Traveling during the month of December is so special. It covers holiday festivities which associate them with cooler weather and winter wonders that would be perfect for the holiday season. Here are some of the most recommended destinations for Christmas and end of year holiday destination.
New York City
New York City shines amongst the holiday destinations as one of the most attractive cities to visit during Christmas. The giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre illuminates the city, and the markets at Bryant Park, Columbus Circle and Union Square offer a great shopping experience. You should visit the Rockettes Christmas show in Radio City Music Hall and you should also skate at Central Park. Visit Lincoln Center and watch the Nutcracker ballet performance or go and watch a holiday show on Broadway. Next, take a look at the dazzling lights at shops at Fifth Avenue. New York is one place that is full of festivities during December, making it a unique experience.
Lapland, Finland
To experience a snowy Christmas, you can go to Lapland in Finland, and it’s even possible to watch the northern lights. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is turned into a Christmas wonderland, where people can experience activities like reindeer sleigh ride, there are villages that are dedicated to Santa Claus, people can even stay in an ice hotel. Go there in the winter, especially during the Polar Night when there is little to no light in the sky and more chances to see the Northern Lights. Wear warm clothing for dog sledding, cross country skiing or visit a Reindeer farm. Last but not the least, end the night by taking pictures with the big man himself!
Paris, France
Paris is already very beautiful during the holidays but the way they decorate their halls is beyond beautiful. Spend some time in the famous avenue of Champs-Élysées and enjoy the lights and the Christmas market. To watch the night views, you can go to the parapet of Arc de Triomphe or Eiffel Tower, both of which twinkle in the holiday season. Visit the iconic 20-foot tall Christmas tree located outside Notre Dame Cathedral or appreciate the beauty of the cathedral architecture. Enjoy festive drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate or a yuletide Log Cake also known as bûche de Noël. Paris is a perfect destination for a winter trip due to its numerous lights, Christmas markets, and French food suitable for feasts.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna attracts tourists during December due to the many Christkindlmarkets that are around the city. Warm up with hot mulled wine while you shop for wooden crafts, ornaments and arts, snacks, and Christmas presents. Favourites such as Christmas Market at Stadtpark and Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace are full of Christmas spirit. Alternate strolling the markets with sightseeing at imperial edifices such as Schönbrunn palace, the majestic opera house and the coffee houses enjoying sachertorte and coffee. Do not watch a Vienna Boys Choir for a musical Christmas season experience. Vienna is a perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit because of the combination of festive atmosphere, traditions and old world glamour.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
December is cold in Amsterdam but filled with the holiday spirit, and the city’s Christmas markets are the perfect place to embrace that. Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event in which the city’s bridges and canals are adorned with dramatic and colorful light art installations at night. Visit the numerous ice skating rinks within the city or take a walk on the Magere Brug bridge to be amazed at the beautiful canal lights at night. Enjoy such dishes as erwtensoep split pea soup in winter, roasted chestnuts, and oliebollen doughnut balls bought in Christmas markets. A trip to the Netherlands in November and December wouldn’t be complete without seeing Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, on his sleigh. Decorated canals, delicious Dutch sweets, and numerous Christmas fairs make December one of the most spectacular months to visit Amsterdam.
Those are just a few pleasant places to think of while making December holiday trips. Regardless of which city you decide to visit, it is advisable to get into the holiday mood by tasting different holiday meals, seeing lots of lights, buying perfect gifts at Christmas markets, and feeling the special pre-Christmas atmosphere of each city. Wishing you a very Happy holidays and may your Christmas vacation be as jolly as you can imagine.
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