The best foreign destinations for Christmas Cheap + European destinations

Christmas is one of the most important celebrations of Christian countries in the world, and in fact, the amazing beauty of a country can be seen during these days. By traveling to the best foreign destinations for Christmas such as Paris, Singapore or Yerevan, you will experience a combination of happy celebrations, delicious food and various entertainment programs, which is a unique opportunity to create pleasant and memorable memories with friends and family. In addition, in a warm and pleasant atmosphere, tourists can enjoy local bazaars, colorful city decorations, attending various concerts, staying in beautiful hotels, and visiting shopping malls.

Find out more about the best foreign destinations for Christmas:

Istanbul; Türkiye

Istanbul has a special atmosphere during Christmas. Although a large part of the population of Türkiye is Muslim; This celebration is very important in its big cities, especially in Istanbul, and it is celebrated very magnificently. Istanbul has a suitable and moderate weather during Christmas and it allows you to participate in festivals, concerts of prominent singers, Christmas festivals and shopping in the best shopping malls in Istanbul, as well as spend some time exploring the sea and passing through the strait. Cross the Bosphorus.

_{One of the Christmas markets in Istanbul; Photo source: website guidedistanbultours. Photographer: Unknown}

Istanbul is a shopping city, and during Christmas, all the shopping centers and famous streets of the city are illuminated with beautiful and colorful lights. In the meantime, restaurants and cafes do not stay idle and serve all kinds of food, snacks and drinks for their guests. One of the best activities that can be experienced during the Christmas holidays in Istanbul is to participate in the traditional ceremony of “Cockerel Mass”. Also, visiting the famous places of Istanbul such as “Dolma Baghce Palace”, “Topkapi Palace”, “Sultan Ahmed Mosque” and “Aya Sofia Mosque” can make your Christmas trip more complete.

Dubai; United Arab Emirates

Dubai is one of the prominent and important cities of the United Arab Emirates, which has a combination of modern and traditional life. Christmas in Dubai has a different atmosphere; Because the whole city is decorated and illuminated with Christmas trees and colorful lights. Also, various markets start working in the city and it is a good opportunity to buy souvenirs, Christmas gifts and all kinds of food special for these days. These days make Dubai a lively city and allow tourists to party late into the night.

_{Photo source: Time Out Dubai website. Photographer: Unknown}

Among the important Christmas events in Dubai, we can mention the “Santa Shuffle bar crawl”, the Winter Garden Bazaar on Regis Street, the Illuminated Tree in the Irish Quarter, the Dubai Winter Festival and the Madina Jumeirah Christmas Bazaar. Also, during these days, from Dubai’s sightseeing places such as “Miracle Flower Garden”, “Global Village”, “Dubai Festival City” and “Underwater Aquarium and Zoo” and experiencing entertainment such as “Dubai Ski Resort” and meeting with Santa Claus, “The Land” Don’t miss “Winter Festival” at Jumeirah Towers, “Winter City Festival” at Al Wasl Plaza and “Safari Park”.

Yerevan; Armenia

Christmas in Armenia, especially in Yerevan, is often accompanied by snow and rain and has exciting and fun programs. Orthodox Armenians celebrate the birth of Christ on January 6. Due to its neighborhood with Iran, this city hosts many Iranians every year during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Lighting and decorating the houses, churches and government buildings of the city, making traditional dishes, special Armenian desserts and sweets for the New Year, family parties, decorating the Christmas pine tree, setting up many markets, exhibitions and festivals, holding many celebrations in churches, night concerts and Dancing and stomping in the Republic Square are part of the customs and traditions of the people of Yerevan for Christmas.

_{Christmas market in Yerevan; Photo source: Tour in Armenia Travel to Armenia AMTRAVEL website. Photographer: Unknown}

Christmas in Armenia and its cities has special beauties; But visiting places of interest in Yerevan such as “Republic Square”, “Vernissage Local Market”, “Yervan Mall”, “Cafesjian Center for the Arts”, “Cascade Complex”, “Water Park” Water World” (Water World) and “Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral” (Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral), will not be without grace.

Tbilisi; Georgia

Georgia is another foreign destination for Christmas that has more advanced and developed tourism infrastructure compared to Armenia. In this country, like other Christian countries, Christmas and New Year are considered as official holidays of the country; But since the majority of the population of this country are Orthodox Christians, they celebrate January 7th as Christmas. This country is famous for having happy and lively people; Therefore, they do not miss any occasion, however small, to celebrate and celebrate. The Christmas atmosphere in Tbilisi is spectacular, from the magnificent decorations of the city and the streets to the festivities in every neighborhood. Also, cooking a type of gingerbread called “Basila” is one of the traditions of Georgians.

