It’s that magical time of the year again. With the festive season comes twinkling lights, frosty air, and the evocative aroma of delicious mulled wine and gingerbread in several parts of the world. For those who yearn to fully immerse themselves in this season of joy, certain destinations stand out for their exceptional Christmas celebrations whereby the cities are transformed into portals of festive fantasy.

Without further delay, here are the best travel destinations to visit should you wish to truly soak in the Christmas spirit this year.

London, United Kingdom

There is nothing else quite like visiting London during the holiday season. There are spectacular decorations and activities at every nook and cranny of the city, with illuminating lights along Oxford Street and Regent Street, ice-skating rinks at renowned locations like Somerset House and Canary Wharf, and the fun-filled Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Further adding to the merriment are the endless Christmas markets and carol concerts at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Singapore

While snow may be absent in this part of the world, Singapore dazzles with its extravagant Christmas revelry, particularly along its most famed shopping street, Orchard Road. This bustling boulevard lined with shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and other innovative attractions is transformed into a spectacle of lights, themed displays, and festive music all around. Don’t miss the Christmas Village, where food stalls, performances, and Santa meet-and-greets spread joy to visitors of all ages.

Strasbourg, France

Hailed as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the oldest in the whole of Europe, first popping up over 400 years ago. The Grande Île turns into a wonderland of over 300 wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, Alsatian delicacies, and spiced wines, while the city’s half-timbered houses are adorned with festive lights. The towering Christmas tree at Place Kléber is also a sight to behold.

New York City, USA

No yuletide adventure is really complete without a stop to the Big Apple, the beating heart of Christmas allure. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and its ice-skating rink, to the gleaming window displays adding to the gilded glamour of Fifth Avenue, New York City embraces the holiday spirit like no other. For a more eventful visit, experience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, an annual musical holiday stage show presented at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, featuring the world-famous Rockettes.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Whether you’re a believer or in the anti-Santa camp, Rovaniemi has long been regarded as the official hometown of St. Nicholas, also known as our beloved Santa Claus. The provincial capital of Lapland is a dream come true for those wishing for a winter wonderland. Located in the Arctic Circle, visitors can meet Santa himself, ride in a reindeer sleigh, and witness the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. The pristine snow-covered landscapes and inviting log cabins also make for a picture-perfect festive playground.

Quebec City, Canada

For a Christmas celebration steeped in old-world charm, head to Quebec City. The snow-dusted cobblestone streets and 17th-century architecture of Old Quebec create an enchanting setting for a Christmas village that is second to none. The German Christmas Market here is a highlight, offering a mix of European traditions and Canadian hospitality. Other than that, stroll along the quaint streets adorned with lights and decorations, or peruse the local stores for some artisanal goods.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s numerous Christmas markets are legendary, with the Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall being the main star of the show. The aroma of roasted chestnuts,  Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch), and sausages fill the air as choirs perform carols under twinkling lights across the city. Beyond the markets, an exciting array of activities await–think seasonal highlights like advent concerts, art exhibitions, ice skating, and more.

Nuremberg, Germany

Finalising this list is Nuremberg, known for its Christkindlesmarkt which is one of the most traditional Christmas markets in Germany. Sample authentic treats like Nuremberg gingerbread, Spekulatius almond cookies, and mulled wine while browsing various gifts available for sale, like handmade Christmas decorations. The market’s historic setting in the city’s Old Town, showcasing medieval architecture, adds a fairytale-like quality to the whole experience.

Featured image: David Ramirez via Unsplash