The moment we hear the word December, the holiday spirit starts getting the better of us. And it’s obvious after all Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year. Not just children, even adults dream of celebrating Christmas in picture perfect cities, cities that look like they’ve stepped out of a kid’s storybook. But there are only a few cities that can give you the perfect Christmas cheer and feel. If you want a holiday straight out of a fairytale, then here are top ten cities for you.
- Amsterdam:
Amsterdam has a very strong legend of Santa Claus, or Sinterklaas as they commonly refer. The Dutch’s Sinterklaas visits the city on the 5th of December and rewards gifts to obedient children. Just like most of the European cities, even Amsterdam comes alive during Christmas with its white lights everywhere. What we particularly like here are the 16th and 17th-century houses decorated beautifully with lights. The lights enhance the beauty of these buildings manifolds. If you are good at cycling and don’t get enough time to bike in your crowded city, then you can join the locals for a bicycle ride. We’d even suggest you to stay until the New Year to witness the firework at the Dam Square.
- Santa Claus, Indiana:
Santa Claus is a small place with less than 3000 residents. In Santa Claus, Indiana, Christmas is an all year occasion and not just a one-day affair. There are hundreds of Santa Claus themed attractions and shops here, including the renowned Santa Claus Museum and Santa’s Candy Castle. Milions of children send letters to Santa Claus at his official town Santa Claus. And do you know who replies to those children? In the town, there is a group of Elves who reply to each of the letters sent to Santa. Santa also hosts a buffet dinner at his Christmas Lodge on Fridays leading to the holiday. The options are just endless here.
- Aspen, Colorado:
Do you desire a white Christmas this year? Then we’d tell you to head to the most famous ski resort cum city, Aspen. The ski slopes open in the late November and goes on until mid-January. It also holds a series of music events during Christmas. Aspen has a rustic Coloradan charm. The shopping streets are so beautifully decorated that you won’t be able to stop yourself from taking a long stroll. Colorado is also home to NORAD, an agency that tracks the Santa’s present giving course.
- Prague, Czech Republic:
Beautiful would be an understatement for describing Prague. The romantic, baroque architecture of Prague is mesmerizing. Christmas in Prague is very different from other cities. Even the Christmas markets of Prague have a touch of local tradition. You’ll find choirs singing carols, women frying sugary Czech pastries and wooden stalls selling local handicrafts and hand-painted Christmas tree ornaments. And the best part, there is a stable in Prague’s Old Town Square with goats, sheep and donkey that holds a nativity play every year. Prague will give you a holiday experience that you will never forget.
- Provence, France:
If a fairytale Christmas is what you have always dreamt of, then Provence in France is a place that you must visit. In Province, the villages that go silent in the summer come back to life in winter. The music from the from churches fill the streets, and white lights are strung across the streets. The women crowd the market stalls to sniff the fresh foie gras and the kids jump from stalls to stalls purchasing candy canes and cookies. The view is absolutely enthralling.
- Reykjavík, Iceland:
Iceland is very different from other cities in terms of Christmas celebrations. In Iceland, the 12 Yule Lads are the version of Santa Claus. They bring presents to children for 13 nights leading to Christmas Eve. You will see statues of 13 Yule Lads peering out from every shop and house’s windows. And the beautiful Northern Lights add to the overall festive feel. For the holiday dinner, we’d suggest you to try out the restaurant Vid Taormina for an authentic Icelandic cuisine. In Reykjavík, daylight is just a four-hour affair. So if you are looking for a warm Christmas, then give Reykjavik a miss.
- New York:
It’s not just the world famous Norway gifted Christmas tree and Rockefeller Center that make New York one of the best places to visit during Christmas. There are plenty of reasons that make New York the best city to celebrate Christmas. The Radio City of New York hosts the Christmas Spectacular every year. Take a carriage ride through the Central Park here. It will give you a once in a lifetime experience. If you want a hip and high wattage holiday experience, then head to the Dyker Heights. The neighbors battle out every year to make the most impressive Christmas displays.
- Rovaniemi, Lapland:
Rovaniemi is one of the best cities to celebrate Christmas. It is considered the official headquarter of Santa Claus. There are plenty of fun activities to indulge in Rovaniemi. Children can make gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Santa Claus or enroll in the Elf School. On the Sirmakko reindeer farm, you can take a sled leg reindeer safari. The other attractions here to visit in Lapland include the Ranua Zoo and the science center. And if you’re in search of a frosty experience, then you can stay in the Arctic Snow Hotel made of ice and snow. Fret not, as it also comes with a sauna and hot tubs that will offset the frozen temperature.
- Chicago:
Chicago has brisk weather conditions for a White Christmas. If not a white Christmas, you will surely get a frigid one. Most of the tourists visit Chicago for its Christmas special activities like checking out the incredible Museum of Science and Industry and watching the Magnificent Mile lit with millions of lights. But the star attraction here is the Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German market filled with German food, drinks, and crafts. Even Chicago sets up a giant Christmas tree in the Daley Plaza. Love ice-skating? Then practice your favorite sport in the Millennium Park.
- Vienna, Austria:
Vienna offers an old-fashioned Christmas with its twinkling holiday decoration on the imperial architecture, the Christkindlmarkts and the scent of gluhwein in the air. But what makes Vienna different and distinctive from other cities is its Christmas decorations and markets. The Christmas market of Vienna is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 13th century. The vendors sell ornaments, crafts while visitors indulge in delicious finger foods with mulled wine while shopping. You must must must check out the Vienna Boys’ Choir concert here.
These destinations will surely give an unforgettable holiday. Which of these cities are you contemplating of visiting this Christmas? Tell us in the comment section below!
