5. Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA
Why? Because Tahoe is your home-away-fro-home; so picturesque and accommodating. Snowy slopes, fire pits, houses and hotels full of lights, sleigh rides, ice scating, good food and good cheer.
Don’t miss: here’s a two-week long festival that takes place in the Heavenly Village. Professional ice skating shows, arolers, artists and ice sculptors. Kids and adults can make photos with Santa at a 16-foot interactive snow globe.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Why? Czech people call baby Jesus very gently – Ezhishek, Christmas trees are not cut down but sold in pots and tubs, and even the main dish of the holiday table – pot-bellied carp – people buy floating in large vats so that the lucky survivors can be released back after the holidays.
Don’t miss: the complimentary punch and gingerbreads on Wenceslas Square – the whole December from 9 am to 7 pm; the Bear Christmas on the 24th of December (you can visit the Prague Zoo, one of the best in the world, and secretly feed bears with sweets – for good luck).
12. Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Why? Nashville is known as Music City, so during holiday time the city is full of magical sounds of Christmas carols and festive songs. The lack of snow won’t lessen the Christmas spirit because every holiday season the city turns into the fairy tale with twinking lights and non-stop shows.
Don’t miss: The annual Dancing Lights of Christmas At Jellystone Park – breathtaking vision where hundreds of thousands of LED lights are “dancing” to some wonderful tunes. Also hop on the bus tour to visit the top 4 Breweries.
If you are looking for activity for the whole family the Adventure Science Center is your best bet. They offer 12 days of seasonal program where you and your children will be able to control the charming miniature railroads.
13. London, England
Why? On December The Hyde Park usually turns into a winter analog of the “Disneyland” – Roller coasters, a giant ice rink, Ferris wheel,”Santa Express” and other attractions . Whenever you want a snack, you can go to an English tavern, saloon or a real Bavarian village: in each pavilion there will be hot drinks and delicious food. The Entrance to the town of entertainment is free, you buy tickets only to access the rides and the circus.
Don’t miss: A stop at Trafalgar Square where every day after 5 p.m. local musicians and other bands from the neighboring counties perform. You won’t be disappointed.
14. Laoag, Philippines
Why? Exotic islands, where 85 percent of the population are Roman Catholic, – The Philippines is one of the “hottest” Christmas places on the planet. Not only because of athe temperature which at this time of the year is about 30 degrees. Filipinos love Christmas and prepare for it carefully. Entire streets with houses and trees are decorated with ornaments, dark-skinned Santas amuse tourists and hordes of kids, strumming tambourines, beg for candies and coins.
Don’t miss: The short trip from Laoag to the Cordillera and you will find “the eighth wonder of the world” – rice terraces, a chance to visit the wild tribes and the eerie cemetery – the famous hanging coffins of Sagada in the Valley of Echoes.
15. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Why? Because Las Vegas makes every holiday big and chic. If you ever been to Vegas you know that it’s always full of lights and festive spirit, can you imagine what is waiting for you at Christmas?
Don’t miss: Admire the Bellagio Fountains, visit Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, celebrate the 20th Aniversary of Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden. Feast your eyes on the world’s largest Ferris wheel, take a ride on the high roller, slide down the 30-foot hill made of snow at the LINQ Promenade and shop at the world’s best malls. Viva Las Vegas!
Well, those are our top 15 place to visit over Christmas. Give one or more a try. I know you won’t be disappointed and will come away with a new sense of what the Christmas Holiday is all about.
