Your Guide to Christmas Activities Around the World

Christmas really is the most magical time of year, and what makes it so magical in our opinion is the amazing Christmas activities and diverse experiences you can discover when travelling the globe. Around the world, Christmas is celebrated in unique and special ways, bringing in the tradition and culture of the local country or city. So many people rave about Summer Vacation, but we think winter holidays are just as magical and a once in a life-time experience. Certain cities really come alive at Christmas. Here is your guide to Christmas activities around the world.

This really is a no-brainer. There is nothing quite like Christmas in New York City. We’ve all seen those classic films; Home Alone, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, well Christmas in New York is everything in those movies and more (bar two criminals chasing you or a giant elf turning up on your doorstep). 

If you have never done Christmas in New York, then you’re in for a treat. From visiting the Tree at Rockefeller Center (which you should visit on your way to Top of the Rock) to the long-standing tradition of the Macy’s holiday windows, New Yorkers really know how it’s done!

Another hot ticket item you can’t miss in New York at Christmas is a visit to the neighborhoods Dyker Heights and Bryant Park where you will see some of the best light displays and Christmas cheer that the locals always love to take part in. Bryant Park’s Winter Village is also the cities most popular holiday market; filled with ice skating, christmas carols and delicious food.

It also wouldn’t be a Christmas in New York without a visit to the famous George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. This is described as one of the most “complex ballets in the Company's active repertoire and provides an unforgettable spark to the holiday season.” Most New Yorker’s hold the tradition of seeing this ballet around Christmas. It truly is a spectacular show.

Another activity you must do in order to do Christmas right in New York, is a Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights walking tour. This tour is perfect if you’re looking to see how the locals do Christmas, it includes a tour of the extravagant light displays around town, a taste of the finest seasonal markets and a rich history lesson of Christmas and holiday traditions of New Yorkers

London is another city that really comes alive during the Holiday season. There is just so much to do and see around this time of year, that you really can’t experience at any other time.

Nothing says Christmas like a light display and London has some of the best displays around. We recommend jumping on a Christmas Lights Tour to see the capital and its iconic landmarks come alive with color. This tour takes you to all the key highlights around town, providing the best seat in the house to see the city and view it in all its festive glory.

Join in London’s favorite winter tradition and Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum and Mason - something all Londoners love to do. Skate across the open air ice rink and see the transformation of the Edmond J. Safra Fountain into a winter wonderland with a 40ft Christmas tree; a magical experience. End the evening with a warm meal at Fortnum's Lodge. If you’re looking for a little more history before you skate, head on over to the Natural History Museum, where you can later skate around the Christmas display that has been set up - a definite instagram worthy shot.

Other things not to miss include the magnificent Christmas tree at Windsor Castle and London’s famous Winter Wonderland markets in Hyde Park or the markets at Covent Garden. If you want a little fun at Christmas, you can also head over to Warner Bros. Studio and see if all decked out in Christmas vibes and see Hogwarts in the Snow.

Berlin is really where you’re really going to fall in love with Christmas. The capital of Germany really gets to show off during the Holidays and leaves travelers with so much to see, drink and eat!

If you only go to Berlin to visit the Christmas Markets, then you have done Christmas right in this city. The markets should be top of your list when visiting around Christmas. These markets are are up there as some of the best in the world. You can not only shop for cute Christmas-themed decors, but most importantly you can eat some of the best seasonal dishes and drink traditional Glühwein or mulled wine. 

Other Christmas traditions not to miss include braving Europe’s largest snow tubing run to sled at Winter Wonderland in Potsdamer Platz, skating Berlin’s largest ice rink at Horst-Dohm Ice Stadium in Charlottenburg and seeing the bright lights at Sony Centre or Ku’Damm.

Sounds a little strange, Christmas in Los Angeles, but this city really has some of the best Christmas experiences, from the display at The Grove (which is a must visit at night, when it is all lit up) to the various holiday markets boasting food, crafts and Christmas cheer.

One thing though that needs to be top of your list is Christmas at Disneyland. There truly is nothing like experiencing the happiest place on earth during the most magical time of year - seriously, there is nothing that can contain the type of excitement or joy you experience here, no matter what age you are. 

See the Magic Kingdom lit up like never before, and enjoy all of the amazing Christmas trees decked out in incredible decor and let’s not forget their special Christmas Fantasy Parade (we mean it, book your ticket now!).

Paris is another city that shows off in winter and during the Christmas season. From their own Christmas markets, to spectacular Christmas decorations, Paris turns from the city of love to the city of loving Christmas! 

The best way to experience Paris at Christmas is through a walking tour of the streets. The city offers so many different tours that enables you to check out the various banlieues in their festive flare. A walking tour we definitely recommend is the Christmas Walking Tour of Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This tour takes you to these famous attractions to marvel at the beautiful Christmas lights and elaborate decorations, as well as a stop at some cute boutiques as well as the highly-touted Ladurée bakery.

If your thing is christmas lights, then the city of love will romance you even more during Christmas. There is also a special bus tour that happens during the festive season that takes you to some of the most popular spots and attractions in Paris, like the world-famous Eiffel Tower and The Louvre to be mesmerized by the colorful Christmas lights.

Other things not to miss include the Christmas markets at Les Halles and Notre Dame, ice skating under the  Eiffel Tower or at the beautiful Grand Palais and the stunning display at the department stores such as Galeries Lafayette.