Rick Steves' European Christmas

Rick Steves' European Christmas is an enchanting and educational documentary film that transcends the boundaries of culture and learns to celebrate the Christmas season the European way, courtesy of seasoned globetrotter and host, Rick Steves.

The film presents the zestful journey of Rick Steves, who is an esteemed author, historian, and passionate traveler famous for his various travel guides and his long-running public television series, through Europe's outlandish tale of Christmas traditions. For the uninitiated, Rick Steves is known for his expert knowledge of Europe, demonstrating skill in navigating through traditional customs, exquisite eateries, and iconic sites while inviting viewers to learn and experience the same.

The film starts with the outset of the Advent season in late November and ends with the culmination of the Twelve Days of Christmas in early January. Covering many countries in one sweep—France, Norway, Germany, England, Italy, and Switzerland become the scenic backdrop of this educational holiday adventure.

In exploring these locations, the audience is taken on a festive tour as they participate in the age-old traditions of Europe's Christmas, encountering a remarkable blend of familiar customs with exotic foreign practices. It's not merely a touristic journey, but a deep dive into the cultural potpourri that Europe offers during Christmas while focusing on retaining the spirit of the holiday — love, goodwill, and festivity.

Rick Steves doesn't shy away from diving head-first into local customs. In the small alpine town of Oberndorf, Austria, he participates in a unique re-enactment of Silent Night, joining the villagers in the very chapel where the timeless carol was first performed. In Norway, viewers tour a Norwegian Christmas fair, sipping warm gløgg while enjoying a performance of traditional folk dance. In Germany, he unwraps the history behind the beloved Christmas tree and the timeless charm of celebrating Christmas in medieval towns.

The film beautifully captures Europe's grand Christmas traditions - from visiting the glittering Christmas markets teeming with festive cheer and in places like Nürnberg, Salzburg, and Oslo, to scenic midnight masses in Burgundy and a torch-lit procession in the Swiss Alps.

Despite the grandeur, the film does not dodge the nuanced, more intimate traditions of Christmas. It shows us the togetherness of families indulging in simple yet gratifying pleasures like cooking Christmas treats, singing carols, and decorating Christmas trees. We also get to peek into the homes of ordinary families across cultures. And to our delight, we find that our traditions are not so dissimilar after all.

Engaging, illuminating, and filled with festive joy, Rick Steves' European Christmas is not just informational; it is an experience. A beautifully woven Christmas narrative that bridges the gap between cultures, helps us understand and appreciate global traditions, and kindles the true spirit of Christmas—unity, love, and joy.

The viewer is left with a sense of warmth and admiration for the customs that have evolved over centuries, from numerous medieval practices towards today's way of celebrating the festive season. Steves' knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of these customs shine through, making this more than just a travelogue—it's a Christmas treat in itself.

The charm of Rick Steves' European Christmas lies not in the grandeur of European landscapes but in its ability to transport viewers into the heart of European homes and traditions personally shared by local families who've celebrated this way for generations. It's the next best thing to actually being there!

In the end, Rick Steves' European Christmas significantly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas, forming an intimate connection with European traditions and our own. It's a unique global montage, not merely a cinematic journey, but a passage that binds us to the true essence of Christmas. Enjoy the twinkling lights, sacred music, traditional foods, as the spirit of the season comes alive in this memorable and meaningful documentary.