Okay, so I decided to put together a guide on the top winter holiday festivals in Europe. Here’s how I went about it, step-by-step:

Brainstorming and Initial Research
First, I brainstormed a list of all the winter festivals I could think of. I jotted down everything that came to mind, even if I wasn’t sure if it was a “top” festival. I just wanted to get all my ideas on paper (well, digitally, on my computer).
Then, I started digging into some basic online research. I mainly used search engines to get a feel for what festivals are most popular and what makes them special. I was looking for things like unique traditions, delicious food, and overall atmosphere.
Narrowing Down the List
My initial list was pretty long, so I needed to narrow it down. I focused on festivals that:
- Were held in Europe (obviously!).
- Took place during the winter holiday season (roughly November to January).
- Had a strong reputation and positive reviews.
- Offered something unique or particularly interesting.
This helped me cut out some of the smaller, lesser-known events and focus on the big hitters.
Deeper Dive into Each Festival
Once I had my shortlist, I spent more time researching each individual festival. I wanted to understand:

- The history and origins of the festival.
- The specific dates and locations.
- The main activities and events.
- Any special food or drinks associated with it.
- What kind of vibe or atmosphere to expect.
I looked at travel blogs, official festival websites, and even some videos to get a good sense of what each festival was like.
Organizing and Writing the Guide
Finally, I organized all my notes and started writing the guide. I tried to make it as clear and helpful as possible, including practical information like dates, locations, and tips for visitors. I figured that is the most imformative things for people.
And that’s basically it! It was a fun process of discovery, and I learned a lot about some amazing European winter festivals along the way. I hope my guide will help others experience the magic of these events!