Every year at this time, the european destination organisation (EBD), which is part of the European Commission’s EDEN network (“European Destinations of Excellence”) that runs to advertise sustainable tourism on the continent, publishes its approved list of beautiful European cities. that house the Christmas markets.
It is no exaggeration to say that all European cities and towns hold their own classic New Year’s Eve celebrations, many of which have been held for centuries.
Although this year’s procedure and variety criteria had to be adjusted to reflect the measures and cases of Covid-19 in each country, EBD has presented a list of destinations carefully decided where it will be imaginable to enjoy the magic of Christmas while respecting strict fitness and fitness rules.
“Discover Europe’s safest Christmas markets for the Covid-19,” ebD announced. “From the beginning of this global crisis of the “Covid-19”, we keep you informed of the scenario day after day following the recommendations of the World Health Organization. . “
The safest Christmas markets/destinations in Europe were selected on the basis of the following criteria: number of Covid-19 cases consistent with one million inhabitants, number of hospital beds according to the inhabitant, proximity to airports, implementation of sanitary measures, hygiene tables in hotels, shops, restaurants, public transport and public places, provision of hydroalcoholic gels, mask and, finally, traffic routes Christmas markets.
All are located in destinations less affected by coronavirus, up to 80 times fewer cases of Covid-19 and not even Covid-19-like deaths (such as the Madeira Islands, which are the most sensitive on the 2020 list).
In Europe’s safest Christmas markets, contactless payment strategies are the norm, traders have protective masks or visors and a marked direction prevents crossing.
Among other recommendations, EBD advises travelers to be attentive and not forget gestures, social distance and mask if it is imaginable and mandatory and to avoid traveling in case of ill health.
“People over the age of 70, who are obese or have breathing problems, are especially attentive,” the organization warns.
Madeira is the safest European destination this winter. With up to 12 times fewer cases of Covid-19 consisting of one million inhabitants than other European destinations and no deaths, the Portuguese island was selected as the most productive destination for the Christmas holidays.
In addition to the “Safe and Clean” label established through the Portuguese National Tourist Office, Madeira officials have launched very strict fitness charts to welcome travelers in safety situations while taking certain leisure, discovery and rest holidays.
They do not impose any quarantine upon arrival for passengers who have passed the Covid-19 check-in before (maximum 72 hours before departure). The digitization at the airport reinforces these security measures and various devices have been implemented, adding hydroalcoholic gels and masks in the crowded streets.
Everything is well explained on the Madeira Safe to Discover website. Masks are mandatory in some places on the beaches.
Madeira’s Christmas market has been awarded the “Best Sunny Christmas Markets in Europe” for its stunning tropical landscapes, bright lighting, exotic culmination and flowers, handicrafts and wines.
On several occasions, the market has already won the name “Best New Year’s Eve Destination in Europe”.
Christmas market positioning dates: December 1, 2020 to January 10, 2021 (market positioning takes place on December 23).
Sanitary measures: Passengers travelling to the Madeira archipelago must present a negative Covid-19 check in pershapeed within 72 hours prior to departure or can bring it on arrival, beach masks, sports activities or nature walks are not mandatory. how to fill in before the trip.
Awarded Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, Tallinn, estonia’s capital, is a moment on the list of favorite destinations for winter holidays in Europe, with its family circle atmosphere, magical lighting, classic and artisanal products and delicious locals. Specialties.
To date, Estonia has reported 18 times fewer severe cases of Covid-19 relative to one million inhabitants than the maximum number of European countries affected. Hospitals have never been overcrowded and the virus has done far less damage than in other parts of Europe. More temporarily than other countries, Estonia has come to resume a “normal” life by applying measures of social estating, coverage (masks) and the supply of hydroalcoholic gels in public spaces.
Christmas market dates: November 15, 2020 to January 5, 2021.
Travel to Estonia: An updated list of countries for which access to Estonia is subject to restrictions can be obtained from the online page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Vienna, third on the list of safest destinations for Christmas holidays, has also been recognized as one of the safest destinations in Europe. By responding temporarily to the pandemic and taking a number of fitness measures, Austria has been up to 10 times less affected than other European countries. The number of severe cases of Covid-19 remained well below the capacity of Austrian hospitals.
During the winter, Vienna has many Christmas markets throughout the city for all family tastes, gourmet, sustainable, vegan or extraordinarily romantic.
