5 CITIES TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD | FLIGHTLAYAWAY

The Christmas holiday season is one that millions of people around the world look forward to every year. As we emerge into yet another phase of the "new normal" (the pandemic isn't over of course, but travel is making its comeback), lots of you might be asking yourselves, "Why not celebrate Christmas away from home this year?"

Pack your bags, because the holidays are the perfect time to think big and make those magical travel dreams come true. Having the chance to learn more about other cultures and traditions around the world is the icing on the cake!

Don't miss our roundup of 10 of the best cities around the world to celebrate Christmas.

10 Cities to Celebrate Christmas Around the World

1. New York (USA)

Who hasn't dreamt of Christmas in the Big Apple? To see the city lit up from top to bottom, the incredible shop windows, and of course the scenes we recreate from our favorite holiday movies is on the bucket list of nearly every traveler.

If you're thinking about heading to NYC for the holidays, of course, you can't miss the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The tree lighting ceremony takes place the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving and is a unique experience you won't soon forget.

Rockefeller Center is also famous for its ice skating rink, where you can show off your skills (or lack thereof) for everyone to see.

If you're looking to check out some amazing Christmas lights, don't miss Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Voted as the best-decorated spot in the U.S., the houses are truly decked out in the most extravagant of fashions; you'll think you've stepped right onto a TV or movie set.

Finally, round off your magical holiday moment with a horse-drawn carriage tour through Central Park, a night at The Nutcracker, and some window shopping at Macy's before sharing your wishlist with Santa Claus himself.

2. London (United Kingdom)

London is another city that just knows how to do Christmas. With its streets lit up with whimsical designs, stunning details, and enchanting aesthetics, even the most mundane stroll around town is enough to get you in the holiday spirit. Even London's parks and shopping centers get in on the action, with the glow extending across the entire city.

Christmas really kicks into gear, however, at the start of December when the tree in Trafalgar Square is lit up. For the occasion, you'll see people coming together to sing carols and participate in general holiday revelry and joy.

If you want to know where to kick off your adventures, head for Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street. Of course, you'll want to head straight to Harrods department store, where the over-the-top facade alone is worth the trip!

End things on a high note, like a true Londoner. Go ice skating at the rink right below the London Eye or visit the Winter Wonderland Christmas market in the heart of Hyde Park. By this time you've probably worked up an appetite, so save some room for a traditional Christmas pudding.

3. Medellín (Colombia)

Let's move south, to warmer climes, where you can live an equally authentic and special Christmas celebration in one of Colombia's most beautiful cities.

Medellín's Christmas spirit is present no matter where you turn, and you won't find anything like it anywhere else. Why? Because the city comes to life with 27 million lights (!) and over 760 kilometers of cable that add a festive glow to every last corner. This is known as "el Alumbrado" or "the Lighting."

Things come together from the first week in December and stay that way until the second week of January, more or less. The impressive spectacle covers six different areas of Medellín and delights locals and tourists alike with designs and colors that get better year after year.

4. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Tropical Christmas, anyone? Looking for joyful celebration, beautiful beaches, and plenty of caipirinhas? Head straight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, baby!

The holiday season is officially kicked off when the floating Lagoa Christmas tree is lit against the backdrop of music, lively shows, traditional dances, and fireworks.

Beyond the beach and the waves, visiting Brazil over the holidays means you'll get up close and personal with the country's Catholic traditions. What does this look like? Most people go to midnight mass on Christmas (Misa de Galo). Afterward, there's a big fireworks show where everyone, young and old, comes together to keep celebrating. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a traditional dinner where they share merriment and gifts.

If you're less in the mood for family and want something more social, there are tons of bars and restaurants open all night for parties to keep the celebrations going, no matter who you're with.

Don't forget about the gifts! Do some last-minute shopping at the Saara market, Rio's most popular, or if you're looking for something slightly more eccentric, the hippie market on Ipanema will surely have some handmade gems that will catch your eye.

5. Sydney (Australia)

Looking for a totally different kind of Christmas? Sydney has everything you need, from a holiday picnic on the beach to see Santa Claus on a surfboard.

Get your bathing suit ready, because Christmas in Sydney is hot and sunny – it's strange to remember that about the holiday season in the Southern Hemisphere!

One of Australia's most iconic Christmas traditions is to host a traditional roast turkey dinner; for dessert, the famous "pudding" hides a special coin, and the person that finds it gets one year of good luck.

Once you've opened your gifts, plan to spend December 25 and 26 on the beach! Everyone who's anyone can be found on Bondi, where beachgoers are clad in swim trunks and Santa hats, and build "snowmen" in the sand.

If you do find yourself in a situation where you’re on the hook for more than you planned, consider our You can book now pay later but before flying option.