There’s never been a cheaper time to enjoy the holiday cheer radiating from the tents and stalls of Europe’s Christmas Markets. Despite chill winds, snowflakes and global inflation, the US dollar exchange rate makes visitors feel welcomed and toasty warm. Here’s our pick of the very best places in Sweden, Finland, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark to celebrate the season with kids at Europe’s top Christmas Markets.
Our review doesn’t cover all of Europe, however. This tradition is so big in Germany, that German Christmas Markets have their own review.
Where to Find Europe’s Christmas Markets
During winter, in towns large and small, picturesque European cities turn into holiday wonderlands. Historic town squares are filled with musicians on balconies and choirs on church steps. Each evening from mid-November until just before Christmas, dine and shop outdoors the way locals do. At booths decorated in evergreen bowers and twinkling lights, enjoy mulled wine while kids comb the stalls searching for the perfect gift. They may find a nutcracker, a hand-painted creche, or a cake baked with loving care.
Starting with the largest and most glorious of destination Christmas Markets to center your trip around (Gothenburg, Sweden) to weekend affairs that make a great complement to other sightseeing (Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens), here’s a look at what’s happening over the winter holidays.
Sweden Christmas Markets
Gothenburg (Göteborg), Sweden’s second largest city, home of Volvo and Hasselblad, is also the No. 1 city when it comes to Christmas celebrations. More than 1.5 million visitors go see Gothenburg when the city is decked out in all its glory. Shop for honey, knit socks and hats at several markets that only open select weekends. Be sure to sample a Swedish seafood dish — that is the holiday speciality.
At Liseberg, Gothenburg’s famous amusement park, they’ve figured out how to do things in a really big way. Immerse yourselves in 700 evergreens, nearly 4 miles of garlands and 5 million lights sparkling from the harbor thourgh town and into the park. Be sure to book a table for their groaning traditional buffet smorgasbord known as a julbord. This is the largest Christmas market (and the largest amusement park) in Scandinavia. The market runs till just before New Years.
Gammelstad is a traditional Christmas Market in Swedish Lapland. One December weekend, 70 stalls and cabins sell arts and crafts such as wooden toys, hand made candles and traditional straw work. Shop around for traditional foods served by the indigenous Sami people from Lapland. Don’t miss the imaginative marzipan sweets, lots of mulled wine (Skaal!) and decorated spruce trees.
The country has several of Europe’s most snowy Christmas Markets where you can catch reindeer sleigh rides, ice skating shows and ice bars outdoors. For more information, surf to the Visit Sweden tourism site.
All Year Round Christmas at Santa Claus Village, Finland
Finland has gone way beyond the European tradition of town square Christmas markets to promote itself as the home of Santa’s hideaway in the North Pole. Their office is in Santa Claus Village in Finnish Lapland. (The Claus’ secret home is hidden).
Since 1985 it has been open year-round. Nonetheless, it’s the wintry weekends leading up to Christmas that attract charter planes with loads of British and other European families. It’s a bucket list trip to fly directly into Rovaniemi for just one day, get a glimpse of Santa, and share your child’s Wish List with him.
Events are planned to offset the short daylight hours and cold, cold climate of winter. That makes Finland’s Christmas Market season especially welcome for Finns. All through December, families plan pikkujoulu or little Christmas get-togethers. At the public markets, sample the Scandinavian version of gluhwein known as glögi. Families will find special concerts and festive menus everywhere. But there’s nothing quite like Santa Claus Village.
Europe’s Christmas Markets in Finland: Helsinki
Helsinki’s Christmas Season typically begins in late November and ends a few days before Christmas. Annually since 1852, Senate Square Christmas Market has risen outside the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral. Whenever you visit, start here in the capital’s largest market, browsing more than 100 stalls. In addition to fabulous Finnish art and high style clothes, delicious edible treats include marzipan animals, gingerbread cookies, Christmas fruitcake and the flakiest prune-filled Christmas tarts imaginable.
All of Aleksanterinkatu Street is lit up. Yuletide shoppers peruse beautiful contemporary and traditional craft items including fur hats, silver ornaments and wreaths made of woven oat stalks. There are small markets in Old Porvoo and lots of shopping at the Art Factory Christmas and the Women’s Christmas Marksmallet at the Old Harbor.
Candles illuminate the museum village of traditional homes, Seurasaari. Visit the holiday displays about the Finns’ ancient traditions and special family programming. And, your family may spend hours indoors happily exploring beautifully decorated stores such as Stockmann’s, Marimekko and Iittala. For more information, see Visit Helsinki Tourism.
