While many holidays are connected to certain regions or religions, Christmas is truly a world wide event. They may not celebrate it like North Americans do—in Finland they spend Christmas Eve at the cemetery, and in Belgium St. Nick has a partner known as Pere Noel—but they do welcome all to join in the merriment.
Make this Christmas to remember for your family by taking a break from your traditional festivities to experience how another country jingles their bells. Here are several cities truly get into Christmas spirit, a joy to visit for Christians & non-Christians alike.
Munich, Germany
Germany becomes transformed during December, as Christmas Markets spring up across the country. At Munich's celebrated Christmas market, held in Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) since the 14th century, you'll find all manner of crafts, sweets, cakes and other delights. Christmas in Munich is also a time for music, when churches echo with carols and Bach’s ''Christmas Oratorio'' can be heard throughout town.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Beautiful throughout the year, Scotland’s capital becomes magical around Christmastime when winter festivals celebrate with fairground rides, Ferris wheels, outdoor ice rinks, hot food stands and traditional German Christmas markets. Other Christmas events include the Santa Run, Edinburgh's record-breaking attempt for the largest gathering of Santas, the Reindeer Gardens and carol concerts.
Prague, Czech Republic
In Prague, four separate Christmas markets converge in the city center—at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky—filling the air with the sound of Czech carols and the scent of mulled wine. Each market features brightly-colored wooden huts selling local handicrafts, Czech glass, hand-made jewelry, hot food and warm drinks, which you can often enjoy while listening to school children dressed in traditional costume dance and sing for the crowd.
London, England
London hosts many Christmas activities to appeal to millions of revelers. The West End lights up to illuminate shoppers on Oxford and Regent streets; ice-skating rinks appear across town; a massive Norwegian pine is erected in Trafalgar Square; the English National Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” and other favorites at London Coliseum; there’s even an obstacle race around Covent Garden that contestants run while carrying Christmas pudding on a tray!
Sydney, Australia
Christmas on the beach? Why not in Sydney, where the warm summer season makes such beaches as Bondi and Manly prime destinations for a Christmas day family barbeque. Christmastime is also celebrated with a light show projected nightly onto the Town Hall and the annual Carols by Candlelight at the Domain, which concludes with a stirring, hand-holding, candle-raising rendition of “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”
