The holiday season is a time for cheer, family, and festivity. While some people may choose to stay home and enjoy the holidays in the comfort of their own living room, others might choose to travel to some of the most festive cities to experience the holidays. From Europe to North America, here are some of the most festive cities to experience the holidays.
New York City, USA
New York City is famously recognized for its stunning Christmas decorations and holiday lights. From the Rockefeller Center’s towering Christmas tree to the lights scattered across the city’s streets, New York offers so many magical experiences during the holiday season. Other popular holiday activities include ice-skating at Central Park, watching the Rockettes at The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and taking a stroll down Fifth Avenue to take in the brilliant window displays of New York’s grand department stores.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is an enchanting destination and a hub for winter activities. Come Christmastime, Vienna transforms into a winter wonderland with its many markets and fairs to explore. Take a walk through the festive markets at the Rathausplatz or try the Christmas Market at Belvedere Palace, an annual event showcasing over 70 craft stalls and seasonal foods. Vienna is also known for its Christmas concerts, with venues such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral hosting annual events.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The streets of Amsterdam come alive during the holiday season with festive decorations, romantic ice-skating rinks, and charming local markets. The city’s canals are lit up, and the streets are filled with sparkling lights, and seasonal treats. Visitors can venture to Museumplein and find an ice rink surrounded by holiday vendors, or head to Rembrandt Square for Amsterdam’s famous winter fair, with live music and merry-go-round rides.
Paris, France
The city of Love has much to offer visitors during the holiday season. Paris, the City of Light, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to experience the holidays. The Champs-Elysées is one of the most renowned street lights during Christmas, while the Christmas markets spread throughout the city offering cheerful stalls and ice skating rinks. Traditional French foods such as chestnuts and chocolates are prominently featured, with nutcrackers and other winter decorations filling the streets.
Salzburg, Austria
This charming Austrian city is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the musical “The Sound of Music.” Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing a breathtaking backdrop for its holiday festivities. Visitors can experience the city’s atmospheric markets featuring handmade crafts, sweet treats, and holiday wines, including the popular Salzburg Christmas Market held at the foot of Hohensalzburg Castle.
In conclusion, these cities offer tourists an opportunity to experience the tradition, culture, and customs of different European and American cities. The holiday season is full of cheer, and these cities will leave you feeling jolly with their abundance of events and activities. Whether taking in the Christmas lights, enjoying mulled wine and gingerbread cookies, or simply being in the company of loved ones, these festive cities are the perfect locations to spend time with family and friends during the holidays.
