10 Best Places to Spend Christmas with Magical Carols Awaiting

3 months ago 64

December 13, 2024 | 10:33 pm

Christmas tree in the area of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, December 3, 2024. St. Peter's Basilica Church and the Vatican Museums are religious tourism destinations that are widely visited by international tourists ahead of the 2024 Christmas celebrations. TEMPO/Gunawan Wicaksono

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As December rolls out, the world begins to look a lot like Christmas. Families and couples gather in their living rooms to plan their year-end getaways thoroughly. Yet, amidst the world’s vast canvas, where exactly are the best places to spend Christmas? 

Here is a list of the ten best places to spend Christmas with your loved ones across the globe, according to Conde Nast Traveler and Time Out

Germany's Cologne, Scotland's Edinburgh, and Denmark's Copenhagen are among the best places to spend Christmas, according to travel websites. Read on to see the other nominees below. 

1. Cologne, Germany 

Christmas gifts, warming drinks, tree decorations, and the inviting smells of baked cinnamon biscuits are just a few of the bedazzling features that will enhance your family’s winter holiday experience. The entire city is transformed into a Christmas playground, with a plethora of Christmas markets to explore during the Advent season. Top off your visit with a serene moment on the observation deck of KöInTriangle across the Cathedral on the Rhine. 

2. Edinburgh, Scotland 

Edinburgh has a lot to offer, from the sprawling holiday market in East Princes St. Gardens to the Hogmanay Festival, also known as the three-day New Year celebration. Filled with joy, gaiety, and merriments, guests can enjoy the merry sights of outdoor concerts, fireworks, and dancing Scots at the boozing carnival. But, if you prefer more calming adventures, head to Pentland Hills Regional Park or St. Andrew Square for outstanding skiing experiences. 

3. Copenhagen, Denmark 

Have you ever wondered where in the world those magical settings on Christmas postcards are? Well, there is likely a possibility that they are pictures of the Copenhagen streets. Once the winter season arrives, Denmark’s capital turns into dreamy landscapes that exude Christmas ambiance like no other. 

4. Reykjavik, Iceland 

Iceland is the country where you can see the Northern Lights in their full glory, presenting scenic backdrops for the winter holidays. In addition to the nation’s treasure, Reykjavik's Christmas lights light up the city's skies in December, making even the darkest of nights aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Be ready to acknowledge the existence of the 13 Yule Lads, also known as Iceland’s Christmas characters.

5. Bruges, Belgium 

Renowned to be Europe’s best-preserved medieval city, Bruges deserves a place on the list of best places to spend Christmas, with festive events ringing across the city. For an unparalleled year-end vacation experience, follow the Winter Glow light trail along the streets of Bruges, each will lead you to 10 installations including the projection at Gruuthuse and the lights at the Church of Our Lady Tower. 

6. Lapland, Finland 

The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, is said to be the official hometown of Santa Claus. That being said, there is nowhere in the world that will bring the essence of Christmas quite like Finland’s Lapland. Stretch around your Christmas exploration in the Santa Claus Village by the reindeer rides and end the day with a warm soak in a festive sauna. 

7. San Juan, Puerto Rico 

As the country with the longest holiday season, Puerto Rico celebrates the end of the year for 45 days, from late November to mid-January. San Juan offers a cozy holiday retreat, welcoming visitors with festive decorations, midnight masses, and folk music. Set your feet on the central Plaza de Armas for a truly magical holiday, accompanied by the best Christmas displays. 

8. Tokyo, Japan 

Unlike European countries, Japan doesn’t have an official public holiday season to celebrate the end of the year. In Tokyo, it is business as usual in the days leading up to Christmas, so don't expect to see any festivities on the big day. Still, the city's snowy holiday is one of the most hyped retreats in the world. 

9. New York City, U.S.

There are a good heap of Christmas-themed movies and television series set in New York City, for some absolute reasons that turn the city into a mystical realm once the jingle bells start ringing. They call for celebrations around places like the vibrant open-air markets and the iconic Rockefeller Center Tree. Don't miss out on the stunning holiday displays along Fifth Avenue and Dyker Heights.

10. London, UK 

Rounding out the list of the best places to spend Christmas, London appears as a whimsical remedy for those looking for a cozy retreat after a long year. With Christmas goodies available at one of the many Christmas markets on the South Bank, your families will have a great time. Ensure to complete your tourist experience by catching A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic

Editor’s Choice: 8 Best Christmas Towns in the World: Find Your Holiday Magic Here

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