Europe - The Hallz Travel

Embracing the Rich Tapestry of Swedish Christmas Traditions

by JanetEurope December 22, 2025December 22, 2025No Comments

Christmas in Sweden surprises many visitors. Swedish Christmas traditions are lived-in, not staged, giving travelers an authentic experience. Streets are busy but never chaotic, markets serve hot drinks and simple treats, homes glow with candles, and public celebrations like Lucia processions invite participation, not just observation. The focus is on being together. Meals, music, and …

13 Yule Lads and Northern Lights: Wonderful Christmas in Iceland

by JanetEurope December 17, 2025December 22, 2025No Comments

Christmas in Iceland is a truly magical time of year. With long winter nights that provide a perfect backdrop, the skies often light up with the Northern Lights, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural spectacles. The holiday season here is filled with unique customs like Jólabókaflóð (the Christmas Book Flood), Þorláksmessa (St Thorlak’s Mass), and Aðfangadagur (Christmas Eve), each celebrated …

Christmas in Spain: Quirky Customs, Delicious Feasts, and Family Fun

by JanetEurope December 11, 2025December 22, 2025No Comments

Christmas in Spain is full of surprises—unusual customs, playful rituals, and meals that bring families together for hours. Imagine searching for a hidden pooping figurine tucked into a nativity scene, hitting a Christmas log until it “delivers” candy, or joining the excitement of a nation-wide lottery that has everyone on edge. Streets and markets bustle …

Christmas in Greece: Celebrating in the Heart of the Mediterranean

by JanetEurope December 10, 2025December 22, 2025No Comments

Christmas in Greece is a rich blend of centuries-old traditions, Orthodox faith, and seasonal cheer. Villages and cities glow with lights, bakeries fill the air with sweet aromas, and communities honor customs that trace back generations. Decorated boats sail in harbors, festive foods fill tables, and carolers bring music to streets, making the holiday season …

Christmas in Ukraine: Traditions, Customs, and Resilient Celebrations

by JanetEurope December 6, 2025December 22, 2025No Comments

Christmas in Ukraine reveals a season shaped by tradition and strength. From the Holy Dinner to caroling and handmade ornaments, the holiday reflects a culture that stays connected even through difficult days.

Christmas in Finland: A Winter Wonderland

by JanetEurope December 3, 2025December 22, 2025No Comments

Christmas in Finland feels like stepping into a real-life winter postcard. The snow, the traditions, and the calm pace of the season make it one of the most interesting places to visit in December. Travelers come for the scenery, the northern lights, and the chance to experience Christmas where it’s deeply rooted in everyday life. …

German Christmas Traditions: Timeless Customs, Stollen, and Holiday Magic

by JanetEurope November 30, 2025December 22, 2025No Comments

There’s something special about the way Germany embraces the Christmas season. The lights, the aromas, and the quiet sense of tradition blend into a celebration that feels timeless and cozy. Experiencing German Christmas traditions—from festive markets to handcrafted decorations—makes the streets come alive, and you can feel the holiday spirit in every home. December in Germany …

Exploring Bucharest – The Best of Romania’s Capital

by JanetEurope September 11, 2025October 22, 2025No Comments

We spent a few days exploring Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania with about 2 million residents. It’s sometimes called “Little Paris” because of its architecture, but honestly, to us, it felt like a mix of big cities from all over the world. Its history stretches back to the mid-1400s, with ties to …

Belogradchik Fortress – Bulgaria’s Stunning Hidden Gem in the Balkan Mountains

by JanetEurope August 29, 2025September 7, 2025No Comments

Our visit to the Belogradchik Rocks in Bulgaria was one of those off-the-beaten-path travel days you hope for but can’t always plan. It’s not the sort of place you stumble across by accident—you have to make the effort to get there—but that’s part of its charm.

Vidin Bulgaria: Roses, History, and Symphony

by JanetEurope August 26, 2025September 7, 2025No Comments

We spent a day in Vidin, Bulgaria — a city that’s clearly working to revive itself despite noticeable wear and challenges. Once an industrial and agricultural hub on the Danube, Viden remains the poorest city in Bulgaria, which itself is the poorest nation in the European Union. The decline shows: crumbling sidewalks, weathered buildings, and …