For some people, Christmas is a time to get together with family and enjoy a good meal, or watch the great classics on TV… For others, Christmas is more like a vacation to discover new horizons. Are you? Mondassur has put together a selection of the 10 best places to spend Christmas! But first, don’t forget to take out your travel insurance!
1. Munich, Germany
The Munich Christmas Market is famous for its large market specializing in nativity scenes. You can even make your own nativity scene. The nativity scene market near St. Michael’s Cathedral is Germany’s largest. A trip to Munich for the holidays is also a good opportunity for excursions into the Bavarian countryside or a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle.
2. Rome, Italy
Spending the festive season with Romans of faith is a special occasion. No surprise, then, with the Vatican, home of the Catholic religion and the original center of Christ’s celebration. Attending the Vatican’s midnight mass is an unforgettable experience. Its gigantic 25-metre-high tree and life-size nativity scene are unveiled and blessed by the Pope on December 24. As for the Christmas market, Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous.
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is undoubtedly a magical place to spend Christmas. From mid-November until Christmas, several Christmas villages are set up in various squares around the Austrian capital. The city has preserved the true authenticity of its Christmas markets. The warmth of mulled wine and cooking sausages makes you forget the bitter cold.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech capital is one of the most important cities for Christmas celebrations. It transforms itself into a magical wonderland. It thrills tourists with its Christmas markets, chalets and street performances. The Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock are magnificent under a sky dotted with snowflakes. Enjoy chimney cake, the local specialty.
5. Porto and Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re looking for the magic of Christmas, you’re sure to find it at Porto’s Christmas markets. The city is filled with Christmas lights and decorations, handicrafts, mulled wine and sweet treats. As for Lisbon, you’ll find beautifully decorated streets, illuminated Christmas trees and Christmas markets. Bonus: the Portuguese capital is best known for its low prices!
6. Tromsø, Norway
In Norway, Christmas is a whole season of rituals and preparations. So much so, in fact, that the city of Tromsø has just proclaimed itself the world’s top Christmas destination. As you stroll through the streets of Tromsø, the traditional wooden houses invite you to take a romantic stroll. Lights twinkle in every window.
7. New York, USA
If you’re dreaming of a cold, snowy Christmas, New York is the place to be. Must-sees :
- The giant fir tree dominating Rockefeller Center
- Skating in Central Park
- Bryant Park Christmas Market
- Meet Santa at Macy’s
You can’t leave town without enjoying a glass of Egg Nog (a drink made with eggs, rum and cinnamon).
8. Montreal, Canada
Montreal is also one of the best places to spend Christmas. It’s traditional to carve your own Christmas tree. Another tradition is to make and decorate a gingerbread house. The real highlight of a Christmas in Montreal is midnight mass, which marks the start of the festivities. You can also enjoy various parades and festivals in the streets of the city, feast your eyes on Christmas markets and, above all, have fun in the snow!
9. London, England
London is the perfect destination for those who dream of a 100% traditional Christmas. Immerse yourself in a magical Christmas in the heart of Hyde Park, home to Winter Wonderland. It’s a Christmas market for the grown-ups and a funfair for the little ones. Discover Hogwarts under the snow with a visit to Harry Potter Studios. Sip mulled wine on the banks of the Thames… There’s plenty to choose from!
10. The Gold Coast, Australia
Another destination to make summer last a little longer, right through to Christmas: Australia. The Gold Coast is one of the most enchanting places to spend Christmas when winter is getting you down. No toast, no foie gras, just a beachside barbecue. No illuminated garlands for the Christmas tree, but colorful parrots on the branches.
Now you know which destinations are the best for a magical or unusual Christmas, depending on your choice… But whatever happens, remember to take out travel insurance so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind. Unforeseen events can spoil a trip, or even make it worse, and Mondassur can help you find the insurance best suited to your situation!
