Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. There are so many festive destinations to visit during the holiday season. Here are some stunning Christmas destinations in the USA and around the world!
Bratislava, Slovakia
If you are looking for a unique Christmas destination, then you definitely should check out Bratislava – the main city of Slovakia in Europe. Visitors are amazed by the many picturesque Christmas Markets and the unique atmosphere when visiting Bratislava in Wintertime!
The best one can be found at Hlavné und Hviezdoslavovo námestie – where you will also find plenty of excellent accommodation like the beautiful APLEND CITY Hotel Perugia. During Christmas time the city is full of local specialties, delicious food, and charming goodies. People come together for having some punch or mulled wine and enjoy the true atmosphere of a traditional Christmas Market. Really delicious is here the Loksa, a salty pancake, or the traditional Strudl, a crisp cake filled with apple and raisins.
Also, the mulled wine in Bratislava is tasty – probably because it comes from local wineries nearby the city. In addition to amazing food, you will find plenty of homemade products and traditional souvenirs – perfect to bring home some souvenirs for your beloved. Another highlight and for many a must-do is ice-skating. Especially at the Main Square, you will find a very well-prepared open-air ice rink. Not only kids, also adults love to turn some rounds in this incredibly beautiful atmosphere. Skates are available to hire, so you don’t have to bring your own ones. In the evening, local artists – singers and dancers perform directly at this Christmas Market and make each visit an extraordinary experience. Christmas Markets have had a long tradition in Bratislava and therefore a visit to Bratislava for Christmas is absolutely recommended.
Recommended by Martina and Jürgen at Places of Juma
Prague, Czech Republic
Christmas in Prague can belong to the most magical holidays you’ve ever experienced. From the end of November, Prague fills with Christmas markets. The largest one at the Old Town Square becomes a tourist hotspot. It’s pretty and festive but also crowded. At the Prague Castle, you can come across the most charming Christmas market, since the castle palaces and the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral provide the best backdrop.
On the evening of December 5th, St. Nicholas roams the streets with his helpers (angels and devils) and rewards kids who’ve been good. Czechs prepare for Christmas by baking Christmas cookies – it’s a point of pride of many grandmas to boast how many of different types she’s got prepared. For Czechs, the most festive day is December 24th.
During the day, families decorate their Christmas tree (though some prefer to do it a few days in advance) and the children are encouraged not to eat other than snack on Christmas cookies and little bites. If they manage, they might see a golden pig. The purpose of fasting all day is to work up the appetite for the Christmas dinner. Most families eat a traditional soup and the main course of fried carp fillet and a potato salad. After dinner, it’s time to open the Christmas presents. Families gather under the Christmas tree and engage in unwrapping together.
Recommended by Veronika Primm at Travel Geekery
London, England
Christmas in London is packed full of traditions and lovely rituals. Head to Oxford Street to see the Christmas lights – every year they change and this is the main street to see the spectacle as it’s always fantastic. Stop off at Harrods to see the huge Christmas displays and the piles of toys, always the latest collections. For Christmas treats it has to be Fortnum and Mason who have delicious mince pies, Christmas puddings, and Christmas cakes stacked high during this season.
There are also numerous places to ice skate in the city, some of the favorites are in the moat of the 1000-year-old Tower of London and at Alexandra Palace. Take a trip through Covent Garden which will be decked out in all its Christmas glory, it’s the perfect place to pick up a punnet of roasted chestnuts. Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas in the UK, and so of course in London, without visiting a traditional pantomime. Boo the baddies, shout out “he’s behind you” and enjoy the silliness of pantomime which is simply unlike any other theatre experience. Christmas in London is magical and beautiful.
Recommended by Nichola at Global Mouse Travels
Manchester, England
Located in North West England, Manchester is one of the liveliest cities in the United Kingdom and a paradise for Christmas lovers! There are so many Christmas activities you can do when visiting Manchester in winter. Start in the city center where you will discover not only one but nine Christmas markets! When November comes around Manchester city council makes sure that the city turns into a life-size winter wonderland.
No matter where you go, you will bump into one of the Christmas markets. The main one is located on Albert Square, in front of Town Hall. That’s where Manchester Big Santa resides for the few weeks before Christmas. It’s also home to the German village which includes bars and food stands. Manchester is also home to several theatre venues including the Opera House and the Palace Theatre. They host traditional Christmas pantomimes every year. Make sure to drop by the box office to book tickets.
Finally, a Christmas trip to Manchester wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Trafford center. Located on the edge of the city, this huge commercial center is a paradise at Christmas. Lights, Santa Claus, decorations… it has it all! It’s very good fun and of course, you will find many shops where you can buy your presents!
Recommended by Pauline Vergnet at Bee Loved City
New York City, USA
One of the best Christmas destinations is New York City. The city goes all out for the holidays. The most famous Christmas icon is perhaps the large real-life tree at Rockefeller Center, but there is much more on offer. The entire area around the tree is decorated with larger-than-life angels and toy soldiers.
Don’t miss the chance to go ice skating below the tree at the iconic ice rink. Opposite, the entire façade of Saks Fifth Avenue is turned into a spectacular light show that plays every ten minutes. The store windows are also specially decorated for the holidays, as are the other department stores in the city, including Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman. Macy’s is also home to Santaland, where you can visit Santa’s village, see his elves, and even meet the big man himself. There are other specialty shows during the Christmas season, including the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo, with multiple enormous light-filled lanterns in the shapes of animals, and the Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, with model trains traveling around intricate models of iconic NYC landmarks.
