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As they say, the most wonderful time of year is almost upon us. Christmas is more than just a holiday celebration. It’s the season to experience the joy of family and friends gathered around, festive decorations and of course many presents. While it’s tempting to stay at home and enjoy your own Christmas decorations, you should know that there are plenty of places where you can have an unforgettable experience over the holidays. Here are some amazing destinations you can visit for a joyful Christmas.

1. Santa Claus Village, Finland

If you love spending Christmas with Santa Claus, pack your bags and head to Finland. In Lapland, Northern Finland, there is a famous Santa Claus village, where many old men in red cotton-padded coats and white beards wait for tourists from all over the world. The Santa has their offices in the village’s steeply roofed wooden houses, and they sit smiling, with snow-white beards down to their knees, on oak chairs by the fireplace, next to Christmas trees hung with lights and small presents. Imagine spending the holidays in Santa’s Village. Outside the window, the snow is falling while you enjoy Christmas dinner with friends and family by a warm fireplace. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the northern lights, and if you visit the Birch Forests not far away, you might even spot an elk.

Things to do: Post a Christmas card from Santa Claus main post office, say hi to Huskies & Reindeer, try snowmobiles, Snowman World(winter), visit Elf’s Farm Yard & visit Santa Claus’ Home Cavern Santa Park.

Ideal For: Families

2. New York City, USA

As the largest city in the United States, New York City has plenty of Christmas celebrations. The main attraction for tourists is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza. Dazzling LED lights, elaborate crystal decorations, and colorful balloons decorate the world’s tallest Christmas tree. You can skate around the Christmas tree on the square’s dedicated ice rink and share holiday cheer with friends, family, and even exotic visitors. It is no exaggeration to say that Rockefeller Plaza is filled with dreaminess during the Christmas season when it comes to the shopping paradise of New York. The department stores have elaborately designed Christmas-themed Windows. The New York Ballet’s Christmas production of “The Nutcracker” is one of the world’s most acclaimed shows.

Things to do: Get on New York city Cocoa & Carols holiday cruise, tour the Christmas lights on a horse carriage ride from Manhattan: 1.5-hour Dyker Heights Christmas Lights bus tours.

Ideal For: Couple & Friends

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic, and it’s nice to know that. But there is also a very important fact that Prague is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and a dream destination for millions of people. Prague has a rich history to tell and amazing architecture to showcase. But Christmas in Prague is very special! Witnessing Christmas eve in Prague would not be complete without attending the Christmas market held in Prague. The Old Town Square, the historic center of the city is where the markets during Christmas will be held. One can see large numbers of people bustling around the markets and exploring the various opportunities that these markets offer. The Christmas markets in Wenceslas Square are also worth a visit to enjoy the city’s Christmas celebrations. These popular markets are open daily from December 2 to January 6, even on public holidays. You can sing along with the Christmas carol choir, revel through the various craft markets, sip hot drinks and enjoy delicious local delicacies.

Things to do: Visit the Old Town Square Christmas market, cross the most beautiful Charles Bridge in Europe and get a spectacular view from above, try Czech food culture, explore Hradcany (Castle Hill).

Ideal For: Couple & Friends

4. Cologne Christmas Market, Germany

A Christmas market organized in such a beautiful & historical building structure will be one of the most attractive markets you would need to try once in your life. Visitors to Cologne Christmas market can buy a wide variety of Christmas goods as in all kinds of candles, crunches, packages, Christmas tree and more. Every item that you need for Christmas can be found here. From a distance, the Christmas market can be seen in all its bright splendor. Up close, you’ll be amazed at the fairy-tale spectacle of lights.

Things to do: Old Town Christmas market, The Heinzels Winter Fairytale Christmas market, Cologne Cathedral Christmas market

Ideal For: Couple & Friends

5. Dublin, Ireland

Unique customs make Christmas in Ireland a warm atmosphere. On Christmas Eve, Irish families will light candles (or electric lights) on the windowsill to welcome the arrival of Jesus, but also to light the streets for pedestrians, so that they can go home early to meet friends and relatives. Plum pudding and Turkey are traditional Irish Christmas meals. After Christmas dinner, Irish people leave bread and milk on the table and leave the door unlocked, symbolizing their tradition of hospitality. Dublin is hosting its annual winter swimming event on December 25, with locals jumping into icy waters to compete in a brave way to celebrate. December 26th is St. Stephen’s Day in Ireland, with football matches and pantomime for their celebration of Christmas.

Things to do: Check Out the Lights in Grafton Street, stroll in the Powerscourt Shopping Centre, Drink in the Christmas Spirit at The Temple Bar & Having an Ice Skating.

