Celebrating Christmas with the COVID-19 pandemic still around wasn’t exactly how we expected the holidays to be. A season like no other, especially in regions of the world like Europe, governments are having to make tough decisions on whether to ease or increase restrictions for the holidays. Here’s what we know about the COVID-Christmas statuses in nine European nations.
Angela Merkel has warned citizens to limit socialising in case “it ends up being the last Christmas with the grandparents.” As the number of deaths and infections from the virus have surged in recent weeks, Germany is about to enter a hard lockdown over the Christmas period, which includes the cancelling of the nation’s beloved Christmas markets this year. Germany is also banning the sale of alcohol in public places and traditional mulled wine stands, in addition to closing down non-essential shops.
Traditional Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations are also called off in Madrid, Spain.
The Netherlands is on a strict lockdown for five weeks, from 15 December to 19 January, allowing households three guests maximum. Belgium and Luxembourg have taken it even one step further, limiting guests to one per household or two for people living alone. France, on the other hands, says no more than six adults around a table.
France, Belgium and the Netherlands have also cancelled New Year’s celebrations and fireworks.
