10 Ways to Spend Christmas Around the World For Every Type of Traveler

The city of Rovaniemi, Finland is nothing short of a Christmas wonderland. Cozy wooden cabins covered in blankets of white snow with a backdrop of thick forest make this place especially magical during the holidays. If you’re a festive traveler then you’re likely hoping to see an enchanting Christmas scene unfold right in front of your eyes. Visiting Santa Claus Village will most certainly meet your expectations and more, while taking a tour that also lets you snowmobile to a nearby reindeer farm can make this excursion even more memorable.

Every crafty person knows that handmade presents are far more special than those that are store bought. So, we don’t blame you if creating a sentimental Christmas gift that outshines them all is top of mind—and what better gift than handmade glass artwork? This Christmas, enjoy a hands-on experience you’ll never forget by taking a private glassmaking class alongside renowned craftsmen in Venice, Italy. If glass artwork isn’t your thing, then you can always take a jewelry-making workshop in Florence and gift a pair of handmade one-of-a-kind earrings instead.

For many, the holidays are heavily associated with cozy kitchens that smell of pot roast and sugar cookies. But leave the cooking to someone else this Christmas, and sample delicious treats from warm apple cider to seasonal craft brews and chocolatey brownies. And don’t just stop there; instead, head on a festive foodie holiday stroll along Chicago’s seasonally decorated streets.

If you’re a music lover, then you likely feel a sense of harmony when surrounded by people bursting into song. Christmas caroling is a wholesome way to immerse yourself in holiday cheer wherever you may be, and what better place to be than New York City—a place illuminated by lights and the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. What are you waiting for? Get in the holiday spirit by singing along to carols on a cruise while sipping some hot cocoa.

Do you prioritize the layout of your Instagram grid above all else? Scheduling a holiday photo session abroad is a must, then. Having professional Christmas photos taken in Madrid could make your followers pretty envious this year, so put on your best holiday attire and follow your professional photographer all around the city’s most aesthetically-pleasing spots. After all, everyone loves a memorable snapshot or two to commemorate a big trip.

Don’t skip the joys of learning about the past, especially at a time of year when self-reflection is more than encouraged. Instead, make the most of the season by combining a Christmas tour with a historical overview for a real holiday treat. Not sure where to start? Williamsburg was one of America’s first planned cities so it’s safe to say that it has plenty of history. Take a colonial Williamsburg Christmas tour to learn about the city’s traditions, past and present.

Thrillseekers are probably on the lookout for holiday activities packed with adrenaline and adventure. With that in mind, say goodbye to regular sledding—it’s fun but all too ordinary for you thrillseekers—and give extreme sledding a go instead. There’s nothing like the cold rush of Colorado mountain air while gliding downhill to get your season started with a bang. Besides, “Christmas in Colorado” has a nice ring to it.

Many of us have likely seen husky sledding in one Christmas movie or another. This year, don’t watch someone else having fun on your television screen; instead, head into the wilderness yourself and experience something unlike ever before. The snowy peaks of Tromso make the perfect destination for a husky sledding adventure, and (as it happens) this is also the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the elusive northern lights.

If you’re an adventurous traveler, you’ve likely visited multiple countries and are not planning on stopping anytime soon. (And you’re certainly not going to be cozied up at home on Christmas Eve like everyone else, that’s for sure.) Instead, you’ll be out conquering your bucket list by visiting Reykjavik for a midnight glimpse of the Northern Lights. And what better time to witness nature’s magic than Christmas.

The romantic city of Paris is already known for its twinkling lights, so imagine the light show that awaits you during the holiday season. Explore the city of grandiose architecture and stop by the holy site of Sainte Chapelle to say a Christmas prayer, marvel at the Eiffel Tower, and take a Christmas lights tour to see the city’s diverse neighborhoods come to life at night. Don’t forget to take a box of macarons back home for your loved ones, either.