The Most Beautiful Places In The World To Spend Christmas

The crunch of crisp new snow, the flavor of hot mulled wine, the twinkle of Christmas lights haloed behind drifting flakes of white, the aroma of roasting almonds, all whisper the magic of Christmas in the city. For a fabulous getaway, make sure you’ve purchased your travel insurance Australia and leave your worries behind. Witness the glowing Christmas Eve torchlight parade in Telluride, Colorado. Browse the famous Christmas markets in Berlin, Strasbourg or Prague, munching on roasted almonds and sipping hot mulled wine. Roam historic Quebec City decked out in holiday lights. Ice skate in New York City’s Rockefeller Square. Marvel at the lights in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen. Wherever you go, Christmas is in the air.

Quebec City

The turrets and roofs of Quebec City sport a mantle of snow. Christmas season begins here in early December and extends to the middle of January. Music fills the air with concerts from classical to jazz to gospel. Children and the grown-ups delight in Vallée Secretè with its treasure hunts, gnomes and new Christmas show. Take a guided tour on a tramway through the historic city. Quebec welcomes you with holiday warmth spiced with the tingle of winter’s breath.

New York City

New York City dazzles at holiday time. Visit Rockefeller Center after dark to see the iconic Christmas tree ablaze with 30,000 lights. Window shop all the store displays. Drop by FAO Schwartz at opening time and dance out a tune on the floor piano. Be a kid again at Macy’s Santaland. Take in a holiday Winter Solstice concert at St John the Divine. Nobody says holiday quite like New York.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg’s Christmas Market at the cathedral has been a tradition since 1570. Special guest in 2011 is Switzerland, celebrating a friendship with the city of Zurich that spans 555 years. The Swiss Village in Place Gutenberg features a chalet restaurant serving Swiss specialties, plus an astounding variety of special gifts and cultural displays. Visit Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas for an unforgettable holiday.

Copenhagen

Christmas comes to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen on November 11 and remains until December 30. The theme for 2011 is Russian and features a replica of the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral from the Kremlin, complete with a 21 m tower and onion domes. Enjoy the rides, hear the Pixie Band, meet Father Frost, and browse through the Christmas stalls. While in Copenhagen, shop at some of the stores that line Strǿget or ice skate at Kongens Nytorv. Or visit the old hippie commune in Christiana for a wonderfully different Christmas market. Danes love Christmas, and Copenhagen is a holiday paradise.

Prague

Prague’s city centre is alive with holiday spirit, Christmas music and tradition. With four Christmas markets to choose from, filling those stockings hung on the mantle will be no problem. Festive wooden huts sell traditional crafts and Czech foods. The stable in Old Town Square offers a petting zoo and a large nativity scene. Also in the square you will find the spectacular Christmas tree brought in from the Krkonose Mountains. Christmas carols and traditional dance groups perform on the stage. Christmas is all about children, and their indoor workshop located in the Square offers daily activities. Prague offers wonders the whole family will savor.

Telluride

Snow-covered mountains and crisp winter air greet the visitor to Telluride, Colorado. Skiing doesn’t get better than this. Then there’s the “Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration” at the Schmid farm, complete with carriage rides, a bonfire, and the opportunity to cut your own Blue Spruce Christmas tree. Make a wreath, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and greet Santa Claus. There are even gifts for the kids. This annual free event takes place on December 10. On Christmas Eve, watch the magical torchlight parade create a stream of glowing light as the 60-100 employees of Telluride Ski Area ski down Coonskin and into town. For a holiday with plenty of outdoor fun, this is the place.

Berlin

Berlin does Christmas Market on grand scale, with 60 different markets to choose from. The whole city glows with lights and romance. Among the most famous is the Schloss Charlottenburg market, staged in and around the castle. Only natural materials are used to create the fabulous decorations. Music in never ending, from live brass and woodwind bands to the Berlin barrel-organ. The Children’s Christmas market boasts rides, a petting zoo and a pony ride. Whichever you choose, the Berlin Christmas markets are a shopper’s paradise.

With all they have to offer, these Christmas cities will fulfill the most fantastic holiday dreams. Each creates its own unique brand of magic and delight.