11. New York
The “city that never sleeps” is a tempting place to be when it comes to Christmas. From the Rockefeller Center’s gargantuan tree to the awe-inspiring shop displays, the Big Apple December is simply magical.
12. Washington DC
Although it can be bitterly cold during the winter months, pre-Christmas Washington DC will warm the soul. The Pathway of Peace leading up to the National Christmas Tree at the White House lights up daily from dusk until 11pm. Fifty-six trees – representing the fifty states, five territories and the District of Columbia itself – are planted nearby.
13. Boston, USA
If you’re looking for the Old World, Boston’s as close as the New World gets - and it’s more evident than ever during the holidays. You’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time as you navigate the gas lamp-lit streets of the historic city, working your way up to the huge tree in front of Faneuil Hall.
14. Cologne, Germany
Boasting eight different Christmas markets on both sides of the Rhine River, this majestic city offers all manner of gift ideas and plenty of glühwein stalls. It’s the perfect spot to pick up all those presents.
15. Prague, Czech Republic
With some 600 years of architecture virtually untouched by natural disaster or war, few other cities in Europe look as good as Prague. Straddling the winding River Vltava, with a steep wooded hill to one side, the city retains much of its medieval layout, and navigating the lanes in the run up to Christmas is a spellbinding experience.
16. Reykjavík, Iceland
In the Santa stakes, Iceland has one up on us; or rather, more accurately, twelve up. Their folklore talks of thirteen such characters, known as Yule Lads, who show up in town on the thirteen days leading up to Christmas. Head to the beautiful capital of Reykjavík and you may just spot one.
17. Dresden, Germany
Dresden has as many Christmas markets as the next German city, but the main reason to visit happens on the Saturday before the second Sunday in Advent, when a huge stollen (traditional Christmas fruit cake) is paraded through the city streets and into the market before being cut up and distributed among the onlookers.
18. Bruges, Belgium
Christmas was made for Bruges, which is a picturesque medieval treat at any time of the year. The usual markets and ice rinks are present and correct across the Belgian city but the place has a charm all of its own.
19. New Orleans, USA
New Orleans pulls out all the stops at Christmas, with riverboat caroling cruises and festive streetcars among the key attractions in a city that goes Christmas-crazy.
20. Aspen, USA
A white Christmas is guaranteed at Colorado’s famous mountain town and ski resort, and the place is jam-packed with alpine lodges and cosy spots to take refuge and share in some festive cheer.
Title Image Credit: Paul Frederickson (Image Cropped)