Best Cities To Visit Around Christmas

The holiday season is a magical time of year, and there’s no better way to experience the festive spirit than by visiting some of the world’s most enchanting cities. From twinkling lights and bustling Christmas markets to snow-dusted streets and cozy cafes, these destinations offer a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and holiday cheer. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cities to visit around Christmas, each offering its own unique charm and festive celebrations.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, with its elegant architecture and historic streets providing a stunning backdrop for holiday festivities. The city is renowned for its Christmas markets, which are among the oldest and most beautiful in Europe.

• Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz: This iconic market is set against the backdrop of Vienna’s City Hall and features over 150 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
• Belvedere Palace Christmas Village: A smaller, more intimate market located in front of the stunning Belvedere Palace, offering a selection of artisanal goods and traditional Austrian snacks.
• Ice Skating at Rathausplatz: Glide across the ice at this picturesque rink, surrounded by festive lights and the grandeur of the City Hall.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s fairy-tale charm is amplified during the Christmas season, with its cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture providing a magical setting for holiday celebrations. The city’s Christmas markets are a highlight, offering a taste of Czech traditions and festive cheer.

• Old Town Square Christmas Market: The heart of Prague’s Christmas celebrations, this market is famous for its towering Christmas tree, live nativity scenes, and stalls selling traditional Czech pastries like trdelník.
• Wenceslas Square Market: A lively market offering a variety of gifts, decorations, and local delicacies, all set against the backdrop of Prague’s historic buildings.
• Charles Bridge: Take a stroll across this iconic bridge, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Vltava River, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

New York City, USA

New York City is synonymous with Christmas magic, offering a dazzling array of holiday attractions and events that draw visitors from around the world. From iconic landmarks to festive performances, the city is a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A symbol of the holiday season, this massive tree is adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments, creating a breathtaking sight in the heart of Manhattan.
• Ice Skating at Central Park: Enjoy a quintessential New York experience by skating at the Wollman Rink, surrounded by the park’s snow-covered trees and the city’s skyline.
• Holiday Window Displays: Stroll along Fifth Avenue to admire the elaborate holiday window displays at iconic department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Strasbourg, France

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The city’s half-timbered houses and charming squares are beautifully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere that captivates visitors.

• Christkindelsmärik: Located in the heart of Strasbourg, this market offers a wide range of handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, and holiday treats like bredele cookies and mulled wine.
• Cathedral of Notre Dame: Visit this stunning Gothic cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated during the holiday season and hosts a variety of concerts and events.
• Petite France: Explore this picturesque district, where you can wander along the canals and admire the beautifully decorated houses and bridges.

Tokyo, Japan

While Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Japan, Tokyo embraces the festive spirit with enthusiasm, offering a unique blend of Western and Japanese holiday traditions. The city’s dazzling illuminations and festive events make it a captivating destination during the holiday season.

• Tokyo Midtown Christmas: This popular event features stunning light displays, including the “Starlight Garden,” a mesmerizing installation of thousands of LED lights.
• Roppongi Hills Christmas Market: Inspired by German Christmas markets, this festive event offers a variety of holiday goods, from ornaments to traditional German sausages and mulled wine.
• Odaiba Winter Festival: Enjoy a range of holiday activities, including ice skating, light displays, and festive performances, all set against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City offers a charming and cozy holiday experience, with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and festive decorations creating a magical winter wonderland. The city’s French heritage adds a unique touch to its Christmas celebrations.

• German Christmas Market: Located in the heart of Old Quebec, this market offers a taste of European holiday traditions, with stalls selling handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and delicious treats like gingerbread and mulled wine.
• Place Royale: Visit this historic square, where you can admire the beautifully decorated buildings and enjoy live music and performances.
• Toboggan Slide: Experience the thrill of tobogganing down the famous slide at Terrasse Dufferin, offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the city’s skyline.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a city that truly embraces the concept of “hygge,” or coziness, during the holiday season. The Danish capital is known for its festive decorations, charming Christmas markets, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

• Tivoli Gardens: This iconic amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with festive lights, Christmas markets, and a variety of rides and attractions.
• Nyhavn Christmas Market: Set along the picturesque Nyhavn canal, this market offers a selection of holiday goods, from handcrafted gifts to traditional Danish treats like æbleskiver.
• Royal Copenhagen Christmas Tables: Visit the flagship store of Royal Copenhagen to admire the beautifully decorated Christmas tables, each designed by a different artist or designer.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh offers a unique blend of history, culture, and festive cheer during the Christmas season. The city’s historic streets and landmarks provide a stunning backdrop for holiday celebrations, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a magical holiday experience.

• Edinburgh Christmas Market: Located in the heart of the city, this market offers a variety of gifts, crafts, and festive treats, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
• Ice Skating at St. Andrew Square: Enjoy a spin on the ice at this popular rink, surrounded by the city’s historic architecture and festive lights.
• Hogmanay Celebrations: Ring in the New Year with Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations, featuring a torchlight procession, fireworks, and live music.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, attracting visitors with its rich history, festive atmosphere, and traditional German holiday treats. The city’s medieval architecture and charming streets provide a perfect setting for holiday celebrations.

• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: This iconic market is known for its handcrafted gifts, traditional German foods like bratwurst and lebkuchen, and the famous Christkind, who opens the market each year.
• Children’s Christmas Market: Located in the heart of the Christkindlesmarkt, this market offers a variety of activities and attractions for children, including a carousel and a miniature train.
• Nuremberg Castle: Visit this historic castle, which offers stunning views of the city and hosts a variety of holiday events and concerts.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik offers a unique and enchanting holiday experience, with its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and festive celebrations. The city’s Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in Icelandic folklore, adding a magical touch to the holiday season.

• Yule Town Christmas Market: Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this market offers a selection of handcrafted gifts, traditional Icelandic foods, and festive decorations.
• Northern Lights: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights, which can often be seen dancing across the Icelandic sky during the winter months.
• Christmas Book Flood: Participate in this Icelandic tradition, where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve, and families spend the evening reading and enjoying hot chocolate.

Conclusion

Whether you’re seeking traditional holiday markets, dazzling light displays, or unique cultural experiences, these cities offer a wealth of festive attractions and activities that are sure to make your Christmas season unforgettable. From the historic charm of European cities to the vibrant energy of modern metropolises, each destination provides its own unique take on holiday celebrations, ensuring a magical and memorable experience for all who visit.