Embracing the spirit of Christmas can sometimes be easier said than done.

If you find yourself spending much of December caught up in a whirlwind of organizing gifts, meeting end of the year work deadlines, and planning countless holiday parties, you may find yourself missing out on the true beauty of this holiday.

Thankfully, there are several places around the world where the essence of Christmas is celebrated in every way possible.  If you want to enjoy that yourself, consider a trip to one of these incredible places around the world.  Each focuses intensely on the Christmas season and would make a wonderful winter getaway.

Quebec in Canada

One of the major things that screams Christmas is snow. Although you can never guarantee the weather, snow is all but certain during December in Quebec. Not only can you enjoy a white Christmas in this quaint city, but the decor can force you to step back in time.

Victorian architecture sets the scene, and roasted chestnuts sold on every street corner create the ultimate holiday smell for your senses. Throughout the city are nativity scenes that depict the origin of the holiday, and carolers traipse through the city singing in both French and English for most evenings in December. For a chilly Christmas that will warm your heart, a trip to Quebec is the ultimate way to celebrate the holiday season.

New York City in America

 

New York City is known around the world as a major metropolitan area, and most of the year the focus is on shopping, dining and culture. During December, however, it is clear to see that the focus of the city is on Christmas. Start by taking in the grand Christmas tree set up in Rockefeller Plaza, try ice skating in the outdoor rink in Bryant Park, take in a showing of the Nutcracker or watch the famed Rockettes perform in the New York City Christmas Spectacular. Of course, if you want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, the beautifully decorated stores along Fifth Avenue are a great place to start.

Manila in the Philippines

Many people head to the Philippines each year in order to enjoy a tropical Christmas. Gorgeous beaches, affordable prices and warm winter weather can be ideal for some, but it might not be as traditional as you would like. Thankfully, this capital city embraces some wonderful Christmas traditions to make it seem more like the holiday season you know and love. Christmas bazaars are common, and there are plenty of authentic German markets to choose from. Several major hotels, include the famous Manila Hotel, turn their lobbies into extravagant winter scenes to make you feel right at home.

Nuremberg in Germany

Although the chilly weather, the potential for snow and the impressive historic architecture of the city square already conjures up images of Christmas, it is the famous market that puts this city on the holiday map. Nuremberg is home to the largest Christmas market in the world, and millions of visitors arrive each year in order to taste the warm mulled wine, buy traditional sausages, admire the stunning decorations and buy handcrafted ornaments to adorn your own tree at home.

Lapland in Finland

For children, there can be no question that Lapland is the ultimate Christmas destination. As the unofficial Christmas headquarters, Lapland is home to Santa Claus legend. Children can bake cookies with the alleged Mrs. Claus or even take a short elf training course in the snow to prepare for the holiday.

Each of these amazing destinations is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit and embrace Christmas.

 

I’m torn between Quebec and Lapland.  What about you?

 

 

Writer Bio

This article was written by Ross who loved traveling at Christmas and writes at netflights.com.