How is New Year celebrated in Europe?

New Year is a wonderful holiday loved by many. In Russia, it is considered a celebration, which is usually celebrated in the family circle. But why not take a trip and celebrate the New Year in another country, while receiving new impressions and familiarizing yourself with the traditions of another people? In this situation, it will be useful to find out how the New Year is celebrated in Europe.

New Year is a good time to get to know European countries. In each of them, the New Year holidays have their own characteristics. But in any case, no matter what country is chosen, interesting entertainments, unforgettable impressions and just a good mood are waiting everywhere.

The main holiday for Europeans is Christmas. Therefore, they especially prepare for it, buy gifts, and gather as a family at the festive table. On the eve of many attend church - this tradition has been preserved in many countries since ancient times. The older generation is sure to tell the younger ones about this holy holiday. For many, this celebration is associated with light and goodness, with the comfort of the hearth. With this day, Europeans have the most pleasant memories.

Since Christmas is the main holiday, holidays in all European countries begin on December 25th. True, there are some differences. In some countries the weekend is longer, in others it is shorter.For example, in Germany they rest from December 25 to 27, from December 31 to January 1 they celebrate the European New Year, and on January 2 they already go to work.

In England, the same holidays are celebrated, but vacations last until January 4. But in Italy and Spain, vacations last until January 6th. The main dates for the Catholic Church are Christmas and Baptism.

In each country, holidays are celebrated on a grand scale.

• Italy. A Catholic country with centuries-old traditions will give an unforgettable Christmas. New Year's Eve is celebrated with a festive dinner with music, dancing, fireworks. On New Year's Eve, you just need to throw some old thing out of the window and put on red underwear to attract good luck - these are the traditions.
• Germany. The Christmas tree, as well as Christmas markets, where you can take leisurely walks, looking at goods, and occasionally drinking warming mulled wine, will surprise and delight. There is an opportunity in this country to go to a ski resort and celebrate the New Year there.
• Switzerland. All the same trees, fireworks, festivities in the squares, Christmas markets. And also here you can meet Santa Claus walking with children, a large sleigh drawn by horses. Everything, as in the fairy tale "The Snow Queen". Ski resorts will definitely leave a lasting impression.
• Portugal. According to the old tradition, on New Year's Eve, here you can meet groups of people who sing, play different instruments. For this, passers-by give them sweets. Very reminiscent of our caroling. And in this country, the largest exposition in Europe, telling about the birth of Jesus, is collected from wooden sculptures.
• France. Christmas is celebrated in the family circle, and the New Year itself is celebrated by restaurants, night clubs, and cafes. But you can celebrate the holiday in a more original way - go on an exciting journey along the Seine, watch a torchlight procession, and take part in the grape harvest at midnight.
• Spain. The most important thing for the kids is the Day of the Three Kings, when the children receive the coveted gifts. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to rejoice, have fun, and with the chiming clock it is imperative to eat 12 grapes of different varieties - then happiness for the whole year is guaranteed.

The New Year is not complete without delicious dishes, and each country has its own favorites.

• In England served turkey stuffed with vegetables. Of course, the traditional flame pudding is always present.
• In France cook turkey with chestnuts, bake beans. On the table, among other things, there are truffles and foie gras.
• Italy famous for its treats. This is usually all kinds of pastries. On the table there will be pork and, of course, fish, seafood.
• In Spain also can not do without seafood, turkey and lamb ribs, sweets and grapes. And the baked pig will become the central decoration of the table.
• In Germany Carp will decorate the New Year's table, all kinds of sausages will take their place. Certainly there will be pies, fruits and nuts.

A trip to Europe for the New Year will be an unforgettable gift for the child, because the atmosphere itself is conducive to magic. In all countries, the streets sparkle with festive decoration, Christmas markets give vivid impressions.

• In the Czech Republic where in winter there is no shortage of snow, it will turn out to plunge into a real fairy tale. Children will be pleased with candies and gingerbread cookies, which are abundantly present at fairs. The street theater, and all kinds of masters of applied art, who will help to make some kind of New Year's toy, will not leave the children indifferent. But the main attraction is a huge Christmas tree.

• In Germany You can enjoy the fair atmosphere in almost every city. And the brightest and longest fireworks, of course, will delight every child. It passes in the area of ​​the Brandenburg Gate.It is here that many gather together as families to celebrate the New Year. In the same place is a huge beautiful tree.

• The child will never forget the New Year spent Finland. Clean air, snowy mountains and forests are great for winter fun. You can rent a cottage in one of the ski resorts and ski and sled. It is worth showing the children the village of Santa Claus, going there in a reindeer sleigh. Such skating will become unforgettable not only for children, but also for adults.

• If you had a chance to visit on New Year France, then the best places for recreation for children will be amusement parks and attractions - Disneyland, Futuroscope, Pugh Du Fu, Asterix. Beautiful Christmas trees and generous Christmas markets are also plentiful.

• Holidays for children in Denmark. The wonderful parks "Legoland", "Bakken", "Tivoli" are able to realize the dream of any child. You can visit the museum of Hans Christian Andersen - such a journey will allow you to plunge into the magical world of the great storyteller.

Each country has its own traditions, but one of them, common to all Europeans, is to generously decorate streets, houses, squares, using all kinds of decor. The main symbols of the holiday - New Year trees - are set in squares where people have fun all the holidays. Not a single New Year's eve is complete without fireworks.

All traditions are aimed at making the new year even happier. For this, they come up with all sorts of tricks.

• In France they burn Christmas logs with the whole family so that happiness comes to the house.
• In England in all the houses, Deri is opened to let in the New Year. Lovers give each other kisses under the mistletoe, so that next year they can be together.
• In Italy it is better not to go under the windows - everyone considers it his duty to have time to throw away the old thing before midnight.
• In Spain under the chiming clock, you need to have time to eat 12 grapes so that you don’t need anything all year.
• In Germany before midnight they climb into chairs and jump from them. In this way they "jump" into the New Year.

To see which country in Europe to go to the New Year, see the video.