10 of the Top Places To Spend Christmas Around the World

Just outside of Fairbanks and close to the Arctic Circle, this small Alaskan town has become a year-round Christmas treat, thanks to its themed streets, resident reindeer, and Santa Claus House. When the winter brings its seasonal snow, the Chena Lake Recreation Area becomes a festive playground with Christmas trees, dog sledding and snowmobile tours. And if you’re lucky, you might even see the northern lights.

Capital of Lapland and official home of one Mr. Claus, Rovaniemi is a place of pilgrimage for Christmas enthusiasts of all ages. Meet the man himself at the SantaPark Arctic World or Santa Claus Village or just borrow his reindeer for sleigh rides around snowy Lapland.

Once you've finished exploring the area, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a northern lights sighting or immerse yourself in Finnish culture, by learning all about the native Sami people.

Basel’s award-winning Christmas markets take place every year between late November and December over two town squares. Highlights include the Christmas Tram, Christmas Ferry, and traditional 42-foot (13-meter) mulled wine pyramid.

As an additional bonus, Basel’s location close to two international borders—France and Germany, respectively—also makes it easy to tick off several European markets in just a few days on just a day trip. Consider heading to Colmar or Stuttgart, both exemplary Christmas destinations in their own right.

Related: Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Atlixco, Puebla celebrates not one but two winter festivals in close succession. From November, the city is illuminated by larger-than-life light features, sky lanterns, and funfairs as part of the Festival de la Iluminación. Then, in early January, the Festival de la Ilusión rings in the Epiphany with a float parade and balloon launch. Day trips from Puebla are a convenient way to immerse yourself in the city’s festive spirit.

From the first Saturday of Advent, Prague transforms into an enchanting Christmas enclave with multiple holiday markets springing up around the city’s squares and castle complex. Learn about Czech traditions including the Golden Pig, savor trdelník pastries, and admire the vibrant Vánoce decorations on a walking tour of the city’s markets.

After finishing up your quintessential Christmas activities in Prague, you can also explore the city itself on a guided tour before visiting nearby towns such as Cesky Krumlov, to really enhance your European Christmas vacation.

Often overlooked in favor of the UK capital, Birmingham boasts seasonal charm of its very own. The Frankfurt Christmas Market—the largest such market outside the German-speaking world—takes place every year from early November to December 23. Sample glühwein, bratwurst, and schnitzel or ride the Big Wheel for Christmassy views of the Midland metropolis.

And the Christmas market isn't the only draw in this English city—you can also take a cruise along the canals, or just learn about them on a walking tour, before hearing more about the gangs that inspired the stories depicted in Peaky Blinders.

Though Christmas markets have been taking place for centuries, it’s thought that Dresden’s 1434 Streizelmarkt was among the first proper Christmas markets in the world. Today, the traditional market can still be visited all through Advent, along with several others around Prager Strasse, Dresden Castle, and Frauenkirche. After soaking up the Christmas vibes, consider a wintery day trip to a Swiss national park to make the most of your stay in Europe.

Singapore’s Christmas lights are a spectacle not to be missed. The Gardens by The Bay hosts a Christmas Wonderland every year, which features incredible illuminations, plus a market, funfair, and Santa’s Grotto. Other Singapore Christmas crackers include the Orchard Road and Chinatown window displays, although you don't have to keep your trip strictly festive. You can also dive into the city's street food scene, hawker centres and all, as well as learn more about the region's rich and complex history.

Related: 7 of the Top Hawker Centers in Singapore

Medellín’s famous El Alumbrado festival sees millions of colorful Christmas lights and enormous glowing figures illuminate the city’s streets, parks, and river. The festival traditionally begins on December 7, Colombia’s Día de las Velitas (Little Candle Day), and is best viewed on an after dark tour of the city. But Medellín is much more than illuminations, even during winter, so don't skip the city's food tour offerings or cultural excursions to top attractions such as Comuna 13, either.

Experience a quintessential Christmas down under in sunny Sydney. Don’t miss the city’s annual light display, now at the Royal Botanic Gardens, which includes choir performances, festive projections, and artisanal markets. Other festive highlights include Darling Harbour’s Christmas weekenders and Christmas Day cruise tours.

And, of course, you can still indulge in classic Sydney experiences such as taking a jaunt into the nearby Blue Mountains, or scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Related: Holiday Lights Tours Around the World