Podcasts about christmas markets

Every year, we do a travel year-in-review series, and to kick it off, we're breaking down our travel stats and shoutouts for 2025! We discuss number of days traveled, countries and states visited, blog and podcast stats, and more! Plus, we wrap up giving some special travel shoutouts including best hotels and best trips!   Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Galapagos Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/7-day-galapagos-itinerary/ -Lapland Finland Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/7-day-finnish-lapland-itinerary/ -Grand Masked Ball at Versailles Guide: https://francevoyager.com/grand-masked-ball-at-versailles/ -Best Blog Posts on World Wide Honeymoon: -What to Wear in Paris: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/what-to-wear-in-paris/ -Europe Winter Packing List: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/europe-winter-packing-list/ -7 Days in France: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/7-days-in-france-itinerary/  -Trip to Paris Cost: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/trip-to-paris-cost-budget-for-paris/ -Things to Do in Lexington, KY: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/unique-things-to-do-in-lexington-ky/ -Best Blog Posts on France Voyager: -Where to Stay in Paris: https://francevoyager.com/where-to-stay-in-paris/ -Best French Pharmacy Products: https://francevoyager.com/best-french-pharmacy-products/ -Champagne Tasting Guide to Reims: https://francevoyager.com/champagne-tasting-in-reims-guide/ -Things to Do in Cassis: https://francevoyager.com/things-to-do-in-cassis-france/ -One Day in Annecy: https://francevoyager.com/one-day-in-annecy-itinerary/ -Best Podcast Episodes Ever: -Ep 274: 3 Days in London -Ep 273: 2 Days in Paris -Ep 60: Travel to Vienna -Ep 153: 10 Days in Costa Rica -Ep 277: 2 Days in Edinburgh -Best Podcast Episodes This Year: -Ep 309: Top Tips Visiting For the Galápagos Islands -Ep 323: Travel to Helsinki -Ep 317: Current Bucket List Trips -Ep 305: 2025 Travel Trends -Ep 327: Tips For Visiting Rome, the Vatican, and Italy -Best TikTok Video of This Year: How Much Does it Cost to Go to the Grand Masked Ball at Versailles?: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon/video/7521794839101394190 -Best Instagram Reel: What to Wear at the Christmas Markets in Europe https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ5EqZQkc-e/?igsh=dnQ5amF3ZWhicW01 -Best Hotels in 2025: -Reina Silvia Voyager (Galapagos Cruise): https://www.gadventures.com/trips/galapagos-from-quito-western-islands-aboard-the-reina-silvia-voyager/SEV10RB/ -Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi, Finland: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/c0NPAim4RG -Terrass Hotel in Paris: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/Yinj_pL7tx -Maranatha Porto Vecchio in Corsica: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/ydBD-EXI0j -Ryokan Ginyu in Hakone: https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/38zZVEvrWH -Vista del Angel in Quito: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/HraGIfpLi2   Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2

Wie feiert man in der Zukunft Weihnachten? Im Jahr 2050 bereitet sich Familie Engelmir aufs Fest vor. KIm, die wohlprogrammierte KI, managt alles über die Care-Cams. Doch den Besuch auf dem Christmas-Market im Echt-Draußen kann sie nicht überwachen. Dort schwelgen die drei Eltern plötzlich in Erinnerungen ans analoge Früher. Und die Kinder Timmi, Tobi und Tess bekommen Sehnsucht nach ihrer Oma. Die soll nicht mehr nur als Hologramm auftauchen! Ob Oma Lisbeth leibhaftig zu ihnen kommen wird? Kinderhörspiel von Susanne Friedmann | Mit: Finn Bousfield, Franz Röbig, Helene Herwig, Abak Safaei-Rad, Jannik Schümann, Timo Weisschnur, Henriette Gonnermann, Cathleen Gawlich, Christian Gaul | Komposition: Frank Merfort | Gesang: Natalie Merfort | Piano: Sebastian Bertram | Regie: Roman Ruthardt | Produktion: rbb 2025 ▶ OHRENBÄR-Hörgeschichten empfohlen ab 6: https://www.ohrenbaer.de/podcast/empfohlen-ab-6.html ▶ Mehr Infos unter https://www.ohrenbaer.de & ohrenbaer@rbb-online.de

In Germany, Christmas really glitters! In fact many of the traditions we associate with the festive season in Britain, the US and around the world come to us via Germany. The Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Advent Calendars, nutcrackers, toys, Christmas Markets and a cornucopia of Christmas confections had roots in Deutschland. Much of this cultural exchange comes from the tight familial bonds between the British and German royal families. So curl up by the Tannenbaum with a plate of Weihnachtsplätzchen (Christmas cookies), and a mug of Glühwein or Kinderpunsch (mulled wine with or without the alcohol). And together let's explore the history of German Christmas traditions and visit the royal neues palais on December 24th, 1907 for a spectacularly festive meal with Kaiser Wilhelm and his family. Christmas trees, Tannenbaum, Christmas ornaments Santa Clause, Saint Nicholas, Christkind Nutcrackers, wooden toys Christmas Markets Christmas food and drink (cookies) Kaiser Wilhelm II's Christmas Eve Menu, 1907 Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049 - Classical Whimsical by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100303 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Moonlit Magic: A Christmas Market Tale of Hope and Art Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-23-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A holdfény ezüst árnyékokat vetett a homokos tengerpartra.En: The moonlight cast silver shadows on the sandy beach.Hu: A karácsonyi piac esti fényei csillogtak a sötét ég alatt.En: The Christmas market's evening lights sparkled beneath the dark sky.Hu: Édes sütemények, meleg bor illata és nevetés töltötte be a levegőt.En: The air was filled with the scent of sweet pastries, warm wine, and laughter.Hu: A parton mindenki ünnepelt.En: Everyone on the beach was celebrating.Hu: Itt volt Janos, egy csendes helyi művész, aki saját készítésű díszeket árult.En: Janos was there, a quiet local artist selling his handmade decorations.Hu: Mellette állt Peter, a barátja, aki segített neki.En: Beside him stood Peter, his friend, who was helping him out.Hu: Janos aggodalmasan nézte az emberek forgatagát.En: Janos looked anxiously at the crowd.Hu: Mindegyik dísz egy kis műalkotás volt: apró fafigurák, gondosan festett üvegcsengők.En: Each decoration was a small work of art: tiny wooden figures, carefully painted glass bells.Hu: De az emberek csak elmentek mellettük.En: But people just walked past them.Hu: Janos tudta, hogy ha nem ad el eleget, a műhelye nem élheti túl a telet.En: Janos knew that if he didn't sell enough, his workshop wouldn't survive the winter.Hu: Lilla egyedül állt a parton, a lábát a hideg homokba süllyesztette.En: Lilla stood alone on the beach, her feet sinking into the cold sand.Hu: Az otthontól távol, valami különlegeset keresett.En: Far from home, she was searching for something special.Hu: Egy kis emléket, ami varázslatot hoz az életébe.En: A small keepsake that would bring magic into her life.Hu: Ahogy sétált, szeme megakadt Janos csillogó díszein.En: As she walked, her eyes caught on Janos's shimmering decorations.Hu: Valami megérintette a szívét.En: Something touched her heart.Hu: - Ezek gyönyörűek - mondta Lilla, az egyik díszt tartva a kezében.En: "These are beautiful," Lilla said, holding one of the decorations in her hand.Hu: Janos arcán mosoly suhant át.En: A smile flickered across Janos's face.Hu: Mégis, a félelem ott bujkált a tekintetében.En: Yet, fear still lingered in his eyes.Hu: - Köszönöm - felelte halkan.En: "Thank you," he replied softly.Hu: Peter közelebb lépett, biztatóan vállon veregette Janost.En: Peter stepped closer and patted Janos encouragingly on the shoulder.Hu: Lilla rövid, őszinte pillantást váltott Janossal.En: Lilla exchanged a brief, sincere glance with Janos.Hu: Érezte azt a különleges kapcsolatot, amit keresett.En: She felt that special connection she had been looking for.Hu: A piac lassan zárt, de Lilla nem mozdult.En: The market was slowly closing, but Lilla didn't move.Hu: Vajon mit tartogat még ez az ismeretlen művész?En: What else did this unknown artist have in store?Hu: - Megveszem ezt a díszt - jelentette ki Lilla, majd kíváncsian nézett Janos szemébe.En: "I'll buy this decoration," Lilla declared, then glanced curiously into Janos's eyes.Hu: - Mesélne még a műveiről?En: "Would you tell me more about your works?"Hu: Ez a kis dísz volt az utolsó a standon.En: This little ornament was the last on the stand.Hu: Janos meghatottan beleegyezett.En: Janos agreed, touched.Hu: - Ha szeretnéd, gyere el a műhelyembe holnap - hívta meg Lillát, szemében reménnyel.En: "If you'd like, come to my workshop tomorrow," he invited Lilla, hope in his eyes.Hu: Az éjszaka hűvös volt, de mindkettőjük szívében melegség uralkodott.En: The night was cool, but warmth filled both their hearts.Hu: Janos új ihletet és önbizalmat merített Lilla elismeréséből.En: Janos drew new inspiration and confidence from Lilla's appreciation.Hu: Lilla pedig végre megtalált egy kapcsolatot, ami élettel töltötte meg az ünnepet.En: Lilla had finally found a connection that filled the holiday with life.Hu: Másnap újra együtt voltak, a holdfény táncot járt a tengeren, és a műhely falai között a remény apró lángja kezdett újra égni.En: The next day, they were together again, the moonlight dancing on the sea, and within the walls of the workshop, the faint flame of hope began to burn anew. Vocabulary Words:moonlight: holdfénycast: vetettsandy: homokossparkled: csillogtakworkshop: műhelyesurvive: túlélnianxiously: aggodalmasanfigures: figurákpainted: festettlinger: bujkáltspecial: különlegeskeepsake: emlékshimmering: csillogótouched: megérintetteflickered: suhantglance: pillantástornament: díszappreciation: elismeréspat: veregettecuriously: kíváncsiandeclared: jelentetteconfidence: önbizalominspiration: ihletcool: hűvöshope: reményconnection: kapcsolatunknown: ismeretlenartist: művészscent: illatabeneath: alatt

Fluent Fiction - Italian: A Christmas Market Miracle: Luca's Perfect Gift Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-12-23-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: La nebbia si dissolveva lentamente sopra la Piazza Navona, rivelando un antico spettacolo di luci e gioia.En: The fog slowly dissipated above Piazza Navona, revealing an ancient spectacle of lights and joy.It: I festoni natalizi brillavano sospesi tra le bancarelle, ed il richiamo allegro dei venditori riempiva l'aria fredda.En: The Christmas garlands shimmered suspended between the stalls, and the cheerful calls of the vendors filled the cold air.It: L'inverno era arrivato e con esso la magia del Mercato di Natale.En: Winter had arrived, and with it, the magic of the Christmas Market.It: Luca, Giulia e Matteo avanzavano tra la folla, avvolti nei loro cappotti pesanti.En: Luca, Giulia, and Matteo advanced through the crowd, wrapped in their heavy coats.It: Luca era teso.En: Luca was tense.It: Aveva realizzato solo quella mattina di aver dimenticato un regalo importante: quello per sua nonna.En: He had realized only that morning that he had forgotten an important gift: the one for his grandmother.It: Ogni anno, aveva sempre trovato qualcosa di speciale, qualcosa che raccontasse quanto fosse importante per lui la tradizione familiare della Vigilia di Natale.En: Every year, he had always found something special, something that conveyed how important the family tradition of Christmas Eve was to him.It: "Non preoccuparti, Luca," disse Giulia con un sorriso rassicurante.En: "Don't worry, Luca," said Giulia with a reassuring smile.It: "Troveremo qualcosa di perfetto."En: "We'll find something perfect."It: "E se non ci riuscissimo?"En: "And what if we don't manage?"It: rispose Luca, immaginando la delusione sul volto dolce della nonna.En: replied Luca, imagining the disappointment on his grandmother's sweet face.It: "A volte, devi solo lasciare che le cose accadano," aggiunse Matteo.En: "Sometimes, you just have to let things happen," added Matteo.It: "Dividiamo il mercato in sezioni e controlliamo ciascuno una parte."En: "Let's divide the market into sections and each check a part."It: Luca annuì, affidandosi ai suoi amici.En: Luca nodded, relying on his friends.It: Giulia si diresse verso le bancarelle degli artigiani, Matteo verso i dolciumi, mentre Luca si avventurò tra le decorazioni natalizie.En: Giulia headed towards the artisan stalls, Matteo towards the sweets, while Luca ventured among the Christmas decorations.It: Il tempo scorreva veloce.En: Time was passing quickly.It: Luca osservava affascinato gli ornamenti, cercando quello speciale.En: Luca watched the ornaments with fascination, searching for something special.It: I colori brillanti e le forme uniche lo avvolgevano, ma niente sembrava giusto.En: The bright colors and unique shapes surrounded him, but nothing seemed right.It: Giulia e Matteo tornarono a mani vuote poco dopo, con sguardi incoraggianti.En: Giulia and Matteo returned empty-handed shortly after, with encouraging looks.It: Proprio quando il sole cominciò a calare, Luca si fermò.En: Just as the sun began to set, Luca stopped.It: Lì, sotto una tenda illuminata da minuscole luci scintillanti, vide un'anziana venditrice con un sorriso gentile.En: There, under a tent illuminated by tiny twinkling lights, he saw an elderly vendor with a kind smile.It: Tra le sue mani, un ornamento che sembrava fatto apposta per la nonna di Luca.En: In her hands, an ornament that seemed made just for Luca's grandmother.It: Era un piccolo angelo, delicato e finemente intagliato, che irradiava calore e serenità.En: It was a small angel, delicate and finely carved, radiating warmth and serenity.It: "Sono fatti a mano," disse la venditrice.En: "They are handmade," said the vendor.It: "Ogni pezzo ha una storia."En: "Each piece has a story."It: Senza esitare, Luca comprò l'angelo.En: Without hesitation, Luca bought the angel.It: Con il cuore leggero e il regalo perfetto, tornò dai suoi amici.En: With a light heart and the perfect gift, he returned to his friends.It: I tre lasciarono il mercato, accompagnati dalle melodie natalizie e dal profumo di caldarroste.En: The three left the market, accompanied by Christmas melodies and the scent of roasted chestnuts.It: "Vedi, a volte il miglior piano è non avere un piano," disse Giulia strizzando l'occhio a Luca.En: "You see, sometimes the best plan is not having a plan," said Giulia winking at Luca.It: "È vero," rispose Luca, riflettendo sulla giornata.En: "It's true," replied Luca, reflecting on the day.It: "Grazie, ragazzi."En: "Thank you, guys."It: Tra il vociare dei passanti e le risate dei bambini, Luca imparò qualcosa di prezioso.En: Amid the chatter of passersby and the laughter of children, Luca learned something precious.It: A volte, la magia sta nelle sorprese del momento.En: Sometimes, the magic lies in the surprises of the moment.It: E quel Natale, grazie a un piccolo angelo e ai suoi amici, sarebbe stato speciale come nessun altro.En: And that Christmas, thanks to a little angel and his friends, would be as special as no other. Vocabulary Words:the fog: la nebbiato dissipate: dissolversiancient: anticothe spectacle: lo spettacolothe garland: il festoneto shimmer: brillarethe stall: la bancarellathe vendor: il venditoreto fill: riempireto realize: realizzarethe gift: il regaloto convey: raccontarethe tradition: la tradizionethe grandmother: la nonnato manage: riuscireto divide: dividerethe artisan: l'artigianothe sweets: i dolciumito glance: osservarethe ornament: l'ornamentoto surround: avvolgereto venture: avventurarsito carve: intagliareto radiate: irradiarethe melody: la melodiathe chestnut: la caldarrostathe tent: la tendato twinkle: scintillarethe vendor: la venditricethe angel: l'angelo

