This may be the beginning of November, but many of us already research holiday destinations for Christmas 2013. Before choosing a travel agency, a flight and a hotel, you should first decide where you want to go. Of course, Christmas is the best time of the year, but some particular places can make it really magical. Beaches, spa retreat or snowy adventure, it all depends on your individual preference and of course, on your planned budget. In this article, we would highlight the top five holiday destinations for Christmas 2013, no matter whether you fancy traditional, modern and more exotic celebrations.
For Truly White Christmas
Some of the most amazing places you can visit this Christmas for a really snowy experience are in North America. The first one is Canadian Rockies where you can choose one of the many national parks and enjoy unique mountain landscapes, including peaks, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, canyons, and limestone caves. Of course, you will fall love with Canadian sense of humor, accompanied by the real Christmas spirit brought by huge amount of snow, decorations in red, green and gold, lush decorated trees and egg-nog.
Another destination you should try is the oldest national park in the U.S., Yellowstone, which attracts tourists with its stunning scenery all year long. But during Christmas time, the contrast between the frigid cold and the steaming geysers is truly breathtaking. Of course, this is one of the few places on Earth where you can meet a deer or a bear while taking a short walk.
For Movie-Like Christmas
Not many places will give this Hollywood image of Christmas that New York City creates every year. You will enjoy the amazing store displays at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Barney’s while waiting for the some of the classic seasonal shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Of course, the city is most famous with the fabulous decorations on Christmas trees – the Rockefeller Centre, Madison Square, Park Avenue, Metropolitan Museum, and so on. Every corner will be glowing, richly decorated and Christmas carols will be ringing in your ears.
For a Christian Experience
Although snow is a rarity in Rome, this is the city hiving the most unique and exquisite Christmas celebration, no matter if you are Catholic or not. The ultimate must-see is the “gargantuan presepe” in St. Peter’s Square – an enormously built nativity scene that stuns with its gravity and richness. The most spectacular Midnight Mass in the world is also held at the square, but you will need to apply a special request to attend it at the Vatican’s website, as it is officiated by the Pope and visited by thousands of pilgrims and casual Christmas fans. You should visit the heart of the city, Piazza Navona and its incredible Christmas markets, selling traditional decorations and local delicacies. In fact, Rome is full of fabulous squares, churches and markets during the holidays, so it will be hard not to find a nativity scene or a religious procession. And you will need to prepare at least one digital camera with a larger memory card, because the entire city is definitely worth photographing.
For the Oldest Tradition
The first Christmas traditions started from Germany and Austria – Christmas trees, gifts, gingerbread houses, and Saint Nick. Here Christmas markets have been popular for about seven centuries, so it’s not surprising you will find them at every corner. The traditional merchandise includes handmade and terracotta nativity figures, glass ornaments, wooden toys, trinkets and many more. But one of the most memorable things from Christmas spent in Germany is always the sweet smell of fir trees, gingerbread, fresh sausage snacks, and mulled wine, or more precisely Glűhwein which you shouldn’t miss, even if you don’t drink wine. Here you will see real fairytale castles in the heart of green forests and snowy mountains. River cruises along the Danube or the Rhine are usually most preferred by travelers.
For a Sunny Christmas with a Surf
Yes, a Hawaii holiday is not a traditional Christmas celebration, but it definitely has its character charm. Don’t be surprised by surfing Santas and Santas wearing shorts, offering cooled cocktails. In fact, Christmas in the Hawaii is celebrated for only a century and during those months the locals usually observe peace and goodwill. This contributes to the really welcoming atmosphere here. You shouldn’t miss the Honolulu City Lights, a big show at Honolulu Hale which attracts with a big, fresh Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, themed installations, as well as live entertainment and various activities for both parents and children. You will probably have a Christmas dinner or lunch in hotel, included in your travel package. So, you will taste both traditional and local and more exotic festive meals. Many families choose a tropical beach Christmas, so if you had a snowy one last year, go bold and pick up the sun!
