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Discover the Best Places to Visit During Christmas: From Snowy Escapes to Sunny Getaways
As soon as December arrives, the entire world turns into bright fairy-tale wonderlands of Christmas lights, jolly music and warm traditions. In snow-covered fairylands in Europe, and sunny beaches in Asia, each destination has its unique approach to the most wonderful season of the year. Still, need ideas on where to head to next? Here is a personally selected list of the best places to visit during Christmas with the spirit, beauty, and warmth of this season.
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – A Dazzling Christmas in the Desert
Who says Christmas needs snow to sparkle? In Dubai, the golden dunes collide with glittering lights to get the type of a holiday that has no other. The city has become a glitzy enchanted kingdom – the giant Christmas tree in the Dubai Mall to the fairy tale Magic Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market where the festivities play carols in the Arabian-type souks makes it among the best places to visit during Christmas.
You can ski on actual snow at Ski Dubai, see the Burj Khalifa glowing with festive lights, or have a dinner cruise on Christmas Eve along Dubai Marina. Even Santa himself exchanges his sleigh with a luxury yacht!
When you feel like wondering when is the best time to visit Dubai, it is really unique during the time of the festive season in the month of December. Having pleasant weather, colorful festivities, and endless events, it is the best time to discover the best places to visit during Christmas, including Global Village, Palm Jumeirah, and the glamorous winter markets which reflect the unique holiday atmosphere of Dubai.
Why go? To have a glamorous Christmas – sunny weather, international shopping, and a touch of desert flair.
2. New York City, USA – The Magic Capital of Christmas
There is nothing like New York City at Christmas – and everybody who has ever watched Home Alone 2 knows it! The city is lit as brightly as it has ever been, and it is one of the best places to go for Christmas period in case you long to get the traditional holiday feel.
Ice skating beneath the renowned Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to visiting the Winter Village at Bryant Park and then gazing into the glittering window displays on Fifth Avenue, there is no ending or forgetting of New York Christmas activities. The air is filled with Christmas music and the Radio City Rockettes add eternal joy with their spectacular performance.
Why go? In order to feel the most popular Christmas lights, festive markets, and sheer movie-like magic that can only be offered by New York- one of the best places to visit during Christmas.
3.The Vatican, Italy – A Spiritual Christmas Pilgrimage
The Vatican in Rome is a divine beauty and serenity place to those interested in spending Christmas with faith and peace. Being one of the best places to visit during the Christmas season, it is a very spiritual experience.
St. Peter Square is sparkling with a huge Christmas tree and a full-size Nativity set-up. The pilgrims come together worldwide and take part in Midnight Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter, which is conducted by the Pope himself. The Roman streets around the area are warmly lit and filled with Italian pastry, and there are numerous beautiful hotels in Vatican that could provide a comfortable stay to those guests who want to be close to the festivities.
Why go? To experience the real spirit of Christmas in the most sacred city on the planet, in the midst of faith, art and ancient history.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Christmas by the Canals
Christmas in Amsterdam is like walking into a storybook. The canals are lit with fairy lights and the whole city participates in the Amsterdam Light Festival that is spectacular with lights glowing on the water.
During the night, it is possible to skate at Museumplein and visit the Ice Village Christmas Market where you can find Dutch ornaments, waffles, and handmade mulled wine. There are cozy cafes, where you are supposed to warm up with stroopwafels and hot cocoa under candlelight.
Why go? To have romantic canal walks, artistic light displays and warm Dutch winter, that has to be out of a fairytale.
5. Prague, Czech Republic – A Fairytale in Real Life
If Christmas had a postcard, it would look like Prague. The Czech capital is surely among the best places to go for Christmas in Europe with its snow-covered castles, Gothic spires and lighted streets.
The Christmas Market at the Old Town Square is a miracle in itself, the air smells like roasted nuts, there is carols, and a huge Christmas tree with the Astronomical Clock. Sample a warm trdelnik (sweet chimney cake) and have a glass of mulled wine whilst walking along the Charles Bridge and looking down at the frozen Vltava River.
Why go? To experience that you have entered a Christmas fairy tale – everything is shining with history and holiday magic.
6. Dublin, Ireland – Where Festive Spirit Meets Irish Charm
There is no better place to enjoy Christmas like Dublin. Irish capital is a warm, cheerful and spirited place, however, it becomes even better during the holiday season.
Stroll along Grafton Street with its Christmas decorations and have a pint in one of the numerous pubs in Dublin. Participate in the pub crawl of the funny “12 Pubs of Christmas” with the locals or go to the Christmas Market of Docklands and see Irish chocolates and other handmade craft.
Why go? To music and high laughter and the cozy hospitality which makes Irish Christmas memorable.
7. Zurich, Switzerland – A Snowy Wonderland
When you wish to have snowflakes, mountain scenery, and glittering markets as your dream Christmas, then Zurich is among the best places to visit during Christmas. A gorgeous Swarovski crystal Christmas tree is at the Christkindlimarkt in Zurich Main Station and Bahnhofstrasse has golden lights.
Alongside the magic of the festivals, Zurich also contains some of the most pleasant tourist attractions in Switzerland, whether it is the picturesque mountain ranges or snow-laden mountain retreats, just a short ride away. To add some magic, be there at hundreds of candles drifting on the Limmat River during the age-old ceremony called Lichterschwimmen, which is an experience that best defines the Swiss Christmas.
