Festive season travel leads you into a world of storybook twinkling lights, festive markets and the sort of happy atmosphere that you don’t want to miss. Christmas is a time of wonder and awe for people all over the world. Whether enjoying the snow in winter, taking advantage of coastal festivals, or shopping for unique Christmas gifts amidst city lights and dazzling decorations, here’s a list of 15 fascinating Christmas destinations spread across our world.
1. Lapland, Finland
Finland’s Lapland is a winter wonderland and the best place to experience Christmas. Besides the opportunity to visit Santa Claus, visitors can also enjoy exciting activities such as snowmobile excursions into the polar wilderness and a night in glass-domed cabins out under starry skies. The wonderland also includes the indigenous Sami culture, providing information about their traditional lifestyle and a glimpse of nature’s wonders as arctic wildflowers dance with slowly swirling Northern Lights across an Arctic sky.
2. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’ because it really does resemble a fairytale winter wonderland. It is renowned for a number of locations that make up its iconic Christmas market, selling everything from local Alsatian crafts to gingerbread and spiced mulled wine. Festive lights and a backdrop of the city’s Strasbourg Cathedral, which UNESCO lists as being historically significant. The magic of the Alsatian Christmas customs and warm atmosphere combine to captivate visitors, making for an extraordinary place.
3. New York City, USA
It’s really something to see- New York on holiday. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, illuminated by thousands of lights and over 100 feet high, is the best part. Ice-skating in Central Park’s Wollman Rink is a classic New York activity, and window displays are the trademark attraction of famous department stores such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. The annual Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and the blazing holiday lights in Dyker Heights give you a feeling of something that only this city can provide. It’s magic, and it always leaves an imprint on your heart.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the city of Gothic architecture and historical interest, is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Illuminated centuries-old buildings in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square provide a romantic setting for charming Christmas markets, which visitors can explore to get into the festive spirit.
5. Tromso, Norway
Tromso is located in the Norwegian Arctic and is a special place to spend Christmas. Accept the polar nights, enjoy riding on reindeer sleighs in pristine snowscapes and fantasize about seeing that hard-to-see Aurora Borealis ﹘ these make for a magic Christmas.
6. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets, most notably the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, are a feast for all senses. With classical music on airwaves, exquisite adornments and the aroma of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts in abundance, people from all over can’t help but fall under the city’s festive spell.
7. Quebec City, Canada
The historic streets of Quebec City transport visitors to a storybook Christmas setting. Its German-style Christmas markets, the delight of skating at Place D’Youville and its splendid Chateau Frontenac covered in twinkling lights are like magic out of a festive picture postcard.
8. Tokyo, Japan
This is all a manifestation of Tokyo’s fusion of Japanese and Western traditions at Christmas. The city lights up with brilliant scenic illuminations, and Tokyo Disneyland and the newly opened DisneySea also lay on a number of special holiday-themed events and decorations. For Christmas fans, it really is worth making the trip there.
9. Cologne, Germany
Germany is rich in traditions, and Cologne has beautiful Christmas markets. Cologne Cathedral dominates the scene, towering above the happy stalls selling wooden toys and other handmade goods along with festive Christmas cake and many delicious treats. Visitors mingle happily in the air redolent of that potent elixir, mulled wine. The historical flavor of the city combines with festive celebration, and Cologne has become an unmissable destination for those who wish to gain a true feeling for German Christmas.
10. Lapland, Sweden
The Icehotel at Jukkasjarvi, located in Swedish Lapland, provides a ghostly Christmas ambience. They can enjoy spending nights in rooms chiselled out of ice and ride reindeer sleighs through snowy scenery. Guests may even experience the stunning sight of Midnight Sun this Holiday season!
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Christmas is a boon to Amsterdam, its canals and historic buildings. The city is awash with bustling markets, light festivals (such as the Amsterdam Light Festival), and quaint cafes serving warm Dutch snacks; needless to say, these warming ideas make for a highly inviting holiday environment.
12. Bethlehem, West Bank
The birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem, is an extraordinary place at Christmas. Every pilgrim wants to visit the Church of the Nativity, and celebrations in the city include processions, concerts and traditional reenactments that bring back something of the holiday’s original spirit.
13. Salzburg, Austria
Mozart’s hometown fascinates visitors with its historic appeal and beautiful Christmas markets. The seasonal celebrations against the backdrop of Hohensalzburg Fortress invite visitors to partake in a romantic holiday experience.
14. Reykjavik, Iceland
Christmas in Reykjavik turns the city into a winter wonderland. Draped in snow, the city opens its doors for visitors to enjoy some of Iceland’s unique customs. In Reykjavik, what with the mischievous little human-like creatures known as Yule Lads and Icelanders’ eating of such traditional delicacies as smoked lamb and leaf bread at the time, every element about this holiday season simply exudes a charming atmosphere. The chance to bathe in geothermal waters against a backdrop of snowy landscapes and hunt the Northern Lights makes Christmas an unforgettable experience. Reykjavik offers special Christmas gifts-white winter dust flying, lights flashing, warm drinks repelling all chills at every turn!
15. Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle
Situated in the midst of Finland’s Arctic Circle area, Santa Claus Village is always Christmas around the clock. Visitors are encouraged to check out Santa’s Post Office, cross the magical Arctic Circle line and celebrate Christmas in a winter wonderland that family travelers will treasure for years.
All these 15 magical Christmas places combine tradition with enchantment and astonishing sights, inviting travelers to share in the festive mood of the holiday. All places have their attractions, and this is your precious chance to experience unforgettable holiday magic. Be it snowy Europe, New York City’s Santa Claus Village or Tokyo’s joyous celebrations, these places are all Christmas in their fabulous style.
