Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
European destinations are on top of many UAE travellers’ year-end holiday lists, according to a study by Wego, a leading travel app, which revealed the most-searched European destinations for New Year’s Eve.
Moscow
According to Wego, Moscow tops the list of sought-after destinations, offering a magical winter experience.
The city’s “Journey to Christmas” event features festive shows, concerts, and workshops, while the Red Square Christmas markets offer gifts and souvenirs.
Visitors can also enjoy ice skating rinks and performances of “The Nutcracker” at Moscow’s opera and ballet venues.
London
London presents everything from traditional seasonal markets to world-renowned performances. The fireworks over the Thames mark the highlight of New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Baku
The “Cold Hands, Warm Hearts” festival in Baku combines festive markets, delicious food stalls, and live performances at Fountain Square, with the added fireworks and gala dinners for a relaxed, yet festive atmosphere.
Tbilisi
With Christmas markets and festive villages open until December 31, Tbilisi turns into a winter festival.
Orbeliani Square features the main market, offering food, crafts, and live performances, while Dedaena Park’s Christmas village serves up even more seasonal delights.
At STALL Street Market on Rustaveli Avenue, a selection of handmade goods from talented local artisans can be discovered.
Prague
The Christmas markets at Prague’s Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square combine traditional Czech fare with Gothic architecture.
Ice skating at Letná Park is a local favourite, and a Vltava River cruise provides breathtaking views.
On New Year’s Eve, the fireworks from famous spots such as Petrin Hill or Charles Bridge can be enjoyed.
Vienna
Known for its holiday atmosphere, Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the right place to find handmade gifts.
Music aficionados can delight in concerts at Stephansdom Cathedral.
For New Year’s Eve, the Silvesterpfad celebrations in the city centre feature vibrant music, dancing, and a stunning fireworks show.
Paris
During the holidays, Paris is filled with a festive atmosphere, featuring Christmas markets at Jardin des Tuileries and ice skating at the Grand Palais.
For New Year’s Eve, the light show along the Champs-Élysées is a highlight. An evening riverboat ride along the Seine is also an ideal choice.
Yerevan
Yerevan’s Republic Square Christmas Market features festive performances and local delicacies, and for New Year’s Eve, fireworks followed by a holiday feast at a top local restaurant can be enjoyed.
Milan
The holiday season in Milan sees busy shopping streets like Via Monte Napoleone and Corso Buenos Aires, with a Nutcracker show at Teatro alla Scala adding a cultural element to the festive atmosphere.
The city’s New Year’s Eve festivities include concerts and fireworks at Piazza del Duomo.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo’s Christmas Market is known for its traditional Bosnian crafts and seasonal foods.
Ice skating at the Zetra Olympic Complex is a common activity, and the city’s fireworks display on New Year’s Eve can be seen from several popular vantage points.
Munich
The Münchner Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz in Munich is a place to sample gingerbread and browse traditional crafts, with the Tollwood Winter Festival adding a cultural element.
For New Year’s Eve, Olympiapark hosts fireworks, and the “Magic Forest” offers ice skating.