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: When a Gigantic Clog Stopped the Show at the Christmas Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-22-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Midden in het historische dorpsplein van een klein Nederlands stadje stond een kerstmarkt, glinsterend van lichtjes en versierd met dennengroen en rood lint.En: In the middle of the historic village square of a small Dutch town stood a Christmas market, glistening with lights and adorned with pine greenery and red ribbon.Nl: De lucht was koud en helder, en kleine sneeuwvlokken dwarrelden als veertjes naar beneden.En: The air was cold and clear, and tiny snowflakes fluttered down like feathers.Nl: Mensen liepen rond, nippen aan warme glühwein en neuzen door de kraampjes met ambachtelijke producten.En: People wandered around, sipping on warm glühwein and browsing through stalls with artisanal products.Nl: Tussen de kraampjes stond Pieter, een vrolijke man van in de veertig.En: Between the stalls stood Pieter, a cheerful man in his forties.Nl: Elk jaar vrijwilligde hij op de kerstmarkt, verkleed als allerlei geliefde kerstfiguren.En: Every year he volunteered at the Christmas market, dressed up as various beloved Christmas characters.Nl: Dit jaar had hij echter iets nieuws geprobeerd.En: This year, however, he had tried something new.Nl: Hij stond daar, ingesloten in een gigantisch houten klomp kostuum, bedoeld om een glimlach op ieders gezicht te toveren.En: He stood there, enclosed in a gigantic wooden clog costume, intended to bring a smile to everyone's face.Nl: Maar er was een klein probleem.En: But there was a small problem.Nl: Het kostuum, komisch groot en gezellig bedoeld, bleek moeilijk om uit te komen.En: The costume, comically large and meant to be cozy, proved difficult to get out of.Nl: Pieter stond vast, zijn armen bungelend als een schoorsteenveger in de wind.En: Pieter was stuck, his arms dangling like a chimney sweep in the wind.Nl: Hij was vastbesloten om niet te laten zien dat hij in de problemen zat.En: He was determined not to show that he was in trouble.Nl: Dit was zijn kans om de ster van de markt te zijn.En: This was his chance to be the star of the market.Nl: Hij wiebelde en glibberde, probeerde stilletjes zijn ene voet voor de andere te planten en zichzelf te bevrijden.En: He wobbled and squirmed, trying quietly to plant one foot in front of the other and free himself.Nl: Maar de klomp leek alleen maar strakker te zitten.En: But the clog only seemed to tighten.Nl: Mensen om hem heen begonnen te giechelen, eerst stilletjes en toen steeds luider.En: People around him began to giggle, first quietly and then more loudly.Nl: Pieter grinnikte naar de kinderen die lakens vol pepernoten schudden.En: Pieter chuckled at the children shaking sheets full of pepernoten.Nl: Hij wuifde naar de voorbijgangers, alsof alles onderdeel was van de act.En: He waved to passersby, as if everything was part of the act.Nl: Maar zijn gezicht begon rood aan te lopen van inspanning.En: But his face began to flush red with effort.Nl: Eindelijk, terwijl het gelach luider en speelser werd, zuchtte Pieter diep.En: Finally, as the laughter grew louder and more playful, Pieter sighed deeply.Nl: Hij keek om zich heen en zag zijn vrienden Maarten en Inge bij een nabijgelegen kraam met warme chocolademelk.En: He looked around and saw his friends Maarten and Inge at a nearby stall with hot chocolate.Nl: „Maarten!En: "Maarten!Nl: Inge!En: Inge!Nl: Kom even hierheen!” Hij riep, zijn trots opzij zetten.En: Come over here for a moment!” he called, setting his pride aside.Nl: Zijn vrienden haastten zich naar hem toe.En: His friends hurried over to him.Nl: Lachend, maar met begrip, hielpen ze Pieter voorzichtig uit de houten klomp te wringen.En: Laughing, but understanding, they carefully helped Pieter wriggle out of the wooden clog.Nl: Met moeite en teamwork kwam Pieter vrij.En: With effort and teamwork, Pieter was freed.Nl: Hij stond daar met een opgeluchte zucht, bedekt met sneeuwvlokken en een bredere glimlach dan ooit.En: He stood there with a relieved sigh, covered in snowflakes and with a wider smile than ever.Nl: De menigte juichte en applaudisseerde, en zijn avontuur in de klomp werd de hit van de kerstmarkt.En: The crowd cheered and applauded, and his adventure with the clog became the highlight of the Christmas market.Nl: Mensen kwamen hem feliciteren, de kinderen vroegen om verhalen, en Pieter voelde zich eindelijk gezien.En: People came to congratulate him, the children asked for stories, and Pieter finally felt seen.Nl: Hij begreep dat zijn grappige avontuur meer vreugde had gebracht dan hij ooit had verwacht.En: He realized that his funny adventure had brought more joy than he had ever expected.Nl: Het was een simpele menselijke vergissing geweest, maar die had voor verbinding en vreugde gezorgd.En: It had been a simple human mistake, but one that had created connection and joy.Nl: En toen Pieter daar stond, zwaaiend naar de massa, wist hij dat hij niet grootst moest zijn om indruk te maken.En: And as Pieter stood there, waving to the crowd, he knew he didn't need to be grand to make an impression.Nl: Simpelweg zichzelf zijn was genoeg.En: Simply being himself was enough.Nl: En in dat moment, omringd door de warme geuren en vrolijke geluiden van de kerstmarkt, was Pieter eindelijk waar hij wilde zijn, in het midden van de magie van Kerstmis.En: And in that moment, surrounded by the warm aromas and cheerful sounds of the Christmas market, Pieter was finally where he wanted to be, in the midst of the magic of Christmas. Vocabulary Words:historic: historischevillage square: dorpspleinglistening: glinsterendadorned: versierdpine greenery: dennengroensnowflakes: sneeuwvlokkenfluttered: dwarreldenartisanal: ambachtelijkecheerful: vrolijkevolunteered: vrijwilligdebeloved: geliefdeenclosed: ingeslotengigantic: gigantischchimney sweep: schoorsteenvegerwobbled: wiebeldesquirmed: glibberdeflush: rood aanlopengiggle: giechelenwriggle: wringenrelieved: opgeluchteapplauded: applaudisseerdecongratulate: feliciterenmistake: vergissingconnection: verbindingamidst: omringdmagic: magiecosy: gezelligdetermined: vastbeslotenplayful: speelsereffort: inspanning

If you've ever spent a run up to Christmas in Europe, you'll know there are many towns and cities that have fantastic Christmas markets. Roderick Eime, Travel Writer & Editor of Traveloscopy.com has just returned from exploring a host of European towns and their markets.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Love Illuminated: A Christmas Market Connection in Budapest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-21-08-38-19-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A karácsonyi piac varázsa különleges.En: The magic of the Christmas market is special.Hu: A kivilágított standok között lassan gomolygó gőz, fahéj és sült gesztenye illata lengi be a levegőt.En: The air is filled with the slowly swirling steam among the illuminated stalls and the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts.Hu: Az emberek nevetve, beszélgetve járkálnak, miközben ajándékokat keresnek szeretteiknek.En: People walk around laughing and chatting while searching for gifts for their loved ones.Hu: Budapest szívében, a Vörösmarty téren, ebben a forgalmas forgatagban találunk két különleges embert: Zoltánt és Erikát.En: In the heart of Budapest, in Vörösmarty Square, amidst this bustling throng, we find two special people: Zoltán and Erika.Hu: Zoltán, egy fehér sálat viselő művész, a tömeg szélén sétál.En: Zoltán, an artist wearing a white scarf, walks along the edge of the crowd.Hu: A tekintete elmerül a színes fényekben, de a szíve még nehéz.En: His gaze is immersed in the colorful lights, yet his heart is still heavy.Hu: Egy nemrég véget ért kapcsolat emlékével küzd.En: He struggles with the memory of a recently ended relationship.Hu: A karácsonyi zene mindenütt körülveszi, de nem talál benne menedéket.En: The Christmas music surrounds him everywhere, but he finds no refuge in it.Hu: Úgy érzi, minden csengő és harang inkább súlyként húzza vissza az emlékeibe.En: He feels that every bell and chime pulls him back into his memories like a weight.Hu: Erika, a mindig mosolygó tanár, a gyerekek karácsonyi énekéből örömmel veszi ki részét.En: Erika, the always-smiling teacher, joyfully takes part in the children's Christmas songs.Hu: Közösséget keres, nevetést, ami elűzi a magány hangját.En: She seeks community and laughter to dispel the sound of solitude.Hu: Számára a karácsony a boldogság ideje, még ha most úgy is érzi, valami hiányzik.En: For her, Christmas is a time of happiness, even though she feels something is missing.Hu: Az estén, amikor Erika kis karácsonyi dalcsapatát vezeti, a tömeg közepén Zoltán megáll.En: On the evening when Erika leads her small Christmas singing group, Zoltán stops in the middle of the crowd.Hu: A szívverése megáll egy pillanatra, amikor meglátja Erikát énekelni.En: His heartbeat halts for a moment when he sees Erika singing.Hu: Az ő hangja és a zene valódi öröme egy szikrát gyújt a lelkében.En: Her voice and the genuine joy of the music spark something in his soul.Hu: A szemük találkozik, és valami megmagyarázhatatlanul erős kötelék születik abban a pillanatban.En: Their eyes meet, and an inexplicably strong bond is born in that moment.Hu: Erika, a dal végeztével lelkesen közelíti meg Zoltánt.En: Erika, enthusiastically finishes her song and approaches Zoltán.Hu: Beszélgetni kezdenek, a közös pohár forralt bor mellett.En: They begin to talk over a shared cup of mulled wine.Hu: Zoltán eleinte zárkózott, de hamarosan megtalálják a közös hangot: művészet, zene, az élet kis örömei.En: Zoltán is initially reserved, but soon they find common ground: art, music, the small joys of life.Hu: Erika mély, ragyogó tekintetével és vidám nevetésével Zoltán szívébe hoz meleget és reményt.En: With her deep, radiant gaze and cheerful laughter, Erika brings warmth and hope to Zoltán's heart.Hu: Ahogy a piac csendesülni kezd, Zoltán úgy érzi, a karácsony fényei már nem csak a város színes díszei, hanem a lelkében is ragyognak.En: As the market begins to quiet down, Zoltán feels that the Christmas lights are no longer just colorful decorations of the city but also shine within his soul.Hu: Erika is boldogabbnak érzi magát, meghívva Zoltánt egy újabb találkozásra.En: Erika also feels happier, inviting Zoltán for another meeting.Hu: Ez az este megváltoztatta őket.En: This evening changed them.Hu: Zoltán megérti, hogy a művészete és élete új inspirációt nyert.En: Zoltán understands that his art and life have gained new inspiration.Hu: Erika pedig, bár keresett valamit, amit elűzi a magányt, találta meg a társaság valódi erejét és melegét.En: Erika, although she was searching for something to chase away loneliness, found the real strength and warmth of companionship.Hu: Karácsonykor, a szívek között is kigyúlhat a fény.En: At Christmas, even among hearts, lights can ignite. Vocabulary Words:magic: varázsailluminated: kivilágítottswirling: gomolygóchestnuts: gesztenyebustling: forgalmasthrong: forgatagimmersed: elmerülgaze: tekinteterefuge: menedéketsolitude: magányhalt: megállheartbeat: szívverésespark: szikrátbond: kötelékenthusiastically: lelkesenreserve: zárkózottradiant: ragyogócheerful: vidámapproach: közelítimulled wine: forralt borcommon ground: közös hangotcompanionship: társaságignite: kigyúlhatinspiration: inspirációtstrength: erejétwarmth: melegétamidst: közöttthrong: forgatagsolitude: magányhalt: megáll

A look at how my home city of #Manchester celebrates the festive season of #Christmas from the perspective of a #disabled person. What is your favorite Christmas Market and why.Check out WHEELIEGOODTRAVELCOMPANY.COM

Ho ho ho from Lake Forest!

