Holiday wonderlands to visit this Christmas
Christmas is one of the world’s most widely celebrated holidays, bringing a shared sense of joy and excitement that fills the season with vibrant energy and warmth.
While the Philippines has gained renown for starting its festivities and merriment as early as September, some destinations elsewhere in the world are taking Christmas celebrations to another level. During this time of the year, their streets and squares are fully transformed by festive lights, decorations, and joyful gatherings. For those visiting in December, these towns offer an immersive holiday experience where the Christmas spirit can be felt in every corner.
Here are some destinations renowned for their extraordinary Christmastime celebrations and holiday activities.
Bethlehem
Pennsylvania, USA
The holiday spirit is woven well into the rich history of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania.
During this season, this city transforms into “Christmas City”, with celebrations centered around the Christkindlmarkt, a one-of-a-kind Christmas market that operates from November to December. This market features more than 50 booths of artisan crafts, delicious treats, as well as live music and special events, featuring Santa Claus.
The city also offers Christmas carriage rides and a live advent calendar, with local businesses hosting special guests and performances daily.
Leavenworth
Washington, USA
For a Christmas celebration full of activities, a visit to the city of Leavenworth in the state of Washington is highly recommended.
Recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in America, Leavenworth is modeled after a Bavarian village. It hosts two big holiday festivals each year: a Christkindlmarkt or Christmas market filled with crafts, entertainment, and food, and the Christmas Lighting Festival, during which the village is designed with 500,000 Christmas lights.
Other Christmas holiday activities in Leavenworth include concerts, carolers strolling around the town, exhibits, sleigh and dog sled rides, as well as other ways to enjoy this winter wonderland.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Bavaria, Germany
Rothenburg is a fairytale-like town in Germany that becomes even more magical during the Christmas season.
The annual Reiterlesmarkt, the town’s Christmas market, is one of the most popular Advent markets in Germany and recognized as one of the best Christmas markets in the whole of Europe. Rothenburg’s Christmas markets date back to the 15th century and the whole town’s visual fits what many people imagine when they picture a cozy, traditional small-town Christmas. The gabled roofs and cobblestone streets, dusted with snow and strung with fairy lights, provide a magical backdrop for enjoying mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
Rothenburg is also home to the German Christmas Museum, which offers a comprehensive lowdown of the holiday’s history and traditions.
San Miguel de Allende
Guanajuato, Mexico
Christmas is a colorful and festive holiday season in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. Parades, festivals, parties, and pilgrimages occur throughout December in this city.
An important part of the festivity is its religious aspect. Christmas in San Miguel de Allende kicks off on Dec. 12 or the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Visitors can observe the Festival of Guadalupe, where altars, fireworks, and live music light up the city to celebrate the country’s patron saint. The rest of the month is equal parts solemn and celebratory.
From Dec. 16 to 24, locals participate in Las Posadas or the religious festival honoring the Nativity story. They re-enact the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and locals go singing door-to-door to ask for posada (“shelter” or “inn” in Spanish).
Locals in Mexico also celebrate the holidays with piñatas and by enjoying some rosca de reyes, a traditional sweet bread, and ponche navideño, a mulled Christmastime fruit drink.
Sources: cntraveller.com, rothernburg.de, timeout.com, explore.com, bethlehempa.org, leavenworth.org
