Let's continue our journey around the world in search of Christmas cheer with more of the best places to spend the festive season...
Australia
Planning on spending your Christmas “down under”? Well, there’s plenty of festive cheer to look forward to if you’re venturing to Australia this Christmas season. The festive season in Australia is an event filled month with loads to do and experience. The list is endless. Experience the Christmas lights at Sovereign Hill, enjoy the nightlife in Perth, Christmas on the beach or join in on the festivities on a boat cruise through Melbourne. Looking for something sentimental? Celebrate the meaning of Christmas in Wellington Square where you can share a day with the less fortunate by serving lunch and handing out presents. With numerous cities to visit and so much to experience in Australia, you are sure to have one memorable Christmas.
Budapest, Hungary
Many people travel to Budapest over the Christmas holiday. It is a city known for its beauty and liveliness, especially over the festive season. Still preserved with century-old architecture and rich in culture, the city is said to be mesmerizing during Christmas. Buildings, homes and pretty much everything is lit up with dazzling Christmas lights. Patrons come from near and far witness these lights and explore the large Christmas markets in the city. Apart from the lights, City Park Ice Rinks, situated in front of Vajdahunyad Castle, is another popular attraction. Many flock to skate on the frozen lake over winter (November to February). For that extra warm and pampered feeling, Budapest has an abundance of spa’s and natural springs to keep you satisfied. Once you’ve pampered yourself, you can hop onto the famous Christmas light tram which is covered with 39,000 lights and spoil yourself to an opera night at the Hungarian State Opera House. In Budapest, there’s something for everybody. If you are looking for a more affordable trip to Budapest, the city is filled with backpackers’ hostels and Airbnb’s in lively districts filled with bars, restaurants, and street vendors.
Christmas in the USA!
Deciding on where to vacation in the USA may be tough given that there are 50 different states to choose from, each with its unique culture, traditions, and sights. Can’t decide? Well, here’s a few ideas to get your holiday started – Take a trip to Ogden, Utah to witness the City’s Electric light parade which takes place on the 30th of November, the festival celebrates the start of the festive season. If you’re looking for a real Christmas treat then Branson, Missouri, is the place to be with its annual Christmas celebrations – Ozark Mountain Christmas which features live musical performances by various artists and not to mention the famous Polar Express train ride. Visit Bernville, Pennsylvania, for the town’s annual Koziar’s Christmas Village – a beautiful Christmas village in the countryside, where homes, lakes, trees, and walkways are decorated in Christmas lights and trimmings. Journey, southeast to McAdenville, North Carolina aka “Christmas Town USA”, a small town filled with a large amount of Christmas spirit. During Christmas the town is lit up with over 500,000 lights this includes homes, businesses, streets, and trees. Each year more than 600,000 people flock to Christmas Town USA to join in this beautiful celebration of Christmas. Finally, at the heart of the US is Leavenworth, Washington. This small Bavarian styled village is said to be one of the best places to spend Christmas at. The town and its mountains are covered in snow during Christmas and brightened by the hundreds and thousands of Christmas lights, used to decorate the entire town. With Christmas markets, entertainment and Christmas food surrounded by snow and Christmas cheer, Leavenworth is a Christmas dream.
Bali
Bali is probably one of the most popular holiday destinations, all year long. The Christmas season is one of the most popular times to visit this beautiful Indonesian Island. There are endless reasons to venture to Bali, beginning with the island’s breath-taking beaches and resorts, unwind and relax with a cocktail or two on these tranquil beaches or dive in and enjoy the refreshing, sparkling ocean water. Explore various markets and shop till you drop with a wide variety of items to buy, at affordable prices, doing a little Christmas shopping and getting those last-minute gits will be a breeze. There are many restaurants that offer a traditional Christmas menu, so you won’t miss out on all your favourite home-cooked Christmas food. After your Christmas meal, enjoy the scenery and take in the sights, there are many historical attractions to visit and an array of beautiful sights, so, you will never be bored. All about having a good time? Bali’s resorts and popular tourist destinations are filled with bars and local entertainment. In addition, if you want to party the night away and are looking for a vibrant atmosphere, Bali’s nightlife will surely meet your expectations. There are no shortages of clubs, bars, booze, music, and dancing, thus if you are looking for an all-around adventurous Christmas season, then get your bikini and summer bodies ready and head off to Bali.
Iceland
For one of the most unique Christmas experiences, you might find yourself journeying half-way across the world to Iceland. Christmas in this small Nordic Island is fun-filled with tons to do. For those who dream of experiencing a white Christmas – Iceland is the place for you. The county is covered in snow over the festive period and with freezing temperatures, thermals are a necessity. However, the cold is no match for the festive spirit throughout Iceland. Christmas in Iceland lasts for a full 26 days and if that wasn’t enough, the country has 13 Santa Clauses (Yule Lads), talk about going all out for Christmas. Iceland may be a small country but there is much to do and explore on the Nordic Island, especially over Christmas. From hiking, skiing, snowmobiling to visiting the country’s famous ice caves, Iceland is filled with adventurous and fun activities for everyone. Not to mention, a variety of Christmas traditions to join in on such as the Santa Clause hunt or witness the beauty of Northern lights. Iceland is renowned for its natural hot springs surrounded by ice. With so much adventure, you would certainly build up an appetite to warm the cockles of your heart and indulge in the finest local Icelandic foods at the Reykjavik Food Walk. What would the festive season be without a beautiful New Year’s Eve celebration to reign in the new year? In Iceland, you can celebrate New Year’s Eve by sitting around bonfires and enjoying incredible firework shows or celebrate it at the New Year’s Eve party in Reykjavik.
Thailand
Always wondered what all the hype about Thailand is all about? Well, it might be time to take that trip that you’ve wanted to and where better to begin than Thailand? The Southeast Asian country is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Families, friends, young and old journeys to Thailand all year long and those who visited the country frequently find themselves going back to this beautiful country. So, what makes Thailand one of the best tourist destinations? For starters, Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, crystal clear ocean water, and white sandy beaches. For those who want to shop till they drop, the Capital City, Bangkok would be a great place to start. Bangkok and almost every Island in Thailand are filled with affordable markets where you can purchase almost anything you could ever think of. Not only can you shop around Thailand, but the country is filled with historical sights and what better way to see them than on a guided tour? There are hundreds of tours that you can choose from to explore the history and beauty of Thailand. Once you’ve explored the beauty of the country, it’s time to tuck into some Thai food which is a treat for all senses. Apart from the amazing food, people travel near and far for the countless bars, clubs, parties, and festivals. So, if you’re looking to party your way through the festive season, Thailand is the place to be. Try out these party places Bangla Road or Full Moon Party. Whether you are looking for a tranquil, relaxing holiday or a busy vibrant atmosphere, there is a place for everyone in Thailand. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya are rated some of the best places to spend Christmas in Thailand.
Why not ditch the traditional roast beef and malva pudding for snorkeling gear or thermal underwear and travel abroad for a festive adventure? After all, Christmas is wherever you make it!
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