The holiday season is the perfect time to travel. From icy heights of the Alps to the snow-draped Vienna, you can see the shining decorations as people prepare to celebrate. There are a multitude of ways to enjoy the festivities, gliding through the snow of ski, or having a steaming hot drink by the fire in a cabin. There’s sure to be a trip to inspire you…!
1.PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
The capital of Czech Republic turns into a winter wonderland for the month of December. The medieval architecture is blanketed in twinkling lights and the Christmas markets are some of the best in the world. Praque has several place for ice skating, the most popular ‘Praque 3’, right under the giant TV Tower, go see the icy formations at St. Vitus Cathedral, go skiing or snowboarding at Moninec a high quality skiing resort, sing along to get into the Christmas spirit at the Old Time Square and watch the new year in from Old Time Square or Charles Bridge. You don’t have to spend a fortune as many of Prague’s attractions are free… you've got to see to believe.
2.VIENNA, AUSTRIA
The unforgettable market, Rathausplatz with the neo-Gothic city hall as backdrop is one of Vienna many Christmas markets. You can perusing the markets for unique gifts or souvenirs to take home to your loved ones. View the lights on the Graben and Karntner, listen to an advent concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, go and see Nutcracker Ballet at the Vienna State Opera and enjoy the Mozart Christmas Concert, or go ice skating in one of many ice rinks set up across the city. On New Year’s Eve the whole city turns into a party and at midnight they dance the traditional Vienna waltz. Look out for the snow globes – they were invented in Vienna.
3.TAOS, NM, USA
Ever spend a Christmas in a small town? Then Taos is the place to visit, just 70 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico with its snow-covered adobe buildings in the historic town. Handmade gifts and souvenirs are available at the Taos Folk pop-up store. Unique events includes bonfires on Bent Street, which features traditional Aztec dancers, the Jewish Festival Lights at the Taos Jewish Center, the Festival of Trees and the Holiday Arts & Craft Fair, skiing on the world-class slopes, bird watching in the National Monument and the Christmas Eve Procession.
4.LONDON, UK
There is an endless list of holiday-related activities in London. You can experience a 19th century Christmas with reading of "A Christmas Carol" at the Charles Dickens Museum, pick up some gifts at Camden Market, sing carols at the historic St. Paul's Cathedral, see the Christmas lights at Oxford Street or Carnaby, go for ice-skating in one of the many ice rinks, visit the Christmas markets, see a play at the festive theatre, attend one of the many Christmas parties and meet Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall.
5.NEW YORK CITY, USA
There is so many things to do in New York during the Christmas Season, that will get you in the holiday spirit starting with the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the NYC concerts, the holiday markets, ice skating at Bryant Park Winter Village, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, the Holiday Window Displays at Begdorf Goodman, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice Celebration, A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House, the Santa Suit 5K run, Company XIV: Nutcracker Rouge, the Holiday Train Show, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the New Year's Eve ball drop and celebration in Times Square.
6.ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
The 12,000 LED lights brightening the Bahnhofstrasse is one of the main attractions in the city. Another attractions is the 50-foot Christmas tree decked out in Swarovski crystals at Europe's largest covered market will. You can visit Santa’s fabled home in the North Pole at the Christmas village at Sechselautenplatz, visit one of five Christmas ice rinks, visit the Circus Conelli, make a candle at the candle-making-event, see the singing Christmas tree at Wedmuhleplatz Christmas market, visit the “Christkindlimart” in Rapperswill and visit the Winterthur Christmas market in the centre of the Old Town. Plus, you can indulge in holiday cheer with authentic Swiss chocolate and hot mulled wine.
7.MUNICH, GERMANY
All started in Germany… the tradition of Christmas markets and bringing Christmas trees into the home. You'll find about a dozen markets to choose from, including Kripperlmarkt, Rindermarkt and the largest and oldest Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz. You can visit the Christmas Village, and the Tollwood Winter Festival, go ice skating at the Ice Magic in Karlsplatz , watch the fire works on New Years Eve from Monopteros in the English Garden and listen to Chrismas Music in Munich’s Church of Our Lady.
8.QUEBEC CITY, CANADA
With friends, your special someone and even your teenagers, enjoy the magic of the Holiday Season in… Quebec City! The quaint stone buildings and narrow, winding streets of Old Québec are draped in decorations and lights. Take your kids to meet Santa in the Petit Champlain District, go ice skating at Place D'Youville, experience the authentic European charm of a German Christmas Market, stroll through a true Christmas Village were snow and lights create a magnificent setting and hear artists sing all the best classic holiday songs.
9.EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Christmas time in Edinburgh is magical! Alongside markets where you can pick up something unique to an immersive walk-through arctic installation “The Ice Adventure” with life-like sculptures of Vikings, fairies and more, to ice skating at St Andrew Square Ice Rink, enjoy a free Nativity Carol Concert, or visit The Forth Big Wheel which illuminate Edinburgh’s skyline with outstanding views across the city. Visit Santa Land with fabulous fun rides for kids, including Santa Train and the Christmas Tree Maze. With more than a 100 Christmas Market to enticing tastes and festive crafts, Edinburg is a must see on Christmas!
10.AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
The city is a popular destination, especially during the Christmas holidays. You'll feel the holiday spirit no matter where you go thanks to Amsterdam's annual light festival, which sprawls throughout the city center and along its famous canals, go ice skating in Leidseplein and Museumplein, see the world’s Biggest Swan Lake Ballet, visit the Christmas markets and experience how the Dutch enjoy spending these days, you can attend one of the majestic Dutch churches to listen to Christmas Carols or visit Christmas Village at Museum Square. On New Year’s Eve the whole city becomes a wonderland as the Dutch sky is covered by amazing fireworks as the celebrations continue at Dam Square. If you like partying, then Amsterdam is the place to be.
