Best Places In The World To Spend Christmas
Sydney, Australia
Sydney takes Christmas very seriously. How seriously, you ask? Well, while the rest of the world celebrates the “12 Days of Christmas”, Sydney celebrates for an entire month! The festivities start around the 24th of November and last until Christmas day. With Christmas markets, free concerts, fairs and holiday party cruises, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And because it’s summer in Australia, you can leave your snow-boots and fleece jackets at home!
Prague, Czech Republic
For a quintessential fairytale Christmas, look no further than Prague. Quaint Christmas markets at the Old Town Square, swans gliding down the Vlatva river, the entire city bathed in the magical amber glow of a million Christmas lights – Prague offers the perfect postcard Christmas. And when the snow starts to fall, you can warm yourself on some mulled wine from the legendary markets, or sip on some decadent hot chocolate – either way, there’s no escaping the warm and fuzzy spirit of the season here!
Tokyo, Japan
Christmas in Japan is considered a very romantic time of the year, almost akin to Valentine’s Day. But the most unique thing about Christmas in Tokyo is the fact that the most popular Christmas meal here, is KFC! You read that right. In 1974, KFC launched a campaign – ‘Kentucky for Christmas!’ (Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!), which was so popular, it’s become somewhat of a tradition! But if you’re looking for the truly traditional Christmas experience with the kids, look no further than Tokyo Disneyland, which goes all out with the lights, carols and decorations, to instill the Christmas spirit in its young and old visitors alike.
Málaga, Spain
If you’re looking for more than just a traditional Christmas holiday, head over to Málaga for a healthy dose of local culture! Every year around the 28th of December, this ancient town holds an annual Verdiales Music Festival to celebrate their local form of flamenco dancing. You are guaranteed an immersive cultural experience, while enjoying all the traditional festive favourites like Christmas markets, concerts, and carols at every corner of this quaint European town.
Vienna, Austria
Here’s one for all those who’re find the whole holiday season a bit too overwhelmingly sweet. YOU should head to Vienna. While the rest of Europe embraces the legend of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, Austrians have their own legend of “Krumpus”, his evil accomplice! Krumpus is a ghoulish creature who is said to roam the streets, scaring children who have been naughty all year. If you’re in Vienna, you can catch the annual Krumpus parade, where hundreds of locals dress in terrifying masks and go about scaring people! Safe to say this may not be the most kid-friendly Christmas, but a memorable one nonetheless.
