December in Europe: Israelis to enjoy soccer and Christmas

December is just around the corner, and despite the cold we are starting to experience here, for many Israelis, this is exactly the time to head to Europe and enjoy the various activities that the last month of the year offers. For years, the Christmas celebrations have started in December, decorating the streets with a festive atmosphere, offering various discount deals for shopping enthusiasts, and during this period, a variety of soccer games also take place – from the English Premier League matches that concentrate the major teams for head-to-head games, to the decisive stages of the Champions League group stage.

The violent incidents in Amsterdam are undoubtedly a warning for many, but the estimate is that many Israelis who have already purchased tickets for the games, as well as packages, will not cancel and will simply hide Israeli symbols. In Italy, a major showdown between Roma and Milan will take place on December 29, with tickets starting at €130, and packages including flights, hotel, and tickets starting at €999.

Another game drawing significant attention is the Champions League match between Dortmund and Barcelona on December 11, to be held in Germany, with tickets starting at €599. Football fans wishing to watch Liverpool vs. Real Madrid in Liverpool will pay from €549 per ticket, while in England, the Manchester derby between City and United will be held on December 15, with tickets starting at £285.

For those who prefer live performances, Paul McCartney is on his European tour, and will be performing in Paris, London, and Madrid on different dates, with packages starting at £1,500 including direct flights, hotel, and tickets. However, the security situation cannot be ignored, so it is recommended to avoid attending large events, conceal Israeli symbols, and refrain from posting travel location details on social media.

In addition to soccer and live performances, this period offers an opportunity to enjoy the Christmas lights and atmosphere. In London, one of the favorite destinations for Israelis, many stores like Selfridges and Harrods will offer special holiday deals, including unique products from luxury brands. Various parts of the city feature Christmas markets such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and markets in Covent Garden and Greenwich, offering discounts on handmade items, unique gifts, and special food products. For those seriously looking for deals, it’s important to know that discounts are expected to begin towards the end of December, with significant markdowns on fashion items, electronics, and other products.

At "Arena Tickets" company, they report that the increase in interest and bookings for December has been noticeable since September, with many trying to secure the most sought-after tickets. Roy Ezra, owner of Arena Tickets, notes, "December has become the month for traveling abroad for many. We see groups of men traveling to watch soccer games, as well as families taking advantage of the Hanukkah holiday for a short trip abroad along with a unique Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift for their child. Additionally, due to the past year and the flight market crisis, we are noticing a growing trend of many Israelis who prefer to book everything in one place, knowing that one provider is coordinating everything for them, rather than splitting it among several vendors, especially in the current war situation and the fear of not getting their money back if cancellations occur due to the situation."