10 Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World

Ho Ho Ho! The most joyful time of the year is here, as Christmas is hardly a month away. Christmas is one of the few festivals that is celebrated with fervor all around the world. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ and is rooted in Christianity. But people of all faiths come together to celebrate this happy occasion. Christmas is a family affair for most, comprising grand meals, gift-giving, and making merry. But wouldn’t it be great to visit a new place and enjoy their Christmas traditions and celebrations? Here are 10 best places to spend Christmas around the world.

New York City, USA

Christmas in New York City has been immortalized by numerous Hollywood movies. True to the movies, Christmas in the Big Apple is truly magical and romantic. The entire city is lit with millions of lights. There are music concerts to attend, Christmas markets to visit, and plenty of attractions to see. A simple walking tour will give you the chance to enjoy the joy of Christmas in New York. But some things you should not miss here are the well-lit Empire State Building, the huge Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and the chance to enjoy ice skating. The latest New York Botanical Garden Glow is another attraction to check out during Christmas.

Dubai, UAE

Not many will consider the Muslim country of UAE as a Christmas holiday destination. But Dubai will surprise you. Dubai is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Asia, thanks to the world-famous fireworks and the up-scale parties. Similarly, the city leaves no stone unturned to celebrate Christmas in the most epic way. Christmas celebrations in Dubai begin early in December and last till December 25. Festive Christmas markets, celebratory brunches and dinners at fine dining restaurants, tree lighting ceremonies, and Christmas related shows (at Dubai Opera) are some of the interesting things to look forward to. You can also visit Ski Dubai, a top attraction in the UAE, for a snowy Christmas where kids get to meet Santa Claus.

Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine

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As Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it makes perfect sense to visit the birthplace of Christ this Christmas. Bethlehem is a part of West Bank in the country of Palestine. Christmas is celebrated with a lot of joy and enthusiasm by the entire population. The Mass of Nativity is something you must not miss. It is a special church service that happens at the Church of Nativity, built in the place where Christ is believed to be born. You can also attend a parade that takes place on Christmas Eve. It is extremely important for the locals. You can also enjoy some authentic Christmas food to complete the celebrations.

Lapland, Finland

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Kids eagerly waiting for Santa Claus to come with their gifts is a common feature around the world. So, why not do the opposite and visit Santa in his homeland this Christmas? We are talking about Lapland in Finland, which is considered as Santa’s homeland. The most interesting place to visit here is Santa Claus Village, which is nothing less than a fairyland located near the Arctic Circle. Here you can meet Santa Clas, bake cookies with Mrs. Claus, watch Santa’s elves make toys, and enjoy numerous other activities. You can also join Santa as he ploughs through the village on his sleigh. The village also offers an array of magical accommodations to make your visit a memorable one. There are restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Finnish delicacies. Also, as it is December, you may get the chance to catch the most famous Northern Lights here.

The Vatican City

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The Vatican City is another place that is special for Christians, especially Catholics, making it an interesting Christmas holiday destination. The celebrations here begin on December 8 and last for 21 days. The center of Christmas celebration is in and around St. Peter’s Basilica. First, the Christmas tree is lit right outside the church to mark the beginning of the festivities. Visitors will also get to see new and unique nativity scenes created by talented artists every day here. Then there is the Christmas Eve Mass that happens at midnight at St. Peter’s Basilica and is attended by locals and pilgrims alike. On Christmas Day, you can also get to see and hear the speech of the Pope at St. Peter’s Square.

Seychelles

If you wish for an exotic Christmas instead of a white one, Seychelles is a good place to visit. Christmas is an important holiday for the locals and is celebrated with a lot of gusto. The best part about celebrating your Christmas holiday in Seychelles is that you will be blessed with the sight of the beautiful blue ocean, white sand, and picturesque nature throughout your stay. During the day, you will get to enjoy some amazing water sports and activities, and the nights are dedicated to some of the most happening beach parties on the archipelago. These parties are filled with delicious food and drinks and pulsating music and dance moves.

London, England

If your ideas about Christmas in London are only in books, it is time to visit one of the most famous cities in the world, this holiday season. Christmas in London is magical with the entire city lit up with millions of lights. Your Christmas holiday in London will not be complete without a look at the beautifully lit Norwegian Spruce tree at Trafalgar Square. Attending the midnight mass at Westminster Abbey, listening to the lovely Christmas carols at Royal Albert Hall, enjoying ice skating at one of the numerous ice-skating rinks in the city, and shopping at your heart’s content at a Christmas Market are some of the things that will make your Christmas in the city memorable. Harry Potter fans must not miss the studio tour of Hogwarts in the Snow, where you will get to relive the magical Christmas portrayed by J. K. Rowling.

Hong Kong, China

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Hong Kong is one of the unique Christmas places to visit, as it is usually not the first choice of people looking for a Christmas holiday destination. But Hong Kong has everything to make your Christmas a happening one. The best part about visiting the city is that you can enjoy a Christmas-themed Disneyland during the holiday time. Moreover, several other attractions in the city like WinterFest, Grand Symphony, Hong Kong Ballet, and Hong Kong Philarmonic host amazing Christmas celebrations. Moreover, the entire city is lit with beautiful lights, giving it a fairytale look. You can also enjoy Christmas markets, shows, events, and parties in Hong Kong.

Strasbourg, France

Skip Paris this Christmas and head to Strasbourg, considered the Capital of Christmas. A unique thing about it is its numerous quaint Christmas villages, complete with well-lit tiny shops with snowcapped roofs, selling Christmas goodies. Strasbourg has the oldest Christmas market in town. It is believed to have started almost 450 years ago. You can also enjoy several cultural events, including concerts and performances here.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Plenty of twinkling lights, colorful decorations, snow-filled landscapes, and unique Christmas traditions are what await you at Iceland’s Reykjavik. It would be a great idea to go on a walking tour to enjoy the beautiful sights and decorations of the city. You can attend Christmas concerts at Harpa, visit some amazing Christmas markets, and go ice skating as well. To make your Christmas in Iceland truly special, you must try a Christmas buffet where you will get to enjoy authentic Icelandic dishes. A unique thing about Reykjavik is the presence of Yule Lads, who are equivalent to Santa Claus. There are 13 Yule Lads in total, and their job is to deliver Christmas gifts to children.

Christmas celebrations and traditions are different all around the world. It would be a great idea to check out some of the places mentioned above to enjoy the feel of the place and experience a Christmas that is different from yours.