Best Places to Visit in Libya for Christmas Cheer

As the festive season approaches, expats and digital nomads in Libya might be yearning for that quintessential holiday spirit. While Libya is predominantly Muslim and Christmas is not widely celebrated, there are still places around the world that are renowned for their festive atmosphere in December. Here are some destinations where you can soak up the holiday cheer and enjoy Christmas markets, decorations, and events that are sure to get you into the spirit of the season.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is famously known as the "Capital of Christmas," and for good reason. The city's Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe, dating back to 1570. The market is spread across several squares in the city center, with the centerpiece being the towering Christmas tree in Place Kléber. Vendors sell a variety of goods, from traditional Alsatian Christmas decorations to local culinary specialties like bredele cookies and vin chaud (mulled wine). The market typically runs from late November to December 24th.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try the local gingerbread known as pain d'épices, which is a festive treat that pairs wonderfully with the mulled wine.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a traditional German Christmas market. This market is famous for its Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread, and the Nuremberg bratwurst. The Christkind, a symbolic gift-bringer, opens the market with a prologue, usually held in late November. The market is filled with over 180 wooden stalls adorned with red-and-white cloth, offering everything from Christmas ornaments to toys and sweets.

We Recommend: Be sure to try the Nuremberg bratwurst, which is smaller and spicier than other varieties, and is typically served three in a bun.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with its Christmas markets, or "Christkindlmarkt," taking center stage. The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall is particularly enchanting, with its ice-skating rink, festive lights, and numerous stalls selling handcrafted goods and Austrian treats like sachertorte and apfelstrudel. The market usually starts in mid-November and runs until Christmas.

We Recommend: Don't leave without savoring a warm mug of Weihnachtspunsch, a traditional Christmas punch made with spices and fruit juices.

Brussels, Belgium

The Winter Wonders event in Brussels is a highlight of the holiday season, featuring a Christmas market with more than 200 chalets, a giant Ferris wheel, and a sound-and-light show at the Grand-Place. The market offers a variety of items, including Belgian chocolates, waffles, and the famous mulled wine. The event typically starts in late November and continues until early January.

We Recommend: Indulge in some Belgian hot chocolate or try the speculoos, a spiced shortcrust biscuit that's particularly popular during the Christmas season.

Bath, United Kingdom

The Bath Christmas Market is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. This market is known for its focus on local artisans and producers, offering a range of handmade crafts, unique jewelry, and festive decorations. The market also features a variety of food stalls, where you can enjoy traditional British holiday treats. The market typically runs from late November to mid-December.

We Recommend: Sample the mince pies and Bath buns, a local specialty that's perfect for a sweet festive snack.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's Old Town, or Gamla Stan, hosts a charming Christmas market that dates back to 1837. Set in Stortorget square, the market is surrounded by historic buildings and cobblestone streets, creating a magical atmosphere. Vendors sell Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer, and elk meat, as well as traditional handicrafts. The market usually opens in late November and continues until December 23rd.

We Recommend: Try the pepparkakor (ginger snaps) and glögg, a Swedish version of mulled wine, to keep warm while browsing the stalls.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland for the Christmas season, complete with hundreds of Christmas trees and miles of twinkling lights. The Christmas market here offers everything from Danish porcelain to knitwear and leather goods. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Danish Christmas foods and sweets. The market typically starts in mid-November and runs until the end of December.

We Recommend: Don't miss the æbleskiver, traditional Danish pancake balls served with powdered sugar and jam, a perfect treat on a cold day.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's Christmas markets are a key part of the city's festive magic, with the main markets located at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The markets boast beautifully decorated stalls selling Czech handicrafts, glassware, jewelry, embroidered lace, and wooden toys. Traditional foods like trdelník (a hot sugar-coated pastry) and klobása (Czech sausage) are also available. The markets usually start in early December and last until the first week of January.

We Recommend: Enjoy a trdelník fresh off the grill, and pair it with a cup of medovina, a warm honey wine that's a local favorite during the winter months.