10 Dreamy & Festive Places to Visit This Christmas Season

Dear Travelista,

It’s that time of year again and boy oh boy I cannot wait! I get the itch to put our Christmas decorations up the day after Halloween. Don’t get me wrong, my family loves Thanksgiving and I mean no disrespect to The Bird. However, there is no real harm in delighting in turkey and mashed potatoes (……and sauce, meatballs, lasagna, Italian bread etc, etc, etc… but that’s another column) while my Christmas Tree is showing off it’s glorious self in the family room is there? There’s nothing we enjoy more during the holiday season than snuggling up with a fuzzy blanket, a cup of cocoa, and watching our favorite Christmas movie in front of a crackling fire. Sigh. Christmastime is magical and these destinations are sure to inspire and enchant even the grumpiest Ebenezer Scrooge.

So my darling travelista, if you’ve always wanted to step into a Hallmark Movie, if you are looking for the holiday magic, if you’re in search of that feeling you had as a child on Christmas Eve, these destinations are for you. Grab your cocoa, let’s go.

Prague, Czech Republic

Christmas Magic of Prague, with Personal Prague Guide
Prague Advent Evening Food Tasting Tour

Prague, Czech Republic is at the top of our list for one of the best and most romantic holiday destinations in the world. Known for being magical all year round, Prague becomes even more spectacular at Christmas time. The vast number of Christmas markets set against the backdrop of gothic medieval architecture gives it a timeless elegance that is sure to inspire your Christmas spirit.

Here, the Christmas markets are abundant, and you’ll want plenty of time to explore them all. The main markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square which are about a 5 minute walk from one another. Walking along these charming streets you can shop for everyone on your list. The wooden huts along the lane are filled to the brim with local handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and holiday decor. There’s things like hand knit mittens and scarves, puppets and dolls dressed in traditional finery, blown glass ornaments, hand embroidery, wooden toys, ceramics, candles and so much more.

Stop and roast marshmallows by one of many outdoor fireplaces while you listen to Christmas Carols performed by school choirs or folk groups dressed in traditional costume. Take time to visit the stables to pet and say hello to sheep, goats, and donkeys. If traditional holiday music is your thing, don’t miss out on a concert in one of Prague’s famed churches like St. George’s Basilica or St. Clement’s Cathedral.

While you shop and take in the ambience, sample traditional Christmas delicacies such as Prague Ham, Czech grilled sausages, potato pancakes, and hot roasted chestnuts. Later, indulge in treats such as spicy gingerbread or Trdelnik which is a hot sweet pastry dough wrapped around a stick and topped with sugar and walnuts and sometimes filled with chocolate or ice cream. Thirsty? You’ll have your choice between Czech beers, hot apple cider, mulled wine, chocolate cocoa, honey wine, Christmas punch, or grog which is a mixture of rum, water, lemon, and sugar. We’ll take one of each please! Isn’t shopping even more delightful with a beverage in hand?

At the stroke of every hour the magnificent twinkling Christmas tree in the town’s main square will erupt in a stunning audio visual show with music and thousands of lights. It’s truly a magnificent sight to behold.

New York, New York

NYC is the epicenter of live entertainment and holiday shows are no exception. There’s something for everyone from the famed Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, to The Nutcracker, to Charlie Brown Christmas, to A Christmas Carol. There’s holiday themed illusionist shows, comedy shows, and countless concerts. Don’t forget to check out the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, The Annual Christmas in New York at Carnegie Hall, Harlem Gospel Choir: Christmas Eve Matinee and Cirque Dreams Holidaze. If you’re traveling with little ones, grab tickets to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. There is no shortage of holiday entertainment in the hustling, bustling, city that never sleeps.

Lights! Camera! Action! Did I mention lights? More importantly, twinkle lights. Lovers of neighborhood holiday light displays will definitely want to take the time to visit Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Here you can experience the most beautiful light displays around. You can visit on your own or you can book one of the fantastic Holiday Light tours available. For even more of a holiday wow don’t miss the Empire State Building Light Show and of course the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place right after Thanksgiving and signifies the beginning of the holiday season. One especially fabulous sight is to see the lights in NYC from above. Whether it’s from the top of the Empire State Building (which always reminds me of An Affair to Remember, Cary Grant anyone?), Rockefeller Center, or a rooftop bar, it’s a sight unlike any other. Be sure to put the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Central Park Holiday Lights, Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Amaze Light Festival at the New York Mets stadium on your bucket list as well. They are sure to amaze!

