Delightful Destinations for an Unforgettable Christmas
When we think about Christmas we think about colour-filled store windows, lights on lamp posts and Christmas trees set in town squares. Winter wonderlands filled with excitement and breathtaking scenery, a fairytale setting in a quaint village or bustling city. Northern Hemisphere destinations present the epitome of Christmas, with santa, sleigh bells and snow all around, and our childhood “thoughts” of what Christmas should be conjure up a European or far away land dreamscape.
Consider Christmas markets, streets lined with vendors selling their goods, music filling the crisp air and laughter all around. Key countries such as Germany and Austria stand out yet beyond the mountains and lakes of Europe, fascinating destinations wait to be discovered at Christmas time in both the Southern and Northern Hemisphere where various degrees and displays of celebration take place. Celebrations abound and joy fills the air.
In Peru the focus is on feasts and fireworks, midnight mass and great family gatherings with the Santuranticuy market in Cusco near the Andes mountains, a major highlight in the country. This bustling market takes place on December 23 and 24 in the Plaza de Armas, and has done so for centuries, offering a wonderful platform for artisans to showcase their talent through intricate carvings. If taking to the water appeals to you, consider the dynamic Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and take some time out with whale and dolphin watching excursions in Mancora.
Travel to the southern hemisphere and discover Christmas in South Africa, where the festivities start early in the morning and lunch tables are filled with Christmas crackers and party hats. The weather is warm and the atmosphere alive with a joy all the while classic carols play in the background, the mention of winter wonderlands and snow adding a hint of tradition to this beloved Holiday.
There is something about the festive season that speaks to all of us and whether we celebrate for religious reasons or simply to embrace the love and light felt around Christmas, there are many ways and places to take a moment and take it all in, as you like. For some the chance to escape to a different world, warmer locations perhaps or simply to experience the popular holiday somewhere different.
Asian wonders like Thailand offer a Christmas experience that is lightly focused on tradition with trees and lights in malls and city squares, embracing the Thai spirit of fun and embracing visitors from afar. Discover Phuket’s idyllic beach and dip your toes in the warm Andaman sea while taking in a breathtaking sunset. Visit Lat Mayom floating market and be sure to stop a while and smell the fresh winter blossoms this time of year is known for.
In Japan Christmas Eve is a night for couples to enjoy romantic outings, the following day a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate each other, the cities highlighted in a picturesque light. Step into a winter wonderland of a warm kind through an experience at the Onsen hot springs, encompassed by a blanket of white, captivating scenery abounding. Enjoy snow festivals, winter illumination and the buzz that surrounds the festive shopping in cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Why not travel to Egypt where Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7th, one of the most popular times of year to experience this ancient land, the pyramids and Sphinx adding a unique twist to a fairyland adventure.
Planning a visit to any festive, romantic or simply breathtaking destination during Christmas is exciting with the creation of the itinerary forming part of the adventure. Picturing yourself wandering brightly-lit streets on a crisp winter’s eve or lazing on a sunny beach with a faint hint of Christmas cheer in the background, the options to make incredible memories are endless.. Take this a step further and consider the gift of Christmas, contributing to a loved one’s dream December getaway by assisting with funds for adding adventure ideas to an established trip. Wherever one chooses to celebrate Christmas, exploring somewhere new, somewhere different will leave you ready to start planning for your next year.
Recent Comments