Christmas has become a global festival, regardless of religion or location. Here are the Top 10 places to celebrate Christmas this year :
Christmas has become a global festival, regardless of religion or location over the years.
BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK: Which place could be the best to enjoy the festival other than Jesus’ birthplace.The energy on Manger Square and in the Old City on Christmas Eve could light a forest of Christmas trees. The place to be as the clock strikes 12 is St Catherine’s Church, for the Midnight Mass service.
SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE, FINLAND: When too much Santa is never enough, rug up and head north to Finland’s Arctic Circle. The jolly man in the red suit is this neighborhood’s most famous resident, and round these parts they milk him for all he’s worth.
New York City, USA: The world’s tallest Christmas tree is lit at the Rockefeller Center in early December. Ice skating below it is a must for wintertime visitors, as is checking out the window displays in New York’s largest department stores.
Bondi Beech, Australia: On 25 December the beach acts as a magnet for backpackers a long way from home, who celebrate alongside other “Christmas orphans.”
Midnight Mass, the Vatican city: The Eternal City is magical at any time of year, but December has an extra frisson, with roasted chestnuts sold on every corner and the city awash with presepi.
NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Here, 180 stalls proffer toys, trinkets, candles, gingerbread and sweets to shoppers warmed by sizzling bratwurst and mulled wine.
DUBLIN, IRELAND: There’s the 12 Days of Christmas Market at the Docklands, cheesy pantos, Christmas lights, ice skating, and markets and seasonal cheer in Temple Bar. Don’t miss carols at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: With all the famed Chocolate box attractions the mountains, snow, cobbled streets make Switzerland look extra appealing every Chiristams.
Tokyo, Japan: While the lead-up is dazzling, Christmas Day itself is a fizzer as it’s not a holiday. Christmas Eve is the big deal, resembling Valentine’s Day in activity a night for couples and romance.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO: A small island with a big personality, Puerto Rico serves up a sunny Christmas with a salsa beat and a side dish of spit-roasted pig. Festivities last from early December to Three Kings Day on 6 January.
