Eight fairytale cities for an unforgettable Christmas
More and more people are shaking off stale traditions to indulge in a festive getaway. Jetting off to a new kind of winter wonderland is a great way to experience Christmas through a different cultural lens — and sprinkle some extra magic over the yuletide season. Fancy fried Chicken for your Christmas lunch? Then head for Japan. Or see in the New Year in your brightest summer whites, partying till dawn on Copacabana beach. So will it be snow boots or flip flops for you this Christmas? For the undecided, The Singular Space has picked out eight cities that truly sparkle at this special time of year.
Tallin (Estonia)
Tallin is claimed by many to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition. Its Christmas market is one of the most famous in Europe, taking over the entire old town. Wander through its cobbled streets, feast your eyes on its extraordinary medieval architecture and soak up the magical old-world ambiance.
Dresden (Germany)
The capital of the state of Saxony is known as the Florence of the Elbe, thanks to its exuberant treasury of baroque and Rococo architecture. Don’t miss the lavishly lit and decorated old town, where you can spend a happy hour or two browsing Germany’s oldest Christmas market. Another must is the “world’s most beautiful dairy”, a breathtaking purveyor of regional products in Neustadt. Its elaborately painted porcelain and decadent pendant lights inspired the creators of Mendl’s patisserie in the film, The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Rovaniemi (Lapland/Finland)
If you have little ones in tow, a trip to Rovaniemi will give them a Christmas they’ll never forget. Dubbed “the official hometown of Santa Claus”, you can visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Polar Circle, enjoy a thrilling sleigh ride borne by huskies or reindeer and even dine in an igloo. If you’re extra lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis — and Christmas doesn’t get much more magical than that.
Río de Janeiro (Brazil)
If you’re longing for some winter sunshine, Rio de Janeiro is the place for you. Who needs snow when you’ve got the world’s largest floating Christmas tree, glittering with over three million fairy lights? Rio has no shortage of Christmas markets — head to Lagoa, Copacabana or Ipanema. Get your timing right and you can even watch Santa’s sleigh make its annual descent from the iconic Sugar Loaf mountain. Stick around for the 31st and melt into a thrumming crowd of thousands at Copacabana beach, all dressed in white and ready for the party of the year at Fiesta Reveillon.
Tokio (Japan)
While Christmas is not especially big in Japan, Tokyo still gets its glitter on with spectacular light displays and European-style Christmas markets. You’ll find the best in Shibuya or Ginza, one of the city’s main shopping areas. Be sure to stop by Mori Plaza, near Roppongi Hills, and snap a selfie with its gargantuan Christmas tree. But for the full Japanese Christmas experience, get your order in at KFC — it’s fried chicken for everyone on the 25th.
Krakow (Poland)
The historic heart of this fairytale city will take your breath away, starting with the main square and the old Cloth Hall, which at 40,000 sqm is one of Europe’s oldest covered markets. Wander among the twinkling fairly lights and pick up some delicious sweet treats, a warming mulled wine or some unique handcrafted gifts. No festive break in Krakow is complete without a visit to the History Museum’s stunning collection of richly decorated nativity scenes, or the famous Wawel Dragon, a bronze statue that emits real flames from its mouth at five-minute intervals.
Vienna (Austria)
For many, Vienna is the queen of Christmas cities in Europe. Don’t miss the Christmas markets in Maria-Theresien-Platz, Prater Park — where live music adds some extra atmosphere at weekends — and Alt Viener, Vienna’s oldest, with gospel music performed every evening. Refuel on the city’s legendary Sachertorte, available in bakeries, restaurants and cafes all over the city.
Boston (United States)
Dreaming of an authentic New England Christmas? Pack your bags for Boston, home to the East Coast’s largest Christmas tree, as well as a respectable offering of Christmas markets. Sip hot chocolate in one of its many coffee shops, and wander its historic streets to a soundtrack of traditional carols. If you stay in town for New Year’s Eve, prepare to pucker up. Tradition dictates that if you don’t find someone to kiss at the stroke of midnight, you’re doomed to spend the coming year alone.
