Christmas Special Places to Visit
Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and there are many unique locations throughout the world that are especially joyous during this time of year. Here are five locations with a Christmas theme that are worthwhile visits:
New York City, USA
With its famous Christmas customs and merry ambiance, New York City is a must-visit place throughout the holiday season. Here are a few of the best activities for a New York City Christmas tour:
Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree:
A New York City holiday classic, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree draws millions of tourists each year. Early December is typically when the tree is lit, and it is displayed until early January. A celebratory lunch or beverage can be had at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in addition to seeing the ice rink at Rockefeller Center.
View the seasonal window displays:
The extensive holiday window displays at several of New York City's department stores, such as Macy's, Bergdorf Gross, and Saks Fifth Avenue, are well-known. These exhibits typically go on display in late November and last until the beginning of January.
Go ice skating:
There are several rinks to select from in New York City. Ice skating is a well-liked pastime throughout the Christmas season. You may ice skate in Central Park, Bryant Park, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Brooklyn, as well as the rink at Rockefeller Center.
Visit a holiday market:
There are many holiday markets in New York City where you can locate unusual presents and take pleasure in holiday-themed food and drinks. The Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and Grand Central Holiday Fair are a some of the well-liked markets.
Watch a holiday show or concert: New York City offers a wide variety of holiday-themed plays and concerts, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the annual Holiday Brass Concert of the New York Philharmonic.
Lapland, Finland
The northernmost part of Finland, Lapland, is a wonderful place to travel during the holidays. Here are some of the best activities to do during a Lapland Christmas tour:
Visit Santa Claus:
Santa Claus resides in Lapland, and Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is where you may visit his hometown. It is possible to meet Santa here, get your picture taken with him, and even write a letter through Santa's post office.
Go on a reindeer safari:
This is a must-do activity while there. You can take a reindeer sled ride through the winter forests, learn about the reindeer and their significance in traditional Sami culture, and even feed the reindeer.
Lapland is one of the best spots in the world to view the Aurora Borealis, often known as the Northern Lights. Although the lights can be seen in the sky from late September to early April, the winter season is when they are most active.
Enjoy traditional Christmas fare from Finland: Lapland is the ideal location to sample traditional Christmas fare from Finland, including reindeer stew, roasted ham, and lutefisk (dried and salted fish). A cup of glögi, a Finnish holiday punch brewed with red wine, spices, and raisins, is also available
Go skiing or snowboarding: Lapland is home to numerous ski resorts that provide fantastic opportunity for both sports. To experience the breathtaking winter scenery, you may also go dog sledding, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.
Nuremberg, Germany
One of the oldest and biggest Christmas markets in the world is located in Nuremberg, a city in the southern German state of Bavaria. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy on a Nuremberg Christmas tour:
Visit the Christkindlesmarkt:
During the holiday season, you must visit Vienna's Christmas markets. At the stalls, you can purchase one-of-a-kind items like handcrafted ornaments and decorations and indulge in holiday fare and beverages like roasted chestnuts and glühwein (mulled wine). The Christmas Village at City Hall, the Spittelberg Christmas Market, and the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market are a few of the most well-known markets.
Visit the city's holiday attractions:
Vienna is home to various holiday-themed plays and musical performances, such as the Christmas concerts of the Vienna Boys' Choir and the New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic.
Go ice skating:
Ice skating is a well-liked pastime in Vienna during the holiday season. There are many rinks to select from, including those at City Hall and the Wiener Eistraum by the Danube.
Try traditional German Christmas foods:
Nuremberg is known for its sausages, and you can sample traditional Christmas fare at the market or in one of the city's many restaurants, including roast bratwurst and lebkuchen (gingerbread).
Shop for gifts:
With its numerous Christkindlesmarkt stalls and numerous independent shops and boutiques, Nuremberg is an excellent spot to buy Christmas gifts. Unique and handcrafted presents are available, including Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, and traditional German dolls.
Vienna, Austria
Austria's capital city of Vienna is renowned for its lovely Christmas markets, which are held in a number of main squares. A Christmas visit to Vienna should include the following activities, among others:
Visit a
Christmas market:
During the holiday season, you must visit Vienna's Christmas markets. At the stalls, you can purchase one-of-a-kind items like handcrafted ornaments and decorations and indulge in holiday fare and beverages like roasted chestnuts and glühwein (mulled wine). The Christmas Village at City Hall, the Spittelberg Christmas Market, and the Belvedere Palace Christmas Market are a few of the most well-known markets.
Try traditional Austrian Christmas foods:
he best site to sample traditional Austrian Christmas fare is Vienna, where you can get dishes like roast goose, roast pork, and dumplings. A cup of glühwein or a slice of Christstollen (fruitcake) are also options (mulled wine).
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital of Copenhagen is a lovely place to travel to over the holidays. Some of the best activities for a Copenhagen Christmas visit include the following:
Visit Tivoli Gardens:
During the holiday season, Tivoli Gardens, a well-known amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen, is converted into a winter paradise. The park offers ice skating, holiday-themed activities, and festivity-themed events. The park also hosts a Christmas market where you can shop for sweets and ornaments that are traditionally Danish.
View the Christmas lights:
The city of Copenhagen is famous for its stunning displays of Christmas lights. You may see the lights by going on a walking tour of the city or by taking a boat excursion.
Go shopping: With so many independent shops and boutiques, Copenhagen is a terrific spot to look for Christmas presents. Danish design products and conventional Christmas decorations are only two examples of the unusual and hand-crafted gifts you can find.
The best site to sample traditional Danish Christmas fare is Copenhagen, where you can sample roast goose, roast duck, and roast pork. A a slice of risalamande, a rice pudding dessert, are also options (mulled wine).
Visit a holiday-themed concert or performance in Copenhagen, including the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Concert and the yearly "Nutcracker" production by the Royal Danish Ballet.
Whatever you decide to do, a Christmas tour of Vienna will undoubtedly be joyous and unforgettable.