Now that Halloween is over, Christmas is just around the corner! It is time to starting planning your winter wonderland getaway!
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We have a list of 15 places that will put you in the holiday spirit if you want to get lost in a cozy chalet while sipping some mulled wine and exploring a magical Christmas market.
Lapland, Finland
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Prepared to soak in the breathtaking northern lights while sipping glögi (a type of mulled wine)? How about a ride on a reindeer? Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus so be sure to bring your wish list to hand to him and grab the camera to snap some photos!
Edinburgh, Scotland
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While walking around the Scottish city, you can try a hot whiskey toddy to warm up with a hot whiskey toddy and a meal that is traditional Scottish, then walk around and see the Scottish city. You can see a festive performance at the Edinburgh Castle, go ice skating, and enjoy the European themed Christmas Market. It is ideal for lovers of Christmas. perfect destination
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Image Credit: Katarzyna Dutkowska on Unsplash.
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is home to beautiful Christmas markets, amazing light displays, and charming horse-drawn carriage rides. While you enjoy a warm drink like hot cocoa or gløgg, as well as some Danish pastries, don’t miss the famous Tivoli Gardens Christmas display, which is sure to impress.
Strasbourg, France
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Strasbourg is like a fairytale in real life! There are beautifully decorated buildings and a giant Christmas tree and you can enjoy the many Christmas markets while snacking on delicious gingerbread. You can also enjoy a Christmas concert in the stunning Gothic-style Cathédrale Notre-Dame. There are picturesque canals where you can take a Christmas-themed boat ride!
Reykjavik, Iceland
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Besides seeing the Northern Lights, visitors to Reykjavik can enjoy holiday markets featuring local Icelandic vendors, ice skating, horse and carriage rides, and an entire winter wonderland set-up.
Prague, Czech Republic
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Image Credit: Lachlan Gowen on Unsplash.
Prague turns into a winter wonderland every Christmas season. They have Christmas markets, life size nativity scenes, and the biggest ice skating rink in the entire country! If you visit, make sure to try the trdelník which is a cinnamon sugar dessert, and potato pancakes which are both traditional Czech meals.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Explore the wonder of the light festival as you walk along the canals and see the light artworks and installations. While in Amsterdam for the Christmas holidays, you can do as little or as much as you want. Simply walking around and exploring the charm of the city will fill you with the Christmas spirit.
Krakow, Poland
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The main square in Krakow has beautiful Christmas markets. With sparkling lights and Christmas carols, the atmosphere is joyous. Learn about the city’s unique customs that include a minimum of sixteen holiday nativity scenes, which feature local football heroes and former Pope John Paul II.
Bruges, Belgium
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Image of Nicole Baster from Unsplash.
Bruges is one of the best day trips from Brussels, and also has a charming Christmas market in the square (which is year-round fairytale charming). The scent of mulled wine and Belgian waffles wafts through the market, and there are also famous ice sculptures in the city center.
Nuremberg, Germany
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Image Credit: Photo by Thomas Winkler on Unsplash
The Bavarian city is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country. There are over 180 stalls selling handmade toys and ornaments, as well as tasty snacks. If you visit the market, be sure to grab some famous Nuremberg sausages to warm you up as you stroll the market on a cold winter day!
Quebec City, Canada
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Visit Old Quebec for the Christmas Market and the beautiful holiday decorations. The quaint streets will be decorated for the holidays, and lights will be all around the city. There will be food, crafts from local artisans, and live performances!
Vienna, Austria
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With more than 150 stalls offering unique handcrafted goods and authentic Austrian culinary delights, the Christkindlmarket at Vienna’s City Hall is a Christmas paradise for market enthusiasts. While you browse the stalls, you can warm up with some delicious Viennese hot chocolate.
Salzburg, Austria
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There are many Christmas markets in Salzburg, which draws many tourists to try the traditional Austrian Christmas food like Gluhwein, Schnitzel, and Mozartkugel candies. Old Town has narrow cobbled streets, and during the Christmas season, charming streets are delightfully colorfully decorated to grand by Christmas ice skating, markets, and concerts.
New York City, USA
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There is no better place to spend the holidays than New York City! Watching the lighting of the enormous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, browsing the holiday markets and admiring the decorative displays make the Big Apple one of the top U.S. holiday attractions. Make sure to enjoy the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3 and go ice skating in Central Park.
Tokyo, Japan
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Christmas festivities in Tokyo are definitely excited with many Christmas markets and illuminations that cover the entire city, including the Tokyo Tower which has Christmas lights and decorations.
Deck the Stalls: A Guide to the World’s Best Christmas Markets
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The most delightful Christmas markets from around the globe are waiting to be explored this festive season. Savour the magic of Christmas in Vienna while the Rathaus sparkles with Christmas lights. Feel the charm of Bath’s Christmas market composed of over 200 wooden chalets. Vancouver’s European-style Christmas market is the North American equivalent of our Vienna market. And there’s much more to discover! We’ve created this guide especially for our fellow travellers!
Deck the Stalls: The World Best Christmas Markets Deck the Stalls: A Guide to the World’s Best Christmas Markets
It Felt Like Narnia: 10 Unforgettable Winter Experiences in Budapest
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Budapest is a great place to be during the winter season. With the Christmas tram, hot thermal baths, and delectable Hungarian food, there’s lots to do! We’ll dive into the 10 best activities during winter in Budapest, so grab your coat and get ready.
10 Winter Adventures in Budapest That Will Make You Feel Like You Are in Narnia It Felt Like Narnia: 10 Unforgettable Winter Experiences in Budapest
