Christmas is one of the most anticipated festive moments of the year. For a couple of weeks every year we’re swept off our feet by the magical experiences that come with Christmas.
The Yuletide holiday is a time for you to stay back from the stress of daily routine and enjoy the best life has to offer. Embarking on an adventure with the family is one of the best ways to enjoy this season. Visiting and touring exciting new places as part of the Christmas festival has been a family tradition for many around the world.
We’re already gushing over the lush vibe of the exotic locations we’ve picked for you this season. From Rome – – host to the Colosseum the iconic Roman gladiatorial arena, to the Louvre Museum, known to be the world’s largest museum – – these hand-picked locations are sure to take your breath away at every turn.
To ensure we’re speaking from experience, we’ve enlisted the help of a famous international tour expert and the co-founder of The Tour Guy, Sean P. Finelli, to give us his take on these landmark travel destinations.
Sit back, relax, while we take you through some of the most exotic locations to visit this season.
1. Tour the City of Rome, Italy
Rome will bring out the surprise in you. Around the streets, you will be treated to a city lit in the festivity. While the city boasts to have given us the early catholic church, the fun of Christmas is not lost on it.
The presence of the many churches in Rome already livens your Christmas holiday. Sean shares that “during Christmas in Rome, there are many churches that conduct classical music concerts by local musicians. Each year, Chiesa di Sant’Antonio dei Portoghesi, Santa Maria ai Monti, and Sant’Ignazio all participate in this exciting and poignant tradition. You may even catch school groups or adult choirs gathering in Piazza Navona for an impromptu performance.”
As you explore 1,900 years-old architectural marvels, the marvelous cathedrals that adorn the city will greet you to an unforgettable Christmas holiday experience.
2. Travel to Cologne, Germany
Home to several tourist attractions, both ancient and new, Cologne is a relatively modern city that still holds on to fragments of its past. Famed for being German’s fourth-largest resident city, and the home of the fragrance that was named after it – the Cologne — this city is a must-see for every Christmas traveler looking for where to visit during this holiday.
The city survived serious bombing during World War II, making the tourist destinations it holds even more enthralling to visitors who have learned about its past.
When you travel to Cologne, you’d be spoilt for choices on what historical places to visit and which architecture wonder to soak in. But every minute spent in this modern global city will make your Christmas holiday a well-spent one.
3. Take a Trip to Rovaniemi, Finland
Christmas, of course, comes with its funfair, traditions, and merriment across climes, but one thing you cannot take away from Christmas is Santa Claus. So, welcome to the home of Santa Claus.
Rovaniemi in Finland’s Lapland region is the home of Santa Claus. In the city of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village amusement park and resort will give you an unforgettable Christmas experience.
Do you adore snow-covered cottages, reindeer rides, or the friendly staff dressed as elves? Rovaniemi will bring your childhood Christmas dream to reality.
4. A vacation to Paris, France
Paris has always been the tourist favorite destination for every season, especially during the Christmas season. If you’ve not experienced the thrill of seeing this romantic city from the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower before, now should be the time you experience it.
Most tourists describe visiting Paris for Christmas vacation as an instant pleasure from the moment you hit the streets. According to Finelli, “taking in the holiday cheer during Christmas in Paris can be as simple as walking the streets. The famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne and Bercy Village design beautiful holiday displays with thousands of Christmas lights.”
Sean added, “One of the best spots for lights is Place Vendôme, home to the Hôtel Ritz and high-end shopping”.
And if you’re done seeing some of the recommendations, you can take a look at some other popular attractions in Paris such as the world’s biggest museum, the Louvre Museum and ancient monument Arc de Triomphe.
Put these destinations on your Christmas holiday tour this year, and you’ll continue to look back fondly on how you spent your 2019 Christmas in the future.
