Popular Christmas & New Year Destinations
You may have already planned your Christmas or thinking about changing the routine. Christmas is the festival of joy and happiness and there is no better way to celebrate it than travel to some of the best places in the world. After years of the same festivities, why not explore someone else’s culture and try something new.
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities and a place where merrymaking and Christmas celebrations are taken seriously. Events taking place across the city range from quaint markets held in the shadow of dramatic Baroque architecture and classical concerts in some of the greatest venues in the world to art installations and ice rinks. Enjoy string quartet performances by Austria’s most famous classical composer in the venue where the man himself once lived and worked. The Sala Terrena at the convent of Deutscher Ritterorden, located close to the St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hofburg Imperial Palace, is decked out in fantastically jubilant splendor over the festive period. The annual Mozart concert, taking place on Christmas Eve (Christmas day for the German-speaking world) is sure to ignite some festive spirit.
2. Quebec City
Quebec City is a favorite historic destination for the holidays. The narrow cobblestoned streets and stone architecture of the walled city, founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, make it as romantic and European as it gets. Add to that a proclivity for snowfall and an abundance of top-notch bars and restaurants, and you may wish the New Year could be postponed. A haven for environmentally friendly, outdoor enthusiasts, Quebec bustles with winter activity, offering holiday programs for all tastes. Old Quebec is turned into a picturesque Christmas village. Sausage and roast chestnut lovers can browse the wares at the German Christmas market. The more religiously inclined can wander an exposition of nativity scenes from around the world. And when Christmas is over, there’s Quebec Winter Carnival from February 7 to 16, 2020.
3. Thailand – Christmas on Beach
The picturesque destination of Thailand is an ideal winter escape in Asia and one of the best places to spend a Christmas vacation. Picturesque scenic beauty complimented by azure waters and a plethora of adventure activities. Thailand is the perfect way to see of the near perfect year. Would you rather spend New Year doing the usual celebration or be on a secluded Island with your loved ones? Thailand is a land of geographic and cultural diversity, yet a visit to Thailand will make you feel like Thailand is your second home. A budget destination for most travelers, Thailand is the escape you need to rejuvenate your mind and body while making the very best of the occasion.
4. Switzerland – The Ultimate Christmas Destination
The ultimate Christmas & New Year vacation destination, Switzerland needs no introduction. Every year millions of tourists visit Switzerland to make their story book dream come true. From lush green meadows amidst the breathtaking mountains to a train ride through the snow-capped mountains, Switzerland is heaven like no other. If you are wondering where to travel for Christmas, then pack your bags for Switzerland. Christmas time is even more special in Geneva in Switzerland with the entire city being lit up for the festival. The whole lake area of Geneva is full of shops, stalls and millions of lights to celebrate the festive occasion. A treat for food lovers, Geneva offers some of the best cuisines and street food during the Christmas period.
5. India
It may surprise you to know that Christmas & New Year are celebrated with the utmost enthusiasm in India. In different parts of the country, people are immersed in festivities surrounding these two occasions. While some people prefer to spend their Christmas vacation visiting a hill station, for others, nothing is better than attending a festival. Regardless of whether you are a family with kids, on a honeymoon, traveler, backpacker or senior citizen, you will find something to enjoy during this time. Travelers will find all the traditional comforts of this beloved holiday during their visit, especially in more major cities. Don’t expect snow and ice, though: December and January temperatures in the south of India, where Christmas is most widely celebrated, reach up to 86°F (32°C)
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Edinburgh is just filled with a strong spirit of unification. If you love hanging out and having some uncontrollable fun, you will probably not find a place better than this Scottish City. The Scotts use the word Hogmanay to indicate the last day of the year as well as the New Year celebration in their own, Scottish manner. But the fact that the annual festivities in Edinburgh last three days is a little bit contradicting. And who’s complaining!
On December 30, a torchlight procession through the city marks the beginning of the local festivities. Here, New Year’s Eve’s celebration is all about massive street parties and outside concerts, which include an enormous traditional Celtic party called Kelidh. Exactly at midnight, several tons of fireworks burst over the Edinburgh Castle to the accompaniment of the streets singing “Auld Lang Syne”.
7. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is not a typical Christmas destination that comes to mind, but it is amazing choice! Hong Kong has one of the most dramatic skylines in the world, which lights up every year with an extravaganza of fireworks. This is one of the places in the world where you can witness a pyrotechnic dragon coming to life and dancing across the sky. And it grows more impressive and impressive every year! The celebration kicks off in Hong Kong’s Times Square shopping mall with a replica ball drop. Victoria Harbour is the heart of the evening activity, but you can see plenty of locals on boats and rooftop terraces, from where they can see some of the best views of the exciting show. Hong Kong is also a huge foodie capital, with a tremendous array of restaurants to fill you up on your holiday trip.
8. Bahamas
Located just southeast of the United States, the Commonwealth of Bahamas is one of those hotter regions of the world, regardless of the time of the year. Here, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve are equally exciting. The locals attend the Junkanoo street parades featuring music, street performers, and vivid costumes. These parades continue to take place on January 1st as well. The most noteworthy Junkanoos can be found along Bay Street in downtown Nassau, in Nicholls Town on North Andros, in Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, and in downtown on Grand Bahama Island. Some big properties like the Atlantis and the Grand Lucayan hold their own
family-friendly parties. In the end, Bahamian parades and festivals are concluded by informal beach gatherings and fireworks around the islands. The Bahamas are one of the best warmer places in the world to visit during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
It’s impossible to escape the Yuletide spirit on a trip to Iceland during the holiday season — a visit to Reykjavik will be filled with an overwhelming amount of Christmas cheer. The city goes wild for a good Christmas celebration and starts ringing in the season at the end of November, with the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree at Austurvollur square. The celebration includes choirs singing carols and the arrival of the first of the “Holiday Lads,” 13 Santas who appear throughout town during Lent. Other favorite holiday spectacles include the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjordur town, a tiny, festive town chockfull of shops selling holiday gifts and traditional foods amid live entertainment, and a visit to Reykjavik’s main Christmas Market in Ingolfstorg Square, which fills with vendors selling holiday gifts, mulled wine and performances from a plethora of musicians.
10. German Christmas Markets
Get into Christmas mood and discover the magic of the best German Christmas markets. Whether you visit the big ones, or tiny markets, which are held in nearly every town, you will enjoy them all. Christmas markets in Germany are unique. Historical town squares form a romantic backdrop to many markets. Streets, pedestrian malls, public buildings and shops are decorated with lights and Christmas trees and add to the beauty of the scenery. Christmas markets are known as Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindchesmarkt and Christkindlmarkt. They usually open on the Friday before the first Advent and close one or two days before Christmas Eve. Additional cultural programs, local arts & crafts markets, the scenery and surrounding architecture make each German Christmas market unique.
