December 25th is the day when the world comes to a halt, (except for a few countries, of course). The shops shut down; the transportation system stops, and the organizations and institution remain firmly closed. So what will you do if you’re visiting a different city for Christmas? You wouldn’t want to spend the day locked up in the hotel room. But fret not as we’ve compiled a list of places where you can visit despite being a holiday.
1. London:
The stunning capital of United Kingdom sparkles with lights and the bus-free views make the tour of London all the more magical. Oxford Street, Regent Street and Convent Garden look extra beautiful. The restaurants of London serve traditional foods, including fat turkey with all the trimmings. Bar Boulud and Cinnamon Club are the best places to feast here during Christmas. As for the museum, Ripley’s Believe it, or Not! remains open 365 days. The most beautiful attraction here is the 12-foot Tower Bridge made entirely of matchsticks. We even like the “The Last Supper” painted with grain rice and Swarovski crystals.
- Bethlehem:
There is nothing better than celebrating Christmas in Jesus’s own place, Bethlehem. The town attracts fans all year round, but the number of tourists increases drastically during Christmas. You’ll enjoy stepping back in time and learning about the three centuries of Christian history. The Historic Bethlehem is the best place to visit here, and it remains open on the Christmas day too. The current display, “Trees of Christmas Past” are must see here. Bethlehem is also home to one of the most impressive Christmas markets. The Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is the best market here. It’s the best place if you want to stock up gifts and immerse in the cheer of Christmas while enjoying the authentic German cuisine. Oh, we almost forgot about the holiday tunes played in Bethlehem. The music will transform you into a different place altogether.
- Los Angeles:
Los Angeles is quite unlike the traditional Christmas destination. You won’t get the below zero temperature and snow covered trees here, but there are still hundreds of places and activities that will get you in the festive mood. Does your child insist on meeting Santa and reindeers? Then take him to Malibu. He can also make gifts from the crafts at the holiday markets here. Or if children want a non-traditional Christmas, then take them to the Venice Beach for sand sledding. Don’t have access to the Disneyland on the Christmas Day? Then visit the Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier. The bumper cars and roller coaster rides would be fun. You can also take children to meet the animals in Santa Barbara Zoo. The Santa Barbara zoo remains open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Christmas day.
- New York:
New York never sleeps, even on the Christmas Day. There are plenty of places that you can visit on the Christmas day in New York. The most fun places to check out on Christmas day include Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium and the Discovery Times Square, featuring the Marvel’s Avengers. The other places to check out here include the Top of the Rock and Empire State Building. What’s a Christmas without hitting the ice rink? Scores of ice rinks remain open on the Christmas day, including the famous Rockefeller Center, Prospect Park, and Brookfield Place. If not anything, then just take a stroll on the Fifth Avenue to check out the stunning window display.
- Venice:
Venice during Christmas may be foggy and damp, but by no way it will not be fun on the Christmas day. There are dozens of Christmas markets in different parts of Venice, but the one in the Campo San Stefano is worthy of a visit on Christmas day. You can shop for Italia crafts, indulge in Christmas special food treats and enjoy the music here. In Venice, Santa Claus arrives on a gondola on the Rialto Bridge on the Christmas Day. So you can also take your child here to meet Santa and get goodies from him. A walk to the Piazza San Marco on the Christmas day is a must here. Lastly, don’t forget to attend the mass at the St. Mark’s Basilica on the Christmas Eve.
- Orlando:
Our list would be incomplete without mentioning Orlando. The theme parks and resorts of Orlando sizzle with cheer and twinkling lights. Epcot hosts Holidays Around the World every year from 27th November to 30th December, which we believe you must visit. The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is another event that you can attend in Orlando. Another place worthy of visiting here is the Grinchmas at the Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which begins on the 4th of December and goes on till 2nd December. Wondering where to go feasting in Orlando? Bistro Cloco, Bohemian Bar and Grill and Buca di Beppo are best restaurants here.
- Atlanta:
Just like most of the American countries, even Atlanta holds traditional holiday events during Christmas. The events actually fill the Atlanta air with excitement and anticipation. You can begin your Christmas by witnessing the lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree at the Lenox Tree. If you want to enjoy the stunning lightning of Atlanta, then there is no better place than the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The site features more than a million lights. Don’t forget to indulge in Atlanta Christmas special cuisine here. It’s very different from other types of cuisines.
- Sydney:
Sydney is an extraordinary place to visit for Christmas. The city is quite laid back when it comes to Christmas, and that’s what sets it apart from European and American countries. A crazy thing to do in Sydney Christmas day is climbing the Harbor Bridge. Just imagine how amazing that would be! The beaches, particularly Coogee and Bondi Beaches, look cheerful with people wearing red and white clothing. And then you can listen to the Cappella groups sings Christmas carols by the Big Tree. Lastly, it’s Santa Fest at the Darling Harbor, which you mustn’t miss at any cost.
- Barcelona:
If you’re on a lookout for a white Christmas in Barcelona, then there are no chances of that happening. But where is it written that you can enjoy Christmas only when it’s snowing? The huge fountain located at the junction of the Passeig de Gracia is a must see here, and so are the illuminated trees in the Placa Catalunya. The other popular attractions to visit in Barcelona on Christmas Day include the Park Guell, Picasso Museum, Casa Batllo and Sagrada Familia.
- Vienna:
Christmas in Vienna is all about roasted chestnut, mulled wine, trumpet concert, and markets. So apparently, there are a plethora of activities to do and places to visit in Vienna during Christmas. Are you fond of Christmas concerts? Then, we would suggest you to check out the classical concert in St. Stephen’s Cathedral or St. Anna Church. And if you desire a funky Christmas, then you can head to Museumsquartier. Here you can marvel the street art performances or join the remote car concert. Last, but certainly not the least, celebrate the Christmas Eve at Weikersdorf Castle. It will be a somber, yet uplifting experience for you.
That’s all from us! If you are native to any of these places, then let us know which attractions remain open on the Christmas day. We will wait for your responses.