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Rain or Shine: A Tale of Friendship at the Christmas Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-20-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El Parc de la Ciutadella estava ple de llums de Nadal.En: El Parc de la Ciutadella was full of Christmas lights.Ca: Els arbres estaven decorats amb guirnaldes brillants que donaven al lloc una atmosfera màgica.En: The trees were decorated with bright garlands that gave the place a magical atmosphere.Ca: La Júlia, el Pau i la Mireia estaven ocupats a preparar la seva parada al mercat de Nadal d'últim moment.En: La Júlia, el Pau, and la Mireia were busy preparing their stall at the last-minute Christmas market.Ca: Feia fred, però l'ambient era càlid i alegre.En: It was cold, but the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.Ca: La Júlia, sempre organitzada, revisava la llista de tasques.En: La Júlia, always organized, was checking the task list.Ca: Hi havia moltes coses per fer i poc temps.En: There were many things to do and little time.Ca: La Mireia estava al seu costat, parlant del temps canviant.En: La Mireia was next to her, talking about the changing weather.Ca: "Potser plourà", va dir un pèl preocupada.En: "It might rain," she said, a bit worried.Ca: "No et preocupis, estarem bé", va respondre Pau amb confiança, intentant relaxar l'ambient.En: "Don't worry, we'll be fine," Pau replied confidently, trying to ease the tension.Ca: En círculs, la Júlia intentava esbrinar com muntar tot al lloc indicat.En: In circles, la Júlia was trying to figure out how to set everything up in the designated spot.Ca: "Falten materials!En: "We're missing materials!Ca: I el Pau està pintant cartells en comptes d'ajudar amb la decoració", va dir, un xic frustrada.En: And el Pau is painting signs instead of helping with the decorations," she said, a bit frustrated.Ca: Pau s'ho va prendre amb calma: "Els cartells són importants, Júlia!En: Pau took it calmly: "The signs are important, Júlia!Ca: Atreuen la vista dels compradors".En: They catch the buyers' eyes."Ca: Aleshores, la Júlia, sentint la pressió, va recordar que havia de confiar més en els seus amics.En: Then, la Júlia, feeling the pressure, remembered she needed to trust her friends more.Ca: Va decidir delegar algunes de les seves tasques.En: She decided to delegate some of her tasks.Ca: "Mireia, pots encarregar-te de les decoracions?En: "Mireia, can you take care of the decorations?Ca: Pau, quan acabis amb els cartells, ajuda'm amb les estovalles", va demanar.En: Pau, when you finish with the signs, help me with the tablecloths," she requested.Ca: Mentre treballaven junts, el cel es va ennegrir de sobte.En: As they worked together, the sky suddenly darkened.Ca: Va començar a ploure de forma inesperada.En: It began to rain unexpectedly.Ca: Les gotes d'aigua amenaçaven amb mullir les seves artesanies.En: The raindrops threatened to soak their crafts.Ca: "Oh no, les nostres coses!En: "Oh no, our things!"Ca: " va exclamar la Mireia, agafant ràpidament unes bosses de plàstic per cobrir-les.En: Mireia exclaimed, quickly grabbing some plastic bags to cover them.Ca: El Pau, en un acte de creativitat, va proposar utilitzar els paraigües per protegir els objectes de la pluja.En: El Pau, in an act of creativity, proposed using umbrellas to protect the items from the rain.Ca: "No hem de tancar encara", va dir Pau.En: "We don't have to close yet," Pau said.Ca: "Podem fer-ho funcionar!En: "We can make it work!"Ca: "Van treballar ràpidament junts, col·locant paraigües sobre les artesanies.En: They worked quickly together, placing umbrellas over the crafts.Ca: Al cap de poc, la pluja es va aturar, i van aparèixer uns quants compradors interessats en la seva dedicació.En: Soon, the rain stopped, and a few buyers appeared, interested in their dedication.Ca: Una família es va aturar, admirant les peces úniques que havien protegides amb tant d'esforç.En: A family stopped, admiring the unique pieces they had so carefully protected.Ca: "Esteu oberts encara?En: "Are you still open?Ca: Ens agradaria veure més", va dir una de les compradores.En: We'd like to see more," one of the buyers said.Ca: La Júlia, somrient, va respondre: "És clar, sí!En: La Júlia, smiling, replied, "Of course, yes!Ca: Mireu el que tenim!En: Take a look at what we have!"Ca: " La situació havia canviat gràcies al treball en equip i a l'enginy de tots tres.En: The situation had changed thanks to the teamwork and ingenuity of all three.Ca: Al final del dia, la Júlia va sentir-se satisfeta i agraïda.En: At the end of the day, la Júlia felt satisfied and grateful.Ca: Havien venut molt, i l'esforç conjunt havia valgut la pena.En: They had sold a lot, and the joint effort had been worth it.Ca: Així va aprendre que confiar en els seus amics i adaptar-se als canvis era clau per superar qualsevol obstacle.En: She learned that trusting her friends and adapting to changes was key to overcoming any obstacle.Ca: La ciutat de Barcelona seguia brillant sota les llums de Nadal, i la Júlia, el Pau i la Mireia van marxar de la parada amb el cor ple d'alegria i confiança renovada.En: The city of Barcelona continued to shine under the Christmas lights, and la Júlia, el Pau, and la Mireia left the stall with hearts full of joy and renewed confidence. Vocabulary Words:lights: les llumsgarlands: les guirnaldesstall: la paradaatmosphere: l'atmosferatask list: la llista de tasquesweather: el tempsrain: la plujacircles: els círculsmaterials: els materialssigns: els cartellstablecloths: les estovallesraindrops: les gotes d'aiguacrafts: les artesaniesumbrellas: els paraigüesitems: els objectesbuyers: els compradorsdedication: la dedicaciópieces: les pecesingenuity: l'enginyeffort: l'esforçobstacle: l'obstacleconfident: amb confiançaworried: preocupadato delegate: delegarto protect: protegirto admire: admirarto overcome: superarunexpectedly: de forma inesperadaunique: úniquestrust: la confiança

Send us a textIf you love Christmas  history, urban culture, or just the glow of a winter night, this conversation will change how you walk a market lane. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who loves Christmas markets, and leave a quick review to tell us your favorite Christmas market  whereever you are in the world.Connect with the Catholic Thing Fear – and Hope – in Europe's Christmas Markets' from The Catholic Thing.https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2025/12/13/fear-and-hope-in-europes-christmas-markets/with Michele Mcaloon https://www.bookclues.comCold air, warm lights, and the quiet pull of memory: that's the spell of a Christmas market. We sit down with Dr. Dirk Spennemann, an Australian cultural heritage expert, to unpack how Europe's winter fairs grew from pragmatic provisioning into the social spectacles we love today—and why their magic endures even as they change.We start with the basics: these markets weren't born holy. They were winter lifelines where townspeople and traveling traders met before roads iced over. Over centuries, they slid toward Advent, picked up nativity scenes and ornaments, and became seasonal stages for community life. Dirk explains how heritage professionals read those stages—what gives a stall, a pyramid, or a steaming cup value, and how that value shifts as societies evolve. From COVID artifacts to AI and digital preservation, we explore why today's ephemeral signs, screens, and rituals deserve careful saving for tomorrow's storytellers.Then we step into the square. Think LED constellations, towering Erzgebirge pyramids, and carefully choreographed footpaths shaped by security and crowd flow. Food now leads the experience: region-specific glühwein and hot cider, beloved sausages and pastries, alongside fairground favorites and global bites. We look at how big-city markets diversify for different audiences while parishes and fire brigades revive neighborhood tradition with weekend pop-ups. Most of all, we talk about nostalgia—the child's-eye view of lights and sugar, the adult desire to pass that feeling on—and why the setting, from cathedral to cobblestone, holds the key to the market's spell.If you love history, urban culture, or just the glow of a winter night, this conversation will change how you walk a market lane. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who loves Christmas markets, and leave a quick review to tell us your favorite stall and city.Connect with the Catholic Thing..Michele's article on the meanining and history of Christmas Markets in Germany and France Fear – and Hope – in Europe's Christmas Markets' from The Catholic Thing.https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2025/12/13/fear-and-hope-in-europes-christmas-markets/

主播：Flora（中国）+ Erin（美国） 音乐：Fantasy今天我们要聊的是中西“夜市文化”大对比。01. China vs. U.S. Night Markets中美夜市之别��中国的夜市在这几年一直比较火热，那美国有“夜市”或者类似的说法吗？The U.S. does have things kind of similar, 但形式还不太一样。中国的夜市几乎everyday-open（每天开放），并且美食居多（food-heavy）。They are super social (社交的) night markets.美国的夜市更像是seasonal events (季节性活动) 或者是weekend festivals。They are not everyday-open. ��那美国有类似于seasonal events（季节性的夜市活动）吗？The answer is yes.02. Limited Christmas Market Romance 限定圣诞集市浪漫最近圣诞节（Christmas）临近，圣诞集市(Christmas Markets) are popping up (出现) everywhere.��What are people posting (发布)?People keep posting like: “This is so magical (奇妙),” or “Can this stay open all year (这可以整年开放吗)?”但圣诞集市通常one month a year（一年只有一个月）。虽然听上去比较短，but it's really worth it (值得). Scene of the Christmas Market (圣诞集市的场景):1.Wooden chalet-style booths (小木屋摊位)2.Fairy lights (小灯串) 3.The smell of cinnamon and mulled wine drifting through the air... (空气中还弥漫着肉桂加热红酒的味道……)They are definitely Christmas vibes (氛围). 在这种氛围之下可以看到喝热红酒的情侣（couples drinking warm wine），在大圣诞树底下合影的家人（families taking photos with giant Christmas trees），还有唱颂歌合唱团（choirs singing carols）。Christmas vibes当然少不了经典的食物（classic food）：1.热红酒（mulled wine） 2.烤香肠（grilled sausages）3.烤猪肘（roasted pork knuckle）4.巨型椒盐卷饼（giant pretzels）5.姜饼饼干（gingerbread cookies）It's cozy (舒适的), it's nostalgic (怀旧的), it's festive — but it's seasonal. 03. Street Food Melting Pot: Food Truck Flavors 街头熔炉：美食车集市风味除了Christmas Market之外，美国也有类似于中国夜市上的“美食车”。Food truck festivals（美食车集市）是美国人在街边美食（street food）上超级有创意的地方。人们可以尝到Mexican tacos（墨西哥塔可）、Korean BBQ（韩国烤肉），还有Japanese ramen（日本拉面）等来自不同地方的美食。除此之外，还有Hawaiian poke bowls（夏威夷风味的拌饭），外国人超爱的vegan food（纯素食食物）——vegan deep-fried “chicken”（纯素的油炸“鸡肉”）或者是甜品车（dessert trucks）。It's really a big melting pot of cultures (文化大熔炉) from all over the world.��那大家一般会怎么享用美食呢？美食车集市上会有long picnic tables（长野餐桌）、string lights（小灯串）以及live music（现场音乐）。People will buy five different dishes and share. The vibe (氛围) is very social. 这是一个社区型的社交/娱乐场所（a very community hangout ）。04. “Night Market” in U.S. Context 美式“Night Market”认知��Q1：把中国夜市翻译成“Night Market”可以吗？在美国并没有所谓的“Night Market”。The night markets here would be referring to Asia inspired markets (由亚洲启发的市场) in cities, 而不是亚洲人拥有的“夜市”。��Q2：如果在美国说Night Market，人们脑海中可能会蹦出什么样的画面呢？ Something kind of similar are Farmer's Markets (农贸市场). 农民在农贸市场上卖fresh produce（新鲜的农产品）。The groceries are organic (有机的).温馨提示：即使是Farmer's Markets也很少有5点之后再卖东西的了，所以在美国晚上就别去找Farmer's Markets了。05. Hosts' Favs: Top Night Market Treats 主播私藏：夜市心头好��Erin：She loves烤冷面. She makes it at home sometimes, but it just doesn't hit the same (味道不一样)! ��Flora：主播Flora曾经也用外卖（delivery）点过烤冷面，她认为味道不如夜市的好吃。她非常喜欢在过节期间逛夜市，and she loves轰炸大鱿鱼（deep-fried giant calamari）。如果还能遇到乐队在露天舞台演出，she thinks that's perfect.欢迎大家在评论区留言：你最喜欢的夜市美食是什么？What's your favorite Night Market Food?

In this episode, Hailey shares all the holiday cheer happening across Wisconsin counties! From north to south, communities are lighting up with festive downtown celebrations and unique shopping experiences you won't want to miss. Gather your family and friends, and make this season one to remember with a little holiday magic in every corner of the state!The Bobber is brought to you by Something Special from Wisconsin: https://www.somethingspecialwi.com/Read the blog here: https://discoverwisconsin.com/holiday-cheer-in-wisconsin-counties-downtown-celebrations-shopping-experiences/Oneida County: https://www.wicounties.org/counties/oneida-county/; Lights of the Northwoods: https://lightsofthenorthwoods.org/; Rhinelander: https://www.rhinelanderwi.us/; Rock County: https://www.wicounties.org/counties/rock-county/; Rotary Botanical Gardens Holiday Light Show: https://www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/holiday-light-show; Janesville: https://www.janesvillewi.gov/; Ozaukee County: https://www.wicounties.org/counties/ozaukee-county/; The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement: https://www.cedarcreeksettlement.com/; Cedarburg: https://www.cityofcedarburg.wi.gov/; Waukesha County: https://www.wicounties.org/counties/waukesha-county/; German Christmas Market: https://germanchristmasmarket.org/The Bobber: https://discoverwisconsin.com/the-bobber-blog/The Cabin Podcast: https://the-cabin.simplecast.com. Follow on social @thecabinpodShop Discover Wisconsin: shop.discoverwisconsin.com. Follow on social @shopdiscoverwisconsinDiscover Wisconsin: https://discoverwisconsin.com/. Follow on social @discoverwisconsinDiscover Mediaworks: https://discovermediaworks.com/. Follow on social @discovermediaworksWisconsin Counties Association: https://www.wicounties.org/

Its the most wonderful time of year and no better way to spend it then to hear Nick and Matteo yap about the Holidays. In this episode, we discuss Nick getting ripped off at the Christmas Markets, horrible people on flights, and the origins of Christmas. Enjoy!! Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/INEVERLIKEDYOU. Promo Code INEVERLIKEDYOU Go to https://quince.com/inly for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join the loyalty program for renters at https://joinbilt.com/INEVERLIKEDYOU Come see Nick's Christmas Extravaganza on December 18th! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hear-me-out-christmas-spectacular-hosted-by-nick-smith-tickets-1972771432460?aff=odwdwdspacecraft

There are many ways to get into the holiday spirit and many holidays to celebrate during the winter months. In this episode, Alison and Stephanie will interview Rachel, a travel agent, about planning a family vacation to visit various Christmas markets throughout Europe. They will learn how to plan a themed trip like this, the various activities that you can do at the Christmas markets, and how this trip set the tone for their holiday season.

Christmas in Manhattan, pretzels, Christmas Markets, the tree at Rockefeller, and more

Former Navy Seal, Carl Higbie, host of Front Line on Newsmax, joins Jillian to discuss two tragedies, thousands of miles apart, that have shattered the holiday season. In Australia, a "Hanukkah by the Sea" celebration at Bondi Beach turned into a massacre, leaving 15 unalived in what the Prime Minister is calling a targeted act of antisemitic terrorism. Meanwhile, in the U.S., a mystery gunman remains at large after ki**ing two students at Brown University—despite the campus being a surveillance-heavy "weapon-free zone." This episode confronts the uncomfortable duality of our times. We analyze the specific threats emerging globally—from the foiled "Christmas Market" plot in Germany to the weapons stockpiles found in London—and dive into the hard data on radicalization that policymakers often ignore. We discuss the FBI's recent intervention in California against the Turtle Island Liberation Front and Governor Abbott's controversial move to label the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations.   Finally, we tackle the theological divide. Why do historians distinguish between "Meccan" and "Medinan" verses in the Quran? What is the Doctrine of Abrogation? And ultimately, when fundamental values clash, is coexistence always possible?

//The Wire//1500Z December 14, 2025////PRIORITY////BLUF: TERROR ATTACK STRIKES AUSTRALIA AS 12X KILLED IN BONDI BEACH MASS SHOOTING. VEHICLE RAMMING ATTACK FOILED IN GERMANY. MASS SHOOTING REPORTED AT BROWN UNIVERSITY IN PROVIDENCE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Australia: A few hours ago, a complex terror attack took place at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach. Multiple gunmen approached a gathering of people at a picnic area on the east side of the park, and began engaging those taking part in holiday celebrations. At least two gunmen took up a tactical position on the pedestrian bridge at grid coordinate: 56H LH 40786 48784 // 61.2 ft MSL. From there, the gunmen began firing at event participants in the park below. After a few minutes, these two shooters were eventually neutralized by armed police on this bridge.At least one other gunman was present at the shooting, but was disarmed by a bystander who attacked the shooter with his bare hands and took the weapon from him. This disarmed-shooter was later detained by police on the pedestrian bridge with the others.Analyst Comment: Concerning casualties, right now the number stands at 10x killed during the attack, with a few dozen wounded. At least two of the attackers were wounded/killed by armed police, however their status is not known. The total number of shooters involved in this attack is also not known, but right now the count stands at 3x shooters taking part in the attack. At least one shooter did survive, as indicated by the videos of the incident taken by observers. Regarding the identities of the attackers, official confirmation of their name and status will take some time. However, photos of some of the shooter's drivers licenses have circulated social media in the hours after the attack. At least one of the attackers appears to be Naveed Akram, who had a NSW driver license.Germany: Yesterday a vehicle ramming attack was foiled by police, which involved a local terror cell in lower Bavaria. Local authorities state that 5x suspects have been arrested after they planned to carry out a vehicle ramming attack at a Christmas Market in the Dingolfing-Landau area.Analyst Comment: The suspects have not been identified by name, however their nationalities are: 1x Egyptian, 3x Moroccans, and 1x Syrian. All are currently being held in pre-trial detention, and more documents are expected to be released regarding how this plot was alleged to have been planned. -HomeFront-Rhode Island: Yesterday evening a mass shooting was reported at Brown University after a shooter opened fire during final exams near the Barus and Holley Engineering building on campus. 2x people were killed and 9x were wounded during the attack.Analyst Comment: The assailant egressed from the area after the shooting, which triggered a manhunt for several hours and prevented the scene from being secured for medical personnel to provide aid to the wounded. As of this morning, police state that they have one "person of interest" in custody regarding the case, however they stopped short of calling this person a suspect. Officially, the shooter has not been captured yet. No weapon was recovered from the scene, and the assailant was wearing a mask during the attack.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: In Germany, it must be noted that if this terror cell was rolled up by police, there are probably others which have not yet been detected. Five terrorists is NOT a lone-wolf-style attack, and heavily indicates a more hierarchical organization structure. Depending on how well this cell was organized and commanded, this could mean that other terrorists that haven't been detected yet might be motivated to accelerate their attack planning. Considering the success of the horrific attack in Australia, it's possible that other attacks are coming down the pipeline. As such, inc

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Meeting at Budapest's Christmas Market Sparks New Beginnings Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-16-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A budapesti Karácsonyi Vásár fényei élénken ragyogtak, a Lánchíd és a Dunapart közelsége különlegessé tette az estét.En: The lights of the Budapesti Karácsonyi Vásár shone brightly, and the proximity of the Lánchíd and the Dunapart made the evening special.Hu: Ákos, egy helyi szoftverfejlesztő, a munkahelyi fáradalmak elől céltudatosan, ám kissé idegesen lépkedett a zsúfolt emberek között.En: Ákos, a local software developer, walked purposefully but somewhat nervously through the crowded people, seeking refuge from the stresses of work.Hu: Valami különleges ajándékot keresett a nővérének, ami felvidítja őt az ünnepekre.En: He was looking for a special gift to cheer up his sister for the holidays.Hu: Eszter viszont magabiztosan, egy kamera lógott a nyakában, megörökítette a vásár minden örömteli pillanatát.En: Eszter, on the other hand, walked confidently, a camera hanging around her neck, capturing every joyous moment of the market.Hu: Gyönyörködött a karácsonyfák alatt játszadozó fényekben, ahogy a lelkes gyerekek és mosolygó családok körülöttük sétáltak.En: She admired the lights playing under the Christmas trees, as enthusiastic children and smiling families strolled around them.Hu: Miközben inspirációt gyűjtött a következő projektjéhez, megpillantotta a mézeskalácsos standot.En: While gathering inspiration for her next project, she noticed the gingerbread stand.Hu: Mindketten ugyanakkor érkeztek a standhoz.En: They both arrived at the stand at the same time.Hu: Az eladó mosolyogva mondta, hogy csak egy doboz maradt a híres mézeskalácsból.En: The vendor smiled and mentioned that only one box of the famous gingerbread was left.Hu: Ákos és Eszter egymásra néztek, és mindegyikük túlságosan udvarias és kissé zavart volt ahhoz, hogy először szólaljon meg.En: Ákos and Eszter looked at each other, both too polite and slightly embarrassed to speak first.Hu: "Ez a nővéremnek lenne" - törte meg a csendet Ákos.En: "This is for my sister," Ákos broke the silence.Hu: Eszter mosolyogva bólintott.En: Eszter nodded with a smile.Hu: "És én a portfóliómhoz keresek különleges képeket, de nem szeretném elvenni tőled.En: "And I'm looking for special pictures for my portfolio, but I wouldn't want to take it from you."Hu: "Egy rövid, barátságos vitát indítottak, mely során Ákos felajánlotta a dobozt Eszternek, de javasolta, hogy osszák meg a tartalmát egy csésze kávé mellett.En: They started a brief, friendly argument, during which Ákos offered the box to Eszter, suggesting they share its contents over a cup of coffee.Hu: Eszter örömmel beleegyezett.En: Eszter happily agreed.Hu: A forró italok mellett megnyíltak, beszélgettek a munkájukról, álmaikról és kihívásaikról.En: Over hot drinks, they opened up, talking about their work, dreams, and challenges.Hu: Ákos felfedezte, milyen izgalmas a művészvilág, míg Eszter élvezte Ákos technológiai meséit.En: Ákos discovered how exciting the art world is, while Eszter enjoyed Ákos's tales of technology.Hu: A beszélgetés végén Eszter megmutatott néhány képet Ákosnak és meghívta őt a közelgő kiállítására, amit maga szervezett.En: At the end of the conversation, Eszter showed some photos to Ákos and invited him to her upcoming exhibition, which she was organizing herself.Hu: Ákos hálásan elfogadta a meghívást, és névjegykártyát cseréltek.En: Ákos gratefully accepted the invitation, and they exchanged business cards.Hu: Ákos számára ez az este igazi fordulópontot jelentett.En: For Ákos, this evening marked a real turning point.Hu: Rájött, hogy érdemes nyitottnak lennie új emberek és lehetőségek felé, míg Eszter úgy érezte, hogy az új kapcsolatok nemcsak munkáját, hanem személyes életét is gazdagítják.En: He realized it's worthwhile to be open to new people and opportunities, while Eszter felt that new connections enriched not only her work but her personal life too.Hu: A karácsonyi vásár vibráló fényei között kialakult egy ígéretes barátság, amely valami különleges kezdete lehetett.En: In the vibrant lights of the Christmas market, a promising friendship formed, which could be the start of something special.Hu: Ahogy elköszöntek, megegyeztek abban, hogy hamarosan újra találkoznak, talán éppen Eszter kiállítása után egy újabb kávé mellett.En: As they said goodbye, they agreed to meet again soon, perhaps over another coffee after Eszter's exhibition. Vocabulary Words:proximity: közelségerefuge: menedékpurposefully: céltudatosannervously: idegesenadmired: gyönyörködöttjoyous: örömteliinspiration: inspirációgingerbread: mézeskalácsvendor: eladópolite: udvariasembarrassed: zavartsilence: csendetportfolio: portfólióargument: vitacontents: tartalmáthot drinks: forró italokopened up: megnyíltakchallenges: kihívásaidiscovered: felfedezteexhibition: kiállításáragratefully: hálásaninvitation: meghívástexchange: cseréltekturning point: fordulópontotworthwhile: érdemesenriched: gazdagítjákvibrant: vibrálópromising: ígéretesspecial: különlegesgoodbye: elköszöntek

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: A Christmas Market Gift: Love and Innovation in Stockholm Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2025-12-16-23-34-02-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Det var december i Stockholm, och snön föll mjukt på gatorna.En: It was December in Stockholm, and the snow fell softly on the streets.Sv: Inuti startup-inkubatorn, en plats fylld av idéer och innovationer, hölls en julmarknad.En: Inside the startup incubator, a place filled with ideas and innovations, a Christmas market was being held.Sv: Det var en varm kontrast mot den kalla vinterluften utanför.En: It was a warm contrast to the cold winter air outside.Sv: Ljusslingor glittrade i taket, och doften av nybryggt kaffe blandade sig med ljudet av glada röster.En: Strings of lights glittered from the ceiling, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sound of cheerful voices.Sv: Lars, en driven entreprenör, gick runt bland borden.En: Lars, a driven entrepreneur, walked around the tables.Sv: Han hade en viktig uppgift.En: He had an important task.Sv: Han letade efter den perfekta julklappen till Elin, sin affärspartner.En: He was searching for the perfect Christmas gift for Elin, his business partner.Sv: Men hon var mer än bara en kollega för honom.En: But she was more than just a colleague to him.Sv: Hon var också hans hemliga kärlek.En: She was also his secret love.Sv: Men vad skulle han ge henne?En: But what should he give her?Sv: Lars ville att presenten skulle visa hans uppskattning.En: Lars wanted the gift to show his appreciation.Sv: Samtidigt ville han att den skulle avslöja hans verkliga känslor.En: At the same time, he wanted it to reveal his true feelings.Sv: Han var kluven.En: He was torn.Sv: Lars visste att Elin värdesatte praktiska gåvor, men hans hjärta ville ge något mer personligt.En: Lars knew that Elin valued practical gifts, but his heart wanted to give something more personal.Sv: När han gick längre in i marknaden, stannade han till vid ett litet stånd.En: As he moved further into the market, he stopped at a small booth.Sv: Det var fyllt med konstverk.En: It was filled with artworks.Sv: Ett särskilt konstverk fångade hans öga.En: One particular piece caught his eye.Sv: Det var en liten tavla, rik på färger, men ändå enkel.En: It was a small painting, rich in colors yet simple.Sv: Något med tavlan påminde honom om Elin — hennes skönhet, hennes styrka, hennes lugn.En: Something about the painting reminded him of Elin — her beauty, her strength, her calm.Sv: Det var en perfekt blandning av det praktiska och det personliga.En: It was a perfect blend of the practical and the personal.Sv: Konstnären klargjorde att Elin genom tavlan kunde få en stund av ro i det hektiska arbetslivet.En: The artist clarified that through the painting, Elin could find a moment of peace in the hectic work life.Sv: Lars tog ett djupt andetag och bestämde sig.En: Lars took a deep breath and made his decision.Sv: Han köpte tavlan.En: He bought the painting.Sv: På julaftons morgon mötte Lars Elin på kontoret.En: On Christmas morning, Lars met Elin at the office.Sv: Snön föll fortfarande utanför fönstren.En: The snow was still falling outside the windows.Sv: Lars räckte fram paketet och såg nervöst på henne.En: Lars handed her the package and watched her nervously.Sv: Hans hjärta bankade.En: His heart was pounding.Sv: Elin öppnade varsamt klappen och såg tavlan.En: Elin gently opened the gift and saw the painting.Sv: Ett leende spred sig över hennes ansikte, och hennes ögon glänste.En: A smile spread across her face, and her eyes glistened.Sv: "Den är fantastisk, Lars," sa hon mjukt.En: "It's amazing, Lars," she said softly.Sv: "Det är som om du valt ut en bit av mig och lagt den på duk."En: "It's as if you've chosen a part of me and put it on canvas."Sv: De satte sig ner, och samtalet utvecklades naturligt.En: They sat down, and the conversation evolved naturally.Sv: Lars började öppna sitt hjärta.En: Lars began to open his heart.Sv: De pratade länge, och varje ord ökade deras förståelse för varandra.En: They talked for a long time, and every word increased their understanding of each other.Sv: Den sköra isen mellan dem smälte bort.En: The fragile ice between them melted away.Sv: När natten föll på, förstod Lars att hans relation till Elin inte längre var grundad på rädsla och tvivel.En: As night fell, Lars realized that his relationship with Elin was no longer grounded in fear and doubt.Sv: Han hade tagit ett steg mot att vara mer öppen om sina känslor.En: He had taken a step towards being more open about his feelings.Sv: Från den dagen förstod Lars vikten av personliga band, även inom arbetslivet.En: From that day, Lars understood the importance of personal connections, even within the workplace.Sv: Julen hade gett mer än bara gåvor – den hade gett en ny början.En: Christmas had given more than just gifts – it had given a new beginning. Vocabulary Words:incubator: inkubatorbrew: bryggaentrepreneur: entreprenörappreciation: uppskattningtorn: kluvenbooth: ståndartworks: konstverkclarified: klargjordehectic: hektisktnervously: nervöstglisten: glänsafragile: skörgrounded: grundadconnections: bandinnovation: innovationcontrast: kontrastglitter: glittracolleague: kollegavalue: värdesättacalm: lugnblend: blandningrevealing: avslöjamingle: blanda sigcanvas: dukspread: spred sigunderstanding: förståelsepounding: bankadeconversation: samtaloffer: räcka framnaturally: naturligt