This being NYC, there is not just one Holiday Market. Instead, there are several scattered throughout the city. Highlights include the Union Square Holiday Market and the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, so you will be sure to find the perfect gifts for everyone. Your time spent in NYC for the holidays will be filled with Christmas joy!
Recommended by James Ian at Travel Collecting
Utah, USA
The best snow on earth? Yes, that is exactly what you will get when you visit Utah this Winter. There are so many amazing winter activities in Utah. Snow skiing is at the top of the list for snow enthusiasts and Utah has 10 different resorts to choose from including the famous Park City where celebrities love to come. Utah hosted the Winter Olympics in 2000 and is aiming to host again.
It still has state of the art facilities for all winter sports making it a great location to watch and enjoy practice sessions of elite athletes. The perfect winter destination in Utah is Midway. It is located about 30 minutes away from Park City, UT. Here you can visit The Homestead, a local hotel that has access to a thermal crater. Soaking in the warm water is perfect in the winter. You can also scuba dive! Across from the Homestead is the Ice Castle. (a man made ice sculpture) There are slides and tunnels located throughout. The last thing to do in this area is snow tube at soldier’s hollow. They offer a 1200ft sledding lane! Utah is the perfect winter destination!
Recommended by Lisa at Planning Away
Washington, USA
Located along with the towering Cascade mountain range, Christmastime in the Bavarian theme town of Leavenworth, Washington is full of magic. With over half a million Christmas lights and streets covered in snow (if you time it right!), you will feel like you have stepped onto the set of a Christmas movie, or right into the North Pole.
Enjoy seeing St. Nikolas, listening to the Village Voices choir carolers, and watching the lighting ceremonies. Visit the Leavenworth reindeer farm, but be sure to pre-book your tickets as they can sell out fast. You can also go sledding on the hill next to the gazebo under the Christmas lights, or reserve an afternoon sleigh ride. There are several options to help get you into the Christmas spirit.
Do not forget to consume all the German treats you desire, like Glühwein (hot mulled wine), pretzels, Bratwurst, and make a reservation for a meal at Andreas Keller. Also, do not miss the fresh picture-perfect gingerbread, but expect to wait in line. You also will not want to miss the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, where you can view over 7,000 nutcrackers from more than 50 countries.
Hotels along the main strip in Leavenworth sell out a year in advance, so do not delay to reserve your room. The Bavarian Lodge is a popular option, right in the heart of the Bavarian village. You can also stay in nearby Wenatchee, a half-hour drive from Leavenworth.
Recommended by: Debbie at World Adventurists
Florida, USA
While it is not your typical white Christmas destination, Orlando is still a beautiful destination to celebrate Christmas. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando at Christmas with the theme parks offering special events, movie nights under the stars (without freezing!), Christmas lights, ice skating, and lots of events with “snow”.
If you are planning to visit the theme parks, make sure to visit some of the hotels nearby including the Grand Floridian which has a life-size gingerbread house and a massive Christmas tree. Gaylord Palms goes over the top at Christmas as well with ICE! and lots of other Christmas events ranging from free events to paid events for the whole family.
In the downtown area, you can find lots of restaurants around Lake Eola that make for a perfect date night when you add in a walk around the lake to check out the Christmas decorations and lights. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art for their stunning Christmas tree display at the Festival of Trees or take a day trip to Cocoa Beach to see the skydiving Santas.
You’ll find plenty of Christmas activities in Orlando and be able to enjoy them without having to bundle up or deal with snowy conditions making this a perfect place to escape the cold but still enjoy the beauty of Christmas.
Recommended by: Christine at Live Love Run Travel
Illinois, USA
One of the best places to get beautiful Christmas photos is in Chicago. Every place from O’Hare airport to downtown Chicago is decked out, and the chill in the air helps really bring out the Christmas spirit! If you’re looking for great Instagram spots in Chicago during Christmas, look for any place that makes you happy during these cold days! From your cup of cocoa to the amazing holiday light displays at Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden to Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, there’s no shortage of places to get your ‘gram on here!
The official Christmas Tree and the outdoor skating rink in Millenium Park are both excellent choices for taking some great Christmas photos. You can bring your partner, pooch, or the whole family. And of course, the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza is a must-visit for those looking for the perfect holiday pic! What says “Christmas” more than a Christmas market?
One last idea: Chicago is the first place on Route 66, so why not plan a Route 66 themed Christmas photoshoot?
Pro Tip: Chicago gets VERY cold in the winter, so dress to impress, but also make sure to dress to survive. You don’t want to wear something that will let the cold in if you choose to do an outdoor Chicago Christmas photoshoot. Wear layers and items appropriate for the temperatures. You’ll figure out a way to make the pic look cute, even if you’re bundled up!
Recommended by: Stephanie at History Fangirl
St Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean
St Kitts and Nevis National Carnival regularly rank as St Kitts largest event of the year and it is one of the best things to do on St Kitts and Nevis. Locals call the event Sugar Mas and there is no better way to experience Kittitian culture. Join in the festivities starting at the end of November attend local fetes, live music events, and of course the main event- the carnival parades, which happen between Christmas and New Year and ending on the 2nd January with the last lap parade.
Christmas day on St Kitts is a traditional Christian event with locals spending the morning at church and the afternoon is all about family and good food. Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts, is transformed into party central and there are colorful Christmas decorations throughout the town. Whether you want to don one of the fantastic elaborate feathered costumes and take part in the parade or if you just want to watch from the sidelines the festive cheer and atmosphere is infectious. The event also serves a cultural purpose as folklore groups dominate the carnival activities, introducing the crowd to moko jumbies, masqueraders, clowns, and other traditional figures.
Recommended by Steph & Lewis from Book It Let’s Go!
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