Here are some recommendations for events to attend the weekend of Dec. 3-4.
St. Anton Ski OpenLocation: St. Anton, Austria Date: Dec. 2-4 Details: Three days of feverish partying set the tone for the upcoming ski season in St. Anton, a Tyrolean ski resort in the Arlberg ski region heralded as the cradle of alpine skiing. Rea Gravey, Gregor Meyle and Lions Head perform in concert from 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Skiers and boarders can test out the latest equipment; even non-skiers can enjoy the parties, prize drawings and the AUDI driving experience. Admission: Concert entry costs 45 euros at the door or 10 euros in conjunction with a lift pass valid for two or more days. A two-day lift ticket costs 71 euros. Website: www.stantonamarlberg.com/en/events/stanton-ski-open-2-4-december-2016
Museum NightLocation: Ghent, Belgium Date: 6 p.m. to late night Dec. 1 Details: The pretty, canal-studded Ghent is the backdrop for an initiative in which nine of the city’s museums keep their doors open late to allow the public to browse their permanent and temporary collections. The supporting cultural program includes music and performances, as well as a variety of food and drink. Admission: Free Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/event-museum-night-2016?context=tourist
Gent MilitariaLocation: Flanders Expo, Hall 2, Maaltekouter 1, BE-9051 Gent, Belgium Date: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 4 Details: This huge fair for military memorabilia is now organized just once a year, so don’t miss the chance to peruse the some 200 stalls of vendors hailing from all over Europe. Uniforms, hats, helmets, banners, guns, knives and posters are just a sample of the variety of goods on offer. Admission: Adults five euros, ages under 12 enter free Website: http://www.gentmilitaria.be/
Newark International Antiques & Collectors FairLocation: Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground, Newark, Nottinghamshire Date: Dec. 1-2 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 1; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2) Details: The Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair bills itself as the largest event of its kind in Europe, and with 2,500 stands scattered across a site covering 84 acres, visitors have ample wares from which to choose. The offerings here range from chandeliers to skin guards. Admission: Adults pay 20 pounds for entry Dec. 1 and 5 pounds Dec. 2. Accompanied youth under 16 enter free. Parking is free. Website: http://www.iacf.co.uk/
The Great Christmas Pudding RaceLocation: Covent Garden Piazza, London, England Date: 11 a.m. Dec. 3 Details: Covent Garden is a West London address offering shopping, theater, bars, restaurants and culture. Teams of six costumed participants race through an obstacle course running through the environs of the garden while holding a piece of Christmas pudding aloft. A program of entertainment and guest appearances round out the good-natured contest. Proceeds from the event benefit Cancer Research UK. Admission: Teams must pay to race, but it’s free to watch Website: www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk/London_Race.html
Saint Nicolas FestivitiesLocation: in and around Place Stanislaus, Nancy, France Date: Dec. 2-4 Details: Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and sailors, is a venerated figure in France’s Alsace and Lorraine regions, along with many other places. He’s the man of honor in celebrations organized across the first weekend in December. Three days of festivities include concerts, walking acts, a market and a St. Nicolas village. Program highlights slated for Dec. 4 include the grand concert at 5 p.m. and a parade departing from rue Gustave Simon at 5:30 p.m. and arriving at Place Stanislas about two hours later. Admission: Free Website: http://www.lorraineaucoeur.com/evt-19751/saint-nicolas-a-nancy-defile-st-nicolas/meurthe-et-moselle-nancy/marche-de-noel-fetes-saint-nicolas-2016
Chocolart
Location: Tuebingen, Germany Date: Nov. 29-Dec. 4 Details: An old town center with half-timbered houses sets the scene for Germany’s biggest chocolate festival. A chocolate market, a “sweet and bitter” exhibition, candy-making courses, cocoa painting demos, tastings, and guided tours through the city’s coffee houses are just some treats on a packed program. A guided tour through the old town is offered in English from 11 a.m. Dec. 3, and on this day, shops remain open until 11 p.m.Admission: Free Website: www.chocolart.de/
SaturnaliaLocation: Aquinicum Museum, Szentendrei út 135, Budapest, Hungary Date: Dec. 4 Details: The festival of Saturn is regarded as a predecessor of today’s traditional Christmas festivities. Theatrics, handcrafted goods, games dating from Roman times, feasting on old-time treats and re-enactments of ancient rites make a day spent here less ordinary. Admission: Free Website: www.aquincum.hu/en/
River to River Florence Indian Film FestivalLocation: Cinema La Compagnia, Via Camillo Benso Cavour, 50, Florence, Italy Date: Dec. 3-8 Details: Escape into the mysterious and magical world at this unique festival which only screens movies made in or about India. Kabir Bedi is this year’s honored guest. Admission: Tickets needed; no price info given on site Website: http://www.rivertoriver.it/en/
L’Artigiano in FieraLocation: Fieramilano, Strada Statale del Sempione, 28 - 20017, Milan, Italy Date: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Dec. 3-11 Details: Unique, original and high quality hand-crafted creations from around the world can be admired and purchased here, often from the people who created the items. A rich side program offers events, dance performances, cooking demos and gourmet treats. Admission: Free Website: http://artigianoinfiera.it/en/home-en/
Szopka Nativity Scene CompetitionLocation: Adam Mickiewicz monument in the Main Square, Krakow, Poland Date: From noon Dec. 1 Details: A Szopka is a fanciful Christmas crib unique to Krakow, Poland. Traditionally used as a theater for a nativity play performed by puppets, these fanciful creations boast of towers, turrets and fantastical design. Each year, the crib makers of Krakow compete to see who can build the most beguiling structure. Cribs are judged within categories corresponding to size and age of maker. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Szopki can be viewed in the City Historical Museum at Rynek Glowny 35 through mid-February. Admission: Free Website: www.krakow-info.com/szopki.htm