Grab your cocoa, don your Jackie O’s, hit up your favorite New York bakery for a specialty Christmas cookie, prepare for crowds, and let’s hit the shops. Oh and you’ll need comfortable shoes, it is NYC after all… there’s a lot of walking! NYC has some of the most over the top holiday decorations imaginable and some of the most incredible places to shop for Christmas. Stroll with your cookies and cocoa and take in those showstopping holiday window displays, light shows, and spectacular decor. From the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, to Rolf’s Restaurant in Gramercy Park, to window displays at Bloomingdales, Saks, and Macys, some of this stuff you actually have to see to believe. Speaking of Macy’s, if you’re there with little ones, stop in at Santaland which is a Christmas Wonderland for kids of all ages right in the department store where you can meet the big guy (Santa Claus) himself.

Bryant Park Winter Village in Midtown Manhattan is home to one of the nicest Christmas Markets in New York. The centerpiece of this lovely winter village is the 17,000 square foot ice skating rink that boasts free admission ice skating, rental skates, and even free skating shows and events. Here at Bryant Park Winter Village you can find a European style Holiday Market that features lovely crafts and unique gifts from New York and all over the world. After shopping, watch ice skaters while you grab a bite to eat and sip on a festive cocktail at one of the many food stalls. Oh yeah, and did I mention, there’s a Christmas Tree here too?

No list would be complete without including Union Square Holiday Market, as it is widely known as the ultimate holiday destination in NYC. Here you can find affordable, high quality, lovely gift options for everyone on your list from over 160 vendors. Bring an appetite with you as there are also many options for delicious snacks and treats along the way.

Finally, stop at Ralphs Coffee on 160 5th Avenue to grab a latte before taking a walk in Central Park. There, skate at Wollman Rink, and stop at the smallest of the NYC Christmas Markets, Columbus Circle Holiday Market. End your evening with a horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park. I think that is on everyone’s NYC bucket list isn’t it? What better time to tick it off than during the holidays?

Quebec City, Canada

 Christmas Magic in Old Quebec

Step back into times of old and enjoy the charming re-creation of traditional Christmas markets as you stroll along the 100 or so quaint German style vendor huts that truly are a one stop shop for those unique holiday gifts. These adorably decorated wooden kiosks hold tons of original gift ideas for the entire family. There’s everything from handmade fine jewelry, to small ceramic houses that diffuse signature fragrances, to knit items, to hand carved wooden bowls, chess boards, and tables. There’s traditional arts and crafts from Germany, incredible paintings, and rows and rows of glittering Christmas trees. Don’t forget to stop for the famous gingerbread from Nuremberg and other delicious German Christmas Cookies. Of course no trip to Canada would be complete without bringing home handcrafted organic maple syrup products.

For your family foodie, it’s impossible to name all of the delicious treats available. There’s Quebec cheese fondues, jams, jellies, fruit syrups, cream of apples, belgian waffles with buttercream caramel, authentic German cakes, the highest quality olive oils, belgian dark chocolate, and homemade macaroons, You can find nuts, candies, hot chestnuts, caramelized and chocolate almonds. Then there’s nougat, meringue marshmallow, churros, spices, wines, hot cocoa, coffee and many other delights. This column is making me hungry!

If you’re looking for Christmas music, starry light displays, outdoor fireplaces to keep warm, decorated Christmas trees, and even spontaneous performances, Old City Quebec is where you need to stop at Christmas time. Every building in the square sparkles with lights. There’s wreaths, reindeer, and garlands galore. The little ones can make maple taffy, and take part in many of the free activities for children. You can walk along storefronts and admire the boutique window displays. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without walking into or attending mass at Notre- Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral. One of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever beheld, it is nestled in the heart of Old Quebec and is said to be one of the oldest churches in Canada, established in the 1600’s. We suggest checking the hours of operation before you go so you can have plenty of time to tour the stunning architectural masterpiece.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg Christmas Market Small Group Walking Tour

Christmas Fun Tour

Strasbourg Christmas Market Private Guided Tour

Known as the capital of Christmas, this cozy holiday hotspot makes you feel like you are literally stepping into a living Christmas card. With 0ver 300 market stalls, the smell of French pastries in the air, and Christmas decorations around every corner, Strasbourg France is a must for anyone looking for Christmas perfection.

Going back to 1570, Strasbourg France claims to have the oldest Christmas market in Europe. We’re not sure if it’s the oldest but it is certainly one of the largest. The Christmas market, called Christkindelsmarik, takes place in over 11 different locations within the town. In this magical fairyland you can find ice skating, a carousel and other children’s rides, Christmas trees lining cobblestoned lanes, and twinkle lights tastefully draped across centuries old buildings. This Christmas market is jam packed with events and our favorite is the Paye ton Noel. This one-of-a-kind Christmas event combines music, street art, games of all kinds, hands on workshops, and more, in a lovely and festive atmosphere. The warm, cozy old fashioned feeling can be felt right down to your mistle toes.

