Ep 0. Rick Steves' European Christmas

In Rick Steves' European Christmas, viewers are taken on a journey through Europe during the holiday season. Rick Steves, a seasoned traveler and host of the show, takes us to various cities and towns across the continent to explore their unique Christmas traditions and celebrations.

The episode begins in England, where we see the country's Christmas markets and learn about the history of English Christmas carols. We then travel to Paris, France, where Rick takes us through the beautiful Le Marais neighborhood and explores the city's many Christmas markets. We also get a glimpse of some of the city's most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, all beautifully lit up for the holiday season.

Next up is Heidelberg, Germany, known for its picturesque Christmas markets and historic castle. Rick takes us through the markets and shows us local holiday traditions like the Advent wreath and the famous Heidelberg Christmas pyramid. We also get to see the stunning views of the city from atop the castle.

Moving on to Salzburg, Austria, Rick takes us on a tour of the city's famous Christmas markets and introduces us to some of the delicious local holiday treats like Stollen and Lebkuchen. We also learn about the city's Christmas history and its ties to Mozart, whose music is a staple of holiday celebrations in Salzburg.

The episode then takes us to Mittenwald, a small town in Bavaria, Germany. Here we are introduced to the tradition of Krampus, a devilish character from German folklore who accompanies St. Nicholas and punishes misbehaving children. We also get to see the beautiful holiday decorations in the town and visit a local workshop where traditional wooden Christmas decorations are made.

The final stop on our Christmas journey is Rome, Italy. Here we get to see the Vatican's famous Nativity scene and learn about the city's Catholic Christmas traditions. We also explore the city's beautiful Christmas markets and enjoy some of the delicious local cuisine.

Throughout the episode, Rick emphasizes the importance of Christmas traditions and how they can bring people together to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season. He also highlights the diversity of European Christmas celebrations and how each country and region has its own unique customs and traditions.

Overall, Rick Steves' European Christmas is a festive and heartwarming journey through some of Europe's most beautiful cities during the holiday season. The episode offers a window into the continent's rich cultural heritage and showcases the many ways in which people celebrate this special time of year.