Tap into the Christmas spirit on Ærø

The Christmas season on Ærø is something special . It finds expression in a festively decorated tree glimpsed through frost-encrusted windows . Or the scent of freshly baked Danish Christmas treats as they come out of the oven . Ruddy cheeked pedestrians hurrying along the cobbled streets, wrapped up warmly in scarves and mittens and passing on their good humour . For many Danes, Christmas is the concept of “hygge” come to life, and nowhere is this more evident than on Ærø . Experience the joyous mood at the numerous Christmas markets, or bask in the warmth from the brightly lit windows .

CHRISTMAS MARKET IN ÆRØSKØBING Ærøskøbing has long had the reputation of providing the (cobbled) backdrop to one of the most delightful Christmas markets imaginable . The setting here is intimate and second to none . No artificial scenery . Shops and eateries provide the Christmas decoration, and the streets are lined with invitingly illuminated Christmas stalls where you can buy Ærø specialities, Christmas gifts, sweet and savoury treats, and more besides . Classic Christmas hits ring out from the Købmandsgaarden buildings on the main square, the scent of mulled wine and giant Christmas cookies wafts on the evening breeze, and it is almost impossible not to be moved by the Christmas spirit . The shops present all kinds of great ideas for Christmas gifts – unfailingly backed by wonderful service – and at the restaurants and cafés you can warm yourself up with delicious meals, coffee and cake . For dates and other details, see visitaeroe .com/christmas .

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS ON ÆRØ In Marstal, Father Christmas and his family sail ashore on the good ship Samka, and the subsequent lighting of the Christmas tree is a popular attraction among local residents and guests alike . It is also in Marstal that you can witness a veritable army of Father Christmases streaming through the streets during the annual Santa Claus Run . In Ærøskøbing, Black Friday has been replaced by “Local Friday” and light in the dusk . This is a single day and night where you can buy Christmas gifts and enjoy tasty fare by the flickering light of candles . On the day before Christmas Eve, you can head over to Søby to watch the magnificent elves’ parade . The procession sees the streets of Søby packed with elves large and small accompanying Father Christmas on his post wagon . Want to come along? Then check out the dates and details of this and other Christmas events online at visitaeroe .com/christmas

DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON ÆRØ When you do your Christmas shopping on Ærø, you buy from small, local businesses . This makes a difference not only to them, but also to the whole of the island . In this way, you are helping to maintain a thriving island community on Ærø .