I don’t know about you and we’ll have to cover my Italian grandmother’s ears (both of them), but there is nothing as decadent as an authentic French pastry. Stop in a cafe for coffee, a baguette style sandwich, and finish with a luscious pastry. We have no idea how you’ll choose just one because they all look sinful!
L’Atelier 116 Strasbourg France

If you’re visiting with mini travelista’s be sure to check out the many hands-on events and activities for children. There’s workshops, shows, and events especially for the little ones such as a treasure hunt to learn about Christmas traditions. Each step reveals another clue to find Father Christmas’ hiding place. Each family sets off on their adventure with a logbook containing questions and the route through the village. The event finishes off with hand passed gingerbread for all. Children get to meet St. Nicholas as he steps off a horse-drawn carriage and afterwards, if they’re good, they receive delicious mannele, gingerbread, clementines, and other treats from the big guy.
While you stroll the picture perfect village and shop you’ll be able to enjoy spontaneous performances from local french choir groups, violinists and other musicians, as well as children’s singing groups. There’s a gorgeous nativity scene, advent concerts, and even an ice ballet called The Great Christmas Circus on Ice. The Christmas village is incredibly charming. It’s so chic in its Christmas dress that it feels undeniably french. You can hear the church bells chime, and smell the cinnamon spice in the air. Every shop window is elegantly and tastefully adorned with a slightly different Christmas theme. There’s a style and chicness you won’t find anywhere but France. So don your favorite cavalier boots, cashmere sweater, and timeless camel coat with your camera in hand and snap that perfect instagram photo in this winter-fairytale Christmasland. ‎A Votre Sante!

Vienna, Austria

Christmas Market Vienna Tour

Vienna Christmas Market Tour

Private Christmas Markets Walking Tour Vienna

With Italian and German influences Vienna is enchanting year round but just positively comes alive at Christmastime. The bells are jingling, the lights are twinkling and it is absolutely the stuff that Christmas market dreams are made of. The old town charm is the perfect backdrop for the glittering golden glow of the many markets you’ll find in Vienna. There’s lit up palaces, a ferris wheel, walking gardens, rides and activities for children, shops featuring local artists, and so much more.

There’s plenty to boast about when it comes to a Viennese Christmas market and there are a lot of different markets within the city. A few of the most popular markets are Christkindlmarkt, Belvedere, Schonbrunn, Altes Akh, Freyung, and more! Think cool, crisp winter air, the smell of potatoes, strudel, and fresh bread in the air. Sprinkle in some candied nuts, roasted chestnuts, and of course steaming mugs of punch and there you have just the beginning of this prized event that people near and far look forward to every year.

A visit to Vienna during Christmas Time wouldn’t be complete without purchasing your very own authentic schneekugel or snow globe. Vienna is the birthplace of those tiny spheres of magic invented in 1900 by Erwin Perzy. Today, Perzy’s grandson Erwin Perzy III, owns and operates the family company Original Vienna Snow Globes. These perfect gifts are hand painted, manually assembled, the actual globe is still made of glass, and there are over 350 designs to choose from.

Vienna Christmas markets boast the best cheeses, breads, hot beverages, and cakes with the most unique flavors you may have never tried before. For the mini’s there are children’s activities like baking homemade christmas cookies and even candle making. One winter activity the Viennese are especially known for is ice skating and the opportunities to skate at the Christmas markets are abundant. There’s pop up ice skating rinks, rooftop skating rinks, and of course the Rathausplatz square. The romance of Christmas in Vienna makes you feel like you’ve time traveled to 100 years ago, especially when you see the horse-drawn carriages.

Chicago, Illinois

Holiday Hike Chicago-Style: Festive Food & Walking tour

2-Hour Chicago Holiday Lights Segway Tour

Magic Christmas Tour in Illinois (Chicago)

Are you dying to attend a traditional German Christmas market but aren’t traveling out of the country any time soon? The Christkindlmarket in Chicago is your answer! As you journey through the lit up streets you are transported to times of old. A blanket of snow, twinkle lights dancing to Christmas music, and over 150 food and craft stalls await you. This is widely considered the best Christmas market in America and it’s easy to see why!

This charming Christmas market boasts all of the favorite qualities of tradition right on our very own shores. There’s activities and events for every member of the family, many huts with interesting and unique gift ideas, cheerful entertainment and more! Don’t miss the live ballet performances, Christmas carolers, ice skating, and definitely don’t leave without enjoying hot spiced wine served in a famed traditional boot mug!
One thing that is so special about shopping at a Christmas market is the uniqueness of the gifts you’re able to purchase. These priceless, locally crafted, handmade items are so beautiful and different it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find them anywhere other than right where you’re standing at that moment. From hand carved wooden nativity scenes, to glass blown Christmas ornaments. Everywhere you turn there’s something that’s been carved, painted, or embroidered by hand. Supporting local artists and crafters is such a pleasure and the recipient of your purchase will have been gifted something truly one of a kind.

