Living in Europe for the past ten years has given me a unique perspective on the holiday season. Christmas, despite its universal spirit, is deeply rooted in local culture and tradition, and the differences between the Old Continent and America are fascinating.
Through experiences in Germany, Holland and America, I realized that holidays are celebrated in two completely different, but equally magical ways.
🇪🇺 European Christmas – intimacy, tradition and soul
One of the first observations after immigrating was that Europeans devote more and more attention to Christmas decorations every year. This is not about grandeur, but about intensity of emotion.
In countries like Germany, Austria or France, the streets are not lit up to "attack the dark", but to create Christmas village.
Warm, gentle lights envelop the wooden houses, and the air is saturated with the scents of mulled wine, cinnamon and chocolate.
Everything is close, intimate and focused on human interaction.
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The European mood is not grandiose — he is rich in soul.
People invest a lot in a personal experience, in an atmosphere that warms, not blinds.
Cities like Düsseldorf they become romantic, compact backdrops, in places so magical that you feel like you've stepped into an old Christmas movie.
🌊 Peace and Elegance in the Heart of Winter
After the hustle and bustle of big cities, life by the sea, in Scheveningen and The Hague, brought a special peace.
The cool wind, the beach and the lights shining on the water create a contrasting but beautiful holiday mood.
Unlike bustling Amsterdam — which is always on the move —
The Hague breathes more slowly.
It is a balanced elegance, where the festive spirit is not imposed, but is naturally woven into everyday life.
Munich – Bavarian Advent
Munich represents the essence of European Advent.
Gingerbread, roasted almonds, hot drinks, music, the darkness receding before the yellow glow of the lights...
Christmas here has a depth that brings you back to your roots — as if you are walking through centuries of European tradition.
If you are interested in what the official Advent program looks like in Munich, see the recommendations on the official website of the city's tourist board."“ https://www.munich.travel/en/topics/markets-festivals/christmas-markets-munich
European focus:
📌 Christmas Eve (December 24)
📌 Intimate gatherings
📌 Christmas fairs, atmosphere, tradition
📌 Key feeling: Peace, nostalgia, warmth
Planning a visit to Bavaria? Here is our complete guide to Munich! https://apachannel.com/minhen-vodic/
🇺🇸 American Christmas – grandeur, spectacle and showtime
When the focus shifts to America, the story takes on dimensions spectacle.
It's not about adding one light bulb, it's about light invasion.
The American celebration of Christmas is over the top — bigger, stronger and louder.
Houses sparkle like space stations, yards are transformed into themed stages, and the competitive spirit between neighbors is visible at every turn.
America took the tradition and made it grandiose, completely in the spirit of showtime.
🌃 Chicago: Hollywood Christmas Scene
Nowhere is this more evident than in Chicago.
Anyone who hasn't seen Christmas in this city doesn't know what it looks like when the metropolis turns into a Hollywood backdrop.
Ironically, Chicago is home to Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza — German traditions brought to an American context.
Wooden houses, mulled wine, bratwurst — it's all there.
But done. more grandiose, with the energy of the city shining like a Christmas blockbuster.
You can see more about their market here: Chicago Christmas Market
American focus:
📌 December 25 – Christmas morning
📌 Mass decoration
📌 Competitive spirit
📌 Key feeling: Spectacle, energy, grandiosity
✨ Final Thought: Two Worlds in Us
Where do I stand between European and American Christmas? From Sarajevo, through Chicago and Scheveningen to The Hague and Munich, it taught me one thing:
Europe warms the soul.
America's eyes light up.
And although there are clear differences in traditions, forms of celebration and the way of decorating, the essence remains the same —
Christmas lives in us, wherever we are.
Our ability to embrace both worlds — peace and glitz — makes the holidays complete.
🎁 I wish you beautiful, warm, fragrant and joyful holidays!
May these days bring you what the lights symbolize:
light, peace, warmth and hope.
Share in the comments:
✨ In which city was your Christmas mood the strongest?