From mid-November to Christmas, Vienna’s most beautiful squares are remodeled into magical areas that complete the Christmas atmosphere. Markets will be organized to ensure the protection of the Covid-19 to allow visitors to enjoy a delight with enough space for everyone.
Christmas market dates: November 18 to December 26.
Travelling to Austria: Access to a country with a solid Covid-19 scenario is unrestricted. The corresponding countries are indexed in the order of access.
Sanitary measures: Declaration of access and transit is required.
Off the beaten track, the city of Craiova, Romania’s sixth largest city and the capital of Dolj County, offers bright Christmas markets that are authentic. Craiova has noticed far fewer cases of Covid-19 than other European destinations, thanks to the preventive measures put in place soon through national and local authorities.
“This destination, which combines world-renowned cultural establishments as well as world-renowned artistic events, has had to suspend its tourist offer to be well prepared this winter and welcome you in the most productive and protective conditions,” EBD reports.
Romania has more hospital beds in proportion to the capita than Norway, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Christmas market dates: November 28, 2020 to January 1, 2021.
Travel to Romania: access to EU countries is permitted with restrictions, with the exception of Luxembourg, Malta and certain regions of Spain (Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, Community of Madrid, Balearic Islands, Basque Country).
Health measures: Travellers from countries where the rate of occurrence of new Cases of Covid-19 in the last 14 days is less than or equivalent to that recorded in Romania may introduce restrictions.
Citizens of countries with the highest incidence of COVID-19 infection will have to isolate themselves at home or quarantine for 14 days.
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With 15 times fewer severe cases of Covid-19 consisting of one million inhabitants than the maximum number of affected countries in Europe, the Czech Republic is on the list of the safest destinations for this winter holiday.
Recognized as one of Europe’s top Christmas markets, Prague’s Christmas market will also be one of the safest this year.
Strict sanitary measures have been taken through organizers to defend visitors, such as signposted routes to respect social distance, hydroalcoholic gel dispensers, availability of mask and protective gloves for traders, plexiglass toppings and express protocols for food and beverage promotion stalls.
In the city center there is a classic Czech market where, in dozens of wooden stalls, traders offer typical Christmas products and pieces such as classic Czech blown glass balls, products with glass or straw beads, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, cutter. cookies and many other classic Czech products. Young and adult gourmets can enjoy typical Czech Christmas cookies, hot roast chestnuts, gingerbread and typical Czech toasted sausages.
Christmas market dates: November 28, 2020 to January 6, 2021.
Travel to the Czech Republic: Access from EU countries is permitted with restrictions, with the exception of countries considered to be “high risk” from an epidemiological point of view.
Health measures: A form of passenger location is mandatory for others in countries that are not on the list of others with low threat of infection
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With thirteen times fewer cases of Covid-19 than the maximum number of European countries affected, Poland is among the safest countries in Europe.
“Because of the pandemic, we all need less and make the trips we need unforgettable by finding exceptional places and an exclusive atmosphere,” EBD explains. “Gdansk is the best combination of protection and leisure, rest and discovery for this winter vacation. “
Located in the historic center of Gdansk, the Christmas Fair is like a fairy tale “thank you” to the exclusive setting and the good appearance of the landscapes. Here you will find streets marked for this special time of year: chocolate street, cinnamon, angels or Christmas Eve.
Christmas market dates: November 23, 2020 to January 1, 2021.
Travelling to Poland: Citizens of EU countries can introduce restrictions on Poland.
Health measures: A form of passenger location and a public fitness self-report are requested on flights.
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Considered one of Germany’s top and original Christmas markets, Dresden’s Christmas market will also be among the safest in Europe this year, and Saxony will have up to 15 times fewer deaths by Covid-19 than other European regions, one of the continent’s regions. . less affected by coronavirus.
Given the pandemic, it is essential to make for everyone the Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market.
With flashing lights, flickering stars, the smell of gingerbread and carols, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt will have an exclusive character for its 586th year. Regional specialties, such as Ore Mountain’s wooden craftsmanship, Lusace’s blue-published fabrics and Moravian stars, are popular.
Christmas market dates: November 26 to December 24.
Travel to Germany: According to the Federal Ministry of Health’s legal liability verification order, anyone who has spent time in a threatened domain up to 14 days before entering Germany must provide evidence of a negative check or be checked within 14 days of entering Germany. Germany. A country or area is explained as “high threat” when there are more than 50 new infections matching 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days coincide with the year.