6. Magic Christmas in Colmar, France

The chalets and canal-side streets make Colmar look like a fairy-tale place all year around. Add to that the twinkling lights, the ice rink, and the early 20th-century carousel, and the town of Colmar becomes one of the most enchanting Christmas resorts in all of Europe. With the vibe of a fairy-tale, it will be a memorable experience for the kids to have such a wonderful Christmas celebration.

Things to do: Take a stroll through the Parc Du Champ de Mars, wander through La Petite Venise, visit the Colmar Christmas market, stop by the Bartholdi Museum, visit the Toy Museum of Colmar, walk through the Unterlinden Museum.

Ideal For: Families, Couple

7. Zurich, Switzerland

With chocolates, alpine snow, and cobblestone streets, Zurich is home to Christmas. The Christmas market in central Zurich and the train station are famous all over Europe and visitors can buy all kinds of exquisite souvenirs. Walk the streets of Zurich, and you can always see decorated Christmas trees, some of which can sing melodious hymns. Local teenagers hold Christmas recitals in the city center every day during the Christmas season. The stage they use is beautifully decorated and provides visitors with both visual and auditory enjoyment.

Things to do: Christmas markets of Zurich, Jelmoli Märlitram Ride, candle making, chow down on Cheese Fondue, immerse on the beauty of Switzerland’s tallest Christmas Tree.

Ideal For: Families

8. Tokyo, Japan

Christmas is in the air! While it isn’t a national holiday in Japan, since only about 1 percent of the whole population in Japan is Christian, it’s still felt throughout the country. Only since the last few decades have the special day been widely celebrated in Japan. If you are visiting before the New Year, you will find many things traditionally associated with Christmas: decorations, Christmas markets, and magnificent lights. In the streets of Tokyo, you can feel strong festive atmosphere. Additionally, you can experience a few unique Japanese traditions with a variety of charms over here. While it may be a little different from what you might be used to, Christmas is still felt and celebrated in the land of the rising sun.

Things to do: Have fun at Tokyo Disneyland or Sanrio Puroland, see Tokyo’s incredible illuminations, Maxell Aqua Park Shinaga Aquarium.

Ideal For: Couples

9. Austria, Vienna

In the heart of Vienna, just outside of the city hall, you will find Austria’s largest and possibly most beautiful Christmas market, the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz. Also known as the Vienna Christmas dream, this market is the place to go if you want to experience a traditional Austrian Christmas market during the holiday season. At the entrance (free of charge), you are greeted by an overhanging archway decorated with Christmas ornaments. The town hall square has nearly 150 stalls selling all sorts of things, from Christmas gifts to Christmas tree decorations and a wide variety of traditional Viennese food. As you wander around the market, it’s best to enjoy a traditional Austrian Glühwein (mulled wine) while admiring all the goods on the stalls and munching on delicious roasted chestnuts – a true Austrian delicacy! Not only is this market famous for its fantastic stalls, but adjacent to the market is the ice rink in Rathauspark, another reason to visit this beautiful Christmas market in Vienna! While you are exploring Christmas in Vienna, one tradition and a must are to go to St. Peter’s Church to hear the famous Christmas and New Year’s concerts.

Things to do: Christmas and New Year concert at St. Peter’s Church in Vienna, take a photo at Belvedere, visit a Christmas Market, drink Weihnachtspunsch, view the lights on the Graben and Karntner Strasse, walk through the Rathauspark, visit a roast chestnut stand & enjoy a sausage.

Ideal For: Couple & friends

10. Bethlehem in the West Bank, Palestine

The long history of Christmas can be felt in the holy city of Bethlehem. Focusing on exchanging gifts, family reunions, and revelry. According to the bible, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. Every year on Christmas eve, thousands of people gather in the Manger Square of Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas. St. Catherine’s Cathedral on the square will hold a large mass and caroling at midnight. The old town of Bethlehem will also be illuminated by a sea of sparkling Christmas trees.

Things to do: Walk into the Church of Nativity & Milk Grotto, enjoy the view of Jerusalem old city via Dolorosa, walk around Manger Square, climb up the Mount of Olives, visit Church of St Catherine

Ideal For: Family, couple & friends.

If you have a different choice of destination to celebrate your Christmas, just click on the contact us bar on top right of our website or click on the destination bar and start planning your next getaway. You’ll find plenty of helpful information and travel inspiration.

From colourful landscapes to bountiful food harvests, autumn in Europe is gorgeous. When the weather is mild plus the cities are bustling, there’s plenty to enjoy on the continent. If you’re considering an off-peak trip, here are 10 places to visit in Europe this fall, that begins on 23 September 2022 and ends on 21 December 2022.

