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It’s almost that time of the year when the bells jingle and the streets are decorated beautifully for Christmas celebrations. Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year. During this period, people have the opportunity to spend time with families, enjoy seasonal treats, and listen to beautiful carol songs. But while most parts of the world celebrate this holiday, there are places where the celebration is taken to a whole new level and celebrated with passion. With many of these destinations featuring massive Christmas markets and a wide range of winter activities, they promise the best Christmas experience one can have anywhere in the world.
10 Vienna, Austria
Christmas in Vienna begins as early as Mid-November, and it begins with the extravagant decoration and lighting of the streets. When all that combines with the chills and scenery of winter, this city transforms into a winter wonderland. Throughout the Christmas season in Vienna, one can expect streets filled with the pleasant aroma of delicious treats and lots of events to watch. Do yourself a favor in Vienna by grabbing a mug of hot chocolate and proceeding to browse through the Christmas market stalls in the city’s several Christmas markets. Be sure not to miss out on the Vienna Christmas Market, which is considered the largest of its kind in the world. For more Christmas adventures, attend an advent concert, walk through Rathausplatz, or go Ice skating in front of the city hall.
9 Salzburg, Austria
The sights of the streets of Salzburg during Christmas are enough to put anyone in the holiday spirit. With bubbling Christmas markets, dazzling Christmas decorations, and a wide range of winter activities, Salzburg is one of the best places to be for Christmas. Being the birthplace of Mozart, this city is a great place to enjoy music. Visitors to this city should keep an ear out for the melodies of “the Sound of Music” and some of Mozart’s epic songs while sampling the delicious Christmas treats in the city’s spectacular Christmas markets. Residenzplatz - the main square is the best place to get this experience, and while walking through the square, one can also use the opportunity to explore the Panorama museum and the Salzburg cathedral.
8 Lapland, Finland
Christmas in Lapland is magical and full of cheer. The streets here are covered in heavy snow, and the city is also popular for being the home of Santa Claus. People spend their Christmas holiday in Lapland by pursuing the Northern Lights, engaging in reindeer sleigh rides, skiing, and visiting Rovaniemi - the home of Santa Claus.
7 Nuremberg, Germany
The main place to enjoy the joy of Christmas in Nuremberg is the Nuremberg Christmas Market which is considered one of the oldest in the world. Here, one will be presented with hundreds of stalls offering a wide variety of Christmas treats. While walking through the massive market and sampling the various dishes, also take note of the sweet smell of mulled wine and gingerbread and also take in the views of the sparkling Christmas decorations and the colorful lights that overwhelm the place.
6 San Fernando, The Philippines
The Philippines may not have snow, but it is an amazing Christmas destination for many reasons. With the Christmas celebration here lasting for more than four months, Christmas in the Philippines is the longest in the world. Christmas decorations in San Fernando and other parts of the country begin as early as September and goes on throughout October, November, and December. The celebration even enters the first week of January. Throughout the Christmas celebration in San Fernando, there will be lots of Christmas performances and events across the country. People in this city during the Christmas celebration period often come across dancing traffic officers and streets decorated with beautiful Christmas colors and trees. There are even Christmas carols held as early as September 1.
5 Montreal, Canada
Christmas in Montreal, Canada, comes with plenty of events, activities, and seasonal treats. Visitors can start by shopping for gifts at Nutcracker Market before proceeding to walk through Jacques Cartier Square, where there will be lots of performances, food, and drinks. Some exciting events worth attending in Montreal during the Christmas season include - Santa Claus Parade and the Candlelit Walk. The Christmas fireworks at Old Montreal are also an amazing event worth experiencing.
4 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is often considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Perhaps this is why Christmas here is so romantic and full of cheer. Christmas in the Czech comes with beautiful scenery that’s characterized by lots of snow, beautiful decorations, and warm, bright lights. In the Czech, there are many things to do during the Christmas season aside from going through the markets and sampling delicious treats. One can also check the views from the Old Town Tower, go ice skating, and attend the numerous musical shows held during the Christmas season.
3 Strasbourg, France
One spectacular highlight of the Christmas season in Strasbourg is ushering in the opening of some of the world’s most magical Christmas markets. But that’s not all that has made this city to now be known as the Christmas capital of the world. Strasbourg also comes with gigantic Christmas trees, glittering Christmas decorations, and plenty of seasonal treats. The mix of German and French cultures in this city also makes the experience here more exciting as there will be a wide variety of food. While browsing through the markets around the city is the most popular thing to do here, visitors can also fill up their time here by visiting the museums and galleries or going ice skating at Place Kleber.
2 Copenhagen, Denmark
Christmas is a beautiful time to be in the happy city of Copenhagen. During this period, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland as the roofs get covered in snow. With shorter days and longer, darker nights, the lights are always kept in Copenhagen, especially during the Christmas season. Visitors here during Christmas will be met with sparkling decorations and colorful lights all over the streets. Christmas in Copenhagen also comes with amazing Christmas markets and a wide range of winter activities.
1 Bethlehem, West Bank
Bethlehem is particularly popular during Christmas because it is the birthplace of Jesus. This makes Christmas here particularly significant. Christmas in Bethlehem comes with a lot of events and street decorations. Bethlehem’s center square and Manger square are two popular places where one can go in Bethlehem to witness the amazing Christmas performances and see the massive Christmas tree. The Church of Nativity is also a place one must visit during Christmas, especially as it is considered the exact spot where Jesus was born thousands of years ago.