Sanitary measures: No documentation required.
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With thirteen times fewer Covid-19 deaths consistent with one million inhabitants than other European countries, Croatia seems to be a winter holiday destination.
In addition to the first health measures put in place through the authorities, Croatia has an offer of tourist apartments, personal villas, boutique hotels and small accommodations.
One of croatia’s secrets is that its capital, Zagreb, has one of the advent scenarios in Europe. The secret is now revealed: in the face of strong competition, Zagreb has been voted “Best Christmas Market in Europe” through online surveys of Europeans. destinations for 3 consecutive years.
Internationally recognized as one of the most productive Christmas markets in Europe, along with Vienna, Budapest and Strasbourg, Zagreb will welcome travelers this year with special fitness criteria adapted to the stage: hydroalcoholic gel dispensers in the markets, disinfection of attractions and ice skates, mask for traders and protective plastics for those who offer food. “The market is very large in the city and you will find the environment that suits you for a safe and comfortable holiday,” according to EBD.
Christmas market dates: November 27, 2020 to January 3, 2021.
Sanitary measures: Mandatory mask in public transport, taxis and other advertising venues. Lately, travelers have no legal responsibility to present a negative Covid check or to isolate themselves when arriving in Croatia. Screening on arrival.
Travel to Croatia: Citizens of EU countries can enter Croatia without restrictions. Before entering the country, all travelers must complete the Enter Croatia form.
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With a population in Belgium but five times fewer deaths similar to Covid-19, the Baden-Wuerttemberg region is one of the safest destinations for winter holidays.
Recognized as one of the Christmas markets in Germany, the Baden-Baden Christmas market is implementing a number of fitness measures this year to combine protection and leisure.
Located opposite the splendid parks and gardens of baden-Baden in the ‘Lichtentaler Allee’, the Christmas market takes visitors to a romantic winter fairy tale with entertaining live music programs and small streets of festive cabins, where thousands of bright Christmas lights create a festive atmosphere.
“Lately we’ve been heading to our 2020 Christmas market in a Corona-compatible market place concept,” the organizers said.
Christmas market dates: November 26, 2020 to January 6, 2021.
Travel to Germany: According to the Federal Ministry of Health’s legal test liability order, anyone who has spent time in a threatened domain up to 14 days before entering Germany, at the request of the designated fitness workplace or some other authority, will need to provide the negative result or take the test within 14 days of entry into Germany. A country or domain is explained as a “high threat” when there are more than 50 new infections that match 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days according to the period.
Sanitary measures: No documentation required.
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Slovakia, along with Hungary, Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic, is thought to be destinations, with far fewer cases of Covid-19 than in other parts of Europe. Slovakia has so far recorded 75 times fewer Covid-19-related deaths of millions of people than the maximum number of European countries affected.
Thanks to these figures and strict health measures, Slovakia is thought to be a destination for this winter.
The Christmas era in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia on the Danube and only on the border of 3 countries, is connected to bright streets, Christmas trees and stalls full of chocolates and handicrafts.
Bratislava Christmas Market is located on the main square and Hviezdoslav Square in the city centre until 23 December. In recent years, the Christmas market has also moved to other parts of the city centre, such as Bratislava Castle.
Christmas market dates: November 23 to December 23.
Travel to Slovakia: Entry from EU countries with restrictions on countries classified as “low risk” from an epidemiological point of view is allowed.
Health measures: no documents required
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Dusseldorf is just one of germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets, but also one of the safest this year. The capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia region and the largest city in this region after Cologne had 10 times fewer severe cases of Covid-19 consistent with millions of inhabitants than other European regions.
The village offers other Christmas markets for families, lovers and gourmets.
Christmas market dates: November 23 to December 30.
Travel to Germany: According to the Federal Ministry of Health’s legal liability verification order, anyone who has spent time in a threatened domain up to 14 days before entering Germany, at the request of the designated fitness workplace or an official, will need to provide evidence that the test result is negative for Covid-19 or go through a verification within 14 days of entry into Germany. A country or domain is explained as a “high threat” when there are more than 50 new infections consistent with 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days consistent with the year.
Sanitary measures: No documentation required.
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With 12 times fewer Cases of Covid-19 consistent with one million inhabitants than the maximum number of affected countries in Europe, Slovenia is positioning itself as one of the safest destinations this winter. Perfect for a break, away from the tension of nature, Slovenia is the European top destination awarded through the European Commission for its commitment to sustainable tourism.
