The best places to spend the festive season
Tired of spending Christmas with the in-laws? Can’t decide whether you want a traditional white Christmas or something a little different? Then read our pick of the best destinations around the world to celebrate this special yuletide holiday.
Frankfurt
A cultural Christmas
Although Frankfurt is best known for its world-class museums, it’s also home to the most popular of all Christmas markets in Europe which has taken place in the city for more than 600 years. Centred around a huge Christmas tree in front of the restored, medieval town hall, the market features elaborate stands selling everything from mulled wine and gingerbread to wooden toys and ceramics.
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Vienna
A magical Christmas
Spending Christmas in the romantic baroque city of Vienna is truly magical. For 700 years the Vienna City Hall has been the venue of Christkindlmarkt, the oldest and most famous Christmas market in Europe. The smell of roasted chestnuts and the sounds of Christmas carols follow you through the park while you stroll under the twinkling fairy lights draped on the trees.
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Rome
A spiritual Christmas
The home of the Vatican, Rome has everything you could want from a Christmas holiday: shopping, markets and a real sense of Christmas spirit. Musicians dressed as Santa greet shoppers around the Spanish Steps while toys and treats are sold at the markets in Piazza Navona. The crowning benediction comes on Christmas Day as the Pope reads his Christmas message in front of St. Peter’s Square.
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New York
A white Christmas
If you’re after a nostalgic Christmas of days gone by then New York won’t disappoint. Every year the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with exquisitely decorated window displays at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and ice skating at Rockefeller Center, a time-honoured tradition that’s been around since 1936.
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Rio de Janeiro
A wild Christmas
Probably the most fun you’ll have during Christmas is in Rio. Every year the world’s largest Christmas tree floats in the Rio lagoa – a small lake surrounded by Ipanema and Copacabana. Then on the 31st Umbanda – Festival of the Goddess of the Sea, takes place on the shores of Rio’s famous beaches. But apart from the festivals, every corner of the city is filled with Christmas markets, fairs, craft shows and concerts.
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Mexico City
A festive Christmas
The idea of spending Christmas in a sunny destination may not be everyone’s first choice but just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean the spirit of Christmas is dead. If anything, in Mexico City it’s alive and parading through the streets with a mariachi band, Three Wise Men (Los reyes magos) and a gift-bearing Santa ready to celebrate the biggest fiesta of the year. Feliz Navidad.
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