_{Christmas decorations in Tbilisi Parliament building; Photo source: American Friends of Georgia website. Photographer: Unknown}

Alilo procession is one of the interesting New Year’s events in Georgia, where people wearing red, gold and white clothes and carrying the country’s flag go to the church to pray for themselves and their loved ones in the beginning of the year. . Tbilisi has many historical monuments and museums that allow tourists to escape from the cold and visit the attractions of the city. “Staling Underground Printing House Museum”, “Metekhi St. Virgin Church”, “Sulphur Baths”, “Holy Trinity Cathedral” and “National Museum of Georgia” (Georgian National Museum) is considered one of the sights of Tbilisi.

Thailand

Thailand is considered one of the best and most popular countries in the world for Christmas holidays; Because during this period, the pristine climate of the islands of this country are in their most favorable state. In addition, during these days, all the cities and islands prepare detailed and exciting programs for tourists, and it undoubtedly creates a different and memorable experience for them. Walking through the glittering streets with decorated pine trees can create a special experience of a Christmas trip for tourists.

_{Mobile Christmas carnivals in Thailand; Photo source: Sawa discovery website. Photographer: Unknown}

Thailand’s festivals and celebrations are famous around the world, including the “Lantern Festival” in Chiang Mai, the local open-air markets in Bangkok, and night celebrations in Pattaya. Also, if you plan to visit Phuket, don’t miss visiting the attractions of “Patong Beach”, “Phuket Zoo” and “James Bond Island” and experience activities such as boating, spa, golf and swimming in the coastal area. have fun

Tokyo; Japan

Tokyo is a civilized and ancient city of Japan, which is also known as the city of “cherry blossoms”. This city hosts many tourists every year during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Most Japanese people go to temples on Christmas day and pray for the health and success of themselves and their loved ones and give each other a feast. Also, in these days, eating Kentucky chicken is one of the new customs that has become common in Japan, especially in Tokyo; To the extent that the branches of the “KFC” restaurant chain (KFC) receive a large number of guests these days. Other attractions in Tokyo during Christmas are the Christmas markets, where you can buy all kinds of food, chocolate, sweets, especially mochi and Christmas cake, special drinks, handicrafts and Christmas tree decorations.

_{Christmas decorations around the Tokyo Rainbow Bridge; Photo source: gltjp website. Photographer: Unknown}

Tokyo has a special attraction for every tourist. Visiting Tokyo attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Tower Skytree, Palace Tokyo Empire”, “Sensō-ji Temple”, “Mount Fuji” and “Rainbow Bridge” will record the best memories for tourists during Christmas. You can also enjoy shopping and walking in the glittering Christmas streets of this city such as Akihabara, Roppongi and Shibuya.

Beijing; china

China is a country with a small Christian population, and for this reason, people celebrate Christmas only in its large touristic cities such as Beijing. This celebration in Beijing is accompanied by the lighting of streets and houses, special Christmas decorations in department stores and shops, and the decoration of the Christmas tree, which gives a special atmosphere to the city and its people. In this country, Santa Claus is called “Shen Dan Lao Ren” and the Santa Claus Festival is also held in Beijing.

_{Christmas decorations in China; Photo source: Expats Holidays website. Photographer: Unknown}

In the Chinese language, the words apple and Christmas have similar pronunciations, and this has also made giving gifts of decorated apples an interesting formality in recent years. During Christmas, tourists can, in addition to participating in celebrations and concerts, visit Beijing’s attractions such as “Beijing World Park”, “Forbidden City”, “The Great Wall of China”, “Wang Street”. Visit Wangfujing Avenue, Temple of Heaven and Beijing Capital Museum.

Northern Cyprus

During Christmas and the beginning of the winter season, Northern Cyprus displays attractive and different beauties from this island. Various entertainment programs are also held during these days, among the most popular of which are local colorful markets with all kinds of handicrafts, sweets and Christmas chocolates, festivals and live music concerts, street festivals and local music with dancing and stomping, night celebrations, illuminations. Stunning, decorated statues and Christmas trees, he pointed out.

_{Christmas tree in Northern Cyprus; Photo source: YourCommonwealth website. Photographer: Unknown}

Christmas celebrations and entertainment in North Cyprus are very attractive and fun; But visiting its historical attractions in this season will not be without pleasure. Places such as “Girne Castle”, “Saint Hilarion Castle”, “Salamis Ancient City”, “Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque” and “Saint Barnabas Monastery” Barnabas Monastery) is considered one of the most famous sights in North Cyprus. Also, one of the other attractions of North Cyprus is its restaurants, which often serve their guests with a special Christmas menu such as Turkey, Christmas cake, special drinks, etc. during these days.

