Want to feel a little merry and a little bright this Christmas?
Well, start by watching out who you give your heart to, in order not to end up singing your favourite George Michael song hugging your pillow and nothing more! Second, allow Mariah Carey to invade your life once again, because even if you don’t want to, there is obviously nothing you can do about it. Third, make sure to have some festive decoration at home, some lights and warm colours to respect the holy month. And last, but not the least, fill your heart with love and nothing less, love for your life, your family, your friends, your work, your colleagues, your traveling buddies, your dreams and YOURSELF!
That said, staying indoors is not an option if you are traveling to Albania this December! Although it is a country with diverse religions, Christmas conquers them all. We previously posted a blog about the best places to visit during winter, but this one we dedicate to the absolutely best Albanian destinations where you can celebrate Christmas this year and get the best out of it.
1. TIRANA
The capital of Albanians is the loudest and brightest when it comes to the end-of-year holidays. The Christmas market is focused on the city center but there are bright decorations all over the streets. The Christmas tree was set in the first days of December, and although the rain was not in its favor, Tirana managed to gather everyone in Skanderbeg Square. There you will find Christmas lodges, offering warm drinks and food, music and long conversations, warmly dressed and decorated with lights. For children there are plenty of fun games like Christmas carousel, toy cars etc. For teenagers looking for adrenaline, the play corner challenges you with safe flights in the air. Of course the kavaliers have the chance to win a teddy bear for their ladies in shooting games. A warm evening with chestnuts will make your December merrier if you visit the Skanderbeg Square in Tirana.
2. KORCA
Korca is stunning at every time of the year, but no word is enough to describe its charm during Christmas. Most of the locals are Christians so they have been celebrating the 25th of December for many years as their best family tradition. During the recent years, Korca has been thriving into one of the most wanted destinations in Albania due to its old Bazaar, old lovely neighborhoods, the classy architecture and the good food. If you are lucky you can have a white Christmas, as it snows very often there, otherwise you will have wonderful nights visiting the Bazaar, the main promenade, the square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral or the Republica street. You will be stunned by the decorations, the lights, the music and you can get on the grand wheel near the cathedral and enjoy a great view from up there. Make sure to book your accommodation as soon as possible, because everybody is going to Korca during the last week of December.
3. SHKODRA
2022 is making sure to be noticed in Shkodra. You can not help but notice the illuminated numbers as you enter the main promenade of the city, taking you to a lovely walk by the shops, bars and decorated restaurants. You can not miss so many people riding a bicycle while going home or anywhere else, so feel free to rent one in order to explore the city lights better, you will feel like a true local. The Christmas tree could be bigger but don’t let that upset you, there are so many decorations in the promenade you will forget about the queen. The evening is Shkodra are warm, smell good and sound lovely. Make sure to book your weekend there.
4. POGRADEC
The small romantic city is welcoming you event at Christmas. The lovely promenade by the lake is like no other and will take you to a romantic novel kind of evening. The lights reflecting on the lake, the beautiful Drilon park, the white proud swans will transform your Christmas Eve in a fairytale, white the restaurants will offer you to try the wild duck instead of the typical turkey. It is a quiet city that sleeps early, but probably some of you like it that way and want to relax on those few vacation days.
5. GJIROKASTER
Christmas decorations look better l in the old neighborhoods of cities, especially in “Qafa e Pazarit” in Gjirokaster, where travellers, cultures, experiences and paths meet each other. Although this year it is not in its best days, Gjirokaster offers a holiday atmosphere you can feel it in bars, restaurants, narrow alleys and windows of houses decorated to the taste of everyone. If you are heading towards a historical and cultural discovery in Albania, you want to visit a neighborhood protected by UNESCO, the childhood home of the great writer Ismail Kadare, or to learn something more about the famous street “Sokaku i te Marreve”, choose Gjirokastra this Christmas and you will not regret it.