As it’s modeled after a traditional German Christmas market you can expect to find lots of delicious traditional German cuisine and sprinkled into the mix you’ll find all-American “delicacies” too. We suggest you bring your appetite as there will be bratwursts, delicious soft pretzels stuffed with tasty fillings, pierogies, and more! While you’re there check out DonerMen, the best place to find signature German street food in Chicago. At the German Grill you’ll find different kinds of sausages, sliced pork loaf, fried potatoes, potato pancakes, smoked pork loin, and much more. Of course there’s also the typical American festival fare from tacos to fried chicken sandwiches to pizza. End the evening with candied nuts, Belgian chocolate covered fruit, gingerbread, authentic strudels and puffs, and other holiday pastries, cakes, and cookies, Prost!

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide

If you’re near Bruges this holiday season don your fabulous winter ensemble and head to Winter Glow! What is Winter Glow, you ask? It is the collective name of all the holiday experiences available in Bruges, Belgium and let us assure you, there’s plenty to light your Christmas fire. Imagine a twinkle light walking trail in a true Christmas Town that only exists (or so you may think) in your wildest Christmas dreams. Holiday shopping in the Christmas market with music and light shows to delight you. This much anticipated annual winter event includes ice skating, shopping, performances, treats, and of course a mug of steaming hot spiced mulled wine. While you’re there (no doubt staring in awe at the gorgeously decked out architecture) don’t leave without grabbing a traditional Belgian Waffle or stopping by a winter bar! One other especially favorite treat is a speculoos which is a spiced shortbread cookie.
Though it’s smaller than some other Christmas markets in Belgium it definitely packs a big enough punch to be worthy of a stop there. Most of the action is centered in Grote Markt which is Bruges main square. With fairytale touches like horse-drawn carriage rides this is the perfect place to bring your sweetheart for a romantic holiday outing. Walk along the canal with a heavenly treat from a local Belgian Chocolate shoppe and shop for your friends and family while you take in the Christmas grandeur. You’ll find things like knit items, luxury bath products, nutcrackers, candles, nativity scenes, delightful local christmas decor, and of course toys and Christmas ornaments.
Take the little ones to the Christmas themed carnival area. There you will find carnival games, rides, events, entertainment, and mountains of toys.

Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida

When it comes to celebrations, Disney doesn’t do anything by half measures and Christmastime is no exception. There really is just something different about Disney. The magic is out in full force during the holiday season. From snow in Florida (every half hour! It’s actually soap, believe it or not!) to the majestic castle, there’s Christmas decor at every glance, in every park, and in every hotel. The holiday music, the sparkling lights, the parties and celebrations, the treats and the smells of cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate wafting through the air are sure to make the child within you smile with delight.

Every November Walt Disney World transforms into a winter wonderland that is the rival of all other theme parks and it’s no surprise. Disney literally has employees working on holiday celebrations, food, decor, music, parties, and events 365 days a year. Magic Kingdom is by far the most decked out in Christmas cheer. It also holds the very coveted Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (unlimited cocoa and snickerdoodle cookies anyone?) and Minnie’s Once Upon a Christmastime Fireworks (those castle projections!). Combine that with Santa meet and greets, exclusive entertainment and treats, and meeting your favorite Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays and you’ve got the exact recipe for Christmas perfection.

Cheerful festivals and events are happening all over the parks. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays is not to be missed if you love seasonal eats and treats, decor, and sounds. Epcot also has a Holiday Cookie Stroll and a Candlelight Processional presented nightly by a different celebrity narrator from late November to late December. You can also look forward to holiday entertainment around the World Showcase while you sip on that spiked eggnog.

Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom also have much going on this Christmas season. Hollywood Tower Hotel is transformed every night with holiday projections, stop and enjoy the Santa Claus Motorcade, and the Merry Menagerie in Animal Kingdom is a one of a kind experience.

We can’t mention Walt Disney World at Christmas without mentioning the resorts. All of the resorts decorate for the holidays and they all for the most part stick with their resort theme. None in my opinion are as beautiful as the Grand Floridian. Truly it is grand in every way. As if the elegant and charming decor isn’t enough there’s also an enormous Christmas Tree and a lifesize gingerbread house every single year right in the lobby of the resort. Every year it’s different and amazingly creative. Honorable mentions for Christmas decor are Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Truly they’re spectacular.

If you’re near Orlando but don’t want to buy a ticket to the parks, stop into Disney Springs for some holiday treats, shopping, and to meet Santa Claus. There will be live musical performances, Toy Soldier Stiltwalkers and Snowflake Skaters to delight one and all. Once the sun sets, expect to see some snow flurries for that extra added touch of magic.

So there you have it! Our picks for some of the most wonderful places to visit around the world this holiday season. Are there more? Oh yeah. Will I highlight 1o more next year? Stay tuned.