Christmas in South Africa is sunny and fun and comfortable, but it just doesn’t live up to the traditional, reindeer-filled Christmas in Europe. I mean, seriously, the big bushy beard and warm red woollies don’t really make much sense at the tip of Africa…in summer.

So, if you are lucky enough to be venturing across the equator this festive season, here’s a guide to all that’s great about Christmas in Europe.

All that glitters

Shopping centres filled with garish Christmas decorations, tacky Christmas jingles and frantic shoppers — there have got to be more pleasant things to do with your time. Like washing floors, or cutting off your own arm with a blunt saw, for example. Fortunately these pitiful derivatives of the Christmas market are absolutely nothing like the originals.

Germany is renowned for its Christmas markets. The centuries-old Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which is one of the most popular markets, draws more than 200 000 visitors each year. The streets leading up to the market are decorated with white poles, garlands of fir and bright Christmas lights.

As you potter around the candlelit stalls, which sell a range of handcrafted Christmas decorations and toys, the delicious smell of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) tempting your taste buds and a mug of warm gluhwein in your hands, you may come across a choir singing carols or a troop of performers acting out the nativity.

Nuremburg is just one of many markets. Whether you are in a big city like Munich, Berlin or Hamburg or in a smaller city like Affing or Zwingenberg, you will find a bustling market full of local traditions, quality gifts and delicious delicacies.

Italy also has a number of fantastic markets, such as the one in Campo San Maurizio in Venice. Nativity scenes (credited to Francis of Assisi in 1223), are integral to the spirit of Christmas in Italy and you will find them at every church and in the markets themselves. Strangely enough, the sound of bagpipes is not unusual in Italian markets, as the shepherds (zampognari) come down from the mountains and play in the market squares.

England is not without its share of yuletide markets and you can explore a vast array of ice sculptures at Southwark’s Frost Fair or sample some freshly cooked seasonal cuisine at the Covent Garden Market.

The snow queen

Our neon-lit, indoor ice rinks packed full of wobbly skaters don’t really evoke images of romance and beauty. But imagine a charmingly lit outdoor ice rink in front of a majestic building like Windsor Castle — now that would melt the ice on even the most hardened cynic.

London offers a number of delightful outdoor ice rinks, where you can while away the evening with a pair of skates, some yummy snacks and a whole lot of Christmas spirit.

The courtyard of Somerset House, at the foot of a giant Christmas tree sparkling with fairy lights, is transformed into a winter wonderland each December. Windsor Castle provides a stunning backdrop to the giant rink in its park and Kew Gardens, which has an almost Victorian atmosphere, provides a rustic setting with its woodlands and winter flower display.

Perhaps a little less orthodox, the Tower of London also offers prospective skaters a place to glide, marvel and have fun. The rink is set in the hollow of the Tower’s dry moat and gives tourist the perfect excuse to combine historical sightseeing with a bit of Christmas cheer.

Christmas tree, O Christmas tree…

Understandably, ice skating is not for everyone and if you would like some communal Christmas merriment without getting your bum wet, Trafalgar Square offers the perfect opportunity.

At the end of World War II, the people of Oslo donated a Christmas tree to London in recognition of the English’s support during the war. For over 50 years this tree has been adorned with white lights and every evening singing groups and passers-by gather around the tree to sing Christmas carols.

Alternatively, if you are not afraid of frantic shoppers, check out the spectacular display of yuletide lights in Oxford, Regent and Bond streets.

Italy isn’t without its own magnificent tree. Set against the mountainside in Gubbio, is the ‘biggest Christmas tree in the world’. Technically this isn’t really a tree, but rather a setup of lights in the shape of a Christmas tree. It is approximately 800 metres high and 400 metres wide and boasts a star which can be seen for 50 kilometres. The ‘tree’ is lit up from 7 December to 10 January.

Paris doesn’t have a colossal tree, but it still puts on a remarkable fir display. Approximately 1000 Christmas trees are planted along the main highways in Paris. These trees are sprinkled with artificial snow and lit up with strings of Christmas lights. Trees are also planted at the Champs-Elysees roundabout and decorate barges along the River Seine.

Jingle bells, jingle bells…

Yip, that fat chap in red is really at home in Europe — well, in Rovaniemi in the Finnish Lappland to be specific. And by ‘home’ I actually mean ‘village’. The Finnish have an entire village that is dedicated to Santa and all things related to Mr Claus. You can visit Santa, his office, his post office and even his reindeer park. No fake-snow half measures here.

If you are looking for something a little less commercial, the three kings (wise men) walk the streets of Spain (Mallorca and Tenerife) on the night of the 5th of January (the night before the Epiphany) throwing candy to the children.

While it doesn’t quite rival Santa’s city, Norway also has its own little Christmas village. Every December the inhabitants of Bergen are invited to participate in creating the biggest gingerbread village in the world. Everyone makes gingerbread houses and brings them to the ‘Galleriet’ shopping centre where an elaborate village is created.

A gingerbread village — hmmm… now that sounds like a lot more fun and a lot less kitsch than a patch of fake snow and dehydrated huskies!

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