Are you planning an escape during your Christmas holidays? We can help with that by providing a list of the top destinations for Christmas celebrations.
Christmas is that time of the year when everyone likes to stay cozy at home with their family and loved ones. However, winter is also a fine time of the year when you can visit other countries around the world. If you are able to combine both and spend your Christmas holiday in a different country, it can become a memorable experience for the rest of your life. Whether you stay in the Southern hemisphere or the Northern one, the festivity is prevailing everywhere. However, you can feel a little change in the weather. If you are looking for a destination where you can spend an amazing holiday, here are some cool recommendations that can make your days better.
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem in Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful cities that turns even more beautiful during the Christmas season. This city turns into a decked-out Christmas field with lights and decorations in every corner. The whole celebration is centered around the Christkindlmarkt, where you can find a fair with millions of other people. There are more than 50 booths where you can find artisans selling their products or someone selling their homemade food. The cozy atmosphere sets up the perfect mood for the celebration. You can also find Santa Claus sitting there for your wishes.
- Bruges, Belgium
Belgium is not only famous for its chocolates but also for its Christmas celebrations, which are quite grand in nature. Bruges is a medieval city in Europe that carries a lot of historical value. Its charm is enjoyed by tourists all year round. However, the city turns into a celebratory pit at the end of the year with Christmas and New Year celebrations. If you are here, make sure to follow the Winter Glow light trail, which will delight your heart and your phone with some of the best night selfies.
- Cape Town
Cape Town in Africa offers the best opportunity for Christmas celebration as it is summer in the Southern hemisphere, and so, you are not required to worry about the cold weather. It rather stays warm and charming, offering the perfect chance to enjoy December without wearing heavy coats and a scarf. You can find the biggest Christmas tree in Cape Town, and the happening nightlife will invite you to join the streets for more adventure. Make sure to visit the Boulders Beach at this time, as you can witness 2,000 to 3,000 African penguins also celebrating Christmas there.
- Chicago
Chicago has its own charm and aura throughout the whole year, but it turns extra beautiful during the days of the Christmas celebration, when people come down to the streets for celebration, even in freezing temperatures. The city is famous for its 55-foot Christmas tree, which is decorated at Millennium Park. You can also find a heated igloo where people like to cozy up. At this time of the year, a light festival is arranged at Lincoln Park Zoo, where you can visit your friends and family.
- Cologne, Germany
If you are looking for a place where you can find the old-school Christmas charm along with plenty of shops for shopping and eating, Cologne in Germany is quite a considerable choice for everyone. Cologne’s festivities are so popular around the world that the place attracts more than 4 million people every year. The Christmas market here is absolutely flourishing with diversity, where you can find everything in one spot. You can also enjoy the top view of this gala celebration from different observation decks.
- Copenhagen
Denmark is considered to be one of the happiest countries around the world, according to the World Happiness Report. It is the most preferred choice for most tourists and travelers, as everyone can spend a happy holiday here. Copenhagen offers the best opportunity to enjoy Christmas, as the happy people of the country make sure everyone is partying. Starting from the amusement parks to local shops, churches to confectionery shops, everything stays lit up with beautiful lights and decorations while the Danish people ask you to join the party with them. Once you reach here, you will feel the happy vibe in every place you go.
- Dubai
Celebrating Christmas in a predominantly Muslim country might sound a little absurd, but Dubai actually offers the best opportunity to spend a luxurious Christmas holiday abroad. You can find an extravagant version of everything in this country, as every architecture becomes an air-conditioned winter wonderland here. Even though it is a desert city, you will get a chance to ski indoors. There is a handful of adventure activities as well as Christmas celebrations taking place in the high-rise buildings. You will also find the best places for food and accommodation.
- Dublin
Christmas is not just about the tree and gifts, but you would also love some baked goods and a few pints to warm you up and set you up for laughter. Dublin, the gorgeous Irish capital, offers the best opportunity to enjoy the vibe with its cozy bars and fun-loving people. The city is decked out during the Christmas season, and you will find plenty of installations all around the city. Other than just beer, also try local Irish food, traditional dance forms, and people who can make your celebrations even brighter. You can easily find plenty of beautiful hotels to stay in.
- Hong Kong
Hong Kong might not be the first choice in your mind for Christmas celebrations, but it is still one of the most attractive places for doing it. The City of Hong Kong provides a more urban and modern aesthetic with neon lights and tall skyscrapers, which might remind you of New York City. You can also enjoy the Symphony of Lights show here, which takes place around 8 pm. The city can provide a spectacular view with its more than 40 huge and tall buildings, which can be seen from Victoria Harbour. If you are looking for a visually compelling Christmas celebration, this is the place you need to visit.