In tonight's bedtime story with Karissa, we're getting cozy and festive, and there's nothing cozier or more festive than a Christmas market at night! We're going to visit one together to help us let go of the day and drift into a deeply peaceful sleep. Join Sleep Wave Premium ✨ in just two taps! Enjoy 2 bonus episodes a month plus all episodes ad-free and show your support to Karissa. Upgrade via our show page on Apple, or via this link for all other players ➡️ https://sleepwave.supercast.com/ Love the Sleep Wave Podcast? Please hit follow & leave a review ⭐️ How are we doing with Sleep Wave? Click here to let us know

Tara wakes listeners up to a relentless cascade of breaking news: a shocking Hollywood murder, a collapsing FBI narrative after a university shooting, and disturbing global terror developments stretching from the U.S. to Europe and Australia. As the West grapples with violence, cultural conflict, and policy failures, Tara also finds a rare moment of hope — a small but meaningful win for families just trying to make Christmas special

In this week's episode, Hannah is joined by Alix Walker. Alix is an eating disorder counsellor and coach, and a wellbeing speaker, who works with clients to overcome eating and body image difficulties following on from her own personal experience.This week's festive episode brings a real perspective of being in recovery at Christmas, with advice on how to navigate this season that isn't just a few quick tips that feel like they diminish the struggles of Christmas.This week, we discuss:Common challenges Alix supports her clients with during the festive periodThe pressure and overwhelm caused by Christmas marketsMaking recovery-focused decisions when challenging your eating disorderGiving yourself permission to engage in what feels right to youFinding compassion for others who are also stuck in diet culture thought patternsVisiting home for Christmas and experiencing emotional triggersFinding time for reflection or space during the festive seasonRedefining what Christmas means to you and making it what you needThe impact of social media on your own Christmas experienceTimestamps:01:20: Common Eating Disorder Struggles at Christmas03:20: Christmas Markets and Knowing When to Challenge06:13: Managing Guilt After Social Events07:41: Navigating Work Parties10:47: Finding Balance and Compassion14:17: Navigating Diet Talk16:57: Handling Comments from Family Members23:05: Taking Responsibility for Triggers26:29: Finding Personal Space29:14: Redefining the Meaning of Christmas Away from Social MediaResources & LinksFollow Alix on Instagram @counsellingwithalixCheck out Alix's LinktreeConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website hereListen on YOUTUBE here⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mentions of eating disorders. Please take care when listening.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han

This week our subject is Route 66, that famous highway that's practically synonymous with the term "Americana." The road was opened in 1926, which means that of next year it’s been inspiring people in song, movie, decor and travel for 100 years. And tours editor Brinley Hineman discovered that tour companies and destinations will be celebrating the centennial with new programs and itineraries. On this episode Hineman and host Rebecca Tobin talk with Steve Born of the Globus family of brands about the popularity of Route 66 tours – and why people choose a tour for a domestic drive holiday. Stay on till the end for a quick chat about Christmas market river cruising in Europe and the similarities between a Europe river cruise and a drive vacation through America’s heartland. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines https://www.afkl.biz Related links: Route 66 centennial: Special tours tap into nostalgia https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Special-tours-Route-66-centennial NTA lays out plan to increase advocay and member engagement https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/NTA-plan-increase-advocacy-and-member-engagement A Q&A with Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Kristen-Reynolds-Choose-Chicago 'America the Beautiful' marketing campaign aims to rekindle inbound travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/Brand-USA-America-the-Beautiful-Campaign-Seeks-to-Attract-Overseas-Visitors Cosmos tour: Highlights of Route 66 with Mother Road Festival and Albuquerque Balloon Festival https://www.cosmos.com/tour/highlights-of-route-66-with-mother-road-festival-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta/8580/?season=2026 Cosmos tour: Highlights of Route 66 https://www.cosmos.com/tour/highlights-of-route-66/8530/?season=2026 Viking's Christmas market cruises https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/specialty/christmas-markets/index.html Related podcast: Chase Travel's 26 Trips to Take in 2026https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/travel-inspiration-in-list-form-from-Chase-Travel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5In this episode we travel from Strasbourg France to Cologne Germany for more Christmas Markets! • setting souvenir budgets per kid to teach value and limit clutter• carry-on packing for cold with layers, wool socks and two shoe options• laundromat lessons in Germany and why translation matters• train routing to Cologne and booking Deutsche Bahn seats directly• Hyatt Regency Cologne suite upgrade, club access and breakfast views• stacking Amex and Hyatt credits against on-property dining• Cologne market highlights, from blacksmiths to ice skating• food notes on sausages, chimney cakes and crepes• navigating Frankfurt delays, lounges and late-night CDG transfers• Air France business class pods, seat quirks and nonstop value• global entry ease on arrival and the checked-bag trade-offsDM me on Instagram if you have questions!

Bundle up for a festive episode of Activity Quest! Bex explores Edinburgh’s magical Christmas market, sharing sights, sounds, and delicious treats. Lloydie visits the bustling Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, chats to families, and discovers a talking moose! Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five people were arrested in Germany after they were suspected of being involved in a plot to drive a vehicle into people at a Christmas market. The group were detained over the plan to target a market in the southern Bavarian state. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: From Stalled to Spectacular: A Christmas Market Miracle Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-12-14-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: La neve scendeva lentamente su Piazza del Popolo, coprendo tutto con un manto candido.En: The snow was slowly falling on Piazza del Popolo, covering everything with a white blanket.It: Le luci di Natale brillavano come stelle, mentre le bancarelle intorno alla piazza, sebbene ancora vuote, promettevano una festa magica.En: The Christmas lights shone like stars, while the stalls around the square, although still empty, promised a magical celebration.It: Lorenzo osservava la scena dalla sua piccola bottega.En: Lorenzo was observing the scene from his small shop.It: Le dita, abili e veloci, modellavano un angelo di legno.En: His fingers, skilled and swift, were shaping a wooden angel.It: Sperava che quel Natale fosse diverso, che i suoi ornamenti attraessero abbastanza clienti da permettergli di ingrandire il suo laboratorio.En: He hoped that this Christmas would be different, that his ornaments would attract enough customers to allow him to expand his workshop.It: Giulia passava di corsa fuori dalla bottega di Lorenzo.En: Giulia hurried past Lorenzo's shop.It: Aveva una lista infinita di cose da fare.En: She had an endless list of things to do.It: Lavorava per organizzare il mercato natalizio da settimane.En: She had been working to organize the Christmas market for weeks.It: "Quest'anno sarà indimenticabile!"En: "This year will be unforgettable!"It: pensava.En: she thought.It: Ma la notizia dello sciopero dei trasporti aveva complicato tutto.En: But the news of the transport strike had complicated everything.It: Le decorazioni e le forniture erano bloccate.En: The decorations and supplies were stuck.It: Giulia e Lorenzo si incontrarono per caso in piazza.En: Giulia and Lorenzo met by chance in the square.It: "Vediamo che si può fare insieme," propose Giulia.En: "Let's see what we can do together," suggested Giulia.It: Lorenzo annuì, pensando al suo vecchio furgone parcheggiato nei paraggi.En: Lorenzo nodded, thinking of his old van parked nearby.It: "Posso aiutare con i trasporti," disse, prontamente.En: "I can help with transportation," he said promptly.It: Decisero di unirsi agli altri venditori.En: They decided to join the other vendors.It: Si coalizzarono per raccogliere ciò che potevano dai negozi locali.En: They teamed up to gather what they could from the local stores.It: Lorenzo caricava il furgone con alberi di Natale e scatole di luci, mentre Giulia coordinava i volontari che decoravano la piazza con nastri colorati e ghirlande donate dalla gente del quartiere.En: Lorenzo loaded the van with Christmas trees and boxes of lights, while Giulia coordinated the volunteers decorating the square with colorful ribbons and garlands donated by people from the neighborhood.It: Il giorno dell'apertura del mercato era finalmente arrivato.En: The day of the market's opening finally arrived.It: Piazza del Popolo brillava.En: Piazza del Popolo was glowing.It: Le casette di legno erano piene di dolci, artigianato e profumi deliziosi.En: The wooden huts were filled with sweets, crafts, and delightful scents.It: I visitatori si mescolavano, ridendo e godendosi l'atmosfera festosa.En: Visitors mingled, laughing and enjoying the festive atmosphere.It: Grazie alla determinazione e all'impegno di Lorenzo e Giulia, il mercato era un successo.En: Thanks to the determination and commitment of Lorenzo and Giulia, the market was a success.It: Gli ornamenti di Lorenzo andarono a ruba.En: Lorenzo's ornaments sold out quickly.It: Le persone amavano la cura e l'arte con cui erano fatti.En: People loved the care and artistry with which they were made.It: Ricevette ordini per tutto l'anno successivo, sufficienti per far crescere la sua attività.En: He received orders for the following year, enough to grow his business.It: Giulia vide il sorriso sui volti dei suoi concittadini e capì di aver creato qualcosa di speciale.En: Giulia saw the smiles on the faces of her fellow citizens and realized she had created something special.It: La sua idea di mercato era diventata una nuova consuetudine natalizia.En: Her idea of a market had become a new Christmas tradition.It: Con il cuore pieno di gratitudine, Lorenzo e Giulia si scambiarono un abbraccio.En: With hearts full of gratitude, Lorenzo and Giulia exchanged a hug.It: La comunità, unita più che mai, aveva superato l'ostacolo insieme.En: The community, more united than ever, had overcome the obstacle together.It: Lorenzo imparò a fidarsi degli altri e a collaborare.En: Lorenzo learned to trust others and collaborate.It: Giulia scoprì il valore della resilienza e dell'adattabilità.En: Giulia discovered the value of resilience and adaptability.It: In piazza, si respirava la gioia del Natale e il calore di una comunità rinforzata dalle sfide superate insieme.En: In the square, one could feel the joy of Christmas and the warmth of a community strengthened by challenges overcome together. Vocabulary Words:the blanket: il mantothe market: il mercatothe transport strike: lo sciopero dei trasportithe decorations: le decorazionithe suppliers: le forniturethe scene: la scenathe workshop: il laboratoriothe list: la listato complicate: complicareto coordinate: coordinarethe garlands: le ghirlandethe determination: la determinazionethe commitment: l'impegnoto unload: scaricarethe resilience: la resilienzathe adaptability: l'adattabilitàthe ornament: l'ornamentothe volunteers: i volontarithe vendors: i venditorithe scent: il profumothe atmosphere: l'atmosferathe hut: la casettathe neighbors: i concittadinithe crafts: l'artigianatothe challenge: la sfidato overcome: superareto trust: fidarsito mingle: mescolareto expand: ingrandirethe ribbon: il nastro

