The holidays festivities are fun and loved by all. Since this time of the year isn’t mostly preferred for vacations, we tend to miss out on so much. Christmas markets, celebrations and attractions are extravagant and magnificent in their own way in major cities.
Explore different Christmas markets around the globe this holiday. Kickstart the trip by booking cheap flight ticket to your destination. Make the getaway budget-friendly, fun and memorable.
Book cheap tickets for your getaway, save on your flight tickets as you’ll need Here are the top tourist attractions with colorful decorations and out of the box activities to do:
New York, U.S.A
The city displays the world-famous Rockefeller Christmas tree lit with more than 50,000 lights and a bright Swarovski star. Go ice skating at the famous ice rinks of Central Park and Bryant Park, the experience the magical at night with the city covered in lights all around. The Saks 5th Avenue Light Show is one of its kind. The Union Square Holiday Market and Columbus Circle Holiday market are both magical and full of everything festive to shop.
If possible, visit the Central Park after the first snow fall of the city. The park looks straight out of a fairytale.
London, England
London is one of the top destinations for Christmas festivities, the streets are all lit up in thousands of lights. The central London looks like a place from fairytale. Go ice skating or souvenir shopping at the Christmas markets. The winter wonderland is one of the best attractions in the city especially for Christmas and New Year celebrations, you can enjoy a lot of fun rides there. See the New Year Eve’s fireworks from Primrose Hill. Attend the Midnight Mass in the Westminster Abbey. If you fancy a carol concert, head to the Royal Albert Hall.
Paris, France
Paris is the city of lights throughout the year, but the holidays bring out even the best version of decorations and lights. The major landmarks and streets display the most extravagant décor like avenue des Champs-Elysees and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. If you a very elegant and minimal kind of person, Place Vendome is made for you. if you’re with your family, then Bercy Village is the spot for you.
The Galeries Lafayette is a famous department store which displays bright lights and a stunning Christmas tree.
Munich, Germany
Munich is well-known for its weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) and celebrating the German Christmas at its finest. Visit the local Christmas markets that date back to the 1600s and 1700s. Sing the Christmas Carols at the Cathedrals of Germany. The Tollwood Winter Festival is an international Christmas market and is loved by the locals. Skate at the biggest open-air ice-skating rink in Munich. You can also visit the Christmas Village in the Royal Residence.
The Vatican City
The smallest country in terms of area and population in the world hold one of the top midnight masses in the world. St. Peter’s Basilica traditionally celebrates the Christmas eve with the Pope. Due to its huge capacity and free tickets, its is hard to get tickets as they are booked in advance months before. You can still see the mass from the St. Peter’s square from the huge installed LEDs.
The museums and other landmarks are closed for 25th and 26th of December. As Vatican City is a city-state surrounded by Rome, the capital of Italy which in its own way is decorated for Christmas, you can explore it as well.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam during Christmas is all about lights, shopping, Christmas carols and togetherness. The festivities begin early but the tree lighting ceremony is done in the mid-December with carols and local Dutch food. Streets are a treat for the eye with beautiful light decorations all around. Hit the ice rink to skate, the pubs, the museums and the Christmas markets. The low temperature doesn’t stop the locals from having all the fun.
Prague, Czech Republic
The culturally vibrant city is full of beautiful architecture, monuments, food, people and more. The city lights up during Christmas with its Christmas markets and endless activities the locals do together. Go ice skating in the natural open-air ice rink. Go to a local theatre or museum and explore the various art forms. The city loves a good Christmas concert which you can attend too in churches, they are open to all. Stroll through the streets of Prague after a delicious traditional Czech dinner.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe with thousands of swaroski crystals on the Christmas tree and the main shopping streets lined with spectacular lights named Lucy after a Beatles song. The ceremony of lighting up the bright Christmas tree and the Lucy lights is a whole ceremony which the locals love to attend as it is the most magical experience. Visit the various Christmas markets in the city with many shopping options and walkable streets. The markets are bustling with locals during night. Also, try some traditional Swiss dishes from the stalls or the local restaurants.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is uncanny throughout the year but there is something so special about the Christmas festivities. Experience the Christmas markets like never before, the Belvedere Christmas Market takes place in Baroque royal palace, and Christmas market outside the Schönbrunn Palace, and the biggest market of Austria at Rathausplatz.
Watch the annual choir ‘Christmas in Vienna’ at the Viennese Concert House and see a spectacular performance from the Vienna Boys’ Choir. You can attend various concerts throughout the holidays like ‘Strauss and Mozart’ Christmas performance and Church Advent Concert.