While the holidays at home conjure up memories of long-held family traditions, those spent on the road are all about discovering new ones. It’s true, spending the holidays abroad is an experience you’ll never forget. From traditional adventures to the offbeat, KAYAK.com.au has rounded up five unique holiday destinations to visit this Christmas.
Enjoy piñatas and ponche in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, the Spanish colonial gem and cultural hot spot in central Mexico, is electric at Christmas, with theatrical processions around town, numerous Las Posadas re-enactments, fireworks, live music, and dancing in the main square, El Jardín. Everywhere you go, the holiday season is marked by robust flavours, colours and aromas. Seasonal food and goods become available, offering fresh experiences to even the most veteran of travellers. Be sure to sample ponche, a kind of Mexican hot toddy made of fruits and brandy, and the sweet bread, rosca de reyes. Because everything closes down on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, book a room at a downtown inn, like the 18th-century villa Casa Shuck, to celebrate with other travellers.
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Ski amongst the Christmas Trees in Banff, Canada
Known as the Land of a Million Christmas trees, Banff turns into a magical winter wonderland during the festive season; it’s like visiting a snow globe. Try a new experience with a dog sledding trip on Lake Louise or head out snowshoeing with a local interpretive guide that brings the history of the UNESCO listed destination to life. You can’t go past a day boarding, skiing or tubing at one of the Big 3 ski resorts. If you are looking for a true Christmas experience, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel will answer all your Christmas wishes. It takes two months to prepare the decorations throughout this castle in the mountain, which include a number of Christmas trees, boughs of cedar branches, gingerbread houses, and Santa reading stories by a wood burning fireplace.
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Stay in an Igloo in Lapland, Finland
Looking up into the night sky from a heated glass igloo in Lapland, witnessing the beauty of the Northern Lights, it will feel like all your Christmases have come at once. The igloos are surrounded by forest and offer magnificent views that stretch to neighbouring Norwegian Lapland. Home to Santa Claus Village, what better way to spend Christmas morning than visiting Santa & Mrs. Claus, where elves serve warm drinks & gingerbread. Also travel to a nearby reindeer farm to learn about the everyday life of the traditional Sami people. If adventure is more your thing, try a Husky safari, and discover the magnificent white wilderness with eager and friendly dogs.
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Drink Glühwein at the Christmas Markets, Munich, Germany
If you are spending the holiday season and Christmas in Munich, you are in for a real treat. Munich’s famous Christmas market, the Christkindl Markt, is celebrated on the city’s central square, Marienplatz, in the heart of the Old Town. A 100-feet high Christmas tree towers over traditionally decorated booths, which offer everything from Gluhwein (mulled wine) and gingerbread, to Bavarian woodcarvings, handmade toys, and glass crystals. Churches and cathedrals are filled with holiday singing and organ recitals, and Munich’s shopping streets are decked out in sparkling Christmas decoration. And all that with the romantic backdrop of the snow-capped Alps – Munich is a wonderful city to enjoy the holiday season. If you are after a little more of a party atmosphere, then Wintertollwood is the place for you.
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Enjoy the Everland Christmas fantasy in Seoul, South Korea
Celebrating Christmas in Seoul might be a little different than what you may know in other countries, especially Australia or Europe. For Koreans, the festivities tend to be mostly for young romantic couples, as well as naturally being a religious feast for Christians. In any case, all ingredients are united to make the Christmas atmosphere in Seoul very special: it’s chilly, often snowy, and night lights illuminate the city. A must go, Everland is one of the most famous and largest amusement parks in Korea. The Christmas Fantasy and Romantic Illumination show hosted at Everland guarantees a fantastic display of lights and fireworks that is sure to have you immersed in the Christmas spirit. Santa Claus is also likely to make an appearance but rather than his traditional red attire, many will know him as the man dressed in blue.
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