Nina dos Santos, Simon Brooke and Andrew Tuck join Emma Nelson live at the Christmas market in London. We also hear from Tyler Brûlé in Zürich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone loves a Christmas market, and travel expert Megan Singleton's examining an unconventional method to explore some of the best overseas. Megan's explored some of the best Christmas markets from the cruise ships, and she's revealed whether or not she recommends the experience. Read more about Megan's travel tips here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Heartfelt Connections at Santa Llúcia's Christmas Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-12-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El mercat de Nadal de Santa Llúcia bullia d'energia.En: The mercat de Nadal de Santa Llúcia buzzed with energy.Ca: L'aire estava ple d'una barreja dolça d'olor de castanyes torrades i vi calent.En: The air was filled with a sweet blend of the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.Ca: Les paradetes, guarnides amb llums titil·lant, mostraven productes artesanals i decoracions nadalenques.En: The stalls, adorned with twinkling lights, displayed handcrafted products and Christmas decorations.Ca: Oriol, un artesà amb un cor ple de nostàlgia, caminava lentament entre les parades.En: Oriol, a craftsman with a heart full of nostalgia, walked slowly among the stalls.Ca: Els seus ulls s'il·luminaven amb cada ornament fet a mà que veia.En: His eyes lit up with every handmade ornament he saw.Ca: L'hivern sempre li semblava solitari, encara que les ciutats estiguessin plenes de gent i felicitat nadalenca.En: Winter always seemed lonely to him, even though the cities were full of people and Christmas cheer.Ca: Laia, una professora d'escola, remenava entre les parades buscant un regal especial per als seus alumnes.En: Laia, a school teacher, rummaged through the stalls looking for a special gift for her students.Ca: Estimava el Nadal i volia que els seus estudiants sentissin la mateixa alegria.En: She loved Christmas and wanted her students to feel the same joy.Ca: Les seves responsabilitats sovint l'atrapaven, però aquest moment era per a ells.En: Her responsibilities often trapped her, but this moment was for them.Ca: En una parada concretament, les seves mirades es van creuar.En: At one particular stall, their eyes met.Ca: Oriol va veure com Laia admirava un dels seus adorns de fusta, un petit arbre de Nadal tallat amb molta cura.En: Oriol saw Laia admiring one of his wooden ornaments, a small Christmas tree carved with great care.Ca: Va veure una espurna d'interès honest als ulls de Laia.En: He saw a spark of genuine interest in Laia's eyes.Ca: "És fet a mà?En: "Is it handmade?"Ca: ", va preguntar ella, més fascinada encara.En: she asked, even more fascinated.Ca: "Sí", va respondre Oriol, intentant amagar la seva timidesa.En: "Yes," Oriol replied, trying to hide his shyness.Ca: "M'agraden els detalls i el treball artesà.En: "I like the details and the craft work."Ca: "Laia va somriure, encantada amb la gentilesa de l'artesà davant seu.En: Laia smiled, charmed by the kindness of the craftsman before her.Ca: "Estic buscant un regal únic per als meus alumnes.En: "I'm looking for a unique gift for my students.Ca: Això és preciós.En: This is beautiful."Ca: "La conversa va fluir fàcilment, i Oriol es va sentir còmode compartint la seva passió pel seu treball.En: The conversation flowed easily, and Oriol felt comfortable sharing his passion for his work.Ca: Per Laia, era refrescant trobar algú que estima el que fa.En: For Laia, it was refreshing to meet someone who loves what they do.Ca: Després d'una estona, Oriol va sentir un impuls.En: After a while, Oriol felt an impulse.Ca: Va treure un ornament especial, un petit estel de fusta decorat amb fil acordant al Nadal.En: He took out a special ornament, a small wooden star decorated with thread befitting Christmas.Ca: "Pren aquest", va dir.En: "Take this," he said.Ca: "És un regal.En: "It's a gift.Ca: Per als teus alumnes.En: For your students."Ca: "Laia va acceptar l'estel amb gratitud, els seus ulls brillant d'emoció.En: Laia accepted the star with gratitude, her eyes shining with excitement.Ca: "Gràcies!En: "Thank you!"Ca: ", va exclamar.En: she exclaimed.Ca: "Els encantarà.En: "They'll love it.Ca: Potser podríem trobar-nos per un cafè un dia d'aquests?En: Maybe we could meet for coffee one of these days?Ca: M'agradaria aprendre més sobre la teva feina.En: I'd like to learn more about your work."Ca: "Oriol va assentir, sentint com el fred hivernal semblava allunyar-se lleugerament.En: Oriol nodded, feeling as though the winter chill seemed to fade slightly.Ca: En aquell moment, la seva decisió d'obrir-se havia tingut un resultat dolç.En: At that moment, his decision to open up had resulted in something sweet.Ca: Laia també se sentia contenta, recordant la importància de les petites connexions significatives.En: Laia also felt happy, remembering the importance of small, meaningful connections.Ca: Amb la promesa d'un futur cafè, els dos es van separar dins la calor del mercat de Nadal, sabent que aquest moment de sincronia havia encès una nova amistat durant la temporada festiva.En: With the promise of a future coffee, the two parted ways within the warmth of the mercat de Nadal, knowing that this moment of synchronicity had sparked a new friendship during the festive season. Vocabulary Words:the stall: la paradathe craftsman: l'artesàthe ornament: l'ornamentthe chestnuts: les castanyesthe teacher: la professorathe student: l'alumnethe scent: l'olorthe responsibility: la responsabilitathandcrafted: artesanalthe nostalgia: la nostàlgiato rummage: remenarthe spark: l'espurnashyness: la timidesathe star: l'estelto admire: admirarthe thread: el filthe gratitude: la gratitudfascinated: fascinadaunique: únicthe care: la curagenuine: honestthe connection: la connexióto flow: fluirthe warmth: la calorthe detail: el detallto part: separar-seto trap: atraparto fade: esvair-sethe promise: la promesathe friendship: l'amistat

Christmas festivities will be in full swing in Ennis tomorrow. Ennis Chamber will be hosting an Artisan Crafts and Food Market in the courtyard of the Temple Gate Hotel from 10am until 3pm, with all goods on offer produced locally. While on O'Connell Street, a Christmas Fashion Show co-ordinated by renowned model and designer Celia Holman Lee will take place from 12pm until 2pm. Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O'Brien has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that the artisan market will be particularly special. Image (c) Clare County Council

Fixing the Affordable Care Act, security concerns at a Christmas market, and how Charles Dickens shaped Christmas. Plus, a father-daughter dance behind bars, Cal Thomas on the consequences of high taxes, and the Thursday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from His Words Abiding in You, a Bible memorization podcast designed for truck drivers. His Words Abiding in You … on all podcast apps.From I Witness: The Long Shore: A faith-based audio drama that brings history to life. iwitnesspod.comAnd from Ridge Haven Camp in North Carolina and Iowa. Winter Camp starts December 29th. Registration open at ridgehaven.org

//The Wire//2300Z December 10, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: USA SEIZES TANKER VESSEL OFF COAST OF VENEZUELA. VANDALISM ATTACKS AND INCIDENTS REPORTED AT CHURCHES AND CHRISTMAS MARKETS AROUND EUROPE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Caribbean: This afternoon the White House announced the seizure of a tanker vessel off the coast of Venezuela. No details were provided on the name or registration of the vessel yet, however President Trump stated that the operation was a joint venture between the US Coast Guard and the US Navy.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - This morning President Trump's Gold Card program to sell US citizenship officially went live, with the White House stating at least one individual has successfully purchased entry into the program. -----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Several vandalism reports have been observed at various Nativity scenes at churches throughout Europe over the past few days as the general crackdown on Christianity continues during the Christmas season. In the U.K. this morning, several residents received letters informing them that Christmas decorations are banned at apartment buildings in Portsmouth, continuing the trend from years past. As one might expect, festivity operations are underway in Portsmouth, as residents put up the largest possible Christmas wreaths on their doors to openly defy this policy.Other than the tightening grip on Christianity in the form of local regulations, more kinetic incidents have also been reported. Last week, pro-Palestine protesters disrupted the opening of a Christmas Market in Vienna, targeting the Market with smoke devices and generally causing disruptions.Yesterday, Palestinian activists desecrated a Nativity in the old town district of Brussels. Graffiti was spray painted and various parts of the scene were damaged. This follows a major pro-Palestine protest disrupting the opening ceremony of the Christmas Market just a short distance away, also in Brussels. A little over a week ago, a more disturbing attack took place in Erbach, Germany where the Nativity featured in the town was a Living Nativity that hosted live animals for attendants to see. Two donkeys (Max and Lilly) were wounded by assailants who destroyed not only the Nativity itself, but also broke into a nearby church, causing damage there as well. A local who saw the donkeys being harmed intervened and halted the attack before the assailants egressed from the area. Max and Lilly survived the attack and have been relocated back to their farm to recover. The attackers have not been identified, however local reports assess that it was probably the same group of people who vandalized the nearby church, and also caused disruptions at the town Christmas Market, with all of these incidents taking place at around the same time. As such, if local police are interested in finding these attackers, it would not be hard to do so; they have conducted several different vandalism attacks in the same place at around the same time of day, several days in a row.More broadly, all of these incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and awareness. It is true, we shouldn't have to live like this. But in the meantime (before more tough decisions are allowed to be made) this is the kind of thing we have to be aware of. It's not something to be downtrodden about either; on the contrary, now the average person has increasing opportunities to stop harm and do good things as the opposition becomes more plainly known. These problems won't be solved overnight, but with every passing day we all have the chance to do what we can to stop the harm from befalling the innocent. Even if it's just one (or two) donkeys at a time.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2undergroundDisclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report.//END REPORT//

Czech amateur theatre added to UNESCO‘s list of intangible cultural heritage, What makes Prague's Old Town Square Christmas market one of the best, A taste of one of Czehia's exceptional craft beers - Chroust.

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Finding Heartfelt Treasures at Oslo's Christmas Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-12-09-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en kald vinterkveld på Julemarkedet i Oslo.En: It was a cold winter evening at the Christmas market in Oslo.No: Store, hvite snøfnugg falt stille rundt de pyntede bodene, mens lys blinket i takt med lyden av julesanger.En: Large, white snowflakes fell quietly around the decorated stalls, while lights blinked in rhythm with the sound of Christmas songs.No: Lukten av nyristede kastanjer fylte luften, mens folk ruslet rundt med gløgg i hånden.En: The scent of freshly roasted chestnuts filled the air as people strolled around with gløgg in hand.No: Midt i mylderet sto Lars, en bekymringsfull mann med kjærlighet for håndlagde gaver.En: In the middle of the bustle stood Lars, a worried man with a love for handmade gifts.No: Lars var sammen med sine venner, Ingrid og Magnus.En: Lars was with his friends, Ingrid and Magnus.No: De hadde kommet til markedet for å handle julegaver til sine kjære.En: They had come to the market to shop for Christmas gifts for their loved ones.No: Innsiden av Lars var som et kaotisk puslespill; ønsket om å finne spesielle gaver til familien blandet seg med det stramme budsjettet.En: Inside Lars was like a chaotic puzzle; the desire to find special gifts for the family mingled with the tight budget.No: Han hadde alltid trodd at gavene skulle reflektere kjærligheten han følte, men prislappene i de fleste boder var høye.En: He had always believed that the gifts should reflect the love he felt, but the price tags in most stalls were high.No: "Ser du noe interessant, Lars?" spurte Ingrid, mens hun holdt en liten, fin treengel.En: "Do you see anything interesting, Lars?" asked Ingrid, while holding a small, fine wooden angel.No: Lars ristet på hodet.En: Lars shook his head.No: "Det er vanskelig. Alt er så dyrt," svarte han og kikket rundt.En: "It's difficult. Everything is so expensive," he replied, looking around.No: Magnus nikket enig.En: Magnus nodded in agreement.No: "Kanskje det beste er å tenke på hva som virkelig betyr noe for dem," foreslo Magnus.En: "Maybe it's best to think about what really matters to them," suggested Magnus.No: Lars stoppet opp ved en sjarmerende bod fylt med håndlagde gjenstander.En: Lars stopped at a charming stall filled with handmade items.No: Det var håndmalte kopper, luer av ull, og små søte figurer av tre.En: There were hand-painted mugs, woolen hats, and small cute wooden figures.No: Han kjente håpet vokse.En: He felt hope growing.No: Her var både sjel og hjerte i hver gjenstand.En: Here was both soul and heart in every item.No: Hjertet banket roligere da han plukket opp en trefigur som lignet på hunden til sin mor.En: His heart beat more calmly as he picked up a wooden figure that resembled his mother's dog.No: Ved siden av fant han en vakker ullhatt som passet perfekt til faren.En: Next to it, he found a beautiful wool hat that was perfect for his father.No: For søsteren sin, fant han en kopp med en nydelig blomstermalt dekorasjon.En: For his sister, he found a cup with a lovely flower-painted decoration.No: Gjennom disse enkle gavene håpet han å gi ikke bare ting, men også visse minner.En: Through these simple gifts, he hoped to give not just things, but also certain memories.No: Lars følte seg lettet, for nå visste han at det var tanken bak gaven som betydde mest.En: Lars felt relieved, for he now knew that it was the thought behind the gift that mattered most.No: Med smil om munnen dro han fra bod til bod sammen med Magnus og Ingrid og kjente vekten av presset forsvinne.En: With a smile on his face, he went from stall to stall with Magnus and Ingrid, feeling the weight of pressure disappear.No: De tre vennene beundret de mange lysene sammen, og Lars følte seg endelig fri.En: The three friends admired the many lights together, and Lars finally felt free.No: Da de forlot markedet, kjente Lars varmen fra gavene han hadde valgt.En: As they left the market, Lars felt the warmth from the gifts he had chosen.No: Han visste at familien ville bli glad, ikke fordi gavene var dyre, men fordi de var valgt med omhu og kjærlighet.En: He knew that his family would be happy, not because the gifts were expensive, but because they were chosen with care and love.No: Og så, i den snøfylte natten, forstod Lars noe viktig.En: And so, in the snowy night, Lars understood something important.No: Verdien av en gave ligger ikke i prisen, men i tanken og hjertet som ligger bak den.En: The value of a gift lies not in the price, but in the thought and heart behind it.No: Han gikk hjemover med en følelse av ro og tilfredshet, og visste at denne julen ville bli den beste på lenge.En: He walked home with a sense of calm and satisfaction, knowing this Christmas would be the best in a long time. Vocabulary Words:cold: kaldmarket: markedetsnowflakes: snøfnuggdecorated: pyntedebustle: mylderetworried: bekymringsfullpuzzle: puslespillmingled: blandettight: strammereflect: reflektereprice tags: prislappenecharming: sjarmerendestalls: bodermugs: kopperwoolen: ullresemble: lignetdecoration: dekorasjonmemories: minnerrelieved: lettetpressure: pressetadmired: beundretvalue: verdiensense: følelsecalm: rosatisfaction: tilfredshetthought: tankencare: omhugifts: gaverroasted: nyristedestrolled: ruslet

We're back with another Coffee Break French espresso lesson, and this time we're taking a stroll through one of the most atmospheric parts of the season: les marchés de Noël!