1. Bavaria, Germany

When it comes to Germany, of course we know they are having famous cars and machinery, but you may not know that Germany also has the most romantic and absolutely poetic autumn colours. The Bavarian Black Forest in southern Germany extends all the way to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen, being the most beautiful mountainous region in Germany. The splendid view of the snow-white Neuschwanstein Castle, which stands right in front of you as you travel through the mountain valley by horse-drawn carriage, is simply stunning. Bamberg on the other side, with its gorgeous religious style and superb artistic display, is also a must-visit town in autumn, full of sacred churches and undulating quiet streets that make Bamberg feel like a paradise in Germany.

Things to do: Sightseeing, stroll inside the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle, have an Oktoberfest in Munich, Enjoy the famous Sausage with a cool beer in autumn, Have a walk at Staffelsee.

Ideal For: Families, Friends, Couple

2. Tuscany, Italy

Autumn in Tuscany is indeed the time to experience the most beautiful scenery and the joy of harvest. Whether it is the historic vineyards, the delicious meals or the elegant golf courses, Tuscany in autumn will not disappoint you. Mystical Tuscany is said to be the closest place on earth to heaven. Rolling hills, wavy cultivated fields, and tall loblolly pines are the hallmarks of this place. In this beautiful field, there are many unique species. The hills are covered with branches and leaves, and in the fall the top layers of the mountain look as in dyed! It will be a magical moment to witness the red roofs of the villages and towns seen under the smoke of the hills.

Things to do: Explore the hilltop towns in Eastern Tuscany, Follow the scent of chest nut, Hiking in the Casentino National Park, Go Truffle Hunting, Have a Photograph at Chianti region, take a relaxing bath at Saturnia Hot Springs.

Ideal For: Couple, Familiy

3. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is the centre state of Spain, both politically and geographically. The blazing sunshine of the southern European highlands gives Madrid a fiery temperament, perhaps not quite elegant, but a hot-eyed look that puts it on par with any other European capital. Madrid is also full of culture, with a wide range of artistic activities and a vibrant nightlife that makes it famous. Visit the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Museum, take a walk in the Ritz Park and enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves, or stroll through the streets of Madrid and admire the beautiful architecture with its distinctive style. Are you excited?

Things to do: Visit Parque del Buen Retiro, Visit the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Museum, take a walk in the Ritz Park, Visit El Rastro flea market.

Ideal For: Couple, Friends.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Riddled with small rivers and steep hills, Prague is a gorgeous city that’s often pictured as a fairy-tale land. Prague is a goldmine for history, culture, and all things old-school Europe. Strolling along the medieval European Charles Bridge, the deciduous trees on both sides of the street fade to sunset orange. Sitting on the banks of the Vltava river, Prague is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world to be experienced on autumn.

Things to do: Enjoy great view of Prague Castle in autumn from along the Vitava River, Visit Charles Bridge in sunset, Explore Retna Park.

Ideal For: Families and Friends

5. Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds are famous for their picturesque countryside, and the Cotswolds are the epitome of that. In autumn, the Cotswolds is a place where the fields and forests are still green, but the paths are covered in red and gold leaves, and the golden houses are set amidst the steep hills. The shallow, narrow Windrush River meanders around the town, and fishes can be seen swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise water. The river flows slowly from an old stone bridge in the centre of town which is around 200 years old, and the lush trees on both sides of the river bring a strong autumnal feeling. Hiding a hundred-year-old stone house decorated with colourful flowers. Whether it’s a stroll or a coffee on the corner, it’s a great way to relax.

Things to do: See autumn colours at an Arboretum, Visit the Royal Garden at Highgrove, Stargazing at High Spot (Cleeve Common, Painswick Beacon, & Tyndale Monument), Have a Chocolate Drink in Stow-on-the-Wold, Visit the heritage structure in Cotswolds.

Ideal For: Families

6. Alsace, France

Alsace is recognized as one of the world’s best white wine regions. Alsace in autumn is like entering a world of beauty and freshness, with calmness and elegance you have never experienced before, unfolding before your eyes. In such a world, it is natural to be unaware of the worries of the world. The Alsace Wine Route follows the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, climbing over the mountains and across the valleys, stretching over 170 kilometres. Old chalets, Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, and small, well-preserved medieval villages are linked by a picturesque chain of vineyards. The breeze, the green waves, the bunches of crystal-clear grapes with a light fragrance, the charm of Alsace is more unforgettable than the hustle and bustle of the city.

Things to do: Walk around the postcard perfect petite France, explore the historic wine trails of Alsace, Go hiking in the North Vosges Regional Natural Reserve.

