Christmas
Latest news, information and cultural background about Christmas and yuletide traditions.
EES and ETA: What to expect when travelling to and from France this Christmas
Christmas is always a busy time for travel, but this year travellers may have to reckon with new rules including the EU's 'Entry & Exit System' and the UK's ETA - here's what to expect if you are travelling to or from France by air, ferry, train or car.
Three Wishes for Cinderella: How to watch Germany's favourite Christmas movie
'Drei Hasselnüsse für Ashenbrödel' - or 'Three Wishes for Cinderella’ - is one of Germany's most beloved Christmas films. Here's how you can watch it this year.
Italy's Christmas markets: Where and when to visit in 2025
From wooden chalets in Alpine towns to Tyrol-themed fairs on Tuscan hilltops, here are seven of the best Christmas markets in Italy this year.
Nine reverse culture shocks of visiting home from Germany for the holidays
Visiting home in the festive period when you live abroad in Germany is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. But it also brings with it some reverse culture shocks, writes Rachel Loxton.
GOATWATCH: Here's how you can livestream Sweden's Christmas goat
The Christmas Goat in the Swedish city of Gävle has become a worldwide symbol of the season for many who eagerly follow news of the straw goat to see if it survives until Christmas day. Here's where you can watch it online.
10 food and drink treats you have to try at a German Christmas market
Germany's Christmas markets brighten up the cold and dark winter season. As well as picking up homemade gifts and ornaments, make sure you try these delicious snacks and drinks.
When are Germany's Christmas markets opening in 2025?
It may still be November but Christmas markets are already opening up. Here's when Germany's best known festive markets, as well as a few smaller quirky ones, are set to open.
How to talk about Christmas in Swedish: essential vocabulary
Sweden's festive season is a time when even the most well-integrated foreigner can feel like an outsider, miles from home with a set of traditions, recipes, and songs familiar to everyone but you.
Trains, roads and planes: What to know about travel in France this Christmas
From rail strikes to traffic warnings, here is the latest on travel by rail, road and air in and around France over Christmas.
The five must-try food and drinks at Swedish Christmas markets
Visiting Christmas markets in Sweden is a unique experience. These winter wonderlands are also a perfect place to try traditional foods and drinks.
RECIPE: How to make Swedish lussekatter
Swedes love traditional Lucia saffron buns (lussekatter) on December 13th. Food writer John Duxbury shares his favourite recipe with The Local.
How to watch Swedish Lucia celebrations if you live outside of Sweden
Whether you're just out of Sweden temporarily or you've moved away for good, you might find yourself missing the tradition of Lucia once December 13th rolls around. But how can you join in from abroad?
11 Christmas gift ideas to stay connected with friends and family back home
The festive season can be difficult for people living abroad far away from their loved ones back home, but we've put together a few gift ideas for staying close to friends and family.
Swedish history: Why lussekatter are associated with the devil
Swedish lussekatter are truly one hell of a bun.
'Klaasohm': Why a German island is scrapping its violent Christmas tradition
The tradition of 'Klaasohm', which involves men restraining and smacking women's bottoms, is set to be outlawed on the German island of Borkum this year. Here's what you need to know about the controversial custom.
When are Germany's Christmas markets opening this year?
As its gets darker and colder in Germany, many people are looking forward to the festive season. We look at when Christmas markets will start to welcome visitors.
'Like Tokyo': Spain's cities get unbearably busy over long December break
Barcelona police have been deployed to prevent people from clogging up traffic by taking selfies in the middle of the road, one of many examples of how Spanish city centres become unbearably crowded during the December holidays.
How long are Austria's famous Christmas markets open this year?
One of the highlights of the year in Austria can be readily enjoyed anywhere in the country - its legendary Christmas markets. But how long do they stay open in the evening - and do some remain open until the New Year?
What are the Christmas deadlines in Germany for posting letters and parcels?
Germany has one of the best postal services in the world - but you're still going to need to plan ahead if you want to send presents abroad and have them arrive in time for Christmas.
Vienna Christmas markets: The dates and locations for 2023
Although there's no shortage of Christmas offerings in Austria, no one does Christmas quite like the Viennese. Here's a guide to some of the best Christmas markets in the capital - and when you can start enjoying them in 2023.
The best Christmas markets in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate
Christmas is a time when Germany's south-west really shines. The region's Christmas markets, or 'Weihnachtsmärkte', are one of the highlights of the festive season.
Is this Swedish Christmas trend the secret to happiness?
That's unlikely, but let's talk about Novent anyway.
Switzerland: What Germany’s new Covid rules mean for cross-border shoppers
The escalating Covid situation in Switzerland’s northern neighbour has led to tighter measures in several states. What does this mean for people from Switzerland visiting Germany for shopping or leisure, i.e. Christmas markets?