Discover 10 of the best destinations for the Christmas holidays

After two years of subdued or canceled celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic, many destinations around the world are planning to return for a more lively Christmas season.

And from Finland to Mexico, these destinations around the world traditionally offer some of the best atmospheres for the Christmas holidays:

Discover 10 of the best destinations for the Christmas holidays

10. Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland 

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

And while folk traditions make us believe that the Arctic is the official home of"Santa Claus", the Finns want us to believe otherwise.

For them, the city of Rovaniemi is the headquarters of Christmas, located north of the Arctic Circle in Lapland.

And here, children make gingerbread cookies with "Mama Noel", or write their own Christmas gift wish lists using a traditional feather.

You may also want to visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, home to small polar bears and moose.

And those looking for an interesting experience can stay at the hotel "Arctic Snow", made entirely of snow and ice, and equipped with saunas, and hot tubs.

9. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Near Philadelphia and New York, Bethlehem offers a Christmas getaway in a smaller city.

During the event, bells ring at the top and bottom of the main streets.

The city nicknamed the"Christmas City" also added new decorations, including a giant LED star, life-size toys, and thousands of lights hanging throughout the city.

8. Bath, England

Bath, England

This historic city, located in the southwest of England, celebrates the anniversary of the birth of the English novelist Jane Austen, with great fanfare. The Jane Austen center is the best place to get acquainted with one of the city's most famous residents.

The Royal Theater, which Austen mentioned in two of her books, offers a diverse program of dramas, musicals, operas, and concerts.

The Christmas market in Bath has many wooden huts selling distinctive British handicrafts in a pleasant atmosphere.

7. Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City, Canada

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts and friends of the environment, Quebec is teeming with winter activity, offering holiday programs for every taste.

And Old Quebec turned into a picturesque Christmas Village, and lovers of sausage and roasted chestnuts can find their favorite delicacy at the German Christmas market.

6. Malta

Malta

The island of Malta has many advantages, including that it is one of the largest islands located in the arms of the Mediterranean Sea, and it is also considered a Roman Catholic island, which makes it a great place to celebrate Christmas in a wonderfully festive and spiritual atmosphere.

A visit to the Nativity scene, or filming the locations of the birth of Christ, is an integral part of Christmas here.

Valletta's city center is home to a lively holiday spirit, with carolers singing outside St John's Cathedral during the Christmas period.

5. Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg, Germany

The Christmas market in Nuremberg (Nurnberger Christkindlesmarkt) traditionally attracts more than two million visitors every year, and also has a long history, dating back to 1628.

And in the "city of wood and cloth", visitors to the market stalls can find traditional, handmade Christmas decorations, wooden toys, and all kinds of food and drinks.

And adults can enjoy spicy gingerbread and mulled wine.

4. The American city of New York

The American city of New York

The Rockefeller Center is located in the heart of New York's Christmas celebrations, the famous ice rink has been there since 1936; the decorated tree has also been a tradition of celebrating Christmas since 1931.

On the southwest corner of Central Park, Columbus Circle hosts more than 100 vendors selling clothes, gifts, snacks, and drinks at the Christmas market.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

And anyone can extend their vacation until the twelfth day of Christmas, also known as the day of the Three Kings or Epiphany - and catch up with a dazzling show in Barcelona.

And on the evening of January 5, 3 people in the form of Kings (also known as the "three wise men") dressed in velvet arrive at the city port of Santa Eulalia, on their own ship, amid the firing of cannons and fireworks.

2. San Fernando, Philippines

San Fernando, Philippines

If Asia had a Christmas capital, San Fernando in the Philippines would be the first candidate.

 

The city, located northwest of Manila, is famous for the Giant Lantern Festival, which starts on December 17 and ends on January 1.

The tradition of making lanterns in San Fernando dates back to the late eighteenth century.

1. Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

The magic of Christmas lies in the chaos of celebrations in the Kenyan capital.

Visitors will find loud music sounding in different languages in various shops, on public transport, in long queues in restaurants and shops

Visiting a friend's House may mean eating a plate filled with flatbread, spicy rice known as "pilau" and grilled meat - or named choma in Swahili.

Visitors can stroll through the Karora forest, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The distinctive Nairobi National Park offers safari options for visitors, to see rhinos, lions, and giraffes among other animals.

Discover more of the most beautiful and wonderful 

world cities for the Christmas holidays :