Safest Christmas destinations: part 2
Advent Feast at the Basilica, Budapest
/from 20th November 2020 to 1st January 2021/
In love, and safety – with this slogan, the Advent Basilica, Budapest’s uniquely beautiful Christmas fair, opens its doors. Last year, in the online voting of the European Best Destinations, the series of events chosen as the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe awaits its visitors from November 20 until the first day of the new year in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica in one of the most impressive squares of the Hungarian capital.
True to the tradition of this year’s 10-year-old Advent Basilica, it promises an unparalleled festive atmosphere, quality pastimes, a special gastronomic offer and a more colorful program than ever before – all with safety measures that allow for cloudless celebrations during a coronavirus epidemic.
More than 100 artisan and gastronomic vendor offers its portico, the latter in addition to the popular fair food, as well as many delicacies available only here. The spectacularly decorated atmosphere of the fair itself is completed by the highly successful lightshow projected on the Basilica in recent years.
Organizers place great emphasis on coronavirus epidemic prevention. Mandatory use for hand sanitizers and masks which willbe available at several exhibitors, disposable socks for rink users, a thermal camera to monitor the fair as a whole, and qualified medical staff and a covid tent are planned for a safe stay.
- Christmas market: from 20th November 2020 to 1st January 2021.
- Travelling to Hungary: Entry from EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries is generally not allowed without a special reason. Citizens of Czechia, Poland and Slovakia are allowed to enter Hungary if they show a negative coronavirus test not older than five days.
- Sanitary measures: Exemption may be granted if entry is for court, administrative, family, health, education or other legitimate reasons and if health screening is negative.
- Latest information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/HUN/7001
Zagreb, Croatia
/from 28th November 2020 to 1st January 2021/
With 13 times fewer Covid-19 deaths per million inhabitants than some European countries, Croatia is seen as a safe destination for your winter holiday. Beyond the sanitary measures put in place very quickly by the authorities, Croatia has many advantages for travellers looking for safe Christmas holidays, including an incredible offer of tourist apartments, private villas, boutique hotels and small accommodations. This is exactly what travellers are looking for this winter.
Known worldwide as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe with Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, Zagreb will welcome travellers this year with sanitary standards adapted to the situation (dispensers of hydroalcoholic gel throughout the market, disinfection of rides, ice skates, masks for vendors and protective plexi for those offering food, etc.). The market is very large throughout the city and you will find the atmosphere that suits you for a safe and relaxed holiday in the Croatian capital.
- Christmas market: From28th November 2020 to 1st January 2021.
- Sanitary measures: It is mandatory for passengers to wear masks on public transport, taxis, shops and other commercial premises. There are currently no requirements for travellers to produce a negative COVID test or self-isolate on arrival in Croatia. Screening on arrival.
- Travelling to Croatia: Citizens of EU+ countries, as well as their family members, are allowed to enter Croatia without restrictions. Before entering the country, all travellers must complete the EnterCroatia form.
- Latest information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/HRV
Ljubljana, Slovenia
/from 27th November 2020 to 2nd January 2021/
With 12 times fewer severe cases of Covid-19 per million inhabitants than the most affected countries in Europe, Slovenia is positioned as one of the safest destinations this winter. Perfect for a break far from stress in the middle of nature, Slovenia is the European destination most awarded by the European Commission for its commitment to sustainable tourism.
More than ever, we want to breathe clean fresh air and enjoy timeless moments with those we love. Treat yourself to unforgettable memories in Slovenia, the country for you during these difficult times. You can rent a car and discover different places in the country such as Bohinj voted best hidden gem in Europe or Soca Valley, Radolca, awarded by the European Commission.
- Christmas market: from 27th November 2020 to 2nd January 2021.
- Travelling to Slovenia: Entry from EU countries is, in general, allowed without restrictions. Depending on their epidemiological situation, Slovenia divides countries in three categories (green, yellow and red). For each category, a different set of entry rules applies. Travellers can enter Slovenia without any restrictions from countries belonging to the green category.
- Sanitary measures: It is not allowed to enter indoor public spaces and public transport vehicles without wearing a face mask. Quarantine for travellers from the red and yellow list. No quarantine is required for travellers from the green list. No additional documentation is required.
- Latest information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/SVN
Tallinn, Estonia
/from 15th November 2020 to 5th January 2021/
Awarded the title of Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, Tallinn is a favourite destination for travellers for winter holidays. With its family atmosphere, magical illuminations, traditional and artisanal products and delicious local delicacies, Tallinn is also this year one of the safest destinations for Christmas holidays. Estonia has so far recorded 18 times fewer severe cases of Covid-19 per million inhabitants than the most affected European countries. Hospitals here have never been overcrowded and the virus has done much less damage than elsewhere in Europe. More quickly than other countries, Estonia was able to resume a “normal” life while applying measures of social distancing, protection (masks) and the provision of hydro alcoholic gels in public spaces.
- Christmas market: from 15th November 2020 to 5th January 2021.
- Travelling to Estonia: An updated list of countries for which entry to Estonia is subject to limitations is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Latest information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/EST