Europe’s Christmas Markets: Experience France By Barge
River cruising has exploded in popularity as a budget and super convenient way to see Europe’s great harbor cities. However, few realize that the best and most traditional Christmas Markets in France are best visited by barge. The France-based CroisiEurope river cruise company makes the discovery of France’s authentically magical holiday markets comfortable and easy. This year, their French Canal Boats are calling on Christmas Markets in French Alsace. One cruise starts in Strasbourg, whose well-preserved Old Town known as Petite France is an Instagram-worthy site. This is said to be France’s oldest and most popular Christmas Market of all. The other Croisieurope barge itinerary features Colmar, an Alsation town riddled with canals lined with traditional homes. Lights reflected in the bands of water make it a magical experience.
The cathedral towns of Metz and Reims (champagne territory) also host classic Christmas Markets with locally produced artisan goods and the edibles the French are famous for. Paris, a must-stop for its incredible shopping, is decorated to the hilt for the holidays.
There are several Paris neighborhood Christmas Markets, including one selling recycled goods for the eco-conscious and one with African style. Opposite the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries comes alive with stalls from mid-November to Three Kings Day. In addition to shopping, look for the surrounding an ice skating rink, Ferris wheel and decked-out evergreen tree.
Switzerland Christmas Markets
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city so its popular Christmas markets are well worth a visit. Visitors enjoy the festive shopping venues plus outdoor concerts, evening light shows, pop-up restaurants and decorated shops. From the third week in November to just before Christmas Eve, drop by several Christmas markets held around the city. Europe’s Christmas afficionados love both the traditional small ones in Old Town and the Opera House’s huge Wienachtsdorf Market known as Zurich Christmas Village. Thanks to their tourism department, we sampled the market in New York City and loved some of the more than 100 vendors who came with foods, handmade goods and holiday products. Drop into one of their cozy lounges or sit in the warming chalet so you’re ready to shop the huts at Zurich Wienachtsdorf.
Additionally, Zurich Main train station hosts a contemporary market whose tree has more than 7,000 crystal ornaments. Keep this market in mind for those evenings when the temperatures drop as your kids may be more comfortable indoors.
Any time, we love the Marlitram, a festive red tram driven by Santa that circulates around Zurich. The angels onboard narrate Christmas stories for ages 4-9; tickets required from the Jelmoli department store. Pick up a Zurich Card or the Bike version to make getting around the city easier and cheaper.
Don’t miss the Christmas Markets in the lakefront city of Lucerne, which is so beautiful at any time of year. The Lucerne Advent Season opens Nov. 24 with tree lighting ceremonies at Europaplatz and in the Old Town. Both host Europe style Christmas Markets with a Swiss flair through the month of December. If you’re new to the tradition, why not book a Pine Boughs and Bright Lights Tour. As you stay warm strolling the city’s streets, an expert guide explains the local traditions and specialties to look for at the various markets.
Belgium Christmas Markets Thrive in Brussels
Throughout Belgium, Europe’s Christmas Markets season begins at the end of November, with the celebration of St. Nicholas. Belgium is a country where chocolate and french fries are the joys of everyday life. However, at the holidays, enjoy marzipan, klaasjes (flat hard cakes) and speculoos (St. Nicholas-shaped gingerbread) at the country’s many traditional Christmas markets.
In Brussels, the city center hosts a skating rink within its large Christmas market, which has an illuminated Ferris Wheel and street activities to keep the family busy. Visitors can get lost in the 240 wooden chalets shared among the top three markets. You must visit the Bourse (Stock Exchange), Place Sainte Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons (fish market). Shop at each for unique Christmas ornaments, handicraft items and seasonal gourmet treats. Choirs, processions, bands and concerts complete the holiday ambiance.
Learn about the history, manufacture and artistry of chocolate, which makes a great holiday gift. In fact, the gift shop at Choco-Story Brussels is the place to buy Neuhaus, Godiva and Leonidas confections. And don’t forget that a Brussels Greeter will help you shop and introduce your family to the city, at no additional charge.
Discover Europe’s Best Christmas Markets in Quieter Belgium Cities
In Belgium’s major towns, Europe’s Christmas markets often run through the first week of January (Three Kings Day). That gives your family a chance to visit one of the large, bustling urban markets then retreat to a quieter city for a different experience.
In Bruges, enjoy Christmas concerts and carillon (bell-ringing) music. This magical city is packed with traditional architecture. Add on holiday decor comprising garlands and Christmas lights and the Bruges during the holidays looks like a gingerbread kingdom. Shops boast exquisite lacework and more, and the Procession of the Eastern Star parades across the city’s canals. While in Bruges, don’t miss the opportunity to sightsee in a horse-drawn sleigh.
