It is no surprise to us that you are looking for amazing cities to visit for Christmas. We are getting there now – the best time of the year and what that means is that the search begins. Moreover, after a long year of hustling and bustling, you are looking for an amazing place to relax and just unwind.
However, finding the best cities to visit for Christmas is one of the hardest things to do. This is because of the numerous factors that come with your stay somewhere else. The truth is, looking for a Christmas vacation location, does not mean your home is any worse for you. Generally, adventure sometimes is the best way to unwind and experience something new is arguably the best form of adventure.
We have to understand that there is a difference between the best vacation destination city and the best Christmas destination city. However, the main difference is the weather and how much of the Christmas spirit the city can give you. Therefore, if you are looking for a vacation location in general, you can check out these suggestions from
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10 Amazing Cities to Visit for Christmas
As we have said earlier, there are a lot of factors to consider before you pick the best Christmas holiday destination for you. During this research, we considered all the factors available from as small as the size of the Christmas tree to the cost of going there.
There are a lot of cities you can visit this Christmas and you can read more about that on CNN. After our research, we found you 10 amazing cities to visit for Christmas, they include;
1. Reykjavik
To begin with, nothing says Christmas like the decorations all over Reykjavik. From house windows and walkways to the strands of garland going zig-zag across the street. Subsequently, the people here have been known to go overboard with decorations and this is what brings the Christmas spirit.
One of the twists of spending Christmas in Reykjavik is the fact that you might not even get to see Santa. This seems a bit off because the idea of Christmas being a time of giving is lost without Santa. Santa is replaced by the thirteen Yule Lads according to their folklore and they show up on the 13 days before Christmas.
These thirteen Yule Lads have been known to bring gifts to the nice children in the city. For Christmas shopping, you will be best with a row of small huts that make the Yule Town Christmas Market, Ingolfstorg Square. For the most part, the best place to stay here during the holiday according to experts is in the Hotel Borg.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Find the amazing decorations scattered all around town
- Send a letter to Santa via his mailbox on Laugavegur
- Visit the Arbaer Open Air Museum
- Lastly, attend the Christmas Concert at Harpa
2. Paris – Top Cities to Visit for Christmas
Paris is one of the cities to visit for the holidays; the particular holiday does not even matter to us. However, when it comes to cities to visit for Christmas, Paris stands out as number one on that list.
Subsequently, the city of Paris is the capital of France and it is most times called the city of Lovemaking it is perfect for couples. When you are looking to spark the love back in your relationship then Paris is the place to be for Christmas.
Here the streets and boulevards are covered with strings of light with the Eiffel Tower being more beautiful. Disneyland Market in Champs Elysees and Montmartre is the location when you want to do some Christmas shopping. In fact, the cathedrals all over the city will continue ringing live carols while the bakeries supply croissants to pleasure your taste buds.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Visit the Christmas Market
- Attend the Sainte-Chapelle Christmas concert
- Have an enchanted Christmas at Disneyland
- Also, attend the Christmas church service
3. Tallinn
Also, you can get things like handcrafted sculptures, lights, firecrackers, and even some local delicacies, and a small zoo can be found.
This Christmas market happens to be number one on the to-do list of many people who visit Estonia during the Christmas holidays. It is arguably one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the whole of Europe. You are sure to get childhood flashbacks from the lantern-draped stalls to the woolly hats and wooden ornaments.
In addition, some places you can visit during Christmas include the ice-skating rink on Harju, and Christmas village at the Open-Air Museum, amongst other yuletide-themed events.
If you are looking for an amazing Christmas spirit, Estonia is the place to be this holiday. The city of Tallinn is the place if you are looking for a place in Europe to get the best Christmas experience. If you are a historian, it may interest you to know that the first Christmas tree was erected here in 1441. Today the tree still exists and it is surrounded by small huts that sell a lot of other items that make the season worth it.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Shop at the Tallinn Christmas market
- Visit the Seaplane Harbour Museum
- Stroll down the Tallinn old town
- Get to the top of Toompea and enjoy the view of the city
4. Zanzibar – Top Cities to Visit for Christmas
We know snow is part of what makes the season worth it but it cannot be all there is to Christmas. When you visit Zanzibar, snow is out of the question but you are still sure of getting the Christmas spirit. This Tanzanian city has been known to be one of the most popular vacation places in all of Africa.
All year people rush in from all over the world and this number doubles during Christmas. There is a host of activities that can help you forget about work when you are on holiday in Zanzibar.
Some of such activities will include; swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, or island hopping, this is perfect for getting away from it all this Christmas.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Try kite-surfing in the Dhow inn
- Go swimming with different tropical fish
- Attend the East African slave trade exhibit
- Visit the local markets especially the Tangawizi spice farm in Dole village
5. Rome
The history within the walls of Rome makes it one of the most magical Christmas towns in the world. The capital of Italy is home to the headquarters of the catholic church; one of the strongest observers of the season. Rome remains attractive for every other time of the year but they go a little extra when December comes. The midnight mass in St Peter’s Basilica is always a spectacle to behold for everyone who can attend.
