The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re looking to celebrate Christmas in style, surrounded by twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday cheer, consider visiting one of these top destinations:
1. New York City, USA
New York City during December is famous for its festive atmosphere and holiday decorations. The city is adorned with lights and decorations, and there are a lot of events and activities to enjoy. Some of the most popular things to do during December in New York City include:
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- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most famous holiday attractions in New York City. The tree is a massive Norway Spruce that is typically over 75 feet tall and decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments.
FUN FACT: the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a holiday tradition in the city since 1933. The tree is typically a Norway Spruce, and it is decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star on top. The lighting ceremony, which usually takes place in late November or early December, is a popular event that attracts thousands of visitors to Rockefeller Center. In recent years, the tree has been recycled after the holiday season, with its wood donated to Habitat for Humanity to be used in building homes.
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- Ice Skating: Ice skating is a popular winter activity in New York City, and there are many rinks throughout the city that offer skating in December. The most famous rink is the one at Rockefeller Center, but there are also rinks in Central Park, Bryant Park, and other locations.
- Holiday Markets: There are several holiday markets throughout the city, where you can find unique gifts and crafts. Some of the most popular markets include the Union Square Holiday Market and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a holiday tradition that has been running for over 80 years. The show features the Rockettes and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
- New Year’s Eve: New York City is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. Every year, thousands of people gather to watch the ball drop and ring in the new year.
New York Image by Robert Jones from Pixabay
In addition to these activities, there are also many other holiday events, such as concerts, shows, and parades. The city is also home to some of the best holiday window displays, which can be found in stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
It’s worth noting that December can be a busy time in New York City, and crowds can be quite large, especially around popular holiday attractions. The weather can also be cold and snowy, so it’s important to dress appropriately and plan ahead.
Overall, New York City during December and the Christmas season is a magical and festive time, with plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy.
2. Dresden, Germany
Spending the month of December Christmas season in Dresden can be a wonderful experience, as the city is known for its beautiful Christmas markets and festive atmosphere. Here are some things you can expect when spending the holiday season in Dresden:
- Christmas Markets: Dresden is home to several Christmas markets, including the famous Striezelmarkt, which is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. The market is located in the heart of the city and features over 200 vendors selling handmade crafts, traditional foods, and mulled wine. There are also several smaller markets throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings.
- Holiday Decorations: During December, Dresden is adorned with festive decorations, including Christmas lights and large, ornate Christmas pyramids. The city’s historic architecture and picturesque streets make for a charming backdrop to the holiday decorations.
- Traditional Foods: German Christmas markets are known for their delicious traditional foods, and Dresden is no exception. Visitors can sample local specialties like Stollen (a fruitcake-like bread), Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies), and Bratwurst (grilled sausages).
- Cultural Events: In addition to the Christmas markets, Dresden offers a variety of cultural events during the holiday season. The Semperoper, one of Germany’s most famous opera houses, hosts a variety of performances, including the classic Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker.” There are also several concerts and exhibitions taking place throughout the city.
- Winter Activities: Visitors can also enjoy a variety of winter activities in Dresden during the holiday season. The city’s ice rink is a popular spot for ice skating, and the nearby Elbe River offers opportunities for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Overall, spending December/Christmas in Dresden can be a magical experience, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Christmas markets, foods, and activities, as well as explore the city’s rich culture and history.
3. Lapland, Finland
Lapland in December can be a magical experience, especially if you’re looking for a winter wonderland getaway. Here are some things you can expect when spending the holiday season in Lapland:
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- Santa Claus Village: Located just outside Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is a popular destination for families and visitors during the holiday season. Here you can meet Santa Claus himself, visit his post office, and cross the Arctic Circle. There are also several shops and restaurants in the village, as well as activities like snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides.
- Winter Activities: Lapland offers a variety of winter activities during the holiday season, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. You can also take a dog sled or reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests, or try your hand at ice fishing.
- Northern Lights: Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, which can often be seen from December through March. There are several tours and excursions available to view the lights, including snowmobile and reindeer sleigh rides.
