Our local editors have taken the time to point out the best events happening in December. Read on if you don’t want to miss out! Don’t forget to check out our Like A Local website for more local recommendations.
Soak up the holiday spirit at Christmas Jazz in Tallinn
November 28–December 12
Set to take place in the first half of December, this is a yearly festival that really evokes the holiday spirit. Christmas Jazz features outstanding local and international jazz musicians, joint performances and even choir music. The concerts take place at various venues across Tallinn, including churches and concert halls. Entrance fees vary between performances, ranging from €8–25.
Indulge in wine and other spirits at Map of Flavours in Thessaloniki
December 7–8
The annual reunion of Thessaloniki’s wine and gastronomy world will this year celebrate its 10th anniversary. As this event is targeted mainly to wine lovers, it attracts many professionals from across Greece who work in the wine sector. Here you can sample and learn about a range of wines and spirits from Greece and abroad. Most Greek viticulture zones and many foreign ones are represented. You can purchase one and two day tickets for €5 and €8 accordingly.
Photo credit: wineplus.gr
Shop ’til you drop at Out of the Blue Xmas Arts Market in Edinburgh
December 7 & 14
At this fun Christmas market you can buy art and crafts direct from the makers in a relaxed atmosphere. Over the two dates, more than 100 artists and makers will sell works ranging from painting and photography to fashion and textiles to furniture and design. It’s the perfect place to find truly unique Christmas gifs for your loved ones. In addition to the Xmas Arts Market on December 7th, there will also be an open studio event giving visitors the opportunity to meet a diverse range of professional artists and makers. On December 14th there will be a special Christmas brunch with live music and scrumptious Christmas treats. Entrance is just 80p!
Photo credit: outoftheblue.org.uk
Enjoy various concerts at Christopher’s Christmas in Vilnius
December 10–January 4
Christopher’s Christmas consists of a series of concerts during December. Even though the focal theme is Christmas, the programme features everything from alluring romantic ballads to folk rock – there’s something for everyone. Each performer has been selected for their talent and world-class skills – there are no fill-ins. All of the concerts take place at Vilnius’ St. Catherine’s Church with full price tickets ranging from LTL 30–70. Students and seniors get a 15% discount.
Participate in Buff Epic Run in Barcelona
December 22
The Barcelona Buff Epic Run is a mixture of Monty Python and athletics – it’s without doubt the craziest run in Barcelona. It’s an eight-kilometre fancy dress obstacle race around Montjuic Castle on Montjuic hill complete with a mud pit, a foam bath, tyres and many other obstacles. There’s even a Mini Buff Epic Run for juniors aged 13–16 years old. Many runners wear medieval–themed costumes to match the setting, but other fun costumes can be seen – there are even prizes for the best costumes! Registration is open until mid-December and costs €19.
Photo credit: zaptravel.com
Opening photo credit: Tracie Howe