Strasbourg AirBnB (not sponsored, paid with our own money!)Magical Christmas Markets of Europe (please note: we are not affiliated with this group in any way, and potentially it is run by a travel agency? Either way, lots of good info in there!)Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.And make sure to follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5In this episode we share how we turned a long-held bucket list into a family trip to Strasbourg's Christmas markets. From market food to day trips in Alsace, we show how to plan, but also pivot if needed.• Booking Air France business class for five with Flying Blue and kid discounts• Managing points transfers, schedule changes, and positioning flights• Lounge strategy at PHX, DEN, and JFK for sanity and savings• Choosing a Strasbourg Airbnb near the tram for easy access• What to eat and drink at the markets and how mug deposits work• Handling crowds, rain days, and a restorative slow afternoon• Day trip playbook for Colmar and Eguisheim with shuttle tips• Why small-town markets feel calmer and more craft-forward• Budgeting with cards and euros and when to reserve trains• Key resources: Facebook groups, routes by train, and timing marketsWe will be back next week with all about Germany.  Airbnb and the Magical Christmas Markets of Europe Facebook group linked above!

Have fun visiting the Blenheim Palace and enjoying its Christmas Market

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: A Christmas Market Miracle: A Gift From the Heart Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-12-07-23-34-02-no Story Transcript:No: Bergen glitret under de tusen julelysene.En: Bergen glittered under the thousand Christmas lights.No: Det var kaldt, men folk gikk smilende rundt på det festlige markedet.En: It was cold, but people walked around the festive market smiling.No: Overalt duftet det av ristede kastanjer, og lyden av julesanger varme hjertet.En: Everywhere, there was the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the sound of Christmas carols warmed the heart.No: Sindre vandret forsiktig langs bodene.En: Sindre walked carefully along the stalls.No: Han tenkte på Lene og ønsket å gi henne en gave som viste hvor mye han brydde seg.En: He thought about Lene and wanted to give her a gift that showed how much he cared.No: Han så en vakker glassfigur i en av bodene.En: He saw a beautiful glass figure in one of the stalls.No: Den var delikat, skinnende, noe spesielt.En: It was delicate, shiny, something special.No: Hjertet hans hoppet da han skjønte at den var laget av Lene selv.En: His heart leapt when he realized that it was made by Lene herself.No: Men prisen var for høy.En: But the price was too high.No: Han kunne aldri ha råd til det.En: He could never afford it.No: Mikkel, Sindres venn, var allerede også der og så på den samme figuren.En: Mikkel, Sindre's friend, was also already there looking at the same figure.No: Mikkel snakket om å gi Lene noe ekstraordinært.En: Mikkel talked about giving Lene something extraordinary.No: Sindre følte seg usynlig ved siden av ham.En: Sindre felt invisible next to him.No: «Jeg kan la Mikkel kjøpe det,» tenkte Sindre for seg selv.En: "I can let Mikkel buy it," thought Sindre to himself.No: Men en indre stemme sa han ikke skulle gi opp.En: But an inner voice told him not to give up.No: Han ville vise Lene hvem han virkelig var.En: He wanted to show Lene who he really was.No: Sindre så seg rundt.En: Sindre looked around.No: Han så muligheter.En: He saw possibilities.No: Fra en annen bod, fant han noen enkle materialer.En: From another stall, he found some simple materials.No: I løpet av de neste timene bygde han en liten scene, med lys og små dekorasjoner, alt satt sammen med hender fulle av skaperglede.En: Over the next few hours, he built a small scene with lights and little decorations, all put together with hands full of creative joy.No: Folket begynte å samle seg rundt hans lille kunstverk.En: People began to gather around his little artwork.No: Der ble det klart at Sindre hadde et talent for å skape.En: It became clear that Sindre had a talent for creating.No: Lene kom bort, øynene vide av overraskelse.En: Lene came over, her eyes wide with surprise.No: «Dette er fantastisk, Sindre,» sa hun forsiktig, imponert over hans arbeid.En: "This is amazing, Sindre," she said softly, impressed by his work.No: Hun forstod hans oppriktighet.En: She understood his sincerity.No: Lene rakte ham glassfiguren.En: Lene handed him the glass figure.No: «Denne er til deg,» sa hun smilende.En: "This is for you," she said, smiling.No: «Din gave har allerede rørt meg.En: "Your gift has already touched me."No: »Mikkel kom bort til dem.En: Mikkel came over to them.No: Han lo, men det var en vennlig latter.En: He laughed, but it was a friendly laugh.No: «Jeg ser hvorfor du liker ham, Lene.En: "I see why you like him, Lene.No: Han har virkelig noe spesielt.En: He truly has something special."No: »Sindre, Lene, og Mikkel lo sammen.En: Sindre, Lene, and Mikkel laughed together.No: Vennskapet var styrket, og Sindre fant tryggheten i å være seg selv.En: The friendship was strengthened, and Sindre found confidence in being himself.No: Markedets lys glinset rundt dem.En: The market's lights glistened around them.No: Vinden bar med seg lyden av julesanger, og alt kjentes perfekt mens vennskapet deres sto sterkere enn før i den kalde, men varme kvelden i Bergen.En: The wind carried the sound of Christmas carols, and everything felt perfect while their friendship stood stronger than before on the cold, yet warm evening in Bergen. Vocabulary Words:glittered: glitretfestive: festligeroasted: ristedecarols: julesangercarefully: forsiktigstalls: bodenedelicate: delikatafford: ha råd tilextraordinary: ekstraordinærtinvisible: usynligpossibilities: muligheterscene: scenedecorations: dekorasjonercreating: skapesincerity: oppriktighetimpressed: imponertinner: indretalent: talentartwork: kunstverktouched: rørtstrengthened: styrketglistened: glinsetwarmed: varmetwind: vindenconfidence: trygghetengift: gavejoy: skapergledelaughter: latterown: seg selvsurprise: overraskelse

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Magic Meets Serendipity at Budapest's Christmas Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-07-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: Budapest karácsonyi piaca különleges hely.En: Budapest Christmas market is a special place.Hu: Az égboltot sok apró fény díszíti, az illatok megnyugtatóak: fahéj, forralt bor, sült gesztenye.En: The sky is decorated with many tiny lights, and the scents are soothing: cinnamon, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts.Hu: Az emberek nevetgélnek, mindenkit elönt a karácsony szelleme.En: People are laughing; everyone is filled with the Christmas spirit.Hu: Zoltán itt álldogált, kezében egy könyvvel.En: Zoltán was standing here, with a book in his hand.Hu: Nem a legjobb módját választotta a társaságkeresésnek.En: He didn't choose the best way to seek company.Hu: De Péter, a legjobb barátja, bátorította, hogy próbálja meg.En: But Péter, his best friend, encouraged him to give it a try.Hu: Zoltán nem akarta csalódást okozni neki.En: Zoltán didn't want to disappoint him.Hu: Főleg karácsonykor.En: Especially at Christmas.Hu: Anna Budapestre érkezett, hogy ajándékokat találjon.En: Anna arrived in Budapest to find gifts.Hu: Vidékről jött, lenyűgözték a városi fények.En: She came from the countryside and was amazed by the city lights.Hu: Egyedül sétált, de nem érezte magát magányosnak.En: She walked alone, but she didn't feel lonely.Hu: Nyitott volt új találkozásokra.En: She was open to new encounters.Hu: A piacon sétálgatva, Anna meglátott egy standot, ahol kézzel készített díszeket árultak.En: While wandering through the market, Anna saw a stall where handmade ornaments were being sold.Hu: Közelebb lépett, hogy jobban lássa.En: She stepped closer to see them better.Hu: Ekkor vette észre Zoltánt.En: That's when she noticed Zoltán.Hu: Nagyon koncentráltan nézte a díszeket.En: He was looking at the ornaments with intense focus.Hu: Hirtelen megszólalt: "Ezek a díszek gyönyörűek, igaz?En: Suddenly, he spoke, "These ornaments are beautiful, aren't they?"Hu: "Anna mosolygott.En: Anna smiled.Hu: "Igen, igazán szépek.En: "Yes, they are really pretty.Hu: Már találtál valamit?En: Have you found something yet?"Hu: "Zoltán meglepődött, de örült a kérdésnek.En: Zoltán was surprised but glad about the question.Hu: "Nem, még nem.En: "No, not yet.Hu: Egy különleges ajándékot keresek anyukámnak.En: I'm looking for a special gift for my mom."Hu: "Beszélgetésük egyre kötetlenebb lett.En: Their conversation became more and more casual.Hu: Zoltán elmondta, hogy kicsit magányosnak érzi magát.En: Zoltán shared that he felt a bit lonely.Hu: Anna pedig mesélt neki arról, milyen izgalmas számára Budapest.En: Anna talked to him about how exciting Budapest was to her.Hu: Végül úgy döntöttek, hogy kipróbálnak egy pohár forralt bort.En: Eventually, they decided to try a glass of mulled wine.Hu: A bor melengette őket a hidegben.En: The wine warmed them up in the cold.Hu: A karácsonyi fények különleges légkört teremtettek.En: The Christmas lights created a special atmosphere.Hu: Mindketten megosztották mélyebb gondolataikat – Zoltán lassan kinyílt, Anna pedig szívesen hallgatta.En: They both shared their deeper thoughts—Zoltán slowly opened up, and Anna was happy to listen.Hu: Végezetül Zoltán összeszedte bátorságát.En: Finally, Zoltán gathered his courage.Hu: "Szeretném újra látni Budapestet veled.En: "I'd like to see Budapest with you again.Hu: Megadod a számod?En: Could I have your number?"Hu: "Anna elmosolyodott, és átadta a névjegyét.En: Anna smiled and handed over her business card.Hu: "Szívesen.En: "Sure.Hu: Fedezzük fel együtt!En: Let's explore together!"Hu: "A karácsonyi vásár elcsendesedett körülöttük, miközben a varázslatos pillanat tovább tartott.En: The Christmas market quieted down around them as the magical moment lingered.Hu: Zoltán különleges ajándékot talált – egy új barátot, talán még valami többet is.En: Zoltán found a special gift—a new friend, maybe even something more.Hu: Az adventi varázslat nem nézett az órára.En: The advent magic paid no mind to the clock.Hu: Holnap új nap várta őket, új kalandokkal, új fényekkel.En: Tomorrow awaited them with new adventures, new lights.Hu: Zoltán pedig már nem érezte magát magányosnak.En: Zoltán no longer felt lonely. Vocabulary Words:scents: illatoksoothing: megnyugtatóakroasted: sültencouraged: bátorítottadisappointed: csalódást okozniamazed: lenyűgöztékcountryside: vidékwitnessing: meglátotthandmade: kézzel készítettornaments: díszeketintense: nagyonfocus: koncentráltancasual: kötetlenebbwarmed: melengettegathered: összeszedtecourage: bátorságátexplore: fedezzük felquieted: elcsendesedettlingered: tovább tartottmagical: varázslatosadvent: adventiawaited: vártaencounters: találkozásokrastall: standotshared: megosztottákthoughts: gondolataikateventually: végülatmosphere: légkörttreasured: ajándékotadventures: kalandokkal