- Festive Food and Drink: Finnish cuisine is hearty and warming, with plenty of hearty stews, soups, and roasts to keep you warm during the cold winter months. During the holiday season, traditional Christmas foods like ham, potato casserole, and gingerbread cookies are also popular. Be sure to try some local specialties like reindeer meat and lingonberry jam, and warm up with a cup of hot berry juice or mulled wine.
- Natural Beauty: Lapland is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, including snowy forests, frozen lakes, and rugged mountains. Whether you’re exploring on foot or on a guided tour, be sure to take in the beauty of Lapland’s winter scenery.
Spending Christmas or December in Lapland, Finland can be a magical experience, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy winter activities, festive food and drink, and the natural beauty of the region.
4. Quebec City, Montreal, Canada
Quebec City offers a unique and memorable experience during the Christmas season as this city is known for its charming atmosphere, winter activities, and French Canadian culture. Here are some things you can expect when spending the holiday season in Quebec City:
- Winter Activities: Quebec City is a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with plenty of opportunities for winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing. The Plains of Abraham, a large urban park in the heart of the city, transforms into a winter sports playground with skating rinks, toboggan runs, and cross-country ski trails.
- Christmas Markets: Quebec City hosts several Christmas markets during the holiday season, including the popular German Christmas Market and the Quebec City Christmas Market. Visitors can browse through artisanal gifts and crafts, taste traditional holiday treats, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
FUN FACT: In Quebec City, one of the most popular Christmas traditions is the “reveillon,” a traditional Christmas feast that takes place after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This feast includes a variety of traditional French-Canadian dishes, such as tourtière (meat pie), bûche de Noël (yule log cake), and tarte au sucre (sugar pie).
- Festive Decorations: Quebec City is known for its festive decorations during the holiday season, with streets and buildings adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and wreaths. The iconic Chateau Frontenac, a historic hotel overlooking the St. Lawrence River, is particularly impressive with its grand holiday decor.
- French Canadian Culture: Quebec City is the heart of French Canadian culture in Canada, and the holiday season offers opportunities to experience this unique heritage. Visitors can attend concerts of traditional French Canadian music, visit historic churches and chapels, and enjoy local cuisine like tourtière (a savory meat pie) and pea soup.
- New Year’s Eve: Quebec City is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a large outdoor party in the Grand-Allée district featuring live music, fireworks, and a giant outdoor dance floor.
Quebec City, Canada Image by Aurore Duwez from Pixabay
Spending Christmas or December in Quebec City can be a festive and enjoyable experience, with plenty of winter activities, Christmas markets, French Canadian culture, and New Year’s Eve celebrations to enjoy.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria is also a popular destination for spending Christmas or December. Here are some things you can expect when spending the holiday season in Vienna:
- Christmas Markets: Vienna is home to some of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe, including the Vienna Christmas Dream on Rathausplatz and the market at Schönbrunn Palace. Visitors can browse through traditional handicrafts and gifts, taste festive food and drink, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
- Festive Decorations: Vienna is known for its elegant architecture and holiday decorations during the holiday season. The city’s streets and buildings are adorned with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive decorations. The iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral is particularly impressive with its grand holiday decor.
- Classical Music: Vienna is the birthplace of classical music, and the holiday season offers opportunities to enjoy concerts of traditional Christmas music. The Vienna Boys’ Choir performs Christmas concerts in several locations around the city, and the Vienna State Opera offers performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
- Winter Activities: Vienna is not known for its winter sports, but there are still plenty of winter activities to enjoy during the holiday season. Visitors can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s streets, ice skate in one of the city’s outdoor rinks, or take a tour of the city’s famous Christmas lights.
- New Year’s Eve: Vienna is also a popular destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a large outdoor party in the city center featuring live music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight. The city’s traditional New Year’s Day Concert is also a highlight of the holiday season, featuring classical music by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Vienna, Austria Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay
Overall, spending Christmas or December in Vienna can be a festive and enjoyable experience, with plenty of Christmas markets, festive decorations, classical music, winter activities, and New Year’s Eve celebrations to enjoy.
These are just a few of the top destinations for your Christmas celebration. Whether you’re seeking a bustling city, a quaint village, or a winter wonderland, there is a perfect destination for everyone. So gather your loved ones and start planning your holiday vacation today!