Singapore

Singapore, a country that has become one of the popular and famous destinations for travel and entertainment, especially during New Year and Christmas, due to its cultural diversity, endless beauty and security. Attractive street lighting, decoration of famous buildings, many seasonal festivals and markets, magnificent street parties, unique water features, concerts and musical groups, street parades, open-air dance festival in Sentosa, etc. are part of Singapore’s varied programs for Christmas. During these days, families visit each other and enjoy traditional foods and drinks for the New Year together.

_{Lighting and different Christmas decorations on the streets of Singapore; Photo source: The Honeycombers website. Photographer: Unknown}

Many consider Singapore to be one of the best countries in terms of tourism and innovation. For this reason, in addition to the beauty of Christmas all over the country, visiting Singapore attractions such as “Gardens by the Bay”, “Singapore Botanic Gardens”, “Singapore Zoo”, “Wheel and Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Island, Clarke Quay, and the luxurious Marina Bay Sands can provide tourists with the best memories from this trip. leave a memory You can also enjoy walking and shopping in the city’s glittering Christmas streets such as “Orchard Road”, “China Town” and “Orchard” shopping and fashion street.

Venice; Italy

Venice is considered one of the most beautiful and legendary cities in Italy, which has its own charms in every season. This city becomes more exciting in December and attracts many tourists. Numerous Christmas markets with unique gifts, beautiful Christmas tree decorations, handicrafts, New Year’s cookies and sweets such as “Pandoro”, drinks and special foods, lighting the streets and canals of the city, setting up giant Christmas trees, traditional and religious ceremonies of churches, Evening street parties, various concerts, seasonal events and family gatherings are Christmas traditions in Venice.

_{Christmas decorations on the Grand Canal of Venice; Photo source: ETravel website. Photographer: Unknown}

Among the most famous sights in Venice, which are enjoyable to visit during Christmas, are Murano Island, St. Mark’s Basilica with its unique design and Byzantine architecture, St. Mark’s Square Mark’s Square) with famous restaurants and cozy cafes, “Rialto Bridge” and “Doge’s Palace” with rare Venetian paintings and Gothic architecture.

Paris; France

Christmas in Paris, which is also known as “Noel”, is celebrated with special enthusiasm and enthusiasm, like other French cities. Decorating the Christmas pine tree, setting up numerous markets, lighting and decorating houses, churches and government buildings of the city, holding exhibitions and festivals, making traditional foods and sweets for the New Year are part of the New Year customs. One of the entertainments that are placed next to the main attractions of the city such as the Eiffel Tower are the beautiful and large merry-go-rounds that are installed for the entertainment and happiness of children and adults.

_{Christmas markets around the Eiffel Tower in Paris; Photo source: Fodors Travel Guide website. Photographer: Unknown}

Champs-Elysées, Luxembourg Gardens, Disneyland Paris, Louvre Museum, Perfume Museum, Light Museum, Elysee Palace and Sainte-Chapelle are some of the places to visit in Paris. It is considered that visiting them, along with the beauty and Christmas decorations, provide wonderful travel memories for tourists.

Amsterdam; Netherlands

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most attractive foreign destinations for Christmas holidays. Streets, canals, churches, all passages and government and historical buildings of this city are decorated with thousands of colorful lights during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Amsterdam organizes various and cheerful programs during Christmas, among which we can mention concerts, street parties and local markets. These local markets are often held from late November to early January and you can buy a variety of souvenirs, handicrafts, chocolates and Christmas sweets.

_{Amsterdam’s local markets at Christmas; Photo source: Wanderon website. Photographer: Unknown}

Christmas celebrations and entertainment in Amsterdam have many attractions; But try to include a visit to the famous “Van Gogh Museum” and “Rijksmuseum” in your itinerary. You can also enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam such as “Vendel Park”, “Love Bridge”, “Water Canals”, “Old Church of Amsterdam” and “Jordan District”.

Berlin; Germany

Germans, like other Christian people of the world, have their own ceremonies and traditions for Christmas. These days in Germany are considered special ceremonies and official holidays, and the atmosphere ruling the country, especially big cities like Berlin, is indescribable. Every year, many local and traditional markets are also held in Berlin and they are so attractive and beautiful that many tourists come to see and buy Christmas decorations, all kinds of handicrafts, cookies and homemade sweets such as Stollen and homemade food such as grilled sausages. Mushrooms and fried fish come to these markets.

_{Berlin’s local markets at Christmas; Photo source: Trainline website. Photographer: Unknown}

Christmas in Berlin has its own charms; But visiting its famous attractions will not be without pleasure. Among the places of interest in Berlin, you can visit “Animal Garden and Aquarium Berlin”, “Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum”, