Best Christmas getaways
If you are scrambling to make Christmas plans this year, we’ve got your ultimate global guide to Christmas getaways. From mulled wine to line dancing, youGo has your rundown of the best holiday destinations for every taste.
See a the First Christmas Tree in Munich, Germany
Alright, not really. But the first Christmas tree was invented in Germany, and today Munich honours that tradition with a hundred-foot-tall tree decked in lights displayed in the Marienplatz. Look out for the quirky holiday traditions in this country – from putting candy in your shoes to hiding a pickle in the tree. Come see the tree, drink Glühwein (mulled wine), and buy a cuckoo clock in the Christkindlmärkte (Christmas markets). This Christmas capital also boasts live festive holiday performances every evening at 5:30 from 25 November through Christmas Eve.
Look for Santa in Trømso, Norway
This snowy island is about as close to the North Pole as you are going to get. Look for Santa’s sleigh as you stare at the Northern Lights from a steamy rooftop hot tub. Trømso also boasts winter activities such as dogsledding and a mountaintop cable car. If you do visit Norway, though, be prepared to enjoy the evening all day long (“day” only lasts two hours in December this far north).
Enjoy a Close-to-Home Christmas in Kaikoura, New Zealand
You may not be able to dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh in Kaikoura, but you can catch killer views of whales, dolphins and seals! Spend Christmas Eve relaxing on a boat or kayaking in the ocean. Bonus: a close-to-home trip makes travelling on a budget much easier, and there are few weather delays this time of year in the Southern hemisphere.
Experience a Truly White Christmas in Aspen, Colorado, USA
Thrill-seekers can get a snowy adrenaline rush in Aspen ski resorts. If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, enjoy the consistent powder and crisp mountain air. The city also holds a variety of free Christmas events such as carolling and cookie parties.
Fiesta Christmas-Style in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Experience a slightly more religious Christmas in Mexico, where Catholic traditions still run strong. Enjoy theatrical processions, fireworks, live music and dancing in the main square, and religious re-enactments. Sip on ponche, a type of Mexican hot toddy made with fruits and brandy. In the nine nights leading up to Christmas, the Las Posadas festival takes over the town, commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
Have a Honky Tonk Holiday in Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Longing to line dance to “O Tannenbaum”? You’re in luck, because this city – popularly called Music City, USA – has plenty of places to accommodate you. Experience Christmas with a country twist at the Grand Ole Opry and keep an eye peeled for one of the many stars who call this city home. If you are in the mood to pig out, enjoy Southern holiday cuisine – think deep fried butterscotch bites (yeah, you’re buying your ticket now, aren’t you?).
Escape Christmas Altogether in Cairo, Egypt
Sick of the long lines and mandatory gift giving? Escape it all among the Pyramids. Temperatures are sublime in December (around 20 degrees Celsius) and low humidity makes walking a breeze. Visit sites such as Giza Necropolis, Dahshur and the Coptic Museum while avoiding Christmas celebrations in this primarily Muslim city.
No matter which of these Christmas getaways you choose, it’s important to be protected. Whether you have an allergic reaction to eggnog or you get your fancy presents stolen at the airport, have peace of mind with a travel insurance policy from youGo Travel Insurance. Be safe wherever Santa finds you this Christmas with youGo.