Dreaming of a flight and a white Christmas? Flight Centre offers both, and with our broad selection of Christmas vacation packages it can sometimes be hard to choose. So to help you with your decision, we’ve put together the Top 10 Christmas destinations that will make even the biggest Scrooge want to trim the tree and stuff the stockings. But which one tops your Christmas wish list, is up to you! Happy Holidays!
Prague
Prague has a magical feel year-round, but during Christmas that magic is amplified, thanks to its beautiful Christmas markets. Charming wooden huts feature handicrafts, Bohemian crystal and ornaments. The Old Town Square market’s towering tree, set against Prague’s Gothic architecture, will take your breath away. Stroll with a Czech Republic beer or warm wine, or channel your inner Czech and choose a Christmas carp for dinner, quite a sight to see swimming in large tubs. Markets are open every day, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Vienna
The old-world ambience of Vienna is showcased at Christmas, with its spectacular Yuletide displays. Vienna’s squares are transformed to twinkling markets, attracting tourists from across Europe and the world. Find treasures like embroidered and knitted goods, candles and handcrafted wooden toys. As the birthplace of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Haydn, you’ll be enchanted by classical music as you take in the sweet aromas of holiday baking and hot drinks.
Munich
The celebrations don’t stop after Oktoberfest in this Bavarian city. Starting in late November, the snowy Alps are the backdrop for Munich’s Christmas markets, a centuries-old German tradition. The picturesque setting, rife with delicacies, traditional handicrafts and music, is a memorable way to spend the holidays, if only for a few days. You’ll feel like the gingerbread houses found in the markets have come to life when you see this city at Christmastime.
London
you’ll find everything in this incredible city. Travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas, or enjoy sophisticated London’s state-of-the art Christmas lights. Delight in the bright and bustling Christmas markets, from Covent Garden to Camden Town. Check out the windows and wares of Harrod’s or catch a pantomime show in the famous West End theatre district, an English holiday tradition. Be among the first to skate Canary Wharf’s sparkling new ice rink, open until mid-January.
New York City
The iconic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Centre will trigger happy memories of festive film classics and set the tone for an unforgettable holiday. The winter wonderland of New York City is perfect for shopping and dining, and this is the one time of year where the bustle of the crowds purely adds to the season’s excitement. Get tickets to Radio City Music Hall’s famous Christmas show, find loads of children’s activities or luxuriously recline by a fireplace inside a Manhattan hotel. You may even wish to stay till New Year’s and join the televised big bash in Times Square.
Whistler
if your perfect Christmas includes a snow-topped cabin with powdery mountains at your disposal, Whistler is your holiday destination. The charming town of Whistler is as picturesque as a postcard, with Rocky Mountain vistas and world-class snow sports. Similar ski towns in British Columbia are Fernie and Big White, while Osoyoos is a quaint ocean town with tons of activities and festivities for the family, or for a romantic retreat.
New Orleans
this is a city where the party never stops, especially at Christmas. The colonial history lends a unique flavour to the celebrations, as well as Cajun and Creole Christmas dinners. The St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest in North America, showcases gospel and classical concerts in addition to Christmas services. If jazz is more to your taste, there’s no shortage of the best jazz musicians in the city’s many clubs. Marvel at the flashing holiday lights, not to mention flashing smiles (alright, and the flashing of certain bourbon-filled revellers!)
Sydney
if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, consider a white sandy beach instead! Trade in your skis and snowboard for a surfboard and experience a holiday season unlike any before. Imagine spending the day on Bondi or Manly beach, building sand castles instead of snowmen! Feast on seafood prepared on an Aussie “barbie” instead of a traditional roast dinner. Make the long journey worthwhile and continue your holiday into January, when you’ll be the first of your friends to ring in the New Year.
Rome
it’s easy to lose track of the true meaning of Christmas in our commercial culture. While it’s unquestionably fun to celebrate the holidays with shopping, skiing and shows, time spent in Rome during the holidays reminds us of the real purpose of Christmas. Be among the thousands who attend midnight mass in the Vatican and the live Papal Christmas broadcast from St. Peter’s Square. Rome is a historic, beautiful city with much to admire architecturally, gastronomically and spiritually.
Quebec City
If Europe is a bit too far geographically, or too far-reaching into your holiday budget, consider Christmas in Quebec City, the most European city in Canada. Its Christmas markets are influenced by those of Austria and Germany, replete with wooden huts, artisanal offerings and traditional drinks and food. The characteristic ice and snow of Quebec City, together with its French charm and historic edifices, creates an enchanting winter ambience. You’ll want to return in February, when Le Carnaval de Quebec is celebrated.
Looking to travel over the Christmas Holidays? Check out our Christmas and New Years Vacations or contact one of our Travel Consultants at 1-877-967-5302
