We’re in the best part of the year – December – where celebrations take on a truly dramatic turn. This month of festive spirit is a great time to start exploring different destinations where you can celebrate Christmas in a totally new light. So whether you’re looking to spend Christmas on the sun-soaked sands of Cambodia or be enthralled by the glitter and glamour of New York, we’ve rounded up the top 10 destinations for travel for Christmas in 2018.
Germany
Christmas in Europe has always been a grand fanfare and this centuries-old tradition is alive and kicking in all its glory in Germany. A lot of travelers claim that you haven’t really experienced the festive season if you haven’t experienced it at a German Weihnachtsmarkt where you will find snow capped stalls selling enchanting trinkets, gigantic fir trees adorned to perfection and the ambiance of the season emanating from every shadow of the city.
Lapland, Finland
Christmas is all about the ice and in Finland, you get just that much and more. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in Northern Scandinavia, is dubbed as the ‘Official Hometown of Santa Claus’ and it’s a picture perfect as the Santa Claus village we all fantasized as kids. Children are sure to enjoy playing with elves, Rudolf the Reindeer and even decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Adults have their fair share of entertainment too in the form of snowmobile safaris, Northern Light hunting, and exhilarating husky rides.
New York City
New York City, as we all know, is the city that never sleeps and this vibrant destination becomes abuzz around the Christmas season. Be sure to visit the huge Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, skate at the ice rinks at Bryant Park and shop at the holiday markets in Union Square.
Tuscany, Italy
Christmas is the season kids look forward to the most and it’s only fair that children get to experience this season in all its pomp and glory. If this is your calling, then look no further than Tuscany where kid-friendly holiday activities are abundant. Some highlights include the Santa Claus’ Village of Montepulciano where you’ll find a Santa Claus castle, a mini pony ranch and a “Toy Factory” exhibit.
London
Come to the holiday season and London becomes one of the most festive cities in Europe. There is nothing like a Christmas in London where you will explore markets, warm up by the fire at a plush hotel, indulge in a shopping extravaganza or go ice skating. London promises an ultimate British Christmas experience.
The Vatican
The spiritual heart of Catholicism sure knows how to celebrate Christmas as the Eternal City of The Vatican transforms into a magical spectacle. The city is abundant with presepi (nativity scenes) which can be checked out at Piazza Navona, St. Peter’s Square and the church of Santa Maria. The Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve and the noon of Christmas Day are truly glorious to behold.
Dublin, Ireland
The Irish have a cracking sense of humor and they celebrate Christmas in novel style. A highlight here is the morning swim on the 25th of December at the Fort-Foot sea-water pool. The 12 day Christmas market, ice skating, seasonal cheer and craic flows are not be missed too.
Zurich
Switzerland is already much loved for its famous chocolates, snow capped mountains and cobbled streets but Christmas makes it all the more appealing. Flaunting an array of Christmas markets, guided Christmas-themed city walks and a magical all-singing Christmas tree that comes to life on Werdmuhleplatz, Zurich is a great place to experience the best of Christmas.
Cambodia
December is the dry season in Cambodia, which means the temperature is perfectly comfortable and the skies are brilliantly blue. This is the perfect time to explore Angkor Wat or cycle around Phnom Penh. As a great backpacking destination, Cambodia flaunts a spectacular coastline, ancient cities, straw-hut villages and lush forests. A Christmas break here will be beyond the norm but its will be a truly humbling and inspiring experience.
Malta
While you will not find any snow on the Mediterranean island of Malta, the Christmas celebrations will nevertheless be in full swing here. You will find baroque churches packed at midnight mass and Christmas carolers parading down the streets which is after all, a good part of what Christmas is all about.
Conclude 2018 with an action-packed Christmas destination and no matter which destination you choose to pack off too, Travel Center has got you covered with the best holiday deals so book cheap flights with us and kick-start your New Year in style!
