Christmas is in the air. Let’s get into the spirit of the season and see what else is happening all across Europe in December.

Clothesshow, Birmingham, England
5th December – 10th December
Calling all fashion addicts! This is the world’s largest fashion and beauty event. Expect world class fashion shows, designs, labels, hair stylists, models, celebrities and endless opportunities to shop. The highlight is the Fashion Theatre, a catwalk show featuring over 40 models and dancers from around the world.
http://www.clothesshowlive.com

Fete de l’escalade, Geneva, Switzerland
12th December – 14th December
This is an annual festival held in Geneva every December celebrating the defeat of surprise attack troops sent by Charles Emanuel 1 during the night of 11-12 Decmber in the night of 1602! Celebrations include a large marmite (cauldron) made of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables and candies wrapped in the Geneva colours of red and gold. Other traditions include mulled wine, a large serving of soup, and children in Halloween-like costumes singing Escalade songs for money.
http://www.compagniede1602.ch

Festival of Lights, Lyon, France
5th December – 8th December
Lyon's most famous event takes the form of a beautiful illumination throughout the city. Since 1852, locals have celebrated the anniversary of a spontaneous demonstration of faith and solidarity that followed the unveiling of a statue of the Virgin Mary on the Fourvière hillside. The event is remembered with a display of lights: each house and each window is illuminated, and a procession is held by lantern-light. It has now become a four day festival with a host of concerts and activities planned around the procession
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=21963

Imperial Ball, Vienna, Austria
31st December
Bring in the New Year in style. Visitors from all over the world come to Vienna to spend New Years' Eve in the former winter residence of the Austrian Emperor. This is the ultimate posh and luxurious experience. Expect glamorous dances, Viennese music, Deutschmeister Band marches and a gala dinner.   
http://www.valhol.com/viennaball.shtml

Winter Festival, Moscow
Last week of December, first week of Janaury
The Moscow Russian Winter Festival takes place in Izmailovo Park. Visitors can enjoy troika rides and listen to folk music performances. Winter Festivals take place in various spots across Moscow.  Activities you can join in include ice sculpting on Red Square and snowman-building on Arbat Street.
http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/russia/p/izmaylovomarket.htm

Christmas Markets, Germany
Until 23rd December
There’s no better way to slip into the Christmas mood than by visiting one of the many charming Christmas markets that pop up in various parts of Germany towards the end of November. Forget about the usual mass produced gifts. You’ll find some quaint and handcrafted gifts like crib figurines, toys, wood carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes sold in a traditional Christmas setting. And while you’re there, don’t forget to warm yourself up with some delicious glue wine. For more information on locations and timings of the markets, click the link below.  
http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk

Christmas at Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark
All December
Christmas at Tivoli has become a family tradition for those living in Copenhagen or visiting at the time. It’s easy to get into the Christmas mood with masses of Christmas trees, presents, elves, stalls and magic. Warm beverages, a cosy atmosphere and amazing lighting makes this a winter fairytale
http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-4983.htm

Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter based out of Munich

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