The streets light up and there are a lot of Christmas-themed shows all across town during the Christmas season. The focus for Rome during the festive periods is the church and how much of the Christmas spirit they give you.
Hymns will continuously echo all around town as the different churches will have their carol nights, concerts, etc.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Stroll by the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano
- Visit the Piazza Navona Christmas Market
- Attend the carol at Saint Peter’s Square
- Check out the 100 Presepi
6. Quebec
When we are looking for amazing cities to visit for Christmas – we most times focus our attention on Europe. This is not a bad thing, since they have more Christmas cities than most of the other continents. However, if visiting North America is in your plans and you want a European-like town then visit Quebec.
The old Quebec streets are usually very romantic during this time with lights and snow giving you a holiday spirit. From the smell of fresh-baked bread and pungent cheese to the sound of French pleasantries and tourists. This city is filled with the best Christmas adventures with towering cathedrals sending you the best of Christmas hymns. All these activities combine to give you a lot of flashbacks from your childhood memories.
The city of Quebec would give you the feeling of France but the truth is you are in Canada, North America.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Go see Santa at the Chateau Frontenac
- Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Vieux
- Go sitting at the Mount Saint Anne
- Visit any of Quebec’s historic churches for their Christmas carol
7. New York – Cities to Vist for Christmas
The city that never sleeps just has to be on our list of cities to visit for Christmas because why not? New Yorkers know how to celebrate and have a good time although we see them as people who work round the clock.
During holidays, New York turns from a workplace to a place for fun and unwinding especially when it is Christmas. Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights and its Christmas decorations are one that the folks look forward to seeing every year.
If you’re looking for a reason to visit New York during the holidays, turn on Netflix and see a movie. Half of the Christmas-themed movies available today are centred around Christmas in New York City. The Rockefeller Centre remains the heartbeat of Christmas with the ice rink that has been there for over 80 years.
The Rockefeller Christmas tree decoration has been a holiday tradition since 1931 and you can be part of this year. The southwest corner of Central Park hosts vendors who sell stuff (gifts, clothes, etc.) at the holiday market.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Enjoy the lighting at the Empire State Building
- Go shopping at the Union Square Holiday Market
- Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
- Go to the Wollman Rink in Central Park
8. Edinburgh
On the list of amazing cities to visit for Christmas, comes one of the most historically rich places in the world. Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and it has been known for how amazing it lights up during the holidays. The Athens of the North as it’s usually called celebrates the season in style with a long list of activities.
One of the reasons people go to this amazing city is the fact that the celebration doesn’t just end after Christmas. Traditionally, it is followed by the Hogmanay festival which is a 3-day event celebrating the new year. Ice skating at St. Andrew Square and skiing at Pentland Hills Regional Park are a few activities for you.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Participate or watch the Santa fun run
- Enjoy the Hogmanay celebration
- Visit the Royal Lyceum theatre
- Go Christmas shopping along with Princes Street Gardens
9. Bruges
Europe remains number one when you are looking for cities to visit for Christmas. Bruges prides itself as Europe’s most preserved medieval city and this magic goes on all year long. However, the extent of the magic in the land is doubled once the Christmas holidays come around. It’s hard to find somewhere better when you’re walking the streets of cobblestone with a mug of Belgian hot chocolate.
Most tourists have made it a Christmas tradition to follow the winter glow light trail when they visit. This amazing spectacle has 10 installations all over the historic areas of the city centre. Some of the places include the Church of Our Lady Tower and a projection at Gruuthuse.
Christmas markets and ice rinks are scattered all over town and the lighting of the streets and houses makes it more festive. Grote Markt, in the main square of Burges, is transformed into a magical land when Christmas comes. One of Europe’s biggest winter events; the Bruges’ Ice Sculpture Festival also held during the Christmas season.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Drink some Belgian beer
- Visit their amazing chocolate factories
- Go ice skating on Grote Square
- Shop at Grote Square’s Christmas market
10. Cities to Visit for Christmas – Prague
In Czech Prepubic lies the Gothic fairytale of Europe – the city of Prague. Celebration is one of the things this town is known for and the Christmas season isn’t left out. The amazing architecture of the city gives the best background upon which the Christmas stage is set.
Prague houses one of the most famous Christmas markets in all of Europe with all you need for the holidays. Of all, the one in the Old Town Square is the biggest, oldest and the most impressive. Roasted ham, mulled wine and sticky pastries are some of the delights to find in the marketplace. A lot of travellers have concluded after touring the world that Prague is number one for spending Christmas holidays.
If Prague is your dream location for this Holiday, you can check out travel costs and hotel rates in Alexandria.
Places to Visit/Things to Do during Christmas
- Try some Trdelnik
- Get to the top of the Old Town tower
- Go Christmas shopping at Castle Hill
- Lodge in Hotel Aria and view the Vrtba Gardens
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