While the idea of the Christmas season sparks excitement for many, there are others who simply dream of something a bit more low-key.
So, whether you’re looking to get away from it all this festive season and escape to a beach where snow seems like a distant memory, or you’d like to still enjoy a white Christmas without all the fuss, then we’ve chosen some of the top destinations to celebrate Christmas & New Year.
When you’re ready to book, there are many great companies online such as Wheel & Anchor who can help you plan your dream trip.
Australia
If you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, then Australia is the perfect choice. Although they celebrate Christmas on the same day, and with much of the same traditions, the one big plus of December in the Southern Hemisphere is that it’s actually in the middle of Summer, so while everyone back home is battling snow, you’ll be basking in sunshine and having a Christmas dinner on the beach.
Of course, for New Year, there’s the famous Sydney firework display and street party that attracts visitors from around the world each year – not to mention, it’s always the first major NYE event to be held and broadcast live.
Germany
A slightly colder experience than the previous choice, but nonetheless a different one than what you may be used to or seeking.
For one thing, Christmas Day in Germany is celebrated on December 24th, and traditions, such as an evening meal of Goose or Fish being eaten whilst the Christkind (a female angel figure) delivers presents for the children and then rings a bell to let the children know they can come to the tree.
Christmas in Germany is more low-key, and is generally a quieter time of the year for many – although the Christmas markets are definitely popular and one of the best things about this time of year, they are, for the most part, very authentic and heavily focused on tradition.
New Year’s Eve in Germany is a big occasion, and is the time when people start to gear up for parties after a peaceful Christmas. If planning to spend NYE in Germany, then expect to see more fireworks all over towns and cities than you’ve ever seen.
Berlin holds a huge street party each year, which is the biggest one held in Germany and attracts huge crowds from all over the world.
The street party which runs from the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column is broadcast live on TV and accompanied by a huge firework display and a variety of live music performances from German and international musicians, and is something that children can enjoy just as much as adults – just make sure to wrap up warm as the German winters often see very low temperatures below zero.
Walt Disney World, Orlando
For a truly magical Christmas that the whole family will never forget, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the place to be.
From in-room Disney celebrations, such as seasonal food and even gifts from Mickey and Minnie themselves, to the Christmas Day Parade and Christmas celebrations, this will make for some extra special memories.
When it comes to New Year’s Eve, Disney continues to pull out all the stops with their magical fireworks display and range of parties and events to attend for the whole family.
