10 places to experience Christmas around the world

Finland, France, USA, Philippines not only have vibrant festivals but also many interesting experiences for Christmas holiday 2024.

The destinations below are places with great festive atmosphere and many experiences during the Christmas season, suggested by CNN Travel .

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

For Finns, Rovaniemi - the hometown of Santa Claus, is a Christmas village and also the headquarters of the office. According to legend, anyone can meet Santa Claus when coming here. Rovaniemi is located near the Arctic Circle.

Children in the village make gingerbread cookies with Santa Claus, enroll in Elf School or take a calligraphy class and write their wishes with traditional quill pens. The local Ranua Wildlife Park, home to polar bears, wolves and moose, is also worth a visit. Photo: Visit Rovaniemi

New York, USA

The Rockefeller Center is the center of New York's Christmas season. Its famous ice skating rink was built in 1936 and the giant Christmas tree has been erected every year since 1931. Nearby Radio City hosts the annual Christmas Spectacular.

On the southwest corner of Central Park, Columbus Circle is home to more than 100 stalls selling clothes, gifts, snacks and drinks at the Christmas Market. Fashion brands also appear and display authentic, attractive products. Photo: Rockefeller Center

Strasbourg, France

In the border city of Strasbourg, visitors can enjoy a taste of both French and German Christmas. It is also influenced by both cultures.

Strasbourg is the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570, and one of the oldest in Europe. In addition to the traditional market, the city also has an OFF alternative Christmas market, live music and an art street.

Strasbourg's series of themed Christmas villages transform the city into a wonderland. Hundreds of stalls are set up everywhere. Visitors certainly don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with the 30-meter-tall, sparklingly decorated Christmas tree. Photo: Travel+Leisure

Quebec, Canada

A haven for eco-friendly outdoor enthusiasts, Quebec is bustling with winter activities, with programs catering to visitors of all ages.

At the Quebec Christmas Village, visitors can enjoy hiking and skiing. If you can't come during Christmas, you can still visit Quebec from February 7 to 16, 2025 for winter festival activities. Photo: Quebeccite

San Fernando, Philippines

If we were to choose the Christmas capital of Asia, it would be San Fernando in the Philippines, which has a large Christian population.

The city, northwest of Manila, is famous for its Giant Lantern Festival, which begins on December 14 and ends on January 1 every year. San Fernando's lantern-making tradition dates back to the late 18th century.

The highlight here is the parol, a colorful Christmas lantern. The parols are reminiscent of kaleidoscopes, stained glass windows, pinwheels or giant snowflakes. Photo: Festivalofflight

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Located near big cities like Philadelphia and New York, Bethlehem offers a more peaceful Christmas atmosphere.

Since the 1700s, Bethlehem has been home to Moravian colonists. They have brought with them many traditional rituals, including the Live Advent Calendar, which takes place from 5:30 p.m. from December 1 to 23 every year.

This is a family-friendly event where a crier rings a bell up and down the main street to call people to the oldest house on the main street - Goundie. A child in the crowd is invited to knock three times, after which a local business will surprise everyone.

"Christmas City" also features horse-drawn carriage rides, drinks, a tree display with decorations and screenings of classic Christmas movies. Photo: Alleventsinbethlehem

Bath, England

The historic city in southwest England celebrates Christmas and Jane Austen's birthday with a host of activities.

The Jane Austen Centre and Regency Tea Rooms are the places to learn about the city's most famous resident. The Theatre Royal, which Austen mentions in her works Northanger Abbey and Persuasion There is a program of holiday plays, musicals, operas and concerts.

Bath Christmas Market sells quintessentially British crafts. Located between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, it offers a unique way to explore the city’s identity. Bath on Ice is home to fun ice skating activities. Photo: VisitBath

Malta

Although December is the low tourist season, Malta - the Roman Catholic island in the Mediterranean - still has a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Visiting the Presepju, or nativity scene, is an essential part of the holiday, with locals proudly displaying their distinctive nativity scene decorations.

Valletta’s city centre is a festive place with carolers singing outside the Baroque St. John’s Church. Light shows are held on Republic Street, and the Malta Toy Museum, with its display of dolls, soldiers, train sets and tin ornaments dating back to the 1790s, is a must-see for kids. Photo: GrandsSuitesMalta

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Christmas in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is both a solemn event and a celebration.

Before December 24, visitors can see locals moving from house to house, singing to beg for "posada" (shelter) as they reenact their journey to Bethlehem.

Piñatas and ponche (fruit drinks) are served at the end of a long evening of pilgrimage around this cobblestoned city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its many large churches and well-preserved architecture. Photo: Epicureanexpats

Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

The traditional Christmas colours of red, green and white have different meanings in New Zealand. Here, red represents the pōhutukawa (a Christmas tree with ruby flowers), while white represents beaches. And green? Kiwi, of course.

Sun lovers looking to join Santa in surf shorts should head to Queenstown, where summer temperatures are warm. You can go boating, river surfing or paragliding over Lake Wakatipu. You can also set up camp along the lake’s shores and enjoy a Christmas feast of lamb, seafood and chicken on the barbecue.

In addition to the above locations, CNN Also choose Bogotá (Colombia), Barcelona (Spain), Nairobi (Kenya), Nuremberg (Germany), Salzburg and Oberndorf (Austria) for an experiential Christmas holiday. Photo: RVHoliday

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