Holidays are just around the corner, the best places to go for New Year and Christmas
Winter holidays are a time filled with magic, emotions and anticipation of miracles. During this period of the year it is always nice to spend the holidays in the comfort of your home with your family. However, sometimes breaking the usual traditions and traveling can give these days a special zest. With Christmas and New Year celebrated all over the world, the choice of travel destinations is vast. Those who love a winter fairy tale atmosphere will find inspiration in the cozy atmosphere of Europe. And for those looking for something a little different, exotic destinations in Asia, South America, the USA and Australia can provide amazing experiences. Regardless of your choice, traveling during the winter holidays will allow you to redefine your usual holidays and enrich your experience with unique experiences.
Rovaniemi, Finland
The city of Rovaniemi is located in the northern part of Finland, and it is here that in winter everything is covered with soft snow and the sky is illuminated by the magical northern lights. This place becomes especially attractive for those who are wondering where to go for Christmas to experience the atmosphere of a fairy tale. Santa Claus Village itself is home to the official residence of Santa Claus himself (or Joulupukki, as the Finns call him), as well as a post office from which holiday cards can be sent. Travelers can enjoy exciting reindeer sleigh rides and dog sleigh rides, as well as try skiing, sledding and snowmobiling. By the way, the Arctic Circle passes through Rovaniemi, which is confirmed by the presence of a corresponding monument.
London, Great Britain
In December, London transforms, shrouding itself in bright lights and decorations in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. This city becomes one of the most mesmerizing places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. A visit to Warner Bros Studios is a must for those who want to plunge into the world of magic. Here you can see Hogwarts Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and even Gringotts Bank, which also come alive with colorful decorations these winter days. Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park – a huge entertainment event with rides, an ice skating rink, a variety of culinary treats, an ice bar, circus performances, a fair and many other attractions. In London at this time there is an indescribable atmosphere of celebration and magic.
New York, USA
Winter New York has become closely associated with the Christmas and New Year holidays thanks to the many songs and Hollywood films that glorify the city during this period. For example, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York perfectly captures the holiday spirit of the place. During this time, you should definitely visit Rockefeller Center to admire the beautiful Christmas tree and go ice skating on the skating rink. Also don’t forget to stroll along elegant Fifth Avenue and attend the amazing Christmas Spectacular presented by the dance group The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. And, of course, on New Year’s Eve, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the ball lowering ceremony in Times Square.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is one of the most famous resorts in Mexico, attracting tourists all year round, and the winter holidays are no exception. At this time of year, the whole city is enveloped in the Christmas atmosphere. On December 16, the Las Posadas festival begins, dedicated to the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Every evening until December 24th, candlelit processions take place through the streets of Cancun, with locals visiting their chosen homes. The procession is attended by children who dress in costumes, as well as adults. At the end of the procession, a solemn service is held, after which the small participants of the event break the piñatas.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a unique city where, on the eve of the New Year, you can enjoy both skiing and beach holidays on the same day. The highlight of the New Year’s festivities is the magnificent fireworks display from the Burj Khalifa. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to see this spectacular performance. And for travelers missing the snow, Dubai offers an indoor ski resort called Ski Dubai. There are real slopes and lifts where you can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, inflatable rings and even zorbs. In addition, here you can meet cute penguins who are always happy to communicate with visitors.
Seoul, South Korea
Considering that a third of Seoul’s population professes Christianity, Christmas is celebrated magnificently in this city and is considered an official holiday. Since the beginning of December, the streets, parks, restaurants, shops and shopping centers of the city have been decorated with familiar Christmas symbols: Christmas trees, images of Santa Claus, Christmas wreaths and many others. Seoul hosts a variety of festivals, and theaters present musicals and holiday shows aimed at little ones. However, the most impressive events can be seen at the world’s largest indoor amusement park, Lotte World. During the winter festival, themed areas are created both indoors and outdoors.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is considered one of the most popular destinations in the world to celebrate Christmas in Europe. On these winter days, the ancient capital is shrouded in the warm light of lights, filled with the aromas of fresh baked goods and mulled wine, as well as the sounds of traditional music. The largest fair with the country’s main Christmas tree is held on Old Town Square, and you can also find stalls with festive goods and culinary treats on Wenceslas Square.
