Where should you celebrate Christmas this year? New York City? Strasbourg? Prague? Or Tokyo? The truth is all of these places are perfect for spending the holiday season. They're known for putting on the most festive and exciting celebrations in the world. Some of them have even become synonymous with Christmas! If you go to Tokyo, you can expect dazzling lights all around. And if you go to London, you can look forward to lots of shopping. Rest assured that if you celebrate Christmas in any of these places, you'll have a holiday season you won't ever forget!
New York City, USA
It's common knowledge that
New York City is one of, if not the best destination for celebrating Christmas. Think of the
famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the ice skating rink in Bryant Park, and the elaborate window displays that line Fifth Avenue. Year after year, this bustling metropolis turns into a magical holiday fantasyland where everyone is having all sorts of fun. This is the kind of hectic but happy energy you'd want on Christmas!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
London, UK
Speaking of hectic but happy energy, you can't forget about
London too! Just go to Oxford Street and see how dazzling the city gets during this time of the year. While shoppers go crazy over the holiday deals and discounts, you can just revel in all the sparkling magic of the world-famous shopping districts. And if you get too cold, you can always head on over to the many
cozy cafes in London and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Strasbourg, France
All the way in the
French countryside, you'll find the Grand Est region's capital city of Strasbourg, another of the best Christmas destinations in the world. The city is a healthy mix of French and German influences, making it fascinating to explore no matter the time of year. But in truth, it's best to go here during Christmas. The entire city sets up all sorts of Christmas villages, offering up charming novelties that you won't find anywhere.
Source: Flickr.com/ Jim Nix
Lapland, Finland
Did you know that you don't have to go all the way to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus? You can just visit his village in Lapland, Finland, instead. In the Arctic Circle in Finland, where the city of Lapland is located, Santa Claus has set up his own North Pole there. His village is as charming as ever, complete with cute cottages, warm fireplaces, and even sleigh rides. And of course, don't forget the big guy in red too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Prague, Czech Republic
If you want to experience a postcard-worthy Christmas this year, look no further than
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. The city is already known as one of the most beautiful places out there, but very few people realize that it's also among the best Christmas destinations in the world. When they set up their big trees and twinkling lights, the entire Czech capital turns into one huge Christmas card. Especially the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you'll find the city's
famous Christmas markets.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich is probably the last place you'd expect to be a Christmas destination. The city is known as the biggest financial hub of Switzerland, itself among the wealthiest nations in the world. You can expect big money and big business here, but big holiday cheer? Well, why not? Once the well-decorated trees and idyllic Christmas markets are all lighted up, it's hard not to get caught up in all the festivities. Add to that the Swiss specialties of chocolate, cheese, and more and you've got a dreamy Christmas ahead!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tallinn, Estonia
Truth be told,
Tallinn doesn't get enough credit as a beautiful destination, let alone one of the best Christmas destinations in the world. Just like any other European capital city out there, Tallinn maintains a healthy balance between the past and the present, from its grand castles and churches to its popular hotspots. Perhaps if you visited the city during the holiday season, even you'll see how worthwhile it is! There's a bustling Christmas market, adorable holiday handicrafts, and even a zoo set up just for the season. Paired with the blanket of snow that covers the city at this time of year, Tallinn will give you a white Christmas you won't soon forget!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tokyo, Japan
Although there are many Christians in Japan, Christianity is far from the dominant religion in the country. They're more into Shintō and Buddhism over there. Nevertheless, that has never stopped the Japanese from embracing and enjoying Christmas. Just look at Tokyo, for example. Every year, they set up such breathtaking lights displays, you could practically get lost in them. They also have such
unique Christmas traditions too, including eating KFC and always having a cake for your holiday dinner.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hong Kong, China
If there's one other city that can beat Tokyo in the most spell-binding Christmas lights and displays, it's Hong Kong! Practically every corner of the bustling metropolis glistens and glimmers with twinkling fairy lights, glowing snowmen, gigantic Christmas trees, and more. You could almost go blind with all the illuminations! And of course, don't forget the shopping! Be it a luxury mall or a street market, there's no way you won't spend all of your money when you spend the holiday season in Hong Kong!
Source: Flickr.com/ Roderick Elme
Bondi Beach, Australia
Do you need to have a white Christmas to enjoy the holiday? Australians argue otherwise! In the country's capital city, Sydney, you'll find Bondi Beach, one of its most famous shorelines. The place gets pretty crowded no matter the time of year, but it gets especially packed on Christmas Day. It's become somewhat of a tradition for locals to enjoy a beach day during the most famous holiday of the year; as if to take a stand that a white Christmas isn't the only way to celebrate it.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you truly want a memorable Christmas celebration this year, go to the world's best destinations for the holiday. They range from bustling metropolises to cities known for their old-world beauty and appeal.
