It is at Christmas that light illuminations, the aroma of mulled wine and warm family gatherings are intertwined in an amazing cocktail of festive atmosphere. If you are tired of the usual celebrations at home, in this article you will be able to find unique destinations for winter travel. Find out more about the best resorts to celebrate Christmas

The Christmas holidays are a period of miracles, a festive atmosphere and an ideal time for a family trip. Winter sports, fairs, warm drinks and fabulous snowdrifts are the main components of a good trip. And if you haven't decided where to go this year, then check out our ranking of the best winter destinations for the perfect Christmas break.

Zakopane, Poland

Zakopane is a Polish winter wonderland, a ski resort two hours south of Krakow. This pretty mountain town is full of tavernas and family-run hotels.

While staying here, you can celebrate Christmas according to traditions, in particular, the Christmas meal in Zakopane consists of 12 dishes - from beetroot soup and dumplings to honey gingerbread - pirnik.

The key advantage of Zakopane is fairly budget prices for accommodation and meals in establishments, as well as low prices for ski passes and equipment rental, especially compared to the Alps. All these factors indicate that Zakopane will be able to present you with an ideal winter vacation.

What to do?

- Go skiing.

- Visit the snow maze.

- Take a walk in the Zakopane valleys.

- Relax in mountain thermal resorts.

- Go sledding, snowmobiling or dog sledding.

Switzerland

Mysterious natural landscapes, picturesque villages and majestic snow-capped mountains of Switzerland create ideal conditions for a fabulous winter trip. Most tourists go to Zermatt, a small town located right on the border with Italy, surrounded by high mountains. There are more than 200 kilometers of ski slopes, which are designed for skiers of any experience - from beginners who are just discovering the slopes for themselves, to experienced skiers who are ready to overcome the highest stations at an amazing height of 3883 meters. The fabulous Christmas markets of Switzerland also deserve the attention of tourists.

What to do?

- Go skiing or snowboarding - Zermatt, St. Moritz, Davos.

- Visit Christmas markets - Basel, Bern, Zurich.

- Drive through the Swiss Alps.

- Bathe in thermal baths.

- Go winter paragliding in Interlaken.

Tallinn, Estonia

The Old Town of Tallinn, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, turns into a real fairy-tale wonder during Christmas. Street fairs, where the products of local craftsmen are presented, create an atmosphere of celebrations in a medieval style.

The Christmas market at Räkojaplaza is the perfect place for fun and shopping. Here you will find Christmas gifts, sweets, hot drinks and traditional dishes. Festive illuminations in the Old Town: street lights, decorated shop windows and Christmas lights create a fairy tale atmosphere in this medieval town.

What to do?

- Join the traditional festive events at the Estonian Museum, which displays artifacts of Estonian history and culture.

- Visit the ice rink at the ice arena on Vabaduz Square.

- Try traditional dishes: herring, sausages and fried cabbage, which are often served during celebrations in local restaurants.

- Attend Christmas plays and concerts at one of the local theaters.

Japan

Winter in Japan is breathtaking, especially because there are far fewer tourists during this cold season. Do not miss the opportunity to visit onsen towns to relax in hot springs or take part in magical snow festivals where you can see majestic ice sculptures. Tourists can also engage in winter sports in the country. Local cuisine will give a special flavor to the vacation.

The main Japanese city for winter recreation is Nagano, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. Nagano's top attraction is the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where travelers can see Japanese macaques leisurely relaxing in the snow in the warm water of man-made pools.

What to do?

- Visit a snow festival - Snow Festival in Sapporo, Asahikawa Winter Festival, Lake Shikotsu lce Festival.

- Go skiing or snowboarding.

- Private onsen.

- Visit the village of Shirakawago.

- Enjoy the views of the snow-capped Mount Fuji.

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Finland

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is known for its Christmas atmosphere. Here you can visit the land of Santa Claus, as well as a real Finnish Christmas sauna, where you can relax and rejuvenate.

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by visiting Helsinki Cathedral, where you can take part in Christmas services. Taking a boat trip to Suomenlinna Island, you can enjoy a great view of the city and the Christmas lights. For family fun, visit the Moomin Museum where children can enjoy Christmas games and activities.

For real winter fun like snowmobiling, skiing and reindeer, head north to the smaller resorts of Levi, Yllas or Saariselka. It is here that Santa's house is located, a visit to which will amaze young tourists.

But don't go too early - travel from the second or third weekend of December to guarantee a snowy landscape.

What to do?

- Visit a traditional Finnish sauna.

- Go ice skating in the Christmas Crown Ice Arena, where a wonderful winter atmosphere has been created.

- Try traditional Finnish Christmas dishes: karela with rice, salmon and herring.

Great Britain

Christmas London is literally a holiday postcard come to life. Twinkling lights, numerous fairs and cheerful carolers create a special mood. A winter festival is held annually in the center of South Bank, and the world-famous Winter Wonderland opens its doors to tourists in nearby Hyde Park.

Picturesque Christmas markets, fantastic shops and amazing lights will make you feel like you are in a holiday movie. It is also an ideal time for ice skating, because there are many open ice rinks in the capital. Do not forget to taste the local mulled wine.

A London Christmas is like no other, with many of the city's five-star hotels offering numerous Christmas-themed packages that include festive events, spa visits and more.

What to do?

- Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

- Take a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

- Take a ride on the "London Eye".

- Enjoy festive food at Borough Market.

- Do your Christmas shopping – Regent Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby.

Antwerp, Belgium

In Belgium, Christmas is celebrated with a fabulous ice festival. On which huge blocks of ice turn into fantastic sculptures, and a truly unforgettable atmosphere is created by a fire show.

Be sure to visit the Christmas markets located throughout the city during your vacation. Here you can buy Christmas gifts, souvenirs, as well as taste traditional Belgian food and drinks.

What to do?

- Go skiing or skating.

- Take a walk through the evening streets of the city and enjoy the magical holiday illuminations and Christmas decorations.

- Visit local museums and galleries that may host special Christmas exhibitions and events.

Canada

Prairie Village in Canada offers a unique winter experience. Every house in the village is transformed into a lighted lantern, and sleigh rides, dog sledding and rides make it the perfect place for a family Christmas holiday.

Cobbled streets are a good reason to book a ticket to Quebec. Also, take a stroll along the St. Lawrence River where you will find many shops decorated with holiday garlands and Christmas lights. In the heart of Quebec City is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a castle-like hotel. If you're looking for a thrill, go sledding in the Quebec forest at Chenil La Poursuite or skiing at Village Vacances Valcartier.

What to do?

- Visit the Winter Carnival in Quebec

- Go ice skating on the Rideau Canal

- Visit the frozen Niagara Falls

- Enjoy winter sports and active recreation on Grouse Mountain

- Visit or stay at the Quebec Ice Hotel

These countries and cities offer unique and unforgettable experiences, so choose a destination and go on a journey to enjoy the Christmas traditions of different cultures.

We will remind you! There is no more festive place to spend Christmas than the fairs. We have already talked about the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe that should be visited in the winter of 2024/2025.

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