Your European Adventure Awaits
Europe in December is a travel treat like no other, offering an array of exciting adventures. Have you always wanted to ride through the snow on horseback? Do so during one magical evening as snow falls from heaven and covers your shoes! Or how about experiencing ice skating at its purest form by sliding across frozen lakes while singing “Jingle Bells.” These Euro destinations have something for everyone who visits this time-of-year, and don’t forget that there are some enchanting places only found within these lands where Christmas magic lives year-round too.
However, holiday-goers need to keep in mind that things work a little differently in Europe than they do at home. After this past summer’s measles outbreak, which was directly linked to European vacationers, several countries began instituting special restrictions on travel and immigration for anyone who hadn’t been vaccinated (or whose vaccination records can’t be proved). With all that being said, grab a Yolo Rum cocktail and let’s look at a few YOLO Euro destinations worth considering if you are looking to travel this holiday season.
ROVANIEMI, FINLAND
For those who want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is an event not to be missed. After you’ve seen his home and met him himself at their Main Post Office branch near downtown with all its winter activities on offer including reindeer watching as well as shops full of sparkling treasures from local workshops that will make anyone feel like they are truly living through a storybook scene!
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
When it comes to winter, Salzburg has a little bit of everything. You can snowboard through the stunning white landscapes or explore for hours on end just in search of that perfect Christmas-themed picture!
The famous Ski Amade region is easily accessible from Salzburg airport with shuttle services available upon arrival or departure as well as winter bus service running between terminal one and two of the train station which takes about an hour each way depending on traffic conditions (don’t worry though: there’s usually plenty). However, it might be hard to leave the magical lanes of historic old town alongside the constant smell of baking goodies that’s carried around by westerly winds throughout the holiday season.
OSLO, NORWAY
If you’re looking for some of the best skiing in Europe during December, pack your snow gear to Oslo. Just 30 minutes from downtown Oslo Winter Park is one big terrain park that has 18 slopes and 11 lifts with more than 2 kilometers worth on Korketrekkeren toboggan run making it Norway’s longest slope! And if all these aren’t enough there are also cross-country trails at Oslo Ski Center as well as numerous spots wherever one may be where they can go sledging – so no matter what level or style this winter sport enthusiast might have; he’ll find something desirable right around every corner here!
The Spikersuppa Ice Skating rink is right in the heart of Oslo, near to where you can find Christmas cheer and plenty of laughter as well. The Ferris wheel acts like an umbrella during these cold Norwegian winter times for those who need it; while traditional craftsmen sell their wares outside with smiles on both their faces (and possibly some sweat). If there isn’t much snow around yet this year, we recommend heading over to Norsk Folkemuseum’s annual fair if only because they will have dozens upon hundred stalls filled with delicious food options – gingerbread being one popular choice among many Scandinavian delicacies! And don’t forget about drinking hot cups of gløgg which actually tastes better when it has been warmed.
Yolo Gløgg Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- ½ 750ml bottle Yolo Silver
- 1 large sliced cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 2-inch piece of ginger, chopped
- 12 ounces white sugar
- 3.5 ounces sliced almonds
- 3.5 ounces raisins
Instructions:
Heat the red wine slowly in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and ginger in a spice bag and add to the pot. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
Remove the pan from heat and let cool, approximately 2 hours. Add Yolo Silver to the pan and place over medium-high heat. Heat until just before the mixture reaches a boil. Add raisins and almonds. Transfer mixture to a punchbowl, remove the spice bag and ladle into large glass cups with little spoons, scooping up raisins and almonds. Serves 8.