Hawaii, USA
Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Hawaii has unique traditions that unite and distinguish it from the rest of the world. It all starts with Makahiki, an ancient four-month festival. During this period, residents worship the god Lono and enjoy traditional dishes. When it comes to holiday treats, you can’t ignore the famous kalua pork, which is prepared by baking in an underground oven. One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Hawaii is to visit the island of Oahu, with its capital Honolulu, where decorations and the main tree create a special festive atmosphere. Locals wish each other a Merry Christmas by saying “Mele Kalikimaka,” made popular by Bing Crosby’s song of the same name. And the arrival of the New Year in Hawaii is a reason to go to Waikiki Beach, where the impressive fireworks display unfolds.
Reykjavik, Iceland
In the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Christmas and New Year embody the Scandinavian atmosphere. From the beginning of November, when there is only 4 hours of sunshine a day, the city is transformed with festive illuminations, and the central streets turn into Christmas markets. One of the must-visit places is the Litla Jólabúðin store. There is a red mailbox in front of its entrance, into which everyone can put a postcard purchased right here and written on behalf of Santa Claus in order to surprise family and friends with an unexpected gift. Lake Tjörnin freezes over in the center of Reykjavík during winter, and locals and visitors to the capital enjoy ice skating. On December 31st, around 6:00 p.m., huge bonfires begin to burn throughout the city, around which people gather to celebrate and say goodbye to the old year.
Sydney, Australia
In Australia, and especially in Sydney, the seasons seem to be reversed: in winter comes summer, and in summer comes winter. Therefore, spending Christmas and New Year here is a great opportunity to rethink these holidays. There’s a huge BBQ party happening on December 25th at Bondi Beach. All guests put on Santa Claus hats, rescuers put up a Christmas tree, and sandmen replace snowmen. On New Year’s Eve, the sky over the city lights up with stunning fireworks. They are launched over Sydney Harbor and people from all over the world come to watch this impressive spectacle.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The differences in the celebration of winter holidays in Rio de Janeiro attract attention at first glance. Instead of the traditional main tree, the city erects a huge Christmas tree right in the middle of the picturesque Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. Instead of snow, there’s shimmering white sand underfoot, and Christmas souvenirs can be found in the bustling Saarland market, which spans 11 blocks. Rio de Janeiro is deservedly considered one of the most popular places to celebrate the New Year. According to an ancient tradition, millions of people gather on Copacabana Beach, dressed in white, to enjoy live music, dancing and the magnificent fireworks display that goes off at midnight.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is the ideal place for those who prefer a quiet and secluded Christmas, away from crowds and noisy parties. Here you can enjoy peace in a cozy wooden chalet overlooking the snowy Swiss Alps. Give yourself the pleasure of hot mulled wine by the fireplace and forget about the everyday hustle and bustle. To further immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, visit the local Christmas market, where you can buy unique handicrafts, sweets and excellent local wine. Also, don’t forget to visit the skating rink for unforgettable moments of joy on the ice.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is considered one of the best cities in France for a Christmas holiday. Here you will find everything you need for the perfect holiday: fairs, fluffy Christmas trees, sparkling decorations and cozy half-timbered houses with pointed roofs. As in many other European cities, the central square, named after General Kleber, becomes the center of all festive events. Strasbourg’s Cathedral of the Virgin Mary hosts magnificent Christmas services and a nativity scene with picturesque scenes from the Bible commemorating the birth of Jesus.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is one of Belgium’s most impressive and picturesque cities for cozy Christmas celebrations. By going to one of the “gingerbread” houses, you can plunge into the atmosphere of this magical time. Particularly impressive is the Christmas market held on the Grote Markt. An important difference from many other European cities is that it continues to work even after Catholic Christmas, closing only after the New Year. At the fair you can enjoy a variety of stalls selling food, drinks and souvenirs, as well as ice skating in front of the city hall. For breathtaking views of the Grote Markt, you can climb to the observation deck of the Belfort Tower. On holidays, you can see horse-drawn carts along the city streets, taking you several centuries back in time.