When Does Christmas Decorating Begin In Europe?

Christmas is a significant holiday celebration in Europe, celebrated across most of the country. In many parts of Europe, it begins to surface in October, alongside Halloween decorations, with lights, trees, and garlands already gracing streets and windows. Christmas trees, rich in history, are found in homes, squares, and streets throughout Europe.

Decorations are typically put up in late November or early December, usually to coincide with the start of Advent. In the UK, Christmas lights on the high street are generally switched on in November, while in the US, the traditional start of the holiday season is Thanksgiving. In Paris, some Christmas lights start going up the last week in November and some more at the beginning of December.

Christmas markets will pop up in almost every city, town, or village in Germany, starting mostly in late November. The “Twelve Days of Christmas” stretch from December 25 until January 6, which is Epiphany, the day the Three Kings delivered their gifts. The holiday season continues throughout December, with children hanging final tree decorations on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve).

In London, the lights on this year are on November 12. Harrods has their windows covered up still, and Selfridges may reveal theirs at the lights on ceremony. Christmas trees, a holiday icon rich in history, are in homes, the centers of squares, and streets all over Europe.

What month should I start decorating for Christmas?

The ideal time to decorate your Christmas tree depends on personal preference and other factors. Most people start decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving, while others choose to wait until mid-December. When choosing when to start, consider factors such as whether your tree is live or artificial. A live tree can last around four weeks, so it might be best to wait until the first week of December to avoid dried needles and the natural fragrance of the tree. Artificial trees offer more flexibility as they look the same regardless of timing.

Is it better to go to Paris in November or December?

Paris is attracting travelers in November due to lower airfares, shorter lines, and beautiful Christmas markets. As the leaves change and people switch to twinkle lights, November offers a unique experience with smaller crowds and autumnal traditions. According to tourism industry professionals, airfares are typically lower than usual, making a few days in Paris affordable. November is also considered one of the city’s calmer moments, as it sits between August arrivals and Christmas tourists.

Is Paris decorated for Christmas in November?

Paris Christmas lights begin in mid-November and continue to fill the city until early January. These lights take various forms, including lavish displays on famous avenues, hidden passages, plazas, and more. They also decorate over 150 streets, department stores, Disneyland Paris, and the famous Paris Christmas markets. The number of illuminated locations grows each year, making it an exciting experience for visitors or returning visitors to enjoy the city during the holiday season. The city offers an endless number of brilliantly lit spots to bring joy.

Is London decorated for Christmas in October?

Christmas decorations in London typically start in October, with shops selling decorations and gifts even earlier. Most Christmas lights and markets are in full swing by early to mid-November, and usually remain until the first week of January. To ensure a quieter experience, visit on weekdays or weekends mornings. However, it’s worth being in the city in the evening to see the lights, as they are some of the best London Christmas decorations. As it gets dark around 4pm in December, you don’t have to wait until very late to see them. Check online for exact dates and enjoy the festive atmosphere in London.

What date do Italians put up their Christmas decorations?

The Christmas tree in Italy originated in the late 1800s, thanks to Queen Margherita of Savoy, who decorated one in Rome’s Palazzo del Quirinale. Today, Christmas trees are placed on December 8th and taken down on January 6th each year. The traditional nativity scene, featuring a manger and the birth of Jesus, is believed to be the work of St. Francis of Assisi, dating back to 1223. The first nativity scene was set up in Greccio, Umbria, on Christmas Eve in 1223.

Since then, artists have experimented with wooden or terracotta figurines, with the Tuscans starting the trend and spreading to the ancient Kingdom of Naples. The masters of the nativity scene are the Neapolitans, with the shops of Via San Gregorio Armeno serving as symbols of this tradition.

What is too early to decorate for Christmas?

Black Friday is the earliest time to set up a Christmas tree or decorate with Christmas-specific trimmings, as it prevents the tree from stealing the thunder of the big turkey dinner and may lead to earlier setup and takedown. If your holiday decor is neutral, you can decorate with certain elements earlier. However, if it has a speck of red, a reindeer, or Santa Claus, it’s best left for post-Thanksgiving decorating. If holiday decorating creates more stress than joy, wait until Christmas Eve to make it a family tradition and prepare your home for Santa Claus the night before the big day.

When should I start decorating for Christmas UK?

Most people decorate their Christmas trees in late November or on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, with the first of December being a popular day. Some prefer to wait until 12 days before Christmas, while others take down their decorations after New Year’s Day or the first week of January. Some people enjoy leaving their artificial Christmas trees and baubles up for as long as possible.

Can I decorate for Christmas in November?

Proper Christmas decorating etiquette depends on the individual and there is no absolute right or wrong. Responses like “My mother always said to decorate not a minute before December 1” or “Decorating for Christmas is a lot of work” are acceptable. The magical, spiritual, and emotional time of year calls for abundant comfort and joy. The best approach is to decorate for Christmas when your heart says so, as stated by Amy Mitchell, managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA.

How early is too early for Christmas decor?

The practice of removing Christmas decorations after Thanksgiving is not universal. Some families choose to do so, while others prefer to wait until November or even September 1. Some families, however, elect to maintain the decorations throughout the year.

Does Italy decorate for Christmas in November?

December is a month filled with Christmas traditions in Italy, starting on the Day of Immaculate Conception and ending on December 26th. Italian families decorate their homes, bake cookies, wrap presents, and close schools and offices. The holiday atmosphere grows as Christmas trees are displayed, Nativity scenes are placed outside, and the smell of chestnuts, chimneys, mulled wine, and Italian delicacies is perceived everywhere. Bagpipe players in some cities also entertain with merry songs.

Christmas day and Christmas Eve (Vigila di Natale) are observed differently across the country. Some start with a nice dinner on December 24th, while others prefer a light meal and wait for a huge Christmas lunch the day after. The midnight Mass at the local church is a tradition from the North to the South. The festivity begins with brindare (making a toast) with a glass of spumante, a slice of panettone, and pandoro, and an occasion to open up the presents. Children prepare a glass of milk, nuts, and a slice of Christmas cake under the tree to thank Babbo Natale for the gifts.

The joy of the season rises on December 25th, which is made to eat, with family gatherings and enjoying a delicious menu. The charm of this day lasts until late, as people play board games, taste Italian delicacies and good wines, and unwrap presents.

Santo Stefano day, a national holiday in Italy, continues the festivities on December 26th, where families gather to taste homemade specialties.