Christmas is indeed just around the corner and for many, this is the perfect time to spend the holiday vibes with the whole family. However, if you feel like wanting to go somewhere to celebrate the festive season, it's still never too late to plan and look for the best places around the globe.
Each country has a unique way of celebrating Christmas with some offering their famous tourist spots (beaches and landmarks), others building and lighting up a special Christmas village while some sharing their traditions and culture. In fact, according to CNN, there are approximately 15 best places to visit this holiday season. Some of which include the following:
New York
One of the most famous Christmas tourist spot is located at the heart of New York. The Rockefeller center bears a beautiful Christmas tree and Ice-skating rink for everyone to enjoy. The Columbus Circle (at the southwest of Central Park) also offers several shops for gifts as well as snacks.
Rovaneimi Finland
If you happen to believe in the existence of Santa Claus and his cute army of elves, then you have to visit the Christmas headquarters located at Rovaneimi, Lapland. There, you will enjoy the Christmas vibes as you go mingle with Santa's elves as well as bake cookies with Mrs. Santa.
You may also let children learn the art of making cards by enrolling to the Elf School and even apply for a position as an elf worker in Santa's office. Wow.
Aside from such, you can also enjoy a freezing stay at the famous Arctic Snow Hotel and mingle with animals in the Ranua Zoo. A science center named Arktikum can also be visited in the area.
Quebec City, Canada
If you love spending a white Christmas, then Canada is the best place for you. Not only you can enjoy the cool breeze of winter but Quebec City will also bring you Christmas feels with its fully decorated area.
Inspired by Charles Dickens' story, Old Quebec turns into a gigantic Christmas village during December. Other than the beautiful view, the place also offers hiking, snowshoeing as well as skiing and taking a ride in a snow mobile. How exciting!
Nuremberg Germany
The famous Nuremberg Market in Germany is another thing you shouldn't miss. The 200 beautifully designed (award winning) stalls sell nothing but high quality traditional handmade materials that include toys and holiday goods.
Aside from the enticing market place, the place also offers a unique Christmas experience with their wooden Ferris-wheel, a steam train and a Carousel. There is also a toy museum for the kids to enjoy as well as the famous German Railway Museum to amuse everyone.
Santa Claus Indiana
Christmas never ends in a place named after Santa Claus himself. Located in Indiana, USA, this place is often termed as the Christmas home town of America.
Just like in Finland, the Santa Claus Indiana often receives letters from children who are trying to reach St. Nicholas. A group of volunteers work as Santa's elves and reply to such letters during the season. Aside from the beautiful display and amazing traditions, Santa himself also hosts dinner parties (buffet) to his visitors every first three weekends of the last month in Santa's Lodge.
Valkenburg, Netherlands
Christmas is alive in the small town as the city's Velvet Cave turns into a Christmas Market as well as Santa's house where people could openly visit his room of gifts and raindeer sleigh, added CNN.
Aside from such, you may also enjoy a magnificent view of the 18-century chapel that bears preserved wall paintings and the sculpted cavern houses. A Christmas Express, which runs regularly, can also be used to get in the said location.
Barcelona Spain
If you want a different experience this Holiday season may go and witness the coming of the three kings Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar in the Three Kings' Day (January 5). The kings were said to arrive in their boat at the Santa Eulalia's port complete with beard and robes. The said coming is followed by canon fires, firework displays and floats procession bearing animals and fancy costumes.
Christmas season happens only once a year and so make the most out of it by bringing your family and friends to any of these mentioned places. Above all, wherever you go to celebrate the festive season, make sure to always bring with you the spirit of Christmas, that is to give love and compassion to others.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
