The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the magic of Christmas than by embarking on an unforgettable journey. As the world reopens its doors to travelers, it’s time to explore enchanting destinations that promise a unique blend of holiday cheer and cultural experiences. Whether you crave snowy landscapes, vibrant Christmas markets, or tropical escapades, here are some destinations that will make your celebrations truly special.
International Destinations You Can Visit This Christmas
Paromita Chakraborty, who is the Co-Founder and Growth Head of Travel Buddy listed the following destinations to celebrate Christmas this year:
- Winter Wonderland in Lapland, Finland: For those dreaming of a white Christmas, Lapland in Finland is a dream come true. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers a picturesque winter landscape with snow-covered forests and the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Take a reindeer safari, enjoy a husky sleigh ride, and visit Santa’s Village for an immersive Christmas experience.
- Magical Christmas Markets in Germany: Germany is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, and cities like Nuremberg, Cologne, and Munich transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season. Wander through festively decorated stalls, savour traditional German treats like mulled wine and gingerbread, and shop for handcrafted ornaments. The captivating atmosphere and twinkling lights create a fairy-tale setting for a memorable Christmas celebration.
- Sun-Kissed Christmas in Sydney, Australia: Swap snow for sunshine by celebrating Christmas in Sydney, Australia. Enjoy a beachside holiday as you soak up the sun on Bondi Beach or take a cruise on Sydney Harbour to witness the iconic fireworks display. Sydney’s festive atmosphere, coupled with outdoor concerts and events, offers a unique Christmas experience that combines tradition with a laid-back Aussie vibe.
- Historical Charm in Prague, Czech Republic: Prague’s Old Town Square transforms into a festive spectacle during Christmas, adorned with lights, decorations, and a towering Christmas tree. The city’s historic architecture adds a touch of old-world charm to the holiday season. Enjoy traditional Czech cuisine, explore the Christmas markets, and listen to carolers in the heart of this fairy-tale city.
- Northern Lights Extravaganza in Tromsø, Norway: Experience the magic of the Northern Lights during Christmas in Tromsø, Norway. This Arctic city offers the chance to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky. Combine the natural spectacle with traditional Norwegian festivities, including local cuisine and cultural events, for an unforgettable Christmas celebration in the far north.
- Cultural Delights in Kyoto, Japan: For a Christmas celebration with a touch of cultural richness, head to Kyoto, Japan. Although Christmas is not a traditional Japanese holiday, Kyoto’s historic temples and gardens provide a serene backdrop for a festive escape. Explore the illuminated Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, savour Japanese winter delicacies, and partake in cultural activities for a Christmas unlike any other.
Road Trips During Christmas:
- A celebration by the coast: Goa
The ultimate destination for holiday celebrations, especially if you’re a beach-lover, is Goa. The coastal haven beckons with its lively atmosphere, mouthwatering cuisine, and a plethora of festivities. The road to Goa, whether from Mumbai or Bangalore, paints a picturesque route that heightens the anticipation of what awaits by the sea.
- Embrace the winter wonderland for a magical Christmas: Manali
For those who are captivated by snow and love the magical and cosy vibes of Christmas and the holiday spirit, Manali is the perfect retreat for them. Its snow-laden landscapes offer a magical setting for a festive escape. A car journey from Delhi to Manali via Chandigarh ensures breathtaking vistas, setting the stage for a truly enchanting experience.
- Where cultures collide by the sea: Pondicherry
In this quaint South Indian city, you can discover and immerse yourself in the blend of French and Indian cultures. Its serene coastal retreats and charming, scenic streets reflect a harmonious amalgamation of two worlds. Travelling along the scenic East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry is the ideal way to get to the destination and adds an extra layer of beauty to the journey.
But, before you embark on an adventurous road trip, here are some tips for a seamless journey shared by Greg, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of Zoomcar
- Plan in advacne: For any journey, especially a road trip, planning is key. Ensure accommodation is booked in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Stay updated on road conditions and weather forecasts to navigate smoothly and avoid hiccups along the way.
- Safety first: Safety should be your priority as soon as you step outside your home. Carry emergency supplies for unforeseen situations. Abide by local tourist guidelines for a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone involved.
- Building a community and creating memories: Make the journey memorable by planning stops at intriguing landmarks en route. Sharing travel experiences fosters camaraderie and creates cherished moments.
- Be an eco-friendly traveller: Embrace eco-friendly travel by opting for car-sharing services and avoiding littering to minimise the carbon footprint. Respect local environments and communities to ensure a positive impact during your journey.
- Car-Sharing: Speaking of car-sharing, consider car sharing for a hassle-free and personalized road trip adventure. It ensures flexibility and comfort, allowing you to explore these destinations at your own pace.
Best Places To Ring In The New Year
Sandeep Arora, who is the Director of Brightsun Travel, India listed the following places to ring in the new year.
- Goa, India: Let’s start closer to home with Goa – the party destination of India! Dance under the stars at a beachside rave, light up the Goan sky with fireworks and sway to the contagious energy of beach parties.
- Bangkok, Thailand: New Year’s celebration in Bangkok is like no other. The city comes alive with neon lights, bustling street parties and the jazziest celebrations against the panoramic city views. Partygoers from all over the world are attracted to the city’s mind-boggling light show and synchronized fireworks that give an electrifying start to the year.
- Dubai, UAE: If you haven’t watched the midnight fireworks at Burj Khalifa, you have deprived yourself of the most breathtaking sight ever!! New Year celebration in Dubai is an out-of-this-world experience. With lavish dinner parties, river cruises, exotic light and sound shows across the city, there are a plethora of places to be a part of this opulent extravaganza of Arabian magic.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: The party atmosphere in the Dutch capital draws tourists from all over the world. While watching fireworks from cruise yachts along the iconic canals of Amsterdam is an exotic experience, the crazy street parties and DJs beats that last till dawn make it the destination for party lovers. If you are the quiet one, then a quaint walk through the many bridges of Amsterdam can unite you with the beauty of the city.
- Sydney, Australia: Midnight fireworks at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House rank among the best in the world. Celebrations at Bondi Beach and Darling Harbour can also make for an unforgettable start to the year. If you are an adventure lover, camping under the star-lit sky, away from loud gatherings, and watching the fireworks from afar over the dazzling city, makes for the most amazing adieu to the year that passed by.
- New York City, USA: You might have watched the New Year countdown at Times Square a dozen times in movies. But being a part of it for real is another story. The fervor and excitement of the crowd, watching the ball drop at the stroke of midnight, being showered with confetti, welcoming the new year with joyous uproar- it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Each destination has its unique celebration, but everywhere the New Year is welcomed in unison with hopes that the coming year will be filled with new possibilities, new dreams and new promises. So, what are you waiting for, pick your destination today!!