It’s the most wonderful time of the year, replete with trees, trimmings, carols, and the unmistakable sounds of shoppers and merrymakers preparing for the holidays. No matter where you are or where you’ll be for Christmas – be it among the snow-capped mountains or in the sunny climes south of the Equator, where it happens to be summer – we’ve gathered our favorite ways to celebrate the season. So grad your stockings and a mug of something toasty, and prepare to make this year’s holiday the best one yet.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is positively low-key at Christmas, which makes it a relaxing place to be during this festive season. There’s no Santa here—kids get their presents from Sint Nicolaas on December 5, not Christmas Day. And for the Dutch, Christmas dinner takes place on the evening of December 24. Until recently, there were no Christmas markets and even Christmas trees were a rarity (both, however, have gained in popularity), and plenty of restaurants, cafés, and stores are open over the holiday period. If you’re in town, take advantage of this mellow vibe, and enjoy these seasonal activities that best capture the feeling.
Atlanta
With temperatures averaging in the 50s and the smell of smoked turkey in the air, Atlanta is the perfect place for a southern Christmas celebration. Some of its biggest attractions are open and waiting with surprises, while many of its restaurants serve traditional holiday fare with a downhome twist.
Chicago
Sure, many stores and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, but visitors and locals in the Windy City have plenty to celebrate come December 25. Check out these ideas for making the most of a mostly closed holiday.
Hong Kong
Between the mild temperatures and overflowing ads for end-of-year sales, Hong Kong may not be your first destination of choice for getting into the festive spirit. However, experiencing the city’s unique Yuletide celebrations can be a memorable and rewarding experience, provided you know where the locals go for fun. Follow our action plan for a picture-perfect Christmas in Hong Kong—even if the snowflakes aren’t making an appearance this year.
London
Christmas doesn’t always mean turkey ’round the table with relatives, and if this year, you’re doing it differently, this is a great time to visit London. It’s more picturesque than ever with trees in every square, lights on every street, and spectacular shop windows, and there are fewer crowds, too. Many city dwellers hightail it out of town for the holiday, so you practically get it to yourself. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Melbourne
Santa usually arrives dashing through the snow in a sleigh pulled by a slew of reindeer, right? Not in Melbourne, where the high temperatures play havoc with poor old Prancer and Dancer’s constitutions (to say nothing of the snow). Should you find yourself in this sunny clime come the holidays, you can celebrate the season with its summery offerings—possibly a welcome change if you’re already feeling snowbound come end of December. Here’s how to have a perfect Christmas holiday in the city (while you’re in town, don’t forget to stock up on some shopping).
New York City
It’s the most wonderful time of year, and the reason for the spirit? Christmas in New York City is spectacular. So much so that Clement Moore Clarke’s famous poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas was inspired by all the magic that the city offers during the season.
The sights, the sounds and the smells are unlike that of any other city, and as one of the biggest holiday destinations in the world, sometimes it can seem overwhelming to choose what to do. If you’re in New York City this holiday, here’s our picks of the best—including several that are free—for you to enjoy.
Paris
Few celebrations are as magical as a Paris Christmas. From the decorations and mulled wine to the overload of sweets and savories, it’s easy to feel like a kid again. It’s not all about buying a ridiculous amount of gifts, but rather spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying seasonal treats, and popping a few bottles of bubbly.
In Paris, the party starts on Christmas Eve, and December 25 is a day to relax and recover. Still, the city is alive with sights and sounds to experience during the season, and even the casual traveler will find plenty to tickle the senses during the Christmas celebrations.
Philadelphia
‘Tis the season to be jolly. It’s also the season to enjoy all of the holiday cheer that surrounds the city of Philadelphia, from the holiday lights, storefronts lined with decorations, and seasonal celebrations that abound. Recently named the first World Heritage City in the United States, there are many historic sites that add to the festivities, and with many events happening throughout its streets, we’ve outlined a few that you can partake in with your family and loved ones.
Portland, Oregon
Considering it snows about once a year in Portland, chances are you won’t be waking up to a white Christmas. But that also means it’s easy to get to fun activities unique to Oregon that you can’t enjoy everywhere else. Want to spend the perfect Christmas Day in town?
Prague
Prague’s colorful baroque and Gothic architecture, cobble stone streets, and famed Astronomical Clock have long made it a popular destination for travelers. But at this time of the year, it’s a veritable winter wonderland. We’ve rounded up the most magical experiences on offer right now, to ensure your Christmas in town is nothing short of enchanted.
San Francisco
While chances are the East Coast might be bracing for a nor’easter during the holidays, Christmas in San Francisco often means a lengthy yuletide brunch followed by ice-skating in shorts. Should you find yourself in the City by the Bay wondering how best to enjoy the sunny winter weather, here are some of our favorite ideas.
Tokyo
For Tokyo residents themselves, the Christmas holiday can be a bit of a letdown. There are no days off, no big family gatherings, no 12-course meals, and no bickering over board games or which TV programs to watch. Instead, it’s business as usual, with shops and restaurants open, and little fanfare by way of season’s greetings. But while Christmas is casually celebrated in Japan, there are still plenty of ways to capture a bit of the spirit. Here’s what to do in Tokyo if you’re in town.
Toronto
If you find yourself in Toronto during the holiday season, fret not; there are a spate of options open to the public that you can enjoy should hotel or cabin fever hit. A Toronto Christmas can start with a good cup of steaming joe and move on to grabbing a pair of skates and hitting the ice—there’s something for everyone during what crooner Andy Williams calls “the most wonderful time of the year.”
Vancouver
Christmas may be about gathering and celebrating family, but the festivities don’t necessarily have to take place at home. A holiday vacation can strengthen the ties that bind, as well as open new horizons. You can spend a perfect Christmas Day in Vancouver by leaving the meals to the professionals and hitting the slopes for outdoor adventure.
Washington, DC
Turn on DC’s unofficial city carol—Maura Sullivan’s corny Reagan-era “Christmas Eve in Washington”—and get ready to celebrate the holiday in the nation’s capital.
blog.easyacc.com 