Ideal For: Couple, Families.

7. The Magical Alps, Switzerland

If you wonder if places as in fairy tales exist in this world then you should probably visit The Magical Alps in Switzerland. For natural enthusiasts, autumn in the Alps mountain will be another memorable experience to them, autumn is a wonderful time to hike in Switzerland, during autumn is crisp weather with beautiful fall colours that cover the whole mountain, it’s showing a wonderful golden image that will give you whole new understanding about the beauty of nature. With the extraordinary view in Switzerland, you can climb the mountains, walk across Alpine pastures, and go for a swim in an Alpine lake by using your heart & soul to feel the natural power of this magical Alps.

Things to do: Enjoy spectacular views in Zermatt, get a wonderful experience in Vaud, have a view at Schilthorn – Piz Gloria, ride on a panoramic train, Try yoga or wellness on the Lucerna Riviera.

Ideal For: Couple & Friends

8. Hallstatt, Austria

There are many picturesque places in Europe, but if you want to do a ranking, Austria is definitely in the top three, where the stunning natural scenery is enough to make you fall in love with this magical country. Hallstatt is located in the Alps, an old Austrian town surrounded by lakes and mountains, known as Europe’s most beautiful town and the owner of the world’s most beautiful lake”. This lakeside town, standing between the treacherous slopes and the emerald lakes, is known for its beautiful natural scenery, just like a postcard from heaven. Especially in autumn, the forests are even more beautiful with Lake Hallstatt’s crystal-clear bottom and the beautiful wooden houses built near the lake like a fairy tale.

Things to do: Visit the traditional Baroque Architecture at Kalvarienberg Church, visit in Lake Hallstatt, explore Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, visit the world’s oldest salt mine in Hallstatt, See over Austria to Slovenia at Dachstein Skywalk.

Ideal For: Couple & Families

9. Hraunfossar Waterfall, Borgarfjörður, Iceland

One of Iceland’s unique waterfalls is Hraunfossar, which means “lava waterfall”. They are a series of small waterfalls formed by the flow of solidified lava into the Hvítá River. It is an unusual natural phenomenon, and with an eye for autumn colors, it is a spectacular sight. Visitors can park their cars on the parking lot and enjoy the panoramic view of the Hraunfossar Waterfall and the Hvítá River.

Things to do: Have a summer self-drive road trip, discover the Golden Circle, Ice Cave tours, Snaefellsnes tours, participate in the annual sheep rounds up, look for the northern light, Visit the hidden underworld in Raufarholshellir.

Ideal For: Couple and friends

10. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is a famous tourist destination in Slovenia. It is located northwest of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The southern foot of the Alps is 2,000 meters long and 1,000 meters wide small lake. The lake formed by the melting of snow from the Alps. So, the natives call it the ”Ice Lake” and the ”tears” of the Alps. The sapphire beauty of the blue water will be a breath-taking view compared to other lakes! The lakeside trees are lush, and the sun’s rays hitting the crystal water brings the colourful scenery of autumn. With castles towering on the cliffs of the lake shore and churches on the islands in the lake, it is a picturesque landscape.

Things to do: A walk around Lake Bled, rent a boat and row to the island of bed, stroll at the Vintgar Gorge, Visit Ribno Village, have a nice sweat activity surrounded by autumn atmosphere.

Ideal For: Couple, Families and Friends.

Do you have a different destination on your mind to explore in Europe this autumn? Click on the contact us bar on top right of our website or click on the destination bar and start planning your next adventure-filled holiday. You’ll find plenty of helpful information and travel inspiration.

Spring, summer, autumn or winter – no matter which time of the year you’re visiting, you’re guaranteed to be enthralled by one of Hong Kong’s many vibrant festivities: ancient Chinese cultural celebrations and international sporting events with the world’s finest athletes; summer activities spread all across the city and a winter wonderland of Christmas spirit followed by New Year’s fireworks. Follow this roundup of the top happenings in Hong Kong and join in the fun.

 

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a highlight of the Hong Kong calendar. Symbolising prosperity and unity, while invoking good fortune for the year ahead, the spring festival is cherished and celebrated by locals across the city as they exchange blessings and good wishes. You’re in for a treat if your visit falls over Chinese New Year, as the entire city gets taken over by a festive energy. Watch lion dances on busy streets, shop for auspicious foods at stores decked out in red and pray for good fortune at incense-filled temples. It all leads up to a wonderful parade of floats and performances, before a stunning fireworks display across the harbour.

