“Home for the Holidays” is a familiar refrain during December; however for a growing segment people, Christmastime has become a popular time to travel.
Whether your winter holiday trip enhances your yuletide nostalgia with traditions and sparkly lights or makes a radical break from it—by, taking you to warmer climes or a quiet, far-flung hideaway—breaking the habit of staying home will always reward you with a Christmas you’ll never forget. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up diverse, exceptional places to get you in the spirit of taking off.
Rovaniemi, Finland
While legends dating as far back as the 1820s cite the North Pole as the official home of Santa Claus and his jolly missus, the Finns would have us believe otherwise.
For them, Rovaniemi, Lapland, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is Christmas HQ. Here, children make gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus, enroll in Elf School or take a calligraphy class and compose their Christmas wish lists with a traditional quill.
Other area attractions include the Ranua Zoo, home to baby polar bears, wolverines and moose; Sirmakko reindeer farm, where visitors can take a sled-led reindeer safari; and the Arktikum, a science center where the mystery of the northern lights is revealed.
Those in search of a truly frosty experience can stay in the Arctic Snow Hotel, made entirely of snow and ice, but equipped with saunas and hot tubs in which to thaw.
New York, US
Rockefeller Center lies at the core of the New York Christmas. Its famed ice rink has been around for 78 years; the decorated tree is an 81-year-old tradition.
Across the street, Radio City hosts the annual Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes.
On the southwest corner of Central Park, Columbus Circle hosts more than 100 vendors selling clothes, gifts, snacks and drinks at the Holiday Market. Central Park has two ponds for skating and horse-drawn carriage rides.
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Brussels, Belgium
In a country famed for having not just one, but two Santas (St. Nicholas and Pere Noel) it’s no surprise that the Belgium capital makes the most of its yuletide celebrations.
Brussels’ annual Winter Wonders’ Christmas market was voted the “most original in Europe†by British tour operators and features two kilometers of stalls, a giant Ferris Wheel and fairground, a sledding track, ice rink and a series of music concerts and lightshows on the famous Grand Place.
There’s even a Food Plaza where you can sample local specialties like sweet Belgium waffles, croustillons (sugared doughnuts) and, of course, plenty of delicious Belgium Chocolates.
Budapest, Hungary
The ancient buildings of Budapest shimmer with Christmas lights in the winter months, making it one of the most atmospheric times to explore the historic city.
Warm up frosted digits in a steaming outdoor pool at one of the city’s famous bathhouses; tuck into home-made strudel and töki pompos(oven-baked doughballs) at one of the city’s many Christmas markets; ice skate on the Városligeti Tó lake before a backdrop of the towering Vajdahunyad Castle; or go sledging with the locals at the Normafa park.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is in the mood for a fiesta during the Christmas season and there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained, from the Christmas market in Plaza Mayor to a number of pop-up ice rinks.
The Christmas season officially starts on Dec 15, marked with a huge show in Plaza de Oriente, and culminating with the vibrant Three Kings Parade on Jan 5, an annual procession of colorful floats and a walking nativity, marching through the city streets.
Prague, Czech Republic
A city of stunning gothic architecture and quirky folkloric traditions, Christmastime in Prague is unlike any other.
Even the city’s renowned Christmas markets bring a touch of local traditions, with giant hams spit-roasting in the town square, choirs singing carols by candlelight, wooden huts selling hand-painted ornaments and local handicrafts, and ladies in traditional dress frying trdelnÃk – sugary Czech pastries. There’s even a stable in the Old Town Square, with sheep, goats and donkeys set around a traditional nativity.
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Sydney, AustraliaÂ
Sunbathing on Christmas Eve and celebrating Christmas day with a barbecue on the beach might seem odd to those from the northern hemisphere, but don’t be fooled into thinking that a hot Christmas can’t be festive.
Sydney’s iconic skyline blazes even brighter during the holiday season, with the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Town Hall all part of the Christmas lightshow. Christmas markets and carol singers liven up the streets, and the annual Santa Fest at Darling Harbour sees Mr Claus arrive by boat beneath an explosion of fireworks.
Don’t wear yourself out partying Christmas Day, though – you won’t want to miss the huge sendoff for the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day.