Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Best Cities in the World to Spend Christmas Holidays



The most popular celebration worldwide is probably Christmas. This event is celebrated in many ways around the world. Couples and families love to celebrate it by traveling to other places. Here are some of the most beautiful cities highly recommended for Christmas destinations. Check this out.

Barcelona, Spain


The beautiful City of Barcelona in Spain is one of the most visited cities in the world.  Because of this status, it is highly recommended as a Christmas holiday destination. One of the best site to visit in the city is  Calle Portal de l'Angel.  Christmas in Spain, which is referred to as "Navidad", lasts from Christmas Eve on the 24th of December to Epiphany on the 6th of January. Most homes and churches display a Nativity scene. On the 26th ,Saint Stephen is celebrated with a family gathering.

Ottawa, Canada


The City of Ottawa is the capital of Canada, one f the richest and most beautiful countries in the world. Visiting the city during Christmas holidays will surely be a memorable experience. They celebrate Father Christmas, Yule Log, Christmas Crackers and many others.

Melbourne, Australia


One of the best reasons for you to visit Melbourne, Canada this Christmas is to witness the Carols by Candlelight, an Australian Christmas tradition. This event originated in southeastern Australia in the 19th century and was popularized in Melbourne in the 1930s. People gather outdoors/park to sing carols by candlelight which is accompanied by a band. The largest such event is held annually at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne's King's Domain Gardens on Christmas Eve. It has been celebrated for 71 years now since 1938.

Adelaide, Australia


Another beautiful city of Australia worth visiting this Christmas is the City of Adelaide where the prestigious Adelaide Christmas Pageant is held annually. This parade is the largest event of its kind in the world, attracting crowds of over 400,000 and televised to millions more.  This tradition started in 1933 and usually comprises a procession of 75 sets and 1,700 volunteers, including 57 floats, 15 bands, 164 clowns, dancing groups, and walking performers, all culminating in the arrival of Father Christmas.

Beirut, Lebanon


Christmas is a national holiday in Lebanon and one of the best destinations on this city during the Yuletide season is the Charles Malek Street in Achrafiyeh, Beirut. You’ll see here bright and dazzling Christmas lights. Beirut is the capital of Lebanon. Christmas is a significant holiday in the country. Muslims and Christians alike both celebrate Christmas.

New York City, USA

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New York is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in the world. Celebrating Christmas in “The Big Apple” is surely one of the nicest experiences you’ll ever had. Don’t forget to visit the Rockefeller Center when you go to New York City where you’ll find a beautiful and gigantic Christmas Tree.

London, UK


When you visit London this Christmas, one of the best recommended sites to hang around is at the Trafalgar Square, one of the most popular squares in the world. In the UK, Christmas season starts at Advent, where holly wreaths are made with three purple, one pink and one white candle. It lasts until 6 January (Epiphany).



Another great site worth visiting in London during Christmas holiday is Regent Street where you’ll find amazing and captivating Christmas lights. The street is well known to tourists and Londoners alike.

Paris, France


The lovely City of Paris, France’s capital, is consistently number one of the most visited cities in the world. Christmas in France is celebrated mainly in a religious manner. Families also attend midnight mass and decorate their homes with Nativity Scenes depicting the birth of Jesus. Additional Santons (little saints) may be added in the nativity scenes.

Milan, Italy


Italy is the center of Catholicism and spending Christmas in the different and notable cities of Italy such as Milan, Rome and others will surely be one of the best things to experience as a Christian. Like all other Catholic countries, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, Christmas lights are common scenarios all throughout the archipelago.

Tokyo, Japan


One of the largest and most famous cities in the world is Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Christmas celebration is widely celebrated in Tokyo and other parts of the country although it is not a national holiday. Gifts are sometimes exchanged. Christmas parties are held around Christmas Day; Japanese Christmas cake is often a white cream cake with strawberries. Christmas lights decorate cities, and Christmas trees adorn living areas and malls.

San Fernando City, Philippines


San Fernando City in Pampanga, Philippines is the regarded as the “Lantern Capital of the World”. It is where you’ll find the largest, the most decorative, the most colorful and intricate designs of lanterns. Christmas in the Philippines is one of the biggest holidays on the calendar and is widely celebrated. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as September 1.Another place of interest in this Philippine city id the famous "Christmas Village".

Seoul, South Korea


One of the best sites worth visiting in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is Cheonggyecheon River. The river is beautifully adorned with different Christmas decors. Christmas is a national holiday in South Korea and both Christians and non-Christian Koreans engage in some holiday customs such as gift-giving, sending Christmas cards, and setting up decorated trees in their homes.

Vienna, Austria


One of the most beautiful and popular cities in Europe and in the world is Vienna, the capital of Austria. One distinctive place in this city especially designed for the Holiday season is the Christmas market which is located in front of the town hall in Vienna.

Kiev, Ukraine


Kiev is the capital of Ukraine, a former part of the USSR. One of the major traditions of celebrating Christmas Eve in the country is the Sviata Vecheria or "Holy Supper". Homes, parks, government buildings and others are beautifully and colorfully decorated with Christmas decors during the Yuletide season.

Stockholm, Sweden

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Stockholm is a beautiful city in the Scandinavian. It is the capital of Sweden. One of the best cities worth spending your Christmas this year is the City of Stockholm. The city is shown on the above photo where you’ll see a gigantic Christmas tree.

Athens, Greece


Another beautiful and historic city worth spending your holiday season is the City of Athens – the capital of Greece. Syntagna Square in Athens is a cool place to hang around during Christmas. The Christmas period in the country lasts from November 30 to January 6. Carol singing is a tradition on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The Christmas meal usually includes lamb or pork and desserts.

Sofia, Bulgaria


If you decide to spend Christmas season in Sofia, Bulgaria – it will surely be a unique experience. Christmas is celebrated on December 25. Traditionally, Christmas Eve would be the climax of the Nativity Fast, and thus only an odd number of lenten dishes are presented on that evening. On that day, a Bulgarian budnik is set alight. On Christmas, however, meat dishes are already allowed and are typically served.

Tbilisi, Georgia


Christmas in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is celebrated by a mass walk in the streets, dressed in special clothing called Alilo march. Most members of the Alilo march are children and they are given sweets by the adults.

Novgorod, Russia


Christmas is mainly a religious event in Russia. Christmas Eve “Holy Supper” is celebrated with 12 different dishes. Each dish represents one of the Twelve Apostles. At midnight, most families go to attend the midnight mass.

Budapest, Hungary


Budapest is a historic and beautiful city in Europe. It is the capital of Hungary. Celebration of Christmas starts with Christmas tree decoration and gift packaging during daytime on December 24. The traditional Christmas meal served at the Christmas Eve is the fish soup called halazle.

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