“Give yourself unforgettable memories in Slovenia,” EBD recommends. You can rent a car and observe other parts of the country such as Bohinj, voted the hidden gem in Europe, or the Soca Valley, Radolca, awarded through the European Commission.
You can also enjoy a moment of natural rest while walking through the illuminated streets of Ljubljana.
This romantic destination is one of the smallest European capitals and is home to one of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe.
Christmas market dates: November 29, 2020 to January 5, 2021.
Travel to Slovenia: Entry from EU countries is allowed without restrictions. Depending on its epidemiological situation, Slovenia divides countries into 3 categories (green, yellow and red). For each category, another set of access regulations applies.
Health measures: Face masks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and public transport vehicles. Travellers on the red and yellow list must be quarantined. No quarantine is required for Travel On the Verde. No more documentation is required.
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Poland is one of the European countries least affected by the coronavirus, along with Portugal and Greece. There are up to thirteen times fewer Covid-19-related deaths in line with one million inhabitants in Poland than in the most affected countries in Western Europe. Poland has ever been overcrowded and Poland has more hospital beds in proportion to the population than the Netherlands or Switzerland.
Warsaw, the capital, with a historic center that has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, impresses with its resilience, respect for history and fresh style, its history is that of other people able to face any situation, recover and move forward.
Faced with the coronavirus, the message from the Polish capital was: “Warsaw survived two global wars. We are also going to have this one. Soon!”
Warsaw will have two large Christmas markets thanks to measures taken through local government, such as the distribution of hydroalcoholic gel, marked routes to make some social distance in the market and contactless payments.
Christmas Market Dates: November 29 to December 24.
Travelling to Poland: Citizens of EU countries can introduce restrictions on Poland.
Health measures: A form of passenger location and a public fitness self-report are requested on flights.
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With nearly five times fewer Cases of Covid-19 consistent with one million inhabitants than in other parts of Europe, Bavaria is one of the safest destinations in Europe.
“Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the ultimate magical Christmas destination,” EBD writes, “the city turns out to have been built to serve as a backdrop to one of Germany’s best Christmas markets. “
With preventive measures but also many well-equipped hospitals, Germany did not revel in a critical scenario such as the pandemic. While the measures are still in place right now, Germany is more open to travellers than many other European countries. Masks are mandatory, but not Covid-19 control (except for travelers from at-risk countries).
Christmas market dates: November 23 to December 23.
Travel to Germany: According to the Federal Ministry of Health’s legal liability verification order, anyone who has spent time in a threatened domain up to 14 days before entering Germany, at the request of the designated fitness workplace or an official, will need to provide evidence that the test result is negative for Covid-19 or go through a verification within 14 days of entry into Germany. A country or domain is explained as a “high threat” when there are more than 50 new infections consistent with 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days consistent with the year.
Sanitary measures: No documentation required.
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Austria remained a safe destination during the pandemic thanks to preventive and fitness measures taken temporarily through the authorities. With up to 10 times fewer deaths in line with one million inhabitants than the maximum in other countries, Austria is among the safest destinations for winter holidays in Europe.
Austria welcomes travelers this winter with “the criteria of fitness and protection while doing everything possible to ensure glorious moments for winter holidays,” ebD says.
Graz, the capital of Styria and the largest city of the time in Austria, is a jewel of the Renaissance with an unforgettable Holiday season. Many Christmas market stalls are within walking distance, the oldest around the Franciscan church. Nearby is the Christmas market in front of the city Lounge with a giant Christmas tree and a merry-go-round for children.
The Eiserne Tor market is controlled exclusively through charities and profits are donated to charitable projects.
Christmas market dates: November 20 to December 24.
Travelling to Austria: Access to a country with a solid Covid-19 scenario is unrestricted. The corresponding countries are indexed in the order of access.
Sanitary measures: Declaration of access and transit is required.
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I am an autonomous journalist from Colombo-Luxembourg, a hard-boiled traveller founded in the world’s only Grand Duchy. I’m writing a column on European issues
I am an autonomous journalist from Colombo-Luxembourg, a hard-boiled traveller founded in the world’s only Grand Duchy. I am writing a column on European affairs for the editorial page of El Tiempo, Colombia’s main newspaper. I’ve been a Newsweek columnist, and I’ve written for, among others, the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune and Toronto Globe.