The cold weather kicks in during the holiday season and everything and everywhere is festive. It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year. This is also the perfect time to take a trip with the family (or alone) either to escape the cold or experience new things. Having a quick change of scenery is also an opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a new different place.
Here are some destinations that are worth checking out:
Nuremberg, Germany
The city is home to Christkindlesmarkt or the Nuremberg Christmas market. This a tradition and one of the oldest festivals in Europe that gets more than two million visitors annually. The highlights of the market include a steam train, old-fashioned carousel, food, and shopping. They have traditional handmade toys and there are no mass-produced items in the market. It’s definitely a fun market for every one of all ages.
Malta
Christmas in Malta is a part of its culture. The locals open their homes to show nativity scenes to the public. They also have a life-size nativity scene, the Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, that’s spread over 20,000 square meters complete with actors, grazing animals, villages, and a grotto for baby Jesus.
Barcelona, Spain
If you are able to extend your holiday vacation, then you wouldn’t want to miss the Three King’s Day in Barcelona. Usually celebrated on the first Sunday of January, this event allows you to catch up with Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchior. The day before the festivities, the three kings arrive in the Santa Eulalia where fireworks are set off and canons are fired. A parade follows that includes camels, giraffes, and magnificent costumes.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Want to see something magical during the holidays? Trek to Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights! The Yule Town Christmas market is also a sight to see where you can buy gifts and treats. Iceland also has interesting Christmas traditions, like meeting the 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses or going for a Christmas dip in the Blue Lagoon.
New York, New York
We all know that New York is something else during the holidays. Check out some classic activities like ice skating in Central Park and watching the Christmas tree light up in Rockefeller Center. Fashion and shopping are the highlights in New York, including amazing window displays. If you have time, you can extend your stay until the New Year to experience Time Square’s New Year’s Eve countdown.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a dreamy Christmas destination. The Vienna Christmas Market has a musical feel to its holiday market. It has 154 booths are filled with handmade trinkets and homemade delicacies. You can also explore the country through a train and see more of its snowy beauty on the holidays.
There are so many places around the world that are worth visiting no matter what the occasion or the season. However, choose a place that will provide you with interesting holiday experiences that you will lovingly look back in the future.