Live from Monocle’s first Paris Christmas Market, Tyler Brûlé, Emma Nelson and guests look back at the week’s news. We also hear from Petri Burtsoff in Helsinki and Fernando Augusto Pacheco on nations boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd DeDecker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the schedule changes on the last weekend of Julmarknad and Lucia Nights next weekend. Bishop Hill is embracing the holiday spirit with two weekends of festive celebration. The Christmas Market continues December 6th and 7th, featuring a cookie walk, chocolate walk, and ornament making at the Bjorken Hotel. Lucia Nights is set for December 12th and 13th, offering evening festivities from 6 to 9 PM, including traditional Swedish music, caroling, and luminaries lining the streets. Enjoy performances across four venues, a soup supper fundraiser, and unique activities like barn dancing and a selfie station at Colony Church. For full schedules and details, visit BishopHill.com or call 309-927-3899. Christmas kicks off in Bishop Hill! Bishop Hill is set to celebrate its annual Lucia Nights Festival of Lights on December 12 and 13, 2025. The event promises a lively atmosphere with traditional Swedish customs, including caroling, live music, and the much-anticipated lighting of the park's Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy special holiday gifts and extended hours at local restaurants and shops. Organizers highlight that all festivities are free, making it an inviting destination for families and those seeking a unique cultural experience. The festival showcases Bishop Hill's Swedish heritage and community spirit, marking a highlight on the town's winter calendar.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: The Serendipitous Swap at Budapest's Christmas Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-06-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A karácsonyi vásár Budapest szívében mindig varázslatos volt.En: The Christmas market in the heart of Budapest was always magical.Hu: Az Andrássy úton végigsétálva Zsófia észrevette a hópelyheket, melyek lassan hullottak le az égből.En: Walking down Andrássy út, Zsófia noticed the snowflakes slowly falling from the sky.Hu: Karácsonyi fények csillogtak mindenütt.En: Christmas lights glittered everywhere.Hu: A kürtőskalács illata, a forralt bor gőze és a vidám zene megteremtette az ünnepi hangulatot.En: The scent of kürtőskalács, the steam of mulled wine, and the cheerful music created the festive atmosphere.Hu: Zsófia gondosan rakta össze családjának az ajándékokat.En: Zsófia carefully assembled gifts for her family.Hu: A naptára tele volt teendőkkel, és nem akarta semmivel elrontani a terveit.En: Her schedule was full of tasks, and she didn't want anything to ruin her plans.Hu: István, akárcsak legtöbbször, most is a karácsonyi vásárt járta, élvezve annak spontaneitását.En: István, as usual, was wandering around the Christmas market, enjoying its spontaneity.Hu: Vicces, érdekes ajándékokat keresett barátainak.En: He was searching for funny, interesting gifts for his friends.Hu: Ahogy Zsófia egy standnál fizetett, észre sem vette, hogy a mellette álló István épp akkor tett le egy hasonló táskát.En: As Zsófia paid at a stand, she didn't notice that István, standing next to her, had just placed down a similar bag.Hu: A nagy sietségben mindketten a másik táskáját vették fel.En: In the rush, they both picked up the other's bag.Hu: Csak akkor vették észre a hibát, mikor már távolabb jártak.En: They only realized the mistake when they were already farther away.Hu: Zsófia pánikba esett.En: Zsófia panicked.Hu: „Hogyan találom meg így az ajándékaimat?En: "How will I find my gifts now?"Hu: " - gondolta.En: she thought.Hu: Muszáj volt valahogy visszakapnia a táskáját.En: She had to get her bag back somehow.Hu: István ezzel szemben nyugodt maradt.En: István, on the other hand, remained calm.Hu: Úgy érezte, ez a zűrös helyzet talán egy új baráttal is megajándékozhatja.En: He felt that this messy situation might even gift him a new friend.Hu: A zsúfolt piac azonban megnehezítette a dolgukat.En: The crowded market, however, made things difficult for them.Hu: Egymást keresve kerülték el egymást a tömegből.En: Searching for each other, they avoided each other in the crowd.Hu: Zsófia mélyet lélegzett, és próbálta megőrizni a nyugalmát.En: Zsófia took a deep breath and tried to keep calm.Hu: Úgy döntött, a legmagasabb karácsonyfa mellett marad.En: She decided to stay by the tallest Christmas tree.Hu: „Talán István is így tesz," remélte csendben.En: "Maybe István will do the same," she hoped silently.Hu: István közben az emberek áramlásával sodródott, ám végül elhatározta, hogy a karácsonyfa kivilágított tövében várakozik.En: Meanwhile, István was drifting with the flow of people, but eventually decided to wait at the illuminated base of the Christmas tree.Hu: „Itt biztosan megtaláljuk egymást," biztatta magát.En: "We'll surely find each other here," he reassured himself.Hu: Végül, amikor a hó még mindig csendben hullott körülöttük, meglátták egymást a fa mellett.En: Finally, when the snow was still silently falling around them, they saw each other by the tree.Hu: A megkönnyebbülés mosolya ült mindkettejük arcára, amikor visszaválthatták a csomagjaikat.En: A smile of relief spread across both of their faces as they exchanged their bags.Hu: Nem siettek hazafelé.En: They didn't hurry home.Hu: Egy kis bódénál forró ital mellett meséltek egymásnak az esetről.En: Over a warm drink at a small stall, they recounted the incident to each other.Hu: Zsófia meglepődött, mennyire élvezte a beszélgetést.En: Zsófia was surprised at how much she enjoyed the conversation.Hu: István pedig rájött, hogy a tervezés nem is minden esetben rossz dolog.En: István realized that planning isn't such a bad thing after all.Hu: A kicsit furcsa, kicsit zűrös nap végére Zsófia megtanulta, hogy némi káosznak is megvan a maga varázsa, míg István az apró részletek tervezésének szépségeit is megismerte.En: By the end of the slightly strange, slightly chaotic day, Zsófia learned that a bit of chaos has its own magic, while István discovered the beauty of planning the small details.Hu: Talán az ünnepi hangulat tette vagy az új ismeretség, de mindketten boldogabbak voltak a történtek után.En: Perhaps it was the festive spirit or the new acquaintance, but both were happier after the events. Vocabulary Words:magical: varázslatossnowflakes: hópelyhekglittered: csillogtakassembled: rakta összespontaneity: spontaneitásátpanicked: pánikba esettacquaintance: ismeretségfestive: ünnepimistake: hibareassured: biztattaflow: áramlásávaldrifting: sodródottrelief: megkönnyebbülésrecounted: meséltekincident: esetrealization: rájöttdetails: részletektask: teendőkschedule: naptárahurry: sietségbencurious: érdekesamusement: vidámságcircumstances: körülményekreflect: tükröznicompanionable: barátisituation: helyzetchaotic: zűrössurprised: meglepődöttjoyful: vidámunexpected: váratlan

Fluent Fiction - French: Lost Notes and Croissants: A Christmas Market Mix-Up Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2025-12-06-08-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Étienne jouait de la musique dans le marché de Noël à Nice.En: Étienne played music in the marché de Noël in Nice.Fr: Autour de lui, les lumières scintillaient et l'air était empli du parfum de vin chaud et de chocolat fondu.En: Around him, the lights twinkled and the air was filled with the scent of mulled wine and melted chocolate.Fr: Il y avait une musique joyeuse et des rires partout.En: There was joyful music and laughter everywhere.Fr: Égaré dans ses pensées, Étienne ne remarqua pas l'erreur claire de certains passant, Coralie.En: Lost in his thoughts, Étienne did not notice the clear mistake of one passerby, Coralie.Fr: Coralie, elle, était venue pour acheter des cadeaux pour sa famille.En: Coralie, on the other hand, had come to buy gifts for her family.Fr: Elle portait un grand sac rempli de croissants pour sa grand-mère.En: She carried a large bag filled with croissants for her grandmother.Fr: Mais, sans prêter attention, elle attrapa un sac qui ressemblait beaucoup au sien mais, en réalité, était la housse de violon d'Étienne.En: But, not paying attention, she grabbed a bag that looked a lot like hers but, in reality, was Étienne's violin case.Fr: Alors qu'elle s'éloignait du marché, Étienne réalisa vite que son violon avait disparu.En: As she walked away from the market, Étienne quickly realized that his violin was missing.Fr: Pris de panique, il chercha autour de lui.En: Panic-stricken, he searched around him.Fr: "Où est mon violon ?En: "Where is my violin?!"Fr: " se lamentait-il.En: he lamented.Fr: Mais tout ce qu'il trouvait était un sac gorgé de croissants.En: But all he found was a bag stuffed with croissants.Fr: Coralie, de son côté, découvrit le malentendu en essayant de prendre un croissant pour sa grand-mère.En: Coralie, for her part, discovered the misunderstanding while trying to take a croissant for her grandmother.Fr: Devant elle, une housse de violon vide.En: In front of her was an empty violin case.Fr: Elle comprit vite, voyant Étienne chercher partout, que son sac était désormais entre les mains du musicien.En: She quickly understood, seeing Étienne searching everywhere, that her bag was now in the hands of the musician.Fr: Dans la foule, Coralie rejoignit Étienne.En: In the crowd, Coralie joined Étienne.Fr: "Excusez-moi, avez-vous vu un sac plein de croissants ?En: "Excuse me, have you seen a bag full of croissants?"Fr: ", demanda-t-elle.En: she asked.Fr: Étienne lui montra le sac qu'il avait.En: Étienne showed her the bag he had.Fr: "Je crois que ceci est à vous, et votre sac est avec moi", dit-il, confus mais soulagé.En: "I believe this is yours, and your bag is with me," he said, confused but relieved.Fr: Coralie sourit en réalisant la méprise.En: Coralie smiled, realizing the mix-up.Fr: "Oh, quel quiproquo !En: "Oh, what a misunderstanding!Fr: Comment allons-nous trouver votre violon ?En: How will we find your violin?"Fr: ", demanda-t-elle.En: she asked.Fr: Étienne décida d'improviser.En: Étienne decided to improvise.Fr: Il attrapa quelques ustensiles des étals voisins et se mit à créer des percussions avec des boîtes en métal et des couvercles.En: He grabbed some utensils from nearby stalls and started creating percussion with metal boxes and lids.Fr: La foule se rassembla pour écouter cet artiste inhabituel.En: The crowd gathered to listen to this unusual artist.Fr: Coralie, amusée par son inventivité, dansa et chanta, attirant encore plus de gens.En: Coralie, amused by his creativity, danced and sang, drawing even more people.Fr: Ils avancèrent ainsi, suivant les rires des enfants.En: They moved forward, following the children's laughter.Fr: Tout à coup, ils aperçurent un groupe de petits qui s'amusait avec une scène de Noël improvisée.En: Suddenly, they spotted a group of kids playing with an improvised Christmas scene.Fr: La housse de violon servait de traîneau tandis que le sac de croissants formait un oreiller doux.En: The violin case was serving as a sled while the croissant bag formed a soft pillow.Fr: Étienne et Coralie éclatèrent de rire devant cette scène cocasse.En: Étienne and Coralie burst out laughing at this comical scene.Fr: Ils récupérèrent leurs biens et remercièrent les enfants avec quelques airs festifs, joués ensemble.En: They retrieved their belongings and thanked the children with some festive tunes, played together.Fr: La musique remplissait l'air, et tous dans le marché étaient ravis.En: The music filled the air, and everyone in the market was delighted.Fr: En fin de journée, Étienne, avec son violon retrouvé, et Coralie, avec ses croissants intacts, offrirent un concert impromptu aux passants.En: At the end of the day, Étienne, with his violin found, and Coralie, with her croissants intact, offered an impromptu concert to the passersby.Fr: Les gens s'arrêtèrent pour écouter, applaudissant avec enthousiasme.En: People stopped to listen, applauding enthusiastically.Fr: Étienne comprit la valeur de l'improvisation et du travail en équipe, et Coralie découvrit la joie de se laisser porter par l'instant.En: Étienne understood the value of improvisation and teamwork, and Coralie discovered the joy of going with the flow.Fr: Le marché brillait plus fort que jamais, sous le ciel sombre de l'hiver, illuminé par l'esprit de Noël et le bonheur partagé.En: The market shone brighter than ever, under the dark winter sky, illuminated by the spirit of Christmas and shared happiness. Vocabulary Words:the market: le marchémulled wine: le vin chaudthe mistake: l'erreurthe passerby: le passantthe croissant: le croissantthe panic: la paniqueempty: videthe misunderstanding: le malentenduthe musician: le musicienthe confusion: la mépriseto improvise: improviserthe utensil: l'ustensilethe stall: l'étalthe crowd: la foulethe creativity: l'inventivitéto dance: danserthe laughter: le rirethe sled: le traîneauthe pillow: l'oreillerbelongings: les biensto thank: remercierplayful: cocassethe joy: la joieimprovised: improviséto attract: attirerthe tune: l'airthe teamwork: le travail en équipethe spirit: l'espritthe happiness: le bonheurto shine: briller

As the world reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s first trip to Turkey and Lebanon, Andrew Mueller and Juliet Linley give us their two cents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelsea has a very exciting Christmas plan to announce in this week's episode. Plus, some touching pilot retirement videos, an incredibly iconic bad review location, and James gives an update on his own Compo Claim!Download SAILY in your app store and use our code PASSPORTS at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/passportsplease Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textDoug is celebrating Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago and Drew managed to escape from work in time for Thanksgiving dinner in Richmond. How does Doug plan on getting home on the busiest travel day and how does Drew plan to get to Ireland for Christmas Markets?.  We discuss:Airbus A320 ELAC emergency software updateNew Pacific Airlines shuts downThe Boeing 767 lives on with new orders for the KC46 Airline holiday menusDOT's new Golden Age of TravelJoin the Network!https://www.nexttripnetwork.com/

654. Today we post our presentation on Liberty in Louisiana at the 2025 Louisiana Studies Conference. Liberty in Louisiana by James Workman is the oldest known extant play about Louisiana. Workman wrote the play in 1803 with the goal of supporting the impending Louisiana Purchase. This was Workman's sole venture in writing drama; he mostly wrote political essays. This time, he thought he could reach a wider audience with a play, but he still had a political objective. His goal was to demonstrate the superior legal system of the United States, which would free Louisiana from the tyranny of the Old World and replace it with the New World's Republic of Freedom. Workman had a ready theme to use in his play — the Black Legend of Spanish Law. Spanish law was denigrated by other European countries.  Its Civil Law, modelled on old Roman Law, had the best reputation, but it was slow, secret, incredibly complex, and open to corruption. The Criminal Law was markedly worse in the popular imagination. It was not seen as ancient Roman but as excessively Medieval and barbaric. Spain used several forms of capital punishment, mutilation and other corporal punishments, and forced labor. Worst of all was Canon Law — the infamous Spanish Inquisition. The corrupt judge Don Bertoldo embodies this old, corrupt systems that the Americans end. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 221 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Pisatuntema. Myths of the Louisiana Choctaw. "Hashok Okwa Hui'ga."     There is a certain spirit that lives in marshy places — often along the edges of swamps. It is never seen during the day, only at night, and even then its heart is the only part visible. Its heart appears as a small ball of fire that may be seen moving about, a short distance above the surface of the water.     At night, when a person is passing along a trail or going through the woods, and meets the Hashok Okwa Hui'ga he must immediately turn away and not look at it, otherwise he will certainly become lost and not arrive at his destination that night, but instead, travel in a circle.     The name is derived from the three words: hashok, grass; okwa, water; hui'ga, drop. The two preceding tales refer to the ignis fatuus often seen along the swamps of St Tammany parish. This week in Louisiana history. November 29, 2005. Tropical Storm Epsilon becoming the 26th named storm of the busiest hurricane season on record. This week in New Orleans history. The fire with 6 deaths at the Rault Center marks November 29, 1972 as tragic day in New Orleans history. Legislation requiring sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings were prompted by this tragedy. This week in Louisiana. Christmas in Roseland American Rose Center Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays throughout December 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd Shreveport, LA 71119 Contact Lani Bailey, 318-532-5125 eventcoordinator@rose.org At the end of the year, the gardens are magically transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights for Christmas in Roseland – our largest fundraiser of the year for the gardens.       2025 will mark our 42nd year for Christmas in Roseland! We are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning November 28th through December 21st, 2025, with special Encore Nights continuing Dec. 22nd & 23rd, 2025.       Be sure to visit Christmas in Roseland on Dec. 12th-14th for our Christmas Market. Vendors of beautiful soaps, linens, wood products and other handmade products and gift items will be present.       One of the most popular displays at Christmas in Roseland is the display of Christmas Cards to the Community made by area schools. 8' x 4', beautifully designed and painted by school children of elementary and middle schools of the Shreveport-Bossier area.      Christmas in Roseland is a participant in the Holiday Trail of Lights tour! $15 per person or $50 family Admission good from 5:30PM-9:30PM (Park open 5:30-10PM) NEW THIS YEAR! Visitors are able to purchase entry passes, Santa photos, train tickets and s'mores packets online prior to arrival here. You can also purchase tickets at the gate. BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY! Nov. 1 – 28 FOR A 20% DISCOUNT! Please call 318-938-5402 to make a group reservation. Postcards from Louisiana. Delfeayo Marsalis at Snug Harbor.          Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook.