A few months ago, we wrote an article about the 20 most beautiful city squares in the world. Well… Now, during Christmas time, they are even more beautiful! In this article we have picked our favorite 10 squares all around the globe that you definitely have to visit during the holiday season once Covid-19 is over. But for now, keep reading, open your Instagram and start dreaming!
1. Palace Square, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Palace square, the political and cultural center of the city, is even more beautiful during the Christmas period! If you go there, you’ll see a huge illuminated Christmas tree and the surrounding streets filled with lights and festive decorations.
2. Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City
If you go the Eternal City during the holiday season, you definitely have to visit the Vatican City as well. This year, Saint Peter’s Square hosts a 30-meter-tall Christmas tree that surpasses in height almost all buildings in its immediate surroundings. You can also admire the Nativity Scene recreated with life-size ceramic statues and placed very close to the tree.
3. Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium
During the festive period, the Grand Place of Brussels is simply breathtaking! The 18-meter-high Christmas tree is decorated with flower-like ornaments and lights. This year, the giant Christmas tree is the only decoration occupying the Grand Place, as the Winter Wonder Holiday Village has been cancelled due to Covid-19. Despite this, the square still looks magical, especially when the lights are turned on!
4. Market Square, Bremen, Germany
During Christmas time, the City of Bremen is transformed into a festive winter wonderland. Normally, over 170 decorated stalls and romantic Christmas lights are set up around the area of the Town Hall and the Roland statue. Unfortunately, this year the stalls are not there because of social distancing measures; however, the Market Square is decorated with amazing light installations and glittering illuminations.
5. Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Every year, since 1947, the people of Norway have given Londoners a Christmas tree as a gift. This gesture is a symbol of gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. The around 20-meter-high tree is lightened up at the beginning of December. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this tradition has remained unchanged this year and since December 3 the huge Christmas tree dominates Trafalgar Square.
6. Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
If Covid-19 wasn’t here, the Prague Christmas Markets would have been opened every day from late November to early January, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Together with Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square is the place where the main Christmas markets are normally held. Although the markets have been cancelled, the Christmas tree has still been set up in the middle of the Old Town Square. There are also some other events that are still running, despite the virus. For example, you can still enjoy the Nativity scenes at the Church of Our Lady Victorious, or a small Christmas market at the top of Wenceslas Square.
7. Main Market Square, Krakow, Poland
Krakow in December is a must-see place. The Main Market Square normally hosts dozens of Christmas stalls that sell traditional handmade decorations, such as the old-fashioned hand-painted colorful glass baubles. As all other cities, also Krakow has decided to cancel its Christmas markets in 2020. Anyway, remember to add Krakow to your 2021 bucket list!
8. Stanislas Square, Nancy, France
The elegant Christmas lights in the town center and the huge Christmas tree standing on Place Stanislas recreate the perfect festive atmosphere. During the Christmas period, the City of Nancy organizes the Saint Nicholas Festivals. The Festival lasts 40 days and it normally includes the Saint Nicholas village, several events, fairground rides, parades, and delicious traditional Christmas food and wine. This year, the traditional weekend parade has not been organized. However, people can still enjoy a quite rich program of events and festivities until January 3.
9. Vendôme Square, Paris, France
No Christmas markets this year will happen even in Paris… But for the Holidays 2020, the Christmas lights and Christmas trees installed in Place Vendôme are definitely enough to cheer up the spirits! This year, the Vendôme square includes four 10-meter-tall Christmas trees and additional 160 smaller trees. These trees illuminate the façades of the prestigious luxury stores that make the fame of this square.
10. Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal
Praça do Comércio, the big waterfront square, is where you will find the largest Christmas tree of Lisbon. This year, it’s not a real tree, but a tree-shaped structure decorated with stars, balls and ribbons. You can also go inside the installation and enjoy the display of lights. The arcaded buildings of the square are also outlined with Christmas lights on the windows and arches.
