassalkovich Palace. 

The Hungarian state bought the palace in 1867 and gave Franz Joseph I and Queen Elizabeth the right to use the building and the park as a coronation gift. The royal suites are located in the main building, north and south of the ballroom. Elizabeth's suite was characterized by the colour of her favourite flower, violet. From the first floor, a spiral staircase led to her three-room suite downstairs, in front of which stood a wooden porch. The palace was surrounded by an English landscape garden with two swan lakes in front of the main façade.

The royal family first stayed in the Palace of Gödöllő in the autumn of 1867. From then on, they spent several months each year here, mostly in the fall and spring. The palace was the venue for all the Queen’s pastimes, if she wanted to be alone, it was possible for her to do so. She was able to read, study languages, write and take walks without being bothered. If she desired company, large-scale equestrian competitions, hunts, greyhound races and pigeon shootings were organized. The elite of Hungarian equestrian sports also visited, including the Prime Minister, Count Gyula Andrássy.

  

In Gödöllő, everyday life and holidays were more relaxed than in Vienna. The Queen’s name day (on November 19th), which was celebrated by locals with a serenade and torchlight procession, also fell into the autumn season. Christmas was held in an intimate atmosphere and was also a perfect opportunity for charity. The family often stayed in Gödöllő until the New Year. The Queen spent a total of 2,663 days in Hungary - of which above 2,000 days were spent in Buda and Gödöllő. Her last visit to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő was in October 1897.

After the Second World War, the main building of the palace was badly destroyed. After an extensive renovation, the palace opened its doors to the public in 1996. On the first floor you can see the restored suites of Franz Joseph I and Queen Elizabeth with the ceremonial hall. The permanent exhibition, which is reminiscent of the Baroque era of the palace, also includes the memorial exhibition of Queen Elizabeth. The restored Baroque theatre of the palace is an unique rarity in Europe. There is a cosy café and gift shop located on the ground floor. The palace is surrounded by 26 hectares of English gardens, home to many magnificent ancient trees planted during the royal period.

After visiting the palace, it is also worth visiting the nearby Elizabeth Park, where the statue of Queen Elizabeth by József Róna was inaugurated in 1901.
Today, it is still the number one centre of Queen Elizabeth's fan base in Hungary.

S dužinom od 43 metra i širinom od gotovo deset metara, Velika galerija bila je idealna kulisa za dvorska događanja. Veličanstveni interijer sa svojom pozlaćenom štukaturom i stropnim freskama predstavlja vrhunac rokoko umjetnosti.

Fotografija: palača Schönbrunn

Velika galerija je svečana dvorana palače i nije samo arhitektonsko središte palače: njezin dekorativni program veliča habsburšku vladavinu pod Marijom Terezijom.

STROPNE FRESKE

U sredini dvorane nalazi se kip Marije Terezije koji prikazuje monarha odjevenu u svoje mađarske krunidbene haljine u dobi od dvadeset tri godine. Iznimne energije, Marija Terezija i danas slovi za jednu od najpopularnijih europskih vladarica.

Naslikao ih je talijanski umjetnik Gregorio Guglielmi, stropne freske slijede značajan program.

U središtu srednje freske na prijestolju su Marija Terezija kao vladarica Habsburške Monarhije i njezin suprug Franz Stephan kao car Svetog Rimskog Carstva. Okruženi su personificiranim vrlinama vladara, uključujući pravdu, milosrđe i velikodušnost. Moderni element unose žanrovski prikazi habsburških krunskih zemalja i njihovih proizvoda koji aludiraju na program reformi koje je pokrenula Marija Terezija na području uprave i gospodarstva.

Zapadna stropna freska simbolizira pax austriaca: u svom zenitu stoji Concordia (Concord), koja omogućuje procvat Krunskih zemalja. Okružena Abundantiom i Paxom (obilje i mir), ona stoji iznad tri boga Ceresa (božanstvo skrbnika poljoprivrede), Bacchusa (bog vinogradarstva) i Merkura (božanstvo skrbnika trgovine). Četvrto božanstvo, Apolon, stoji okruženo personifikacijama umjetnosti i znanosti.

Istočna stropna freska alegorija je vojne moći vojske Marije Terezije. U središtu bog rata Mars galopira nebom na bijelom konju, dok genij upućuje skupinu visokih časnika na zapovjednoj visini Minervi, božici ratovanja. Potonja je istovremeno ustoličena kao zaštitnica iznad animiranog prikaza predavanja na Vojnoj akademiji Marije Terezije, koju je monarh osnovao u Bečkom Novom Mjestu 1752. godine.

Ova je freska stradala od bombe bačene u travnju 1945., u posljednjim danima Drugog svjetskog rata. Zamijenjena je kopijom koju su naslikali Paul Reckendorfer i Carl Krall 1947./48.

Svjetlost koja pada kroz visoke prozore učinkovito je umnožena ogledalima postavljenim na suprotnom zidu. Zajedno sa stropnim lusterima i zidnim svijećnjacima, svjetlom njihovih svijeća koje se reflektira u poliranim površinama zida, osiguravaju da je ova veličanstvena dvorana okupana svjetlom. Središnji dio dekora su dva velika izrezbarena drvena i pozlaćena lustera, koji su izvorno nosili sedamdeset i dvije svijeće. Struja je u palaču uvedena 1898. godine, kada je dograđen gornji red zidnih svijećnjaka. Od tada je Veliku galeriju osvjetljavalo ukupno 868 žarulja. Tijekom posljednje sveobuhvatne restauracije Velike galerije 2011./2012. godine ugrađen je inovativan sustav koji je ipak u skladu s povijesnim okvirom: LED svjetla u obliku svijeće s integriranim kristalima koji oponašaju treperavu svjetlost svijeća.

Nakon raspada Monarhije Veliku galeriju nastavila je koristiti Republika Austrija kao mjesto za službena državna primanja. U skladu s tim upriličen je prijem nakon potpisivanja Austrijskog državnog ugovora 15. svibnja 1955. u Gornjem dvoru Belvedere.

Najznačajniji službeni događaj koji se dogodio u Velikoj galeriji u međunarodnom kontekstu bio je legendarni susret između američkog predsjednika Johna F. Kennedyja i sovjetskog premijera Nikite Hruščova 1961. Danas Velika galerija pruža ATMOSFEREN OKVIR ZA KONCERTE I PRIJEMKE.

Europe is known for its great Christmas markets. These holiday markets will put you in the festive spirit! From the classic German Weihnachtsmarkt to more unique offerings like those in Copenhagen and Prague, there's a market for everyone. Here are ten of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

1. Viennese Dream Christmas Market - Vienna

The Vienna Christmas market is considered one of the most beautiful markets in Europe. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vienna's City Hall, the Viennese Dream Christmas market features over 150 stalls selling traditional Austrian handicrafts, decorations, and delicious food and drink. Don't miss trying some of Vienna's famous hot chocolate!

2. Copenhagen Tivoli Gardens - Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens transforms into a Winter Wonderland during December and January, making it the perfect place to enjoy a festive day out with family or friends. Tivoli Gardens also boasts an array of charming Christmas stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to roasted chestnuts.

3. Dresden Striezelmarkt – Dresden, Germany

Held annually since 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Located in the historic city center, the market features over 250 stalls selling traditional handmade crafts, delicious food, and festive decorations.

4. Old Town Square Christmas Market – Prague, Czech Republic

If you're looking for a festive and charming Christmas market, Old Town Square in Prague is the perfect place to find it. With its beautifully decorated stalls and traditional Czech goods and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. You can buy anything from handcrafted wooden toys to scrumptious holiday sweets.

5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – London, England

Winter Wonderland is a yearly festive event held in London's Hyde Park. The Christmas market features an array of attractions, including an ice rink and a Ferris wheel. Winter Wonderland is a popular destination during the holiday season.

6. Krakow Christmas Market – Krakow, Poland

Poland's most popular and best Christmas market is located in the 13th-century square of RynekGlowny, right in the heart of Krakow's old town. Pay a visit to the market or shops in Kazimierz for unique, handmade gifts.

7. Winter Villa Massena Christmas Market – Nice, France

The Winter Villa Massena Christmas Market is one of the highlights of the city's festive offerings. Held in the iconic Massena square, the market features a wide variety of traditional French Christmas decorations, delicious food, and unique gifts.

Photo: unsplash.com/joaching

8. Christmas Market - Tallinn, Estonia

Located in the picturesque Town Hall Square, the market features a wide variety of traditional Estonian Christmas foods and drinks, handmade gifts, and festive entertainment. Visitors can enjoy roasted almonds, grilled sausages, mulled wine, and even ride on the carousel.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

9. Christkindelsmärik - Strasbourg, France

The market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in the world, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The market is spread across 12 different squares, each with its unique character. You'll find traditional Christmas items like gingerbread, mulled wine, handmade toys and exotic spices.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

10. Christkindlesmarkt – Nürnberger, Germany

Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Christkindlesmarkt is held in the square opposite Nuremberg's main church, St. Lorenz. The market is famous for its traditional gingerbread, known as Lebkuchen.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org