Destinations to celebrate Christmas around the world

It’s nearly that time of the year again, the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! As the festive season is just around the corner, we are sure you will be wondering about where to celebrate Christmas this year!

While the obsession with warm, boozy drinks, twinkling lights, and warm clothes is in demand during this time of the year, not everybody loves winter, and that’s okay! Whether you’re a winter person or someone who loves the sun, there’s a place for everyone around the world, so pack your bags as we help you choose one of the best destinations for your Christmas holidays.

New York City, USA

New York City, also known as the Big Apple, is one of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas. It is also seen in various famous movies and series like “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Dash and Lily,” and the most famous Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” All these films were shot in New York and depicted one of the best Christmas times. Christmas in New York has been recreated repeatedly in movies and television for great reasons! Be it the ice skating at Rockefeller Centre tree or festive window displays at Fifth Avenue, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, or the sparkling lights in Dyker Heights, New York is undoubtedly one of the best places to celebrate Christmas.

Munich, Germany

Munich is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas traditionally, with numerous attractions and activities! Immerse yourself in traditional German Christmas markets, holiday lights, and various activities.
Munich has over a dozen Christmas markets, but the most famous and popular is the Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt. It is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, dating back to medieval times. It incorporates a giant Christmas tree, traditional handicrafts, decorations, food, free craft workshops for children, singing-along sessions, and tours with stall owners. You also get barrier-free access and sign language interpreters. Munich is a great place to visit during Christmas, and remember to enjoy the mulled wine (gluhwein) and gingerbread.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic, has one of the best festive atmospheres, traditional events, and unique shopping experiences. It welcomes you with fairy lights and large Christmas trees around famous squares. Experience traditional Czech Christmas traditions where people cut an apple to see if they will have good luck in the new year. One of the most mesmerizing things to catch is the city skyline, which is a sight to behold with the lights on the towers of the city of spires. The city offers many more experiences, especially during Christmas, like open opera concerts, street music, church choirs, and much more. Prague looks even more beautiful, covered in snow!

The Vatican, Italy

The Vatican City in Italy celebrates Christmas most traditionally. It is famous for its midnight mass held in St. Peter’s Basilica, and tickets should be booked two months in advance. A life-size nativity scene, or Presepe, is also displayed. The Christmas season in the Vatican, Italy, starts on December 8th and ends on January 6th. The unveiling of the Christmas tree in St Peter’s Square kicks off the festive season in the Vatican.

Lapland, Finland

Christmas in Lapland is a magical winter wonderland experience, and do you know it’s where Santa Claus’s home is? Lapland, Finland, is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas because of various things! It is a land of magical natural phenomena due to its location largely within the Arctic Circle. Christmas in Lapland, Finland, is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including decorations, food, saunas, church services, pre-Christmas parties, and various activities like snowmobiling, skiing, or dog sledding. You also get to witness the breathtaking northern lights in Lapland.

Here comes one of the best parts about this place, you get to meet Santa! Santa Claus village is located in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland; this village is known as Santa’s official North Pole residence, where visitors can see Santa and his elves. People gather at Santa Claus village to experience the start of Santa’s annual journey, which is an experience to remember.

Bondi Beach, Australia

Christmas at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, is truly one the most unique celebrations that combines festive cheer with the beach’s sunny atmosphere. So, if you want to avoid celebrating Christmas in a winter atmosphere and turn the tables by celebrating with waves under the sun, then this is for you. Bondi is one of Australia’s most famous beaches and transforms into a vibrant celebration hub on December 25th, attracting locals and tourists from around the world. The beach is decorated with vibrant and colorful lights and ornaments, and the Olympic-sized Bondi iceberg pool often features a floating Christmas tree. The occasion is a mix of tradition and beach party, offering a unique Christmas experience for you!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Experience a cozy and charming Christmas in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This place is already a fantastic festive city, and visiting Amsterdam during Christmas is like a cherry on top. You will be mesmerized by the Amsterdam light festival. The festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, making the place look magical. Amsterdam has ice rinks where you can go ice skating. You will also find various Christmas markets during the season. Don’t forget to explore the festive Jordan neighborhood and warm up with hot chocolate and stroopwafels.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Christmas dominates December and much of November in Denmark. Homes and shopping streets are decorated with vibrant, colorful lights, and local bakeries are full of Christmas Delicacies. You can experience singing Christmas carols and psalms while dancing around the Christmas tree. Take advantage of the Saint Lucy’s Day parade, where hundreds of kayaks covered in lights and ornaments take to the canals. It is usually freezing in Amsterdam, but we have you, especially if you drink. You can’t miss having glogg in Amsterdam, a famous traditional spiced mulled wine. Another way to warm up is, of course, sitting in a sauna.

Bruges, Belgium

Are you a chocolate lover? If so, you must celebrate your Christmas in Brussels, Belgium. There is no Christmas without chocolate in Bruges. From the heavenly rich, hot, and silky Belgian chocolate to yule log, you will find it all in the markets, and to have it under the twinkling lights is just amazing. Apart from chocolate, Christmas is celebrated with a holiday festival called “Winter Glow,” where you will experience a trail with breathtaking light displays, ice skating, concerts and performances, medieval architecture, and much more!

Marrakech, Morocco

If you want to run away from the traditional celebration of Christmas, this destination is for you. Marrakech has a mild and sunny climate with chilly mornings and evenings; the majority of people here do not celebrate Christmas but go out and have fun, making it perfect for escaping conventional festive vibes! The city’s luxury hotels and riads often offer special Christmas packages and festive decor. There are certain outdoor activities for you to explore here as well. Marrakech is a popular choice for celebrating Christmas because it offers a different culture and gives you more of a modern life experience.

To Sum Up

Christmas is a time of joy and love, giving and receiving gifts and making unforgettable memories. Whether you are seeking a traditional Christmas, a spiritual one, one that offers unique experiences, or a winter wonderland magic, there’s a perfect destination for all of you. Let Christmas do its magic on you by choosing one of the best Christmas destinations that best suits your preference to create a magical experience for yourself and your family and friends.