Prisca Vaniyapilly in Festivals and Events

The World’s Top 15 Christmas Holiday Destinations

We’re looking at December, a month of festive spirit, celebrations across the world and the most awaited time of the year, when the month brings two grand celebrations with it; that is the celebrations of Christmas along with an end of one year and the starting of new one; ‘New Year’ – which means there’s no better time to dust off the passport and start exploring! It can be an exciting adventure to travel somewhere new during the holiday season, so ask yourself: if you could go anywhere in the world to celebrate Christmas, where would it be? Which are the best places to spend New Year’s Eve? Where can you escape the holiday crowds? One thing’s for sure; don’t even think of returning to the office in boring January without a tan and the look of someone who just had the most fun Christmas holiday ever.

Cities all over the world celebrate Christmas in unique and memorable ways. These listed cities, with their sparkle and cheer, can make the heart grow three sizes larger.

1. New York City, USA

It’s true – there’s no better place to spend Christmas than New York City! The city Is even more magical during the holiday season. Thanks to countless movies, most of us have a pretty good idea of what New York City is like at Christmas-time. There is ice skating at Bryant Park and Central Park (and other parks across the city); the famous Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center; and the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show. There are light shows all over the city and carolers singing, and Santa seems to be around every corner. The holiday season kicks off with the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and comes to a grand finale when the New Year’s Eve ball drops in Times Square. New York is also famous as a romantic destination. It only takes a second for New York to sweep you off your feet. Let us plan your trip to New York

2. Hong Kong

They don’t call Hong Kong as one of the world’s top Christmas destinations for nothing. Praised for its world-class culinary scene, shopping centers and fabulous Christmas decorations, Hong Kong will appease all travellers with a seemingly endless string of electric holiday festivities and events, including the HK Winterfest, and prismatic fireworks. And for children and those who are kids at heart, Hong Kong’s Disneyland will feature a smorgasbord of Christmas-themed amusement and entertainment options. We’ll help you plan a Hong Kong city break to remember. Book your pre-arrival visa with us and save big money.

3. Goa, India

Goa certainly tops the best destinations’ list when it comes to celebrating Christmas in India. Goa is love-it crazy in December. Every palm tree strung with tinsel and fairy lights, every beach bar rocking with the most beautiful happy-go-lucky just-found-themselves travellers dancing like loons, night and day. Goa becomes livelier during the Advent Season which also attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the country as well as from abroad. Night long parties on the beaches, cathedrals decorated with lights and flowers, midnight mass in churches with singing Christmas carols; Goa is definitely the best city to spend your Christmas holidays. A trip to Goa is not just a holiday, it’s a state of mind. Pick from an exclusive range of Goa tour packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities for a lovely Goa holiday with attractive deals.

4. Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most civilised countries with breathtakingly beautiful places and Zurich has all the ingredients for a memorable ‘winter wonderland’ holiday – plenty of snow, cobblestone streets and a wealth of Christmas markets spread all over the city (there’s an excellent one inside the main train station).

A stroll past the famous Singing Christmas Tree at Werdmuhleplatz is a must – here you can listen to daily choir performances of Christmas carols between 23 November and 23 December. Also, be the lucky one to experience all of Europe during Christmas with the Switzerland Schengen Visa which permits you to travel to Switzerland and the other European countries on a single Schengen visa.

Expand your world and experience fascinating cultures with Akbar Holidays. Exclusive offers. Tailored experiences. Personal attention. Flights + Hotels + Sighhtseeings + your piece of mind. Talk to our specialized Switzerland tour experts today!

5. Tokyo, Japan

What’s the best way to describe Christmas celebrations in Tokyo? The phrase ‘totally different’ certainly comes to mind. It’s a blinding spectacle of dazzling lights, excessive decorations, buzzing neon and a complete absence of religion (Christmas Day isn’t a holiday in Japan). Tokyo feels even more colorful and brightly lit than usual during the season of giving, when everything sparkles with gorgeous fairy lights. Some of the best places to see dazzling Christmas lights in Tokyo are the Roppongi, Starlight Garden in Tokyo Midtown and Caretta Shiodome, which is glowing with striking light projections. With their thunderous fireworks and special events, Disney Sea and Disneyland also make great picks for those who are traveling with their family. Enriching culture, elegant sights and enthralling beauty, Japan has a lot to offer to its visitors.

With over 40 years’ experience, Akbar travels are experts at creating holidays to suit a wide variety of taste and budgets; right from obtaining the Japan visa to providing you the best holiday deals. Whatever your needs, you can trust our dedicated travel experts to organise your dream holidays.

6. Thailand

Just because Thais love any excuse for a party, it’s no wonder even though Christmas Eve is not an official holiday, many locals, expats and travelers all over the globe enjoy the Christmas Eve in Bangkok. Big hotels and shopping centers take on all the trappings and trimmings of Christmas. Even convenience stores deck the walls with fairy lights and strips of tinsel. Phuket in Thailand reaches sizzling highs of 32C in December, so it’s hot enough to make the most of the beaches, or sail between the offshore islands. Christmas isn’t a religious festival in Thailand, but that doesn’t stop everyone putting up Christmas trees, exchanging gifts and sharing a meal – although it’s usually a Thai curry instead of Turkey and trimmings. So, it’s the perfect getaway if you fancy your Christmas a little less tinsel this year. The good news is that holidaying in Thailand will be cheaper as the country has waived off the Thailand visa fee for travelers from India along with other 20 countries. So, if you are planning a trip to Thailand, this is just the right time to put your plans into action.

7. Dubai

Dubai does Christmas the same way Dubai does nearly everything – in true, over-the-top fashion. Christmas and New Years are celebrated in Dubai with such glory, that you’ll never want to be in any other place during these festivities. Every place in Dubai is lit up for Christmas, with shopping malls pulling out all stops to set up special snow ball zones, festive corners, games and giveaways and much more fun. Similarly, for anyone looking for a Christmas-shopping weekend away, Dubai is top of the list. Where New York was once the epitomised destination, Dubai’s extravagant, larger-than-life malls and collection of all things electronic, fashion and entertainment related, it’s quickly stolen the top spot.

Dubai indeed has something for everyone of every age, so plan your trip with our best tour packages and experience a holiday unlike any other. Infact now getting Dubai visa online is easy and convenient with minimum visa documentation and unbeatable price.

8. Germany

If you’re dreaming of visiting a Christmas market or two, Germany is the place to be. Scattered all over the country, German Christmas markets are full of gingerbread (“lebkuchen”), mulled wine (“glühwein”), beautifully decorated stalls, music and festive lights. The city of Dresden is home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market dating back to the 15th century, while Nuremberg is famous for its “Christkind,” a holy cherub who parades around the city. Cologne, Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt also host Instagrammable markets. Add in a day or two in the Bavarian Alps and you might just have the perfect December vacation. And the best part about applying for a Germany Visa is that Germany is a part of the Schengen agreement which consists of 26 European countries. So, obtaining a Schengen Visa will give you the privilege to travel to all the other 25 European countries without the need of applying for another Schengen visa. Isn’t that amazing? We surely believe it indeed is!

9. Prague, Czech Republic

European Christmas markets are especially fun for Christmas family vacations. If you thought Prague was beautiful in the summer, just wait until you see it during the month of December: The city’s Gothic architecture provides the perfect backdrop for savoring sugary pastries and roasted ham, warming up on mulled wine, and indulging in some major holiday shopping. Prague’s main Christmas markets take place in the Old Town and Wenceslas squares, which are conveniently just five minutes apart by foot. Aside from the aforementioned food and beverages, the markets are filled with traditional Czech goods and ornaments and marked by a frenzy of holiday carols and light. Plunge into a thermal bath, take a stroll through a fairytale-like landscape or strap on your skis and zip down forested slopes: there’s something for everyone in the Czech Republic.

Looking for a holiday to the Czech Republic? We have great deals on Czech Republic holidays at Akbartravels.com. Book your flight, visa and hotel together and save big.

10. Singapore

The Lion City treats Christmas as an all-singing and all-dancing upbeat feast for the senses. When December sets in, the city’s streets are turned into a magical and gleaming candy-like land sprinkled with liquor ices, gumdrops and candy canes. What’s more, Singapore’s air will be filled with joyful and melodious cheers of Christmas Noels. On top of it all, Singapore offers a plethora of lighthearted festivities and amusements in store for everyone during the holiday season, including countdown parties, EDM concerts, art exhibits and shopping bargains. Singapore promises endless smiles, fun, laughter and memories for every person. It is one of the most lovable countries of Asia. Its people, places, culture, food, lifestyle, shopping, nightlife and the amazing attractions; all make it a must visit destination.

What boosts travel to Singapore is that getting a visa to Singapore is easy. Find out how you can apply for a Singapore visa online! Get info on the required documents, the visa fee and application process.

Also Read: 5 Ultimate Travel Tips to Explore Singapore on a Budget

11. Seoul, South Korea

In Seoul, the entire month leading up to Christmas Day is an extravaganza. Join the crowd of merrymakers enjoying the convivial spirit during Lotte World’s Christmas Festival – a massive parade of floats, performers and characters. Likewise, you may buy a ticket to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet, which has been a Yuletide must-see in Seoul for over 20 years. Make the most of the biting weather with a few spins around the outdoor ice skating rink at Seoul Plaza. Afterwards, please your palate with a fancy and sumptuous buffet dinner at the Millennium Soule Hilton or at the Ritz. Travellers who want to visit South Korea for leisure or business purpose need to primarily obtain a South Korea visa. Dreaming of a South Korea holiday already?

12. Fiji

Fiji is one of the most pristine beach destinations in the world. With fewer crowds and cheaper prices, December can be a good month to travel to Fiji and with more than 330 tropical islands to choose from, you’re unlikely to get bored. Between island-hopping cruises, scuba diving and Christmas picnics on the beach, there’s plenty to do, and if you stick around for December 31st, you could be among the first people in the world to welcome in the New Year. And with the numerous flight connections and visa on arrival facility , travelling to Fiji is as easy as it gets.

13. Langkawi, Malaysia

Want to inject a dose of fun of excitement to your holiday getaway? Why not spend your Christmas in Langkawi? With a fairly nice weather, Langkawi offers a slew of fun-filled experiences for travelers in December, including adrenaline-charged cable car rides, cultural pursuits, diving and snorkeling. Furthermore, Langkawi in every December hosts the awesome International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition Show. A holiday in Malaysia never disappoints! If you are wondering how to reach Malaysia and kick start your Langkawi sightseeing, Akbar Holidays is your best answer. Book a Malaysia package from us at best deals.

14. South Africa

South Africa is one of the most physically stunning, varied, culturally fascinating countries on the planet – there can be few better places in which to celebrate Christmas. Not to mention the fact that the sun will be shining and the temperatures balmy. Moreover, tourists to Africa during this time will observe the magnificent scenery whether it’s in a coastline near the ocean, a valley with the rivers or a big safari park with untouched wild nature. It is worthy of note that there are more than 350 million Christians resident in Africa, so travellers and tourists alike will have the opportunity of enjoying various unique African Christmas traditions (which include dishes, cultural displays, carnivals among a host of other activities) that differ from those in their home countries. Discover the vibrant African culture with our fun-filled South Africa holiday packages.

15. London

Celebrate the holidays in true British fashion. From Christmas markets and ice skating to festive afternoon tea, London is the perfect place to spend your holiday vacation. Millions of twinkling lights sparkle over the streets, while pop-up markets fill the air with festive song, the scent of glühwein and the swirls of carousels – Christmas is a truly magical time to be in London. Combine the capital’s festive traditions with its remarkable grandeur as you explore the iconic sights. Enjoy an unforgettable performance at the world-famous Royal Albert Hall, a visit to historic Westminster Abbey, and a chance to take in the views on the London Eye. Whatever you do, London will welcome you with open arms. We bring you some of the best holiday deals for flights, visa and hotels to this exciting city. With many specially designed, all-inclusive holiday packages to choose from, you’ll certainly find one that suits your style whether it is a family vacation, desire for adventure or a sweet and romantic escape that’s been on your mind.

Inspired to travel yet? Look no further than akbartravels.com Vacations. This is just a sample of what you could get up to this Christmas break. We’re serious about offering our guests exceptional experiences from start to finish, including affordable flights and hassle-free visa assistance to sought-after destinations and top-class package deals that are tailor-made just for you.

So, where are you spending the holidays this year?

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