10 Amazing Places To Visit During Christmas
Here is a list of amazing destinations to visit this Christmas using XcelTrip, this winter:
Quebec City, Canada
Why we go: Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America, and its colonial French architecture gives it an unmistakably European feel. The cobbled streets of the Old Town are packed with quaint shops and delicious bistros, all merrily decorated for the holidays.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The toboggan run at Château Frontenac (open from mid-December to March) is one of the city’s oldest traditions — and quite the thrill. Zoom down icy tracks overlooking the city on a wooden sled reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour.
Dublin
Why we go: If your idea of Christmas merriment includes an authentic Irish pub crawl (we get it), then book a December flight to Dublin. There’s no better way to warm up on a cold Christmas night than joining the locals for some black pudding and a few pints — trust us, this city has enough cozy bars to last you through New Year’s. But the city isn’t just about drinking, of course. Holiday offerings include Christmas markets, extended store hours on Grafton Street, and tree lighting ceremonies galore.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Irish Baroque Orchestra’s annual production of Handel’s Messiah is held at the incomparable St. Patrick’s Cathedral (December 6, 7:30 p.m.).
Paris
Why we go: It’s hard to dampen the spirit of Paris at Christmastime — the city shines on, from the lights along the Champs-Élysées to the Christmas market at Les Halles to some of the most decked-out window displays in the world.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Take in the visual feast that is the Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree — an annual display comparable to NYC’s Rockefeller Centre.
New York City
Why we go: There’s no shortage of ways to make your New York City Christmas magical, whether it’s ice skating at Rockefeller Center, window shopping down Fifth Avenue, or lurking around 34th street hoping to witness a miracle.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Watch the Rockettes do their thing during the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (showing this year through January 5, 2020).
Taipei, Taiwan
Why we go: Christmas isn’t a public holiday in Taipei, but that doesn’t stop the city from celebrating with incredible lights displays and festive attractions and events. During the weeks between mid-November and the New Year, pretty much the entire Banqiao District transforms into Christmasland — which is exactly what it sounds like. We’re talking massive Christmas trees, rides, concerts, and markets selling local goods.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The LED displays at Christmasland are truly on another level — don’t miss the giant tree and 3D light show in front of City Hall.
Copenhagen
Why we go: According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the world’s happiest countries, making it a great place to spend the holidays. In Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, antique amusement park rides decorated with lights are surrounded by yet another adorable, alpine-village style Christmas market selling gifts and snacks through the end of December.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Book a table at Restaurant Vita for some andesteg, a traditional Danish holiday dish of crispy, succulent roast duck served with potatoes and cabbage.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Why we go: Reykjavík shines on the streets and in the sky in December. Strings of glinting Christmas bulbs illuminate the city during its very long nights; and on the clearest evenings, the Northern Lights can be seen from the city’s darker streets.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The 13 Yule Lads, a group of holiday trolls you’ll see about town, are — in local folklore — Iceland’s equivalent to Santa Claus (and have actually been around a lot longer than St. Nick).
Dubai, UAE
Why we go: Dubai does Christmas the same way Dubai does nearly everything — in true, over-the-top fashion. Don’t miss the tree lightings happening around town, including ones at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa (December 6) and Five Palm Jumeirah (December 9). And since no visit to Dubai is complete without several shopping sprees, set aside time to stock up on goodies at one of the city’s Christmas markets.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Cirque De Cuisine at Atlantis, The Palm (December 5), a three-hour dining experience that includes food from some of Dubai’s best restaurants — plus circus performers and dancing snowmen, of course.
London
Why we go: Christmas in London has timeless appeal — chalk it up to the decorated Georgian townhouses, cozy, packed pubs, and a dash of Dickensian charm. Our editors recently mapped out a step-by-step guide to spending the holidays in London, which covers the perfect place for afternoon tea, a steak to tuck into after a day spent gift shopping, and a martini to sip on Christmas Eve — and that’s just for starters.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Rent skates and glide around the frozen 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House, a sprawling neoclassical building off the Strand.
Inari, Finland
Why we go: While most tourists flock to the Lapland city of Rovaniemi come Christmas, we suggest heading even further north (like, within reach of the Arctic Ocean north) to the village of Inari. Located in the heart of the incredibly scenic Ivalo region — reachable via a 1.5-hour flight from Helsinki — Inari is a pure winter wonderland dotted with hotels and restaurants that keep things nice and cozy. It’s hard to imagine a more authentic winter holiday than one spent riding dog sleds, feeding reindeer, and chasing the Northern Lights.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: A private Northern Lights safari will have you sitting in a heated sleigh and sipping sparkling wine while waiting for the aurora to dance.
Use XcelTrip to plan your winter vacation and celebrate Christmas to make memories that last a lifetime.
