So the holiday season is finally here and you’re still not sure what to do for Christmas? It’s only once the end of the year comes around time starts moving so fast. Change things up this year and take a trip for a Christmas getaway. And if you’re taking a far trip, you might as well stay around for the New Year Celebration. Treat yourself and your family to a memorable vacation to one of the top Christmas & New Year destinations on our list!
Top Christmas (and New Year) Destinations 2019
December is full of festivity all around the globe. With schools & offices taking time off to enjoy the season, you and your family have a golden opportunity to celebrate Christmas differently by experiencing traditions in a foreign land, or perhaps a different part of the country. Our list of Christmas vacation spots will help fill your holiday season with culture & bring a whole new meaning to what Christmas means.
Some places on our list are pretty obvious, while others might take a bit of loosening up for you to consider. Don’t be afraid to book your flights because you might feel the urge once you get a taste of what’s in store in some of these destinations.
Barcelona, Spain
Just a warning; Spain is home to a few quirky traditions you probably wouldn’t expect. Let’s just say one of the keys to good luck come the new year happens to be wearing red pants and underwear. Getting back to Christmas, there are several different attractions you can’t miss out on, such as the classic Nativity Scenes (ft. El Caganer), Tio de Nadal aka Christmas Log, Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas market, and La Missa del Gall which is a midnight mass held on Christmas Eve at most Barcelona churches.
London, UK
London has always been a popular Christmas destination thanks to the extravagant Southbank Centre’s annual Winter market. Here you can experience the taste of delicious winter gourmet, handcrafted gifts, and traditional wine. Decorated with Christmas lights, this one of a kind market is bound to raise your holiday spirits. Stalls around Hyde Park and some of the best shopping areas in the world are a great way to celebrate the holiday. You simply can’t leave a vacation without bringing home some gifts & souvenirs!
Rome, Italy
Where better to go for a Christmas celebration than the home of Catholicism? The Vatican City is located in Rome, where people gather for Christmas mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. To get into the exclusive mass, you need to make reservations a minimum of two months prior. However, if you didn’t quite make it in time, you can still watch it on the big screen. Other activities include browsing the local nativity scenes and shopping at the Piazza Navona Christmas market. Italy is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe, which you’ll admire.
Disney World, Florida
Every family loves the fun & entertainment you can find at Florida’s Disney World. The entire park is fully decorated with lights, trees, and all the Christmas essentials. Listen to the holiday music & maybe even run into a group of Christmas carolers! Don’t forget to drop by Mickey’s Christmas Party with the kids so they can see Santa Claus in the flesh! You can’t call it a Disney vacation unless you experience the festive parades & fireworks. Disney goes all out during the holiday season, so your entire family will be sure to remember this trip for years to come.
New York City, NY
The Big Apple is one of the most visited cities in the world. This doesn’t change during the Christmas & New Year holidays. Byrant Park & Central Park are fun places to ice skate. The Rockefeller center features its yearly Christmas tree lighting as well as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show. Shop ’till you drop among and admire the lovely festive scenes that decorate their windows. Finish the vacation off with the infamous New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square. It’s one of the most viewed & most popular New Year’s celebrations around the world, and one everyone will relish.
Maldives
For a unique holiday experience, book your flights for the Maldives. Vakkaru Island is nature’s treat that was created by the sediment produced by nearby coral reefs. Take part in activities you couldn’t do during cold, cloudy, snowy days. From snorkeling to diving, swimming at the beach & watching the whales, you can immerse yourself in a tropical paradise that you’ll be sure to miss when you’re back home. Visit Vakkaru Island’s very own Christmas market to pick up some souvenirs and gifts for your friends. If you’re around for New Year’s Eve, then you need to visit the carnival at the beach to catch a glimpse of live performances, gourmet food, & fireworks.
Hawaii
The long holiday break is a great excuse to take a vacation to Hawaii. Escape the winter cold and soak in the sun on the beach. Feel the ocean breeze and cleanse your soul with a dip in salt water. Hawaii’s palm trees are decorated with Christmas lights, people are singing carols, and despite the warm weather, everyone still enjoys a delicious cup of hot cocoa. If you’re scared of missing out on the snow, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised that there is man-made snow & ice! Have you ever heard of ice skating in warm weather? It’s possible in Oahu!
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s surrounding forests are magically lit for the Christmas holiday season – from the end of November until the first week of January. The city’s center is a lovely way to get in the Christmas mood. Here are where the Christmas markets thrive. They are full of beautifully handcrafted gifts & trinkets such as dolls, necklaces, decoratives, and more. Indulging in the local food and beverages are a must. Keep warm with classic roasted ham and soothing honey wine. Prague will give you & your family a surprisingly warm welcome even though its temperatures are chilly. Cozily celebrate Christmas here with your family this year at the highly-rated Bishop’s House hotel.