Rovaniemi, Finland – one of the most magical places to celebrate Christmas [Image by Xavier Turpain from Pixabay]Everywhere that celebrates Christmas sees the locals put up decorations and sparkling lights, but some places offer a magical experience. The following are some of the top locations to spend the holidays this year. As there is only one month to go until the big day, make a note to visit one of these magical locations at Christmas in 2024.
Visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Finland
Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Finland [Image by Xavier Turpain from Pixabay]One of the most epic destinations to celebrate Christmas is Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland. This quaint town is known as the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus,” Up in the icy north of the country, the town offers the opportunity to meet Santa himself, visit the elf school in SantaPark and visit the post office to send a letter to Mr. Claus. Besides the obviously Christmassy side of the town, Rovaniemi also offers plenty of outdoor winter adventure, such as sleeping in an igloo beneath the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) or taking a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride.
Scandinavian Christmas in Malmö, Sweden
Celebrate the holidays in magical Malmö, Sweden [Image by Maria Eklind on Flickr]Heading one country over, Malmö in Sweden is also a truly magical place to spend the holidays. Here, Santa forgoes the milk and cookies for a glass of aquavit and a plate of herring in front of the fireplace. Meanwhile, the beautiful town throws a number of Christmas markets, selling all the quaint handcrafted gifts and decorations you could ever desire. Moreover, Malmö reveals the most beautiful Christmas window displays in its more than 800 stores. Plenty of holiday concerts are held, while the main square of the city is beautifully lit with twinkling lights and the best Christmas tree.
Celebrate the holidays in Bath, England
Market in Bath, England [Image by Stewart Black on Flickr]Bridgerton fans may recall that the Netflix series was mostly filmed in the city of Bath in England. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of historic buildings and Roman baths (hence the name) and is great to visit at any time. However, at Christmas, those same historic buildings offer a charming setting for the holidays. Meanwhile, the city’s Christmas market offers more than 250 stalls offering beautiful, and mostly handmade, gifts, arts and crafts. Nearby, Royal Victoria Park features Bath on Ice, including a 3,200-sq-ft ice skating rink. Moreover, the park also offers a glow-in-the-dark mini golf course. A visit to the No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum offers festive decor and presentations about the history of Bath’s Christmas celebrations.
Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestinian Territory
Manger Square in Bethlehem, Palestine [Image by Ben & Gab on Flickr]For those who wish to reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas, Bethlehem in West Bank in the occupied Palestinian territory is the place to be. Here, visitors can experience a pilgrimage to the biblical birthplace of Jesus. Meanwhile, the town also features Christmas lights and decorations, and pilgrims can get together in Manger Square to sing carols. Moreover, the Church of the Nativity, said to have been built on the site where Jesus was born, features a midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
[…] 4 seconds ago3 min readAdd comment City break in Europe – modern Vienna, Austria [Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay]Is winter a good time for a European city break? We think so, as some destinations are even more beautiful in the winter months. Meanwhile, with the holidays and New Year behind us, everywhere is quieter, with fewer tourists and has returned to its everyday culture. This gives visitors a new look at those popular destinations while enjoying all the winter dishes on offer in the many restaurants. Also, bear in mind, mulled wine and hot chocolate aren’t only served at Christmas! […]
[…] 4 seconds ago3 min readAdd comment City break in Europe – modern Vienna, Austria [Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay]Is winter a good time for a European city break? We think so, as some destinations are even more beautiful in the winter months. Meanwhile, with the holidays and New Year behind us, everywhere is quieter, with fewer tourists and has returned to its everyday culture. This gives visitors a new look at those popular destinations while enjoying all the winter dishes on offer in the many restaurants. Also, bear in mind, mulled wine and hot chocolate aren’t only served at Christmas! […]