Rick Steves' European Christmas

by Rick Steves, Valerie Griffith

From England to Norway, Burgundy to Bavaria, and Rome to the top of the Swiss Alps, Rick Steves' European Christmas gets you a seat at the family feast, up in the loft with the finest choirs, and into the kitchen with grandma and her best-kept holiday secrets. With enchanting photos and more than a dozen recipes, this great gift book captures the spirit of the season perfectly.

After producing a hundred travel shows, Rick Steves and his public television crew finally went to Europe for Christmas. And the cameras were rolling. As only they can, Rick and his gang brought home a vivid and authentic portrait of how Europeans celebrate the holiday. This book is the companion to that PBS special.

The Christmas we know today is a rich and fascinating mix of traditions that came over on the boat — an ancient celebration with pre-Christian roots. From Yule logs to mistletoe, from singing shepherds to the split personalities of Santa, from traditional recipes to the top ten ways to celebrate in Paris, you'll learn something new — or old — about Christmas.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Christmas, History, Holiday

244 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2005

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved reading about different festive Christmas customs in a handful of countries like Germany, France, Italy, Norway and more. Some I knew, many I did not, so discovering these new facts was fun like the origins of the candy cane or the prestige with which gingerbread is afforded! Recipes for many familiar things like gingerbread are included, but my fave recipe, page 213 for Heidi Cocoa is simply "hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps. Enjoy with a view of Mountains." Yum!!
The only downside is dated photos. Culled from stills from 2004-2005 filmed shows, many of the photos cried out for modern day clothing, faces, etc. Customs, of course, are the same but for a 2013 publishing date, I rather expected the content would also be relatively fresh.
Overall, this is a great book to enjoy with a coffee or tea, or a spiked hot chocolate in the days when you can find a quiet moment to unwind before Christmas week.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but entertaining book, I liked this glimpse into some European Christmas traditions--some familiar, some not. I would like to try a few myself next December (like hiding a prize for one lucky individual in food). I also liked the history of how certain Christmas traditions developed, and how some of them have Christian roots but just as many do not.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful to learn about different countries' Christmas traditions and how far back many of them go. One thing Rick always does well is respect, inclusiveness, and a bringing a sense of fun and wonder to learning about other cultures. I would love to spend the Christmas season in a different country just for the experience. I'm sure it would bring new enjoyment and meaning to the holiday. I copied the gluhwein recipe included in the book because it sounded really easy and tasty!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent discussion of the origins of various Christmas customs and how people celebrate throughout Europe.

[Greg Schloesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love just about anything travel gury Rick Steves produces. His travel guides are so indepth and honest. He doesn't include anything and everything, but is quite selective, steering his readers to the true gems that should not be missed. But more importantly, he wants travelers to immerse themselves in other cultures and get a true cultural experience when they travel. Amen to that!

His "European Christmas" book examines how Christmas is celebrated in various countries throughout Europe. It concentrates on the traditions, some of which date back to pagan times. The book is filled with wonderful stories, history and photos, and even includes recipes for favorite holiday dishes and treats.

Like just about everything Rick produces, this is a true treat.

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book about Christmas customs around the world. Rick Steves, the author, has added commentary and beautiful color photos. Rick is well known for running tours around the world and writing travel books. I went on one of his tours and loved it.

I recommend this book to readers interested in learning Christmas customs around the world.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and handy little book written by PBS friend Rick Steve's. I enjoy seeing Europe through Rick's eyes especially during the Christmas season. It was so appropriate to finish reading the book on Christmas morning!

[Monika Schrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introductory look at Christmas in Western and Northern Europe, the only downside is much of Eastern and Southern Europe is overlooked. The recipes are a nice touch, and so are the beautiful pictures. It is a nice complement to the video.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gem was a lovely surprise. The book goes region by region in Europe, detailing the origins and traditions of Christmas. So many of our traditions began in Europe so it was great fun to learn more about where they came from.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a Christmas around the world traditions book and less of a detailed travel guide like his other books. Still delightful.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

[Diana Bustamante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect “loo” book for December taken from the Christmas special which I have never seen.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book is 20 years old, it was very interesting to travel around Europe and learn about various Christmas traditions!

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It had lots of interesting info about Christmas customs in Europe also with traditional recipes and many photographs. My only complaint would be the size of the book. It is a paperback that is only 7x7 inches. A full size book would have been better - then the beautiful photographs could have been bigger. The book is printed on beautiful glossy paper giving it a "coffee table" book style - however without the size.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having experienced Christmas in Europe I used this book primarily as a souvenir to remember the trip by. It condenses the traditions and celebrations of many countries. I can only judge the accuracy of the Germany portion, but it is spot on.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for christmas, yes it is the nerdy travel guy from PBS. The book has sections from 16 different countries describing their christmas traditions and even includes a traditional christmas recipe.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so much fun to read all the traditions and origins of the countries at Christmas time, and compare them to the experiences that we've had in Europe. I even made note of some traditions that would be fun to start in our own family.

[Shorel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family Christmas tradition is to watch the European Christmas episode with the children. This book contains a little more info than the show. A few great recipes too! Glad I finally took time to read the book. Looking forward to a future European Christmas with family. (Particularly Nürnberg!)

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that Rick Steves' family members came to the Switzerland filming--it makes perfect sense to have one's family in a "TV Special".

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun accompaniment to the PBS special.

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent insights to a variety of countries and their Christmas celebrations. Includes unique recipes, great photos and personable writing.
Added to my Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015

[Carol Ann]

I loved the DVD, but the book is even better! I learned so much about the celebration of Christmas. It also has yummy recipes!

[Ann Hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read about European Christmas traditions and to compare them with our traditions.