- Inari, Finland
Inari in Finland is one of the most offbeat places for foreign tourists, as most of them tend to stay at the Lapland city of Rovaniemi. However, Inari is also a quite unique place which is situated in the heart of the scenic Ivalo region. This winter wonderland feels unreal as you get to ride dog sleds on snow and can also feed the reindeer. Besides, it is the only country to witness the majestic beauty of the Northern Lights. This place feels no less than Santa’s own hometown. There is a chance to stay in an igloo as well.
- Kennebunkport, Maine
If you are willing to spend your Christmas days in the beautiful countryside, then this tiny town in New England can be a great choice. This town is famous for its Christmas celebration, as there is a prelude that takes more than 11 days. The Christmas Prelude will take place from 1 to 11 December this year, and you can also visit around that time. The main attraction of the event is a Christmas tree that is made of lobster traps. Here, you can also find the best lobster rolls in the whole world. Santa arrives here in a Lobster boat instead of a sled.
- Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a small town amongst the Cascade Mountains, which is designed like the Alpine villages in Germany. The scenic beauty of this place is already quite high than most other American towns, and it turns into a fairyland during the winter days. It stays completely covered in snow and offers a ton of opportunities to enjoy the winter sports. The city becomes alive during Christmas with every house being lit up with lights and decorations. Make sure to visit the Nutcracker Museum here, which attracts an ample number of tourists.
- London
Christmas in London has an appeal of its own. Although the city is visited by thousands of tourists every year, it takes on a new form during Christmas. Staring from the lively pubs to beautifully decorated cafes, streets and cafes, the city offers plenty of places to hang out with your friends and loved ones. You will also find plenty of places for shopping, and the cross-cultural mixture will allow you to make friends with people from different countries. You can also try out international cuisines here with some of the best restaurants.
- The Maldives
The Maldives is often addressed as the paradise on the ocean, which can offer you a warm Christmas on white sand rather than snow. The turquoise blue water is perfect for skiing and marine activities, while you can enjoy the best seafood on land. This place is perfect for peace and tranquility while you enjoy the benefits of span and cocktails. The hotels decorated their areas with Christmas-themed ideas to make sure tourists can have a fun time here, whether with the family or just a partner. It is recommended to go for retreats here, which are good for your well-being.
- New York City
The charm of NYC is already known to everyone, and in winter, it turns into a snowy wonderland. Remember Home Alone? You will be recreating the movie in your own life if you spend your Christmas in this city. The best thing you can do here is go ice skating at Rockefeller Center. You can also go shopping on Fifth Avenue, which is quite an attractive spot for tourists. People here are party lovers, and you will find friends along with the celebration.
- Paris
The French capital, Paris, is known for many reasons, starting from its perfumes, fashion, and art to food, people, and celebrations. You can enjoy a gala Christmas celebration here. You can visit a handful of pop-up markets and ice skating rinks in Paris along with your friends. However, if you feel too cold in the weather, you can always warm yourself with some hot cocoa. This place is also revered for its baked goods and European food culture. Make sure to visit the Eiffel Tower for an iconic view and fireworks. It is recommended to stay till the New Year celebrations.
- Prague, Czech Republic
If you are looking forward to a budget-friendly Christmas holiday in Europe, then Prague is the best choice for you. It is one of the world’s best places to spend Christmas, where you can befriend locals and travelers passing through. Whether it is mulled wine, sticky pastries, or roasted ham, you will find everything that can make your Christmas Eve better. The main markets take place in the Old Town and Wenceslas Square, just 10 minutes apart on foot. You can also witness the best Gothic architecture here, perfect for some aesthetic holiday pictures.
- Quebec City, Canada
Canada is best known for its kind people who love to have fun with people from other countries as well. Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America, and its colonial influence can be found in the city. This city can offer you a European feel along with beautifully decorated cobblestone streets, restaurants, and churches. Whether it is a café or a shopping mall, all stay merrily decorated for the holidays. However, be mindful of the weather as it can get very cold in Canada. You can also embark on some winter sports here.
- Reykjavík, Iceland
It is another beautiful place in Iceland that is quite popular among foreigners. Reykjavík shines on the streets and in the sky in December. Strings of glinting Christmas bulbs illuminate the city during its very long nights, and on the clearest evenings, the Northern Lights can be seen from the city’s darker streets and parks. The sublime beauty of this place and the bright nights will make you feel unworldly. According to the local folklore, Santa Claus starts his journey from here, and it seems quite believable.
