Christmas Around the World: Top 5 Holiday Destinations

christmas destinations, holiday travel

Source: Terry Grealey

Who says Santa is the only one who gets to travel the world this Christmas? With so many festivities and picturesque places, the holidays are the perfect time to explore and learn a little bit about Christmas across the globe. So, if you have wanderlust in your heart and Christmas in your soul, a trip to one of these amazing holiday destinations just might be the gift you’re looking for this year.

Top 5 Christmas Destinations Around the World

Amsterdam Christmas, Christmas destinations

Amsterdam

Amsterdam comes to life during the month of December. Colorful lamps light up the streets. Departments stores put up impressive Christmas displays. And holiday markets pop up around the city. The festivities kick off in early December with Sinterklaas, a traditional 2 day celebration filled with feasts and gifts. But don’t worry, Christmas also gets its own 2 day celebration. The best part is that most shops and business remain open making it the perfect destination for visitors.

 

New York Christmas, Manhattan Christmas

New York

The magic of Christmas in New York has been immortalized in films for years. And with good reason! The city is decked out in holiday cheer, bright Christmas lights, and amazing displays. You can ice skate in Central Park, marvel at the department store window displays, or catch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. There’s a little bit of Christmas magic for everybody.

 

Nuremberg, Christkindlemarkt

Nuremberg, Germany

If shopping is your cardio, Nuremberg is your Christmas destination. Best known for its Christkindlmarkt, one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets, Nuremberg is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Over 200 vendors set up shop in the central square offering visitors a picturesque background for all their Christmas shopping.

 

Lapland Finland, The Northern Lights

Lapland, Finland

Lapland is the ideal destination for the child in all of us. Not only will you get the beautiful white Christmas that you’ve always dreamed of, but you’ll also be able to visit Santa at one of the Christmas theme parks (Santa Claus Village, Santa Park).

 

Christmas in London, London Christmas Markets

London, England

Much like New York, London becomes a magical place at Christmas time. The streets are decorated with twinkling lights and holiday shoppers. Christmas markets and ice skating rinks spring up around the city. And traditional pantomimes and festivals can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. You can learn more about Christmas in London here.

What are some of your favorite holiday destinations?

  • http://heartmybackpack.com Silvia @ Heart My Backpack

    This list is perfect! I would LOVE to go to Lapland during the holidays, sigh. I will be visiting family in Norway this Christmas, and am excited to spend New Year’s in London this year!

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      Norway sounds like it would be a beautiful place to spend Christmas. I’m so jealous that you get to spend New Year’s in London. It’s only one of my favorite cities. And the New Year’s celebrations are amazing. :)

  • http://makingmrsm.com/ Jaelan | Making Mrs. M

    I think any of those places would be AWESOME! Great list.

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      Thanks! I wish I could spend Christmas everywhere all at once. Hah.

  • http://www.blovedboston.com Biana @Blovedboston

    I would love to go to NYC during the holidays, but Finland looks insanely gorgeous as well!

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Lynsey @ Eternally Wanderlyn

      Doesn’t it?! Finland is pretty much the ultimate white Christmas destination complete with Santa and reindeer.

  • http://www.rhymeandribbons.com Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

    Christmas is London is great! x

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Lynsey @ Eternally Wanderlyn

      London is my favorite Christmas destination! :)

  • http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com kristen

    eeep I’m going to NYC!!! haha so exciting. I went to London a couple of years ago right after Christmas, it was pretty fabulous!

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      So exciting! I can’t wait to see all your pictures from NYC. :) And London is definitely my favorite place to spend Christmas.

  • http://www.crazytragicalmostmagic.com Michael

    I would LOVE to see Christmas abroad. They all look gorgeous.

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      Well, you have that nice, new passport that needs to get its first stamp! Hah. Christmas abroad is really a memorable experience. It’s so interesting to see all the different traditions.

  • http://thepineapplecake.com Andrea @ The Pineapple Cake

    Reading this made me so insanely jealous that I am not in the Northern hemisphere this year for Christmas. Australia is great and all, but nothing beats a cold (or semi cold – I’m a floridian here) christmas.
    And I just love New York at Christmas… it’s just so magical!

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      Haha. Yea, I’m from South Texas. The weather is pretty fickle here, so most of the time Christmas is only kind of cold. But, I imagine it must be strange to be spending in Australia where it’s hot this time of year. It just wouldn’t feel like Christmas to me.

  • http://www.wineandolives.co.uk Chiara

    This list is perfect! I was in New York earlier this year and I loved it and as for Amsterdam, it’s definitely one of my favourite cities :-)

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      They’re both such wonderful places, especially during the holidays. I love to see the cities come to life with all the lights and decorations. :)

  • http://www.foodboozeandbaggage.com Mariah-Food, Booze, & Baggage

    I would love to visit London at Christmas time! It’s so neat to see how other cities celebrate.

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      I love seeing all the different traditions around the world. It’s so interesting! London is my all time favorite Christmas place. :)

  • http://www.elenastravelgram.com/ [email protected] ’s Travelgram

    I’d love to visit NYC during Christmas season and do all those cool things Kevin did at Home Alone 😀

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      Haha. When I was a child Home Alone 2 always made me want to spend Christmas in NYC. He has the best Christmas there!

  • http://www.voyageofthemeemee.com Amanda

    I would love love LOVE to visit NYC at Christmastime someday!

    • http://www.wanderlyn.com Eternally WanderLyn

      I feel like Home Alone 2 made Christmas in NYC everybody’s fantasy! Hah.