Why go? To enjoy a white Christmas with snow and lights and a Swiss style that makes your heart warm.
8. Berlin, Germany – The Christmas Market Capital
Berlin is heaven, in case you are in love with Christmas markets. It has more than 60 markets throughout the city, which is why Germany is number one in any list of the best places to go for Christmas.
Go to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, where there are lights and artisanal gifts. The Charlottenburg Palace Market contributes to the royal beauty of the place, and the Spandau Market makes the streets busy with music and the smell of roasted almonds.
Sip Gluhwein, sample German sausages, and get drunk on the Christmas atmosphere that has been honed in this country over centuries.
Why go? To experience true European Christmas traditions, good food, and a festive market feel that this season is all about.
9. London, England – Where Christmas Feels Timeless
London does not merely celebrate Christmas, it owns it. With its royal decorations, ice rinks beneath the stars, this city is among the best places to visit during Christmas in terms of festive beauty and fun.
Go along Oxford Street and Regent Street, where millions of lights are glittering over your head. Go to the ride and eat hot cocoa and watch holiday shows in Winter Wonderland in Visit Hyde Park. Christmas at Kew Gardens is a magical walking trail of lights that one should not miss. Harrods, a top tourist attraction in London is also a place to visit to have an unforgettable Christmas shopping experience with luxurious and glittering Christmas shopping.
Why go? To magic of royal holidays, splendid lights, and cozy British traditions in a veil of immortality.
10. Montréal, Canada – A French Christmas with Snowflakes
Christmas in Montréal is like entering a snowy French-Village with a touch of modernity. The old-word architecture and cobblestone streets of the city makes it one of the best places to go for Christmas in North America.
Take a walk in Old Montréal, whereby horse-drawn carriages are moving through the lightly falling snow. Go to Atwater Market to indulge in fine cookies or go ice-skating in the park, Parc La Fontaine. The Montréal Christmas Village is lit up, carols are playing, and the scent of maple delicacies is filling the air. When it comes to the festive season, there are many options for flight to Canada so it is simpler than ever to come and see this extraordinary winter wonderland.
Why go? On snowy nights, French style, and the type of warm Christmas ambiance that warms you up.
11.Sydney, Australia – Christmas Under the Sun
Just imagine celebrating Christmas on a golden beach, and the waves instead of bells. You can swap snow with sunshine in Sydney and have the entire festive atmosphere.
The city is the host of Carols in the Domain, a giant outdoor concert, and the streets are illuminated with bright decorations. Go to Martin Place to see the giant Christmas tree or go to Bondi Beach with the locals, where Santa uses sun glasses and surf boards instead of sleighs.
Why go? To enjoy a sunny, carefree Christmas of beach barbecues, fireworks and laid back Aussie flavor.
12. Phuket, Thailand – A Tropical Christmas Paradise
When you think of Christmas palm trees and sea breeze, Phuket will be among the most favorite destinations to go during Christmas in Asia. The island is a combination of festival and tropical pleasure, hence it is an indispensable Thailand tourist spot, to any traveler who wants sunshine and festival.
There are great Christmas buffets, beach parties, and night-time entertainment in resorts. Patong Beach is a bustling place, and more tranquil destinations such as Kata Beach, romantic sunset dinners. Imagine having a cocktail with a coconut and with fairy lights in the palm trees, that is a Phuket Christmas.
Why go? A barefoot Christmas by the sea – sun, smiles, and serenity wrapped up in one ideal holiday.
Final Thoughts: Make Christmas Unforgettable
These destinations make a new magic in holidays whether you desire snow-flecked beauty in Zurich, bustling markets in Berlin, spiritual tranquility in The Vatican, or sun-kiss beaches in Phuket.
From the historic streets of Europe to the tropical shores of Asia, the world is full of destinations that make December a dream. Book your holiday with European Travel and organizing your whole festive vacation becomes easy; flights, hotels and customized itineraries. Therefore, grab your bags, turn on the lights and make the season your own. It is after all the best places to visit during Christmas and the best places to go during Christmas across the world.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which city has the most magical Christmas lights?
The spectacular displays of Christmas lights are popular in New York City and London. Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Oxford Street are set in festive lights which are visited by millions of people every year.
2. Where can I experience a traditional European Christmas market?
Go to Prague, Berlin, Zurich or Amsterdam, in case you love warm Christmas markets. These cities are characterized by adorable stalls, hot wine, homemade presents, and cozy holiday mood.
3. What’s the best warm-weather destination for Christmas?
Dubai, Phuket, and Sydney are spectacular Christmas holidays especially when you want to avoid snow but you want the sunshine. You will be able to go through the beach festivals, fireworks, and lots of holiday activities without the chill of winter.
4. Which of the destinations has the most ideal winter scene to capture Christmas photos?
Zurich, Prague or Montréal are good places to go to see postcard-perfect winter scenes. These cities are truly picture-perfect with snow, lights, and the decorations of the festivities.
5. What are the top attractions at Christmas in these cities?
- New York City – Rockefeller Christmas Tree & Ice Skating at Bryant Park
- London – Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
- Berlin – Charlottenburg Christmas Market
- Sydney – Carols in the Domain & fireworks
- Zurich – Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmühleplatz