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Christmas is not just about sweaters and cocoa, but it can be carnival in shorts and cocktails. December in Rio can offer you summer vibes, where you can enjoy an icy caipirinha on the golden beaches. The temperature here stays around 20 degrees, offering pleasant and relaxing weather for everyone to enjoy. The city also happens to host the world’s largest display of full-sized nativity scenes during its annual Festival de Presépios (“Crib Festival”), found at Jardim de Alah between Leblon and Ipanema. Visit Rio and become a local to enjoy the best days of your life.
- Rome, Italy
Let’s build your Roman Empire in winter by paying a visit to Rome in Italy. This place already has its own historic charm that reflects through its architecture and art. When Christmas celebrations become an added bonus to it, it turns into a complete party capital. It can be quite inspiring for the catholic people, Rome is the epitome of it. The streets around Rome will be festively alight, sure, but the home to the seat of Catholicism is an excellent option for folks seeking a more sacrosanct Christmas experience.
- Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, which also became the backdrop for the classic hit movie, The Sound of Music. This city has been hailed since the 15th century and comes with a magnificent view that can captivate the hearts of all kinds of travelers. You will see that traditional wind music is as much a part of the festivities as the mulled wine and market stands. This place seems like a wonderland with its snowy mountain and river by the side. Make sure to try the bauernkrapfen (fried pastries), which are somewhere between a snack and a dessert.
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Let’s find a taste of Mexican Christmas celebrations at San Miguel de Allende, which kicks off on December 12th. This date is chosen for the initiation of the celebration as it is considered the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The rest of December is equal parts solemn and celebratory, and people love to be part of it. You can encounter a lot of native people being a part of this celebration, which offers a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange. There is no doubt that you will find the best Mexican food here that you will remember for the rest of your life.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Whether you love Bad Bunny or not, you can always visit Puerto Rico for its amazing people, food, and culture. You can have the longest holiday season in the world if you are in Puerto Rico, which lasts a whopping 45 days between the end of November and the middle of January. That gives you even more time to enjoy the island’s festive decorations, folk music, midnight mass services, and coquito, which is a coconut-based drink that puts eggnog to shame. So, make sure not to drink too much, alright? Cool!
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s already-beautiful plaza becomes downright magical with the addition of Christmas lights. The city also offers midnight mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi, holiday exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Art, holiday flamenco performances at El Flamenco Cabaret, and seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market. Skiing in Santa Fe can offer you memories that you can keep for a long time. There are plenty of places for food and accommodation, which makes it the perfect spot for staying during winter.
- Strasbourg, France
If you want to visit France but not the typical choice of Paris, then Strasbourg is the best choice for you. It is the oldest of France’s Christmas markets, which has been claiming its place for more than 450 years. Though the markets will be full of delicious goodies, many choose to indulge in the king of Alsatian delicacies: foie gras, which is also a French Christmas tradition. Evidently, you will not run out of shops for eating and shopping during your Christmas holidays.
- Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the largest cities in Australia, as well as the capital of New South Wales. The charming aura of this place is not unknown to anyone, and Sydney’s Christmas lights can drop your jaw. The “Sydney Christmas” is quite long, lasts for an entire month, and features the city’s largest Christmas Tree at Martin Place. The decoration and fireworks are top-notch here, and it is recommended to stay till New Year’s Eve, as you can enjoy the best visual representation of a gala celebration. People here are quite friendly, and you might find mates to hang out with.
- Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan has become quite famous among tourists and travelers for its incredible light displays during the Christmas season. Taipei is one of the most happening cities in the country that offers plenty of festive attractions and events. During the weeks between mid-November and the New Year, pretty much the entire Banqiao District transforms into Christmasland. Starting from massive Christmas trees, rides, concerts, and markets selling local goods, you will find everything in the heart of the city.
- Tokyo
Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is already beautiful enough, and its beauty goes a notch higher during the Christmas season. It turns the voltage up each year with its winter illuminations, with different districts competing to create some truly sensational displays. Tokyo turns absolutely magical, and it stays lit up till January to let people enjoy the vibe. You can also find some of the best food and booze in this city and plenty of fun activities to do with your friends.
- Vienna, Austria
Vienna in Austria can be considered as a Christmas capital that practically sparkles with holiday spirit. The city is best known for its markets, with the Viennese Christmas Market at City Hall and the holiday tree at Rathausplatz stealing the show. Also nearby are the Nativity Trail and the Tree of Hearts. Austrian culture and food will make you feel at home, and you should definitely visit the local cafes for a cozy time with your loved ones.
