We all have our own Christmas traditions, but why not make a new one? Spend the festive season relaxing by the pool. Swap your roast turkey for a traditional Aussie BBQ or experience a true white Christmas? Although Christmas is a magical time, it can also be incredibly stressful. Taking a holiday over the Christmas period gives you a chance to relax and appreciate what Christmas is all about – spending time with the people you love, with a few presents of course.
Experience Christmas from a different point of view, (and continent) by checking out these top 5 cities to spend Christmas.
New York City, USA
Christmas in New York – it just sounds perfect. Whether it’s ice skating in Central Park, shopping on 5th Avenue, or seeing the famous tree at Rockefeller Centre, you’ll get the feeling you’re starring in your very own Christmas movie wherever you turn. Explore the famous landmarks all decorated to perfection. As well as the iconic festive window displays (we’re looking at you, Macy’s). The cold weather will remind you of home, but with that added Big Apple flare that will make your New York Christmas holiday one to remember.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If you’re looking for a more extravagant Christmas, there’s no better place than Dubai. Grab some last-minute gifts at the Christmas markets. Hotel hop to find the best decorations and don’t worry about cooking Christmas dinner, as you’ll have a host of 5-star restaurants to choose from. But if you find yourself craving something a little more wintery, head to Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates. This indoor ski resort is complete with a bob sled run, a snow cavern and snowy mountains. December is a great time to visit Dubai, as the temperatures are more comfortable, so if you want to spend the festive season in gorgeous sunshine and over the top luxury – this is the place.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The only white Christmas you’ll get in Rio de Janeiro is the white sandy beaches, and that’s fine by us! In Rio, the Christmas party starts on Christmas Eve, when family and friends gather for a meal and, in true Rio style, celebrate well into the early hours of Christmas day. Turkey is on the menu in Rio served with rice and salad, followed by a traditional Panettone for dessert. There’s also plenty of great shopping locations and Christmas markets. So you can find that perfect gift and sample the amazing food. You could even take part in Amigo Secreto, which is a version of secret Santa that almost every Brazilian family takes part in.
Montreal, Canada
Our dreams of a white Christmas are mostly met with disappointment in the UK, but in Montreal it’s almost guaranteed. The Christmas festival in Jacques-Cartier Square is not to be missed, the old port area is transformed into a winter wonderland. There’s music, art, food and lots of Christmas activities. It’s the perfect way to experience what Christmas in Montreal is all about. The City Centre has great shopping and a lively nightlife, so you can party all the way through to New Year’s Eve!
Sydney, Australia
You can’t get much further away from the inevitable drizzle of Christmas morning in the UK, than waking up on the other side of the world. December is the start of Summer down under, so beautiful weather is guaranteed – perfect for a Christmas BBQ on the beach. Sydney transforms into a festive playground with street choirs, Christmas markets and festive concerts. There are also special themed Christmas dinner cruises, so you can celebrate with the Opera House as your backdrop.
