It is at Christmas that light illuminations, the aroma of mulled wine and warm family gatherings are intertwined into an amazing cocktail of festive atmosphere. If you are tired of standard holidays at home, in this article you can find unique destinations for winter travel. Find out more about the best resorts to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas holidays are a period of miracles, 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, check out our ranking of the best winter destinations for a perfect Christmas vacation.
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane is a Polish winter wonderland, a ski resort two hours south of Krakow. This beautiful mountain town is filled with taverns and family-run hotels.
Being here, you will be able to celebrate Christmas according to traditions, in particular, the Christmas meal in Zakopane consists of 12 dishes – from beetroot soup and dumplings to honey gingerbread.
The key advantage of Zakopane is quite low 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 suggest that Zakopane will be able to give you the perfect winter vacation.
What should I do?
– Go skiing.
– Visit the snow maze.
– Take a walk through the Valleys.
– Relax in the mountain thermal resorts.
– Go sledding, snowmobiling or dog sledding.
Switzerland
The 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 trails designed for skiers with any experience – from beginners who are just discovering the trails to experienced skiers who are ready to overcome the highest stations at an amazing height of 3,883 meters. The fabulous Swiss Christmas markets also deserve the attention of tourists.
What should I do?
– Skiing or snowboarding – Zermatt, St. Moritz, Davos.
– Visit the Christmas markets – Basel, Bern, Zurich.
– Take a ride through the Swiss Alps.
– Take a dip in the thermal baths.
– Do 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 miracle during the Christmas period. Street fairs, where the products of local craftsmen are presented, create an atmosphere of celebrations in the medieval style.
The Christmas market on Raekoyaplatsy Square is an ideal place for fun and shopping. Here you will find Christmas gifts, sweets, hot drinks and traditional dishes. Festive illumination in the Old Town: street lights, decorated storefronts and Christmas lamps create a fairy tale atmosphere in this medieval city.
What should I do?
– Join the traditional festive events at the Estonian Museum, where artifacts of Estonian history and culture are displayed.
– Visit the ice rink at the Vabaduz Square ice arena.
– Try traditional dishes: herring, sausages and fried cabbage, often served during celebrations in local restaurants.
– Attend Christmas performances and concerts at one of the local theaters.
Japan
Winter in Japan is breathtaking, especially because there are much fewer tourists here during this cold season. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit onsen towns to relax in hot springs or participate in magical snow festivals where you can see majestic ice sculptures. Tourists can also practice winter sports in the country. Local cuisine will provide a special flavor to the holiday.
The main Japanese city for winter holidays is Nagano, which hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1998. The attraction of Nagano is the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where travelers can see Japanese macaques leisurely relaxing among the snow in the warm water of artificial pools.
What should I do?
– Visit the Snow Festival – Snow Festival in Sapporo, winter Asahikawa Festival, Lake Shikotsu lce Festival.
– Go skiing or snowboarding.
– An open-minded onsen.
– Visit the village of Shirakavago.
– Enjoy the views of snow-capped Mount Fuji.
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