Christmas is still over a month away, meaning it is not too late to plan a winter getaway to celebrate the season. Many people stay home for Christmas to be with their extended families, but that means that they are missing out on some of the most extravagant and exciting celebrations around the world. Many cities put on huge events and displays specifically to attract tourists, and these vibrant festivities are too exciting to miss. If you are thinking about taking a little trip to celebrate Christmas this year, then we’ve got a few ideas on where you can go. Here are our picks for the best destinations for a Christmas vacation.
Berlin, Germany
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One of the primary reasons to visit Berlin during the holidays is for their famous Christmas markets, where locals sell trinkets, ornaments, and novelty gifts in the town square. The streets come alive with festive decorations and dazzling lights, as the smell of fresh baked treats waft through the crisp winter air. Christmas choirs complete the experience, adding that final touch to make it truly feel like a winter wonderland. The tradition of these markets goes back nearly 500 years, making this as much a lesson in history as it is a celebration of the modern holiday season. No visit here would be complete without a hot glass of Glühwein, the traditional mulled wine made with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and orange zest!
Málaga, Spain
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All through December, Málaga, Spain is lit up with extravagant and inspiring lights and shimmering decorations like you won’t find anywhere else. Festive events are put on by the city, like street performances, music concerts, and holiday parades. A highlight of these events is the Cabalgata de los Reyes, which emulates the arrival of the Three Wise Men, where paraders throw candy into the crowd as they march through the streets. A time honored tradition here is the Midnight Mass that happens on Christmas Eve, celebrating the more religious side of the holiday. Christmas in Málaga is all about family and togetherness, so this is a great choice if you are bringing the whole family along for your Christmas vacation!
Basel, Switzerland
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Another European city that has been going all out for Christmas for centuries, Basel hosts two Christmas markets of its own and decorates its streets and courtyards with a seemingly endless supply of extravagant decorations. Switzerland is well-known for their treats, and you will have plenty to choose from, like fondue, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread biscuits called Basler Läckerli. Temporary ice skating rinks are set up for some nice family fun and enormous Christmas trees tower over all of it. A major highlight is the Advent Calendar at Theater Basel, where from December 1st to the 28th, they unveil a different surprise with sampling of ballet, theatre, and opera.
Tokyo, Japan
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While Christmas is traditionally a Western holiday, the cross pollination of Japanese and American cultures has helped to bring it to the people of Japan who have embraced it wholeheartedly. The result is a Christmas celebration like no other that blends Western and Eastern customs seamlessly together. While you will find Christmas markets and plenty of local treats to enjoy, the highlight is the extravagant light displays put on all around the city, as different districts compete for the honor of having the most dazzling display. If there is one place here you can’t miss, it is the Ao no Dokutsu in Shibuya, which uses vibrant blue lights to emulate the blue grottos of the Mediterranean and create a truly otherworldly display.
Toronto, Canada
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Toronto is another city that takes Christmas festivities to the next level, with extravagant light displays and public events and performances. The best of the light displays is at Casa Loma, Toronto’s historic castle that is fitted with dazzling light displays both inside and out. Another highlight is the The Distillery Historic District, a victorian-era neighborhood that transforms into a winter village during Christmas full of carollers, vendors, and performers. Take your kids to meet Santa and his helper elves, spend the afternoon shopping and sampling local cuisine, or take a guided tour of the Distilleries. While there are plenty of places to check out around Toronto, the Distillery Historic District is the best place to start!