Merry Christmas! Nadolig Llawen! Joyeux Noël! Frohliche Weihnachten! Feliz Navidad!
Ever wondered how other countries celebrate Christmas? In collaboration with travel bloggers around the world, PackThePJs has compiled this A – Z to give a taste of festivities across the globe. Today we are focusing on S – U: Sibiu in Romania, Tyrol in Austria, and Utah in the US.
S: Sibiu, Romania
Named as the European Capital of Culture in 2007, Sibiu still is one of the most cultural cities all over the world. If you’re looking for a city break in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, then you definitely need to visit Sibiu!
Sibiu Christmas Market takes you in the middle of a Christmas story, surrounded by lights, snow and Christmas trees. It has been named one of the most amazing Christmas Markets in Europe, being a strong competitor for London’s Winter Wonderland or the Austrian Festivals. The Market is located in the centre of the town, next to some of the most popular museums in Sibiu.
You can also spend this winter skiing at Paltinis or joining different winter sports competitions at Platos Arena. Plus, you can even fly above the city and its surroundings. Make sure you take your photo camera! You will have the opportunity to take amazing shots from above Sibiu.
Get to know more about the local traditions by visiting the villages located near Sibiu. Be ready to taste local food and drink local beverages, meet friendly people and join local festivities. Sibiu is a beautiful place to spend your winter holidays. Learn more about the most attractive 5 things to do in Sibiu!
Thanks to Visit and Review
T: Tyrol, Austria
Centuries-old Christmas traditions come alive in the Alpine province of Tyrol, Austria from the end of November each year. For most families, the Christmas season starts when they light the first candle in their Advent wreath on the 4th Sunday before Christmas.
Children know Christmas is near when Saint Nicholas or Nikolaus visits on December 5. The Saint is the bringer of gifts to children who behaved well during the year. But beware, he often has an evil companion in the form of a Krampus to instil fear in those who are less obedient.
Krampus is a beast-like figure dressed in fur and sporting horns, glowing red or orange eyes, whips and rustling cow bells. In small Tyrolean villages, Nikolaus and Krampus make home visits. Families await them while feasting on roasted chestnuts and traditional Christmas pastries like Zillertaler Krapfen. Special Krampus parades are held separately from Saint Nicholas Day.
Something much more pleasing to the eye, are Christmas markets. In Tyrol, they are both authentic and with mountain views. The bigger markets in Innsbruck and Hall in Tirol are open daily while the smaller village markets mostly open over weekends.
Christmas or Weihnachten in Tyrol isn’t celebrated on Christmas Day but rather on Christmas Eve. This is when the Christkind (Christ child) secretly visits homes and leave presents behind. Traditionally, families find the presents under their tree when returning from the Christmas Eve church service.
U: Utah, US
Christmas in Utah can be an adventure. The State is home to a unique group of people. A large portion of the State’s population is Mormon and Christmas is one of the most important religious holidays. It is a time for family and unless Christmas falls on a Sunday no church services are held. Family and friends will gather and celebrate the life of Christ. Each family has its own traditions outside of the church. Most will do a gift exchange and have a traditional Christmas tree.
The towns and buildings will be decorated with lights and trees (and hopefully a bit of snow). There are many Christmas activities to explore. The first is the Festival of Trees at the South Towne Expo Center. The event features themed Christmas trees decorated by families and businesses from around Utah and are auctioned off for charity. The Utah Symphony offers performances of the Messiah Sigh and the famed Ballet West performs the Nutcracker. Many of the ski resorts offer Christmas themed ski events.
Thanks to Made all the Difference Travel Blog
We hope you have enjoyed reading this post of our A – Z Series. Please come back tomorrow for the next three letters of the alphabet!
