Celebrating Christmas Across Europe
While North America associates Christmas with a single day, Europeans revel in a season that stretches for well over a month—a series of celebrations starting with Advent and culminating in the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” grabbing the spotlight through food, traditions, and festivity.
A Season of Light and Gift-Giving
In many countries, the Christmas season officially kicks off with Advent, observed four Sundays before Christmas Eve. This coincides with the opening of community Christmas markets. Extending into December, the season culminates in a final burst of celebration on January 6th, Epiphany, marking the day the Three Kings are said to have arrived bearing gifts.
The Feast of St. Nicholas occurs on December 6th in many Catholic countries where children treat themselves to sweets and presents from St. Nicholas. Scandinavia embraces St. Lucia on December 13th, a tradition honoring the fourth-century Sardinian saint known as the "Queen of Lights."
For many Europeans, Christmas Eve holds primary significance, marked by Midnight Mass and a grand feast. Others prefer Christmas Day for gift-giving.
Three Countries, Three Unique Traditions
Across Europe, each country offers distinct Christmas traditions. Here are a few timeless favorites:Disclaimer: Battery-powered candles only.
Not for sale. This product does not include a Christmas cracker.
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Norway: Embracing the Light
In Norway, Christmas is a festivity of light, particularly acutely felt in the darkest time of year when the sun barely peeks over the horizon. On December 13th, Norwegians celebrate St. Lucia Day, a tradition adopted from their Scandinavian neighbors.
Leading up to Christmas Eve, Norwegians enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Saying “God Jul!” in Style
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On December 6th, many children in Europe wake to small presents from St. Nicholas.
On December 13th, Norwegians celebrate the folktale of the young woman who, dressed in white and crowned with candles.
France
Food is the heartbeat of France, even during winter. The most anticipated culinary event is *Le Réveillon de Noël*, a Christmas Eve feast. “Reveillon,” meaning “awakening,” transcends its literal definition, becoming both a spiritual and culinary experience.
Like most French dinners, *Le Réveillon* lasts for hours asucker bread, and chocolate bonbons can be found in the shape of the Christ child, often accompanied by a table setting similar to that of a French nativity scene.
To end this multi-course indulgence, French families enjoy *Bûche de Noël*, a cake that resembles a Yule log, complete with “bark” of chocolate frosting, “mushrooms” of meringue and holly made of almond paste. Every region boasts its distinct dishes, except perhaps the holidays.
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England: Keeping Time-Honored Traditions Alive
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How long does the Christmas season last in Europe?
## A European Christmas: More Than Just One Day
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re taking a trip across the pond to explore how Europeans celebrate Christmas. Joining us is Alex Reed, a travel expert specializing in European traditions. Alex Reed, thank you so much for being here!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** So, it seems Christmas in Europe is more than just one day, isn’t it? Can you tell us a bit about that?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! Unlike North America where Christmas is largely confined to December 25th, Europeans stretch the celebration over a much longer period. It’s truly a season of festivities, starting with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas Eve [[1](https://www.getours.com/expert-travel-advice/history-traditions-celebrations/european-christmas-celebrations-traditions)].
**Host:** Advent… I’ve heard of that! What happens during Advent?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a time of anticipation and preparation. Many countries open their famous Christmas markets during Advent, bustling with stalls selling crafts, food, and holiday treats. It’s a truly magical atmosphere! [[1](https://www.getours.com/expert-travel-advice/history-traditions-celebrations/european-christmas-celebrations-traditions)]
**Host:** That sounds lovely! Are there other significant days within this longer Christmas season?
**Alex Reed:** Definitely! There’s St. Nicholas Day on December 6th, popular in many Catholic countries, where children receive sweets and small presents. Scandinavia celebrates St. Lucia on December 13th, honoring the “Queen of Lights”. And then, of course, there’s Epiphany on January 6th, the day the Three Kings arrived bearing gifts [[1](https://www.getours.com/expert-travel-advice/history-traditions-celebrations/european-christmas-celebrations-traditions)].
**Host:** Wow, so many special days! When is the main celebration typically held?
**Alex Reed:** Interestingly, for many Europeans, Christmas Eve is the most important day. It’s often marked by Midnight Mass and a grand celebratory feast. Others prefer Christmas Day itself for gift-giving. [[1](https://www.getours.com/expert-travel-advice/history-traditions-celebrations/european-christmas-celebrations-traditions)].
**Host:** Fascinating! It sounds like Christmas in Europe is a truly immersive experience, packed with traditions, delicious food, and joyous celebrations.
