It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and these are some of the top destinations to visit if you want to fully embrace the festive cheer, complete with dazzlingly oversized trees and bustling outdoor markets!
NEW YORK, USA
Arguably the most photogenic location of all, New York transforms at Christmas time with ice rinks popping up all across the city accompanied by plentiful markets selling homemade goods, festive treats and much more to fill your stockings with.
Tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are a must – where you can marvel at the perfect unison of the world famous dance company, the Rockettes, before stepping outside to see the spectacular Rockefeller tree. This year’s Norway Spruce towers at 75ft, and is topped once again with the 550 pound Swarovski star!
Window displays mean you may spend more time outside the shops than in, before heading to Serendipity 3 for the celebrity favourite – a giant frozen hot chocolate topped with cream and decadent dusting! There’s nothing like the magic of NYC in December.
LAPLAND, FINLAND
No, it’s not just for children to visit the old man in a red suit! Hotel Kakslauttanen is home to the famous igloo village that has become an internet sensation in recent years, with visitors sharing photos of these clear and cosy rooms for rent. Be surrounded by snow in these enchanting temperature-controlled domes as you marvel at the northern lights at night after a trip to the sauna and ice bar during the day, or even a reindeer safari!
COLOGNE, GERMANY
For a traditional Christmas market experience, you have to visit Cologne where the festivities run for a solid month, treating visitors to the enticing wafts of baked apples, cinnamon cookies and mulled wine. The main markets, near Cologne cathedral, are centred around a giant tree and positioned by a stage that hosts plenty of live performances throughout the season.
Hop abroad the idyllic “Bimmelbahn” Mini Train to make your way around the city, but remember to get off in time to visit the famous Chocolate Museum. You can also wrap up warm and brave the cold with a charming boat trip down the Rhine, taking in the full spectacle of this German cultural hub at Christmas.
PUERTO RICO
If you’re looking for somewhere a little warmer and less traditional, this Caribbean island has a very unique approach to festive cheer! After Christmas Day, a two-week festival of celebrations begins, packed with parties and delicious food through to January 6th. Be sure to try a glass of coquito – their version of eggnog, combining rum and coconut in varying ratios – and ensure you don a ‘pava’ (traditional straw-hat worn throughout the holidays) as you enjoy this festive treat with a twist!
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Take a trip here to experience ‘hygge’ – a Danish word with no literal English translation, though it roughly refers to a feeling of togetherness and mental wellbeing! Get swept up in this sensation by visiting one of many attractive, fire-lit restaurants and cafes for some aebleskive – an advent treat where traditional Danish pancakes balls are filled with apple sauce.
Guaranteeing a Christmas experience unlike any other, tourists should also plan a trip to Tivoli – a famous amusement park and garden which gets fully decked out with twinkling fairy lights, adding to the holiday charm of the markets below.
Edited by Sarah Holmes
Sources:
http://www.cologne-tourism.com/whats-on/christmas.html
http://www.kakslauttanen.fi/en/
http://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/how-hygge-can-help-you-get-through-winter
http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngiuffo/2011/12/05/the-worlds-top-christmas-destinations/
Image sources:
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/travel/new-york-at-christmas.html
http://www.sporkful.com/tag/coquito/
http://cbslife.dk/copenhagens-treasures-tivoli-during-christmas-time