In the midst of the toiling, restrictions, and chaos around the world, one can heave a sigh of relief at the thought that the year is coming to an end again. As the world slides closer to the most anticipated time of the year, the sounds of Christmas carols, a dusting of bells, and the fixing of trees will soon become the order of the day.

For many; making wishes, spending time with family, sharing gifts, and setting up Christmas trees are just enough for a good Christmas experience. Some; however, want more than the regular Christmas experience and that desire is just enough to usher them into these places around the world that offer more than the regular Christmas.

10 Copenhagen, Denmark

The city of fairy-tales is also considered to be one of the happiest places in the world and Christmas in Copenhagen, Denmark often involves lots of food, beer, and glogg (hot wine). Enjoy the shiny streets which are lit with Christmas lights and head to the Christmas markets for a wonderful Christmas shopping experience.

On Saint Lucia day, a Kayak and canoe parade takes place at the Canal. The kayaks are dressed in Christmas decorations and they shine bright as they sail across the waters creating a magical scene. Vacationers also get to learn about the concept of hygge and why the city of Copenhagen is the happiest in the world.

9 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The city of beautiful houses and coffee shops is a popular Christmas destination for many. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere at the Amsterdam Light festival where the city gets lit up with warm lights. Get on a food tour around Amsterdam and enjoy the taste of the traditional dishes of the city. Shopping, Canal cruises, ice skating, bike tours, and a visit to the Christmas tree on Dam square merely make up a small fraction of the list of interesting things during Christmas in Amsterdam.

Related: Where To Stay In Amsterdam & What To See In Each Neighborhood

8 London, England

Experience the excitement of Christmas in the English capital city of London in winter style. The freezing temperature sets the stage for ice skating activities at the Natural History Museum, Tower of London Ice Rink, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Enjoy a Nutcracker performance at Christmas Theatres in London, then get on a Christmas lights tour and check out the Christmas lights decoration around the city. Vacationers can check out the Trafalgar square which hosts the yearly gift from Norway to London; a large Christmas tree decorated with bright lights. The London Christmas markets, festive food, attractions, and outdoor Christmas activities are also available to spice up and offer a thrilling Christmas celebration.

7 Strasbourg, France

A visit to the Christmas market will set the stage for a Christmas in Strasbourg. The Strasbourg Christmas market is the oldest Christmas market in France and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a lineup of Ornaments, food, gifts, wine, Jewelries, toys, and all the essentials to help kick-start the Christmas celebration. Enjoy views of fairy-tale-like decorations in red, green, and white colors all over the streets of this town which many consider being the Christmas capital of the world.

6 Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is home and birthplace of Mozart; one of the greatest music composers of all time. Travelers can begin their Christmas tour from the exact apartment of Mozart’s birth in 1756 which is now a museum in Getreidegasse. Experience an exciting shopping experience at the vibrant Salzburg Christmas market and the Winter Christmas market.

The Concert at Mirabel Palace and Best of Mozart Fortress concert offer satisfaction to lovers of classical music and The Original Sound of Music Tour also adds up to present an unforgettable musical Christmas celebration.

Related: Here's Why A Few Days Is All You Need To See The Best Of Salzburg, Austria

5 Santa Claus, Indiana

The Indiana town of Santa Claus presents a list of interesting events and Santa-related sites during the Christmas season. A visit to the Santa Claus Museum & Village offers a great way to begin a tour of this town which was named after the personality who tours the earth on his Reindeer-led magical sleigh during Christmas nights. A few nights at the Santa Lodge also offers a great atmosphere to write a letter to Santa Claus. Good food, fireworks will also add up to a thrilling experience at the Holiday World theme park.

4 Reykjavik, Iceland

The capital of Iceland is a winter spectacle during the Christmas holiday period which means lots of skiing and ice skating. Enjoy a warm welcome to the volcanic city with a stunning view of the Christmas trees and bright color decorations set up on every street. The limited daylight during the winter period means a darker atmosphere for the Christmas season and the thriving nightlife of the city even makes this long night more desirable. Get on a food tour to restaurants around the city for a taste of seasonal dishes and sign up for the Northern lights tour to get good views of the Aurora Borealis.

3 Queenstown, New Zealand

It is summer during Christmas in New Zealand which means an entirely different type of Christmas atmosphere. A visit to the beach will mean lots of surfing, swimming, and an opportunity to catch Santa on a well-deserved beach vacation. Next, wander into the woods, set up camps at the lakefront, and celebrate along with the Kiwi people of New Zealand.

This adventure capital of New Zealand is also known for its adventurous mountains which set the stage for hiking and biking. Jet boating, Zip-lining, and a taste of the Barbeque at St. Omer’s park all make for a great Christmas experience. On Christmas Day, the Skyline Gondola Stratosfare restaurant offers a feast to visitors which features music, entertainment, and finger-licking traditional delicacies.

Related: Queensland: Guide To The 'Adventure Capital Of New Zealand' If You Only Have Three Days

2 New York City, USA

Just like its stock exchange, Christmas in the world’s leading financial center is serious business and the celebration can quickly spiral into a fairy-tale wonderland. Unlike Alice, people who get stuck in this wonderland wish they could remain stuck there forever.

First, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit up with tens of thousands of LED lights at the beginning of December to blow the kick-off whistle for the Christmas holiday celebration in New York. Get started on the Christmas celebration by shopping at the European-style Christmas market at Bryant Park. Keep the Christmas ball spinning by ice skating at Bryant Park or get lost in Central Park like little Kevin in the Home Alone movie; then satisfy the hunger for a Christmas event at Nutcracker and Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

1 Bethlehem, West Bank

Even though there are other places in the world where passionate Christmas celebrations are observed, there is no better place in the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ than the city of Bethlehem where according to the Holy Bible, the savior of the World was born. The exciting thought of being in the City of Bethlehem is just the tip of the Iceberg compared to the feeling that comes when in the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, which is considered to be the exact spot where the birth of Jesus Christ occurred thousands of years ago. Muslims and Christians hold this location dearly and conflicts are often laid aside to allow people of all nations, ethnicity, beliefs, and race to enjoy this magical moment that fills the heart with overwhelming joy.

Next: Canada And The US Both Celebrate Thanksgiving, So What's The Difference?