In Antwerp, the markets boast with entertainment provided by jugglers, musicians, painters, poets and musical groups. Many Belgian products, as well as gourmet goodies and crafts from other European countries, are widely available.
There are exceptions to that exceptionally long Christmas market season. Throughout December only, visit a magical Christmas Village composed of 155 decorated cottages in Liege. In Ghent, famous for its cathedral and churches, the most photogenic of Europe’s Christmas Markets opens only three weeks in December. As Ghent is a green city, and the market is located in a Low Emission Zone, most visitors driving into the zone will have to register their vehicles. Being in a car-free zone makes perusing the 150 wooden stalls even more fun for families.
Note that even the tiniest villages (many just a day trip from Brussels) will feature Nativity scenes and holiday concerts for a limited time. For more information, review the listings on Visit Belgium.
Austria Christmas Markets
Holiday lights and Austrian Christmas Markets illuminate the Vienna from mid-November until right after Christmas. The Austrian capital has several of Europe’s favorite Christmas markets to marvel at. Romantics like the charming Spittelburg district, where one can find mulled wines, sweet treats and warm knitted goods nightly. At the classically regal Schönbrunn Palace, beyond the usual Christmas Market attractions, head inside for the palace’s own children’s activities and programs. Stay after the holiday to this imperial market convert into a New Year’s market. Belvedere Castle, one of Vienna’s most recognizable buildings, is home to a Christmas Village with Baroque accents. Maria-Theresien-Platz is full of regional crafts, unique gifts and culinary delights.
For traditional handicrafts and Christmas music, head for the Old Viennese Christmas Market on the Freyung which dates to 1792. Buy beautiful handmade gifts at the Art Advent in front of Karlskirche, where kids love to play in the petting zoo. Allow time to visit the candle-making workshop, listen to music and sample only organic foods. Vienna’s City Hall or Rathausplatz hosts Vienna Christmas World at the Christmas Market. It is arguably the city’s most famous Christmas Market with beautiful ice rinks. One can find countless ways to get lost among 150 booths sharing the intoxicating Christmas spirit.
The picture perfect Salzburg Christmas Market specializing in klotzenbrot, a bread loaded with raisins, dried fruits and nuts, also has a Christmas Museum. The main market, one of several in town, runs till December 26 in the center of Cathedral Square. All year round at the museum, visitors can see holiday decorations from the period 1840-1940, many from the famous Wienerwerkstatte which once sold as souvenirs. Did you know “Silent Night, Holy Night” was written in the city of Mozart — also the birthplace of “Sound of Music”?
Denmark Christmas Markets
In Denmark, the hyggelig or cozy Danish Christmas season opens early, typically in mid-November, and runs about five weeks till a few days before Christmas. At Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s beloved pleasure park, pixies prepare more than 60 traditional stalls. The market showcases handmade decorations, Christmas gifts and sweets through New Year’s Eve. Families will enjoy the three different light shows that play continuously and the Toboggan Run. Warm up and stay that way with mulled red wine, hot cocoa and other winter beverages. The park’s lavish decor is inspired by Danish and Scandinavian tradition, and live reindeer add to the festive scene. Several other neighborhoods in Copenhagen host small markets, and stores everywhere show off their holiday decorations.
You may not have heard of Tonder, a market town that’s reigned near the German border in Jutland for more than 750 years. They host a marvelous, very traditional Christmas market with its own Santa Post Office to send greeting cards from. At Den Gamle By, the living history site comprising 75 historic houses in Aarhus, costumed re-enactors create the spirit of Christmas’ past.
Don’t forget that holiday music plays at churches and cathedrals at no cost, all over Denmark, in December. For more information, look at Visit Denmark.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
6 Replies to “Holidays At Europe’s Favorite Christmas Markets”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
Helpful, unique and bif it works, Great.
2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
I really like your post!
This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
What a timely bit now! Thank you so much for this good
post. I saw your publications previously, however this one I believe
the very best. How did you find numerous facts?
I enjoy the way that you organize everything, as it is actually simple to read.
In general, I can recommend this guide to everybody who’s
interested in that topic.
As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
Good day! I simply want to give you a huge thumbs
up for the great info you have right here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your blog for more
soon.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out more
details.
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired!
Very helpful info particularly the last phase
🙂 I deal with such info much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
Amazing post! We are currently linking to this article on our site.
Keep up the terrific writing.
Best regards,
Boswell Dencker
Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
🙂 Congrat!
Awesome post!
Thanks for sharing..
I really like your post!
this is a really good stuff
Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
Thanks for such a beautiful post, very informative and useful article
Thank you for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve
never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed
to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great
article!
Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
Thank you so much for your beautiful article!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
Awesome Post!
Thanks for sharing..
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.