The Best Cities to Celebrate X-Mas
The Christmas season, also known as the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” is a different festival rooted in the tunes of carolers and European traditions. December holidays are the epitome of the festive spirit, from the ultimate winter wonderland experience in the Himalayan highlands to making your way to New York Times Square for the big celebrations.
Whether you plan to travel domestically, stay as close to home as possible, or enjoy the festivities with a safe trip abroad, here are our top 5 places to celebrate Christmas worldwide.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is yet another fantastic location for a Christmas celebration around the world. The story of Santa Claus (also known as Sinterklaas) is widely told in the Dutch capital, where every house from the 16th and 17th centuries is decked out in sparkling lights in early December. Stay here until New Year’s Eve and enjoy champagne and fireworks in Dam Square or the Nieuwmarkt to make Christmas special. Remember to join the celebration with the locals.
The Museumplein is the epicenter of Amsterdam’s Christmas celebrations. The pond in front of Museumplein is transformed into a charming ice rink, surrounded by a Christmas market selling traditional Dutch seasonal foods like oliebollen and glüwein, as well as German sausages and beer. There are numerous markets where you can buy Christmas gifts. Try to find one of De Hallen’s or Pure Market’s maker markets. Beautiful handmade gifts can be found in these particular markets.
New York, USA
Christmas is essential in the Empire States, as evidenced by several films. The city transforms into a destination celebrating one of the best Christmases in the world, complete with Christmas lights, bland muzak, and a light dusting of snow. Visitors marvel at the world’s tallest Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center and ice skate beneath it. There is an excellent shop window displaying items in the most desirable manner.
New York is decked out with wreaths, holiday signs, and bright lights right after Thanksgiving. Every year, department stores in New York City design their entire window displays, which usually follow a theme. Radio City Music Hall, located on Sixth Avenue, is a well-known concert and event hall that can be identified from a distance by its striking exterior lighting. For 90 minutes, over 140 sensational dancers perform in the Christmas spirit. Every year, audiences are inspired by sparkling costumes, a one-of-a-kind stage set, and many Christmas songs.
Vatican City, Italy
The beautiful Vatican City is appealing throughout the year, but December is magical here. It sees extra beats with roasted clichés sold on every corner, and the city is flooded with beautiful scenes. On Christmas Eve, Vatican City attracts a large number of pilgrims, and Midnight Mass in St Peter’s Basilica guarantees them a memorable day. Visit the city that is one of the best Christmas destinations in the world to make your Christmas Eve extra special.
On Christmas Day, at midday, the Pope addresses the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Square. Urbi et Orbi, which translates as “to the city of Rome and the world,” is the title of the papal address. You don’t need any tickets; all you have to do is show up at the square.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is well-known for its chocolate, mountains, snow, and cobblestone streets. On the occasion of Christmas, the location transforms into a stunning destination to visit. The city’s markets are crowded, and visitors can enjoy guided Christmas walks and singing Christmas trees. With a strong desire to celebrate Christmas, the city invites visitors to spend the most memorable Christmas Eve of their lives.
The “Lucy” Christmas lights were turned on in Bahnhofstrasse at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 24th, and will remain on until January 6th. The Singing Christmas Tree in Zurich’s Werdmühleplatz is a sight to behold. A small Christmas Market is also attached. A light festival in the inner courtyard of Zurich’s Landesmuseum, which is open daily and where tickets for an optional Light Show and an Art Festival can be purchased. It is already open and will remain so until December 30th.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany’s capital city, is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas, with classical Christmas concerts and other events. Every year, it hosts approximately 50 Christmas markets in various locations. All the markets offer high-quality handicrafts and historical rides for children and vintage fans, such as swing carousels. On Christmas Eve, the city offers plenty of museums and cultural events to explore, in addition to candles and consumerism.
Visit the various Christmas markets in Berlin, including Domäne Dahlem, where you can make candles with your family. At the atmospheric Gendarmenmarkt, you can see jugglers and acrobats. At Karl-August-Platz, you can also find fine jewelry and high-quality craftsmanship. Attend a performance of the famous ballet The Nutcracker, enjoy witty cabaret, or listen to festive Advent concerts and Christmas oratorios in the atmospheric baroque Charlottenburg Palace or one of Berlin’s festively decorated churches in the evening.
Final Thoughts
Given the information about the beautifully decorated cities, you must visit each of them, year after year. The expirience you will get is out of the world. From New York City, USA to Berlin of Germany, celebrating Christmas in one of these cities would be one of a kind expirience. So what are you even waiting for? Go book your flights right now!
