Top 5 places to spend the Christmas season
You may not be travelling far and wide for the Christmas season this year, but when you are planning future trips around the holiday season I want to give you some great options on places to check out for different reasons.
Finland
Head up to Lapland and get away from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. You get that wonderful winter wonderland, the dark winter days that begs you to cozy up inside and read a book or snuggle with your favourite someone. Plus this time of year is primed for watching the Northern Lights.
England
When you are looking for that magical Christmas feeling and where the locals all speak English, head over to England. Check out London for all the amazing street decorations, amazingly decorated shops, outdoor skating rinks all around the city and a completely festive atmosphere. Also look at Bath, which is on a smaller scale to London which makes it a bit more relaxing than the busyness of London.
Germany
Home to the original Christmas markets, this is one place that should be experienced once in your life. Having started in the middle ages, the Germans know how to put on a Christmas market! Look at Frankfurt for the oldest market, or Bavaria to feel as though you have stepped back in time with the quaint village feel, or Berlin for a diverse taste of markets. Each city will have multiple markets and I’m sure whatever one you choose, you’ll be eating well and picking up new things to bring home (just be sure to have an extra bag! 😉 )
Canada
Canada is so big that you will have many different options of where to celebrate. Not only will the location be different but each region will be slightly different on their traditions regarding Christmas. There is the oldest Christmas parade in the world that happens in Toronto, mummering in Newfoundland, picturesque Banff, Alberta, amazing ski and snow in Whistler, BC, or the Canadian arctic to try and catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer.
Japan
For a place where Christmas is not a national holiday, they sure know how to embrace the holiday season like no other. The decorations are everywhere and the most popular “Christmas” dinner here is fried chicken, who can’t get behind that!? Ha. Christmas is not a religious celebration here, but one where people spread happiness so what better time to come here!
There are so many places that have that magic this time of year. France and Italy are also two more places that I would recommend for their traditions, food and celebrations of this holiday season.
One thing I always had a hard time getting my brain around is being in a hot place over the Christmas season. Growing up in BC, Canada, it is always a cold state of affairs for Christmas, which I really enjoy. I’ve been to many warm places over Christmases as well and I don’t quite get that same feeling, but it is nice to be somewhere to relax and be warm outside for a change of pace every once in awhile.
I’ve never taken a trip specifically during the Christmas season, I’ve always either been travelling already, or travelling for work, but I do think it would be nice to experience a place during the holidays to see and experience some different traditions. Have you ever thought about taking a trip pre or through Christmas? Where would be on your list of places to visit during this holiday season?
If you want help planning out a spectacular itinerary, get in touch with me and I’ll create you a memorable trip.