Christmas Holidays in Europe

CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE

It has been the topic of serious and grave

conversation everywhere lately. The holidays are already upon us and most

everyone is pretty much wondering (with undisguised panic) the same thing to

almost the same degree as post American presidential elections results.

WTF happened? How is it Christmas already?

The morning frosts are back and so are the early and dark evenings.

I'm probably the only person in America who doesn't give a rat's arse about

pumpkin spice latte, but I have been on an essential oils kick, and cloves,

cinnamon, and orange are the preferred wafting scent of the moment.

A couple of the ski resorts around here in the Sierras have already

opened and we're expecting snowfall again this weekend.

Oh, and minor detail. Thanksgiving is in a few days!

The holidays are a time for family and reunions, but for many, since it is time

when kids are out of school, it is also time for travel. It was my first time to

spend the holidays in Europe last year and it was so decadent! Even though

I have been to Europe many times, around Christmas is really a beautiful time

to go. Even when the skies were gray and the air had a crisp bite to it, it was an

extraordinary time to visit. The streets were elegantly decorated and lit, and the

outdoor Christmas markets were filled with shoppers and onlookers. Seasonal food

like chestnuts, cakes, hot chocolate, and cider were sold sometimes on outdoor market

stalls - all perfect after all that walking or that go at the ice rink.

While a far cry from being an exhaustive list, I hope this could strike a little wanderlust

and inspire you to have a Christmas holiday in Europe of your own someday.

Hope you guys have a great and happy Thanksgiving!

BRUGES, BELGIUM

Belgian waffles are good any time of the year, but try having one when it's cold

outside and when Christmas carols are on repeat and it simply decadent. It

was my first time in Bruges and despite its crowd of tourists, I feel like its

charmed tripled, and I had the feeling at times that I was inside a snow globe

with horse-drawn carriages rolling by as the cathedral bells clang.

Other than wandering around and filling up on everything that is great

and institutional about Belgium (chocolate, waffles, and frites) and

taking photos of its bridges ("bruges", after all, translate to bridges in

English), we also spent a morning in Groeninge Museum,

ROUEN, FRANCE (NORMANDY)

Other than the fact that oysters are in season in the winter and they

are in abundance in the Normandy region, Rouen is perfect for a laid-back day

if you're jonesing for a shot of the holidays French-style. I will not deny that

most of my memories of Rouen include food, especially the fresh seafood

and oysters slurped at the market at Place du Vieux-Marche. There's also

irresistible crepe stands as you navigate the cobbled shopping district

so please, leave the guilt and self deprecation that inevitably occurs

after indulging in food. This is France, after all. More on Rouen here.

OPENLUCHTMUSEUM, HOLLAND (ARNHEM)

The Open Air Museum in Arnhem is a charming way to get to know Holland's history

and culture, especially during the holidays when one can indulge in hot chocolate and

Christmas treats, as well as delight in a small concert of Christmas carols sang in the small

church. From ice skating to a short walk in forests, to visiting traditional Dutch villages and

learning about how wooden ships are built, the Openluchtmusuem is worthy of a day visit with

family. Hot chocolate is mandatory, but if you favor adult beverages, they have a

microbrewery with free tastings.

HAARLEM, HOLLAND

I have gushed about Haarlem many times in this blog and the holidays add a

different festive layer to this Dutch city that I have learned to adore (a trip to Holland

is not complete without spending time in Haarlem). Downtown Haarlem is mostly

restricted to pedestrians and bicycles so it is perfect for lazy (albeit cold) strolls and

window shopping. Anne & Max is a long-time favorite cafe of the Dutch, and just

recently, we've developed a serious infatuation with To Amuse (outstanding

food, chef, sommelier, ambience - the works).

#travel #food #europe #welcome #holland #haarlem #france #belgium