 

Arts Month

Hong Kong Arts Month takes place every March, this 31-day journey sees local and overseas artists converging to bring about inspiring programmes across the city. Get cultured and enjoy an array of different events during Arts Month. Catch a live performance during the Arts Festival, with international names flocking to the city to showcase their talents. Head down to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and see the renowned Art Basel, where the world’s greatest artists showcase their worlds. Or take part in the many other smaller events that make up the creative month.

 

Sporting Glory

Whatever the time of the year, you’ll be able to see a slice of sporting glory. Spring sees the height of the season, kicking off with the Hong Kong Marathon followed by the thrilling Rugby Sevens. Here during summer or autumn? Catch the indoor Volleyball Open and Squash Open. An autumn is the ideal time to take part in the city’s historic Harbour Race.

 

Hong Kong Cultural Celebrations

Celebrate Hong Kong’s diverse culture and enjoy traditional festive activities during the city’s Cultural Celebrations. Spring time visitors are treated to four major local festivities in a row: see locals scrambling up a tower of buns at the Cheung Chau Bun Festivals, or catch the many lion dances during Tin Hau’s birthday. Journey to the Big Buddha on the deity’s birthday, or pray for good fortune during Tam Kung’s celebration.

 

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Taking place on the 5th day of the 5th Lunar month, normally in May or June in our calendar, this event goes as far back as the 3rd century and is most well-known for its energetic and colorful dragon boat races, where teams of paddlers race the long narrow boats accompanied by the beat of the drum down to the finish line. Watch athletes from around the world battle it out in an ancient Chinese sport and take part in the city-wide festivities during the summer’s Dragon Boat Carnival. Get caught up in the action as the world’s rowers clash against the backdrop of the skyline. And take a break from it all at BeerFest, where fans enjoy live performances and a tipple or two, and relax against the harbour.

 

Hong Kong Summer Fun

True to its name, the Hong Kong Summer Fun “Shop.Eat.Play” (HKSF) campaign delighted even the most discerning visitors with all the amazing surprises one could ask for in a holiday. Visitors were treated to a range of attractive packages, lucky draws and citywide rewards. Beat the heat and join in with an array of exciting activities, with Hong Kong Summer Fun. From musicals to food festivals, major sporting events to computer expos, there’s something for every visitor.

 

Hungry Ghost Festival

According to traditional Chinese belief, the seventh month in the lunar calendar is when restless spirits roam the earth and the living celebrate Yu Lan or the Hungry Ghost Festival. While the festival’s origins are not unlike those of Halloween in Europe, it is also intrinsically linked to the Chinese practise of ancestor worship. A celebration of the culture, the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community’s Yu Lan Ghost Festival is on China’s national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. For visitor, it’s a perfect opportunity to see some of the city’s living culture in action. There will also be Chinese opera performances around town, usually held on temporary bamboo stages, to praise the charitable and pious deeds of the deities.

 

Mid-Autumn Festival

As the round shape symbolises unity in Chinese culture, the full moon marks the perfect time for families to get together, which is how Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated since the early Tang dynasty (618–907). To many, this is considered to be one of the most important festivals of the year. Highly urbanised Hong Kong still celebrates this holiday and does so in style, with a vast variety of mooncakes made with everything from salted egg yolk to ice cream. For those looking for a visual extravaganza, head to Tai Hang for the spectacular fire dragon dance, and keep an eye out for lantern displays around the city.

 

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

Eat, drink and be merry at Hong Kong’s annual Wine & Dine Festival, usually takes place towards the end of the year. A month-long culinary event set across the city, you can indulge in testing events, wine tours and other gastronomic delights. The highlight is the weekend outdoor fest: head down to the harbour front, grab a glass of wine, snack on fine treats and take in the sights, sounds and flavors of the vibrant city.

 

Halloween

Throw on a costume and hit Hong Kong’s haunting streets as the city celebrates Halloween. For a classical local approach to the festival, visit one of the city’s theme parks, where you’ll find Chinese ghost-story attractions. Or, head down to a bar district such as Lan Kwai Fong, and join thousands of costumed fans as they find the lighter side to the dark night.

 

Hong Kong Winterfest

Celebrate Christmas in style and experience New Year’s like never before during Hong Kong Winterfest. Take in the yuletide spirit with festive foods, seasonal celebrations and other delights. And when New Year’s Eve rolls around, you can count down the seconds with the crowds at Times Square, before an unprecedented fireworks display lights up the harbour. Enjoy ‘A Symphony of Lights’, which illuminates the skyline every evening.

 

Source: Copyright from Discover Hong Kong A Traveller’s Guide, Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Information subject to change without prior notice. Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability for the quality or fitness for the purpose of third-party products or services; or for any errors or omissions.