The Most Celebrated Destinations for Holiday Festivities
Step outside your country and dive into the holiday spirit!
Holiday cheer can be found all around the world, and sometimes it’s worth the trip to feel extra festive! Whether you're interested in shopping, cultural experiences, dazzling light displays, or savoring delicious seasonal treats, these festive destinations will not let you down.
You won't discover a taller Christmas tree anywhere else in Europe!Lisbon’s Tallest Christmas Tree, Europe
Lisbon boasts many remarkable landmarks to explore, such as the iconic Belem Tower and the São Jorge Castle. But that's just the beginning!
Nestled in the picturesque Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon features Europe’s tallest Christmas tree, reaching nearly 250 feet high! While it's artificial, this allows for an array of stunning lighting designs to shine across its 15,000+ bulbs!
The official lighting ceremony is typically accompanied by live music and fireworks, making it the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.
Israel lights up with inventive menorah celebrations!Menorah Lighting, Israel
As the season for menorah lightings arrives to honor Chanukah, Israel is ready to celebrate in style. The vibrant port city of Tel Aviv goes all out, even showcasing an interactive “selfie menorah” that displays photos uploaded by visitors for all to enjoy.
Just outside of Tel Aviv, a torch relay sets off on a 20-mile journey to Jerusalem, where the giant menorah is lit, signaling the start of eight days filled with lights, stories, and an abundance of fried treats like latkes and jelly donuts!
St. Petersburg is adorned with picturesque bridges spanning its numerous waterways.The Nutcracker, St. Petersburg, Russia
Chances are, you’ve heard (and perhaps hummed along) to the music of the illustrious Russian composer, Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Not sure? He’s renowned for his compositions for the ballets Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, but he is most famous for The Nutcracker!
In St. Petersburg, you can visit the stunningly ornate Mariinsky Theatre (now in its 239th season!) to enjoy this holiday classic right at its roots. There’s plenty more to admire, including the iconic Russian domes of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ and the grand red carpet leading up the Winter Palace’s staircase, making you feel like you’ve entered a fairytale.
The Hamburg Town Hall and its Christmas Market are truly breathtaking at night.Christmas Markets, Germany and Scandinavia
With cobblestone streets, twinkling lights strung across town squares, stalls selling handmade crafts, and the aroma of hot chocolate, who wouldn’t want to bundle up and enjoy a leisurely stroll through this enchanting scene?
Germany is renowned for its Christmas markets, typically found in historic city centers and squares. Right in front of Hamburg’s town hall, you’ll discover a festive atmosphere filled with unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list!
Numerous booths showcase a variety of goods, many of which are adorned with cozy, peaked wooden roofs reminiscent of Bavaria. The market’s lights and decorations create a perfect backdrop for a romantic walk! And if you need to warm up, don’t forget to grab a cup of mulled wine—Prost!
From Oslo to Copenhagen, Scandinavia transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.Scandinavia is truly enchanting to explore this time of year. After all, it's the inspiration behind Frozen. While the holiday markets may remind you of those in Germany, you'll discover plenty of unique treasures and treats, such as the cozy Norwegian sweaters and delicious cured meats available in Oslo, Norway.
Copenhagen, Denmark goes all out with authentic log cabins and reindeer at its markets. Be sure to sample the spicy, sweet drink known as “glogg” while strolling along the scenic waterfront.
Gothenburg, Sweden features its market within an amusement park, where you can savor traditional Swedish delicacies like meatballs and mashed potatoes, and even glide on the ice skating rink!
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