Snow covered trees, warm roasted chestnuts, fragrant mulled wines—nothing beats the experience of celebrating Christmas in places that just ooze the festive vibes naturally. Get your comfiest sweaters and boots out for your next winter holiday! It’s going to get cold at these destinations:
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland
When: Now – 6 January 2020
Ever dreamed of living in Santa’s neighbourhood, or in the North Pole? You can finally realise your childhood dream here! You get to meet Santa and cross the magical Arctic Circle. Hiking this trail is an experience! It marks the southernmost latitude where the sun can stay continuously below or above the horizon for 24 hours—a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun in the summer and the Polar Night (‘Kaamos’) in the winter. Visitors can also get a certificate confirming the feat, if they’re able to trek through 8km and find the marked Arctic Circle spot. There are many more fun indoor and outdoor activities you can try out here and feel like a kid again.
For more information, visit here.
Hallstatt Christmas Market in Hallstatt, Austria
When: 7 – 8 December 2019
For a memorable Christmas, you can visit one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites—Hallstatt, Austria. Surrounded by a lake and mountain, this village is adored by many for its unbelievably dreamy, picturesque view (read: Instagram-worthy!). What’s more, the Christmas market will open in this very town; guaranteed to be a trip to remember! There will also be handcrafted Christmas goods, deliciously warm food and drinks, and more fun activities. While fresh, white snow grace Hallstatt in December, it’s safe to say that this town does not need much decoration to create a Christmas look; it’s perfect on its own. Don’t miss this place out for a surreal and pinch-me-I’m-dreaming moments.
Entrance is free. For more information, visit here.
Hafnarfjörður Christmas Village, Iceland
When: 30 November – Every weekend in December until Christmas
Iceland is known as one of the most beautiful spots to see the Northern Lights. Aside from that, Iceland’s small town, Hafnarfjörður will be hosting a Christmas village this year. Head downtown to enjoy live performances and other fun activities including visits from the Icelandic Yule Lads, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Take the opportunity to shop as the locals will be selling handcrafted items in a quaint village of Christmas houses. Not to miss are also the locals’ homemade Icelandic delicacies, snacks, and hot drinks for warmth.
For more information, visit here.
Rauthausplatz Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria
When: 15 November – 26 December 2019
Visit the busiest, liveliest, and most fun Christmas event in Vienna this festive season. Vienna’s largest Christmas market, Rauthausplatz have more than 150 vendor stalls, offering a wide selection of festive foods such as traditional roasted chestnuts, cream-filled pastries, different flavoured pretzels, Victorian-style lollipops, and other savoury food as well. Their fragrant mulled wine in beautiful mugs are a must-have too. If you’re looking for quality Christmas goods to gift, or for yourself, check out the stalls selling decor items and arts and crafts made by artisans from Austria and surrounding countries. After a wholesome meal (and shopping), you can take part in games and activities such as ice-skating, cookie-decorating, candle-making and more. Be prepared to brace the large crowd when you visit in the evening, otherwise drop by during off-peak hours such as weekday mornings for a more peaceful stroll. However, it’s best not to miss the Christmas market’s beautiful scenery at night when all the fairy lights are switched on.
Entrance is free. For more information, visit here.
Southbank Centre’s Winter Market in London, UK
When: 8 November 2019 – 5 January 2020
Celebrate a Nordic-inspired festive wonderland at South Bank’s riverside, overlooking the spectacular views of London Eye and River Thames. Traders from around the world come to set up stalls here, offering a variety of international cuisines such as Indian, Greek, and Asian. There are also traditional festive food like raclette, bratwurst, and sweet treats. If you’re opting for a sit-down and chill kind of vibe with friends and families, a few of these pop-up restaurants—Jimmy’s Lodge, Mac & Cheese Truck, and an alpine-style Bar Under the Bridge, will be available too. Visitors can join festive activities such as Black Beauty, The Legends and Legacies Yuletide Special, and more. Families with kids can spend time visiting art exhibitions—Squidsoup and London is Love at Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall; or enjoy a movie night with Disney’s classics—The Lion King, Toy Story, Beauty and The Beast, and Frozen.
The entrance to the Winter Market is free. For more information, visit here.
For more holiday content, visit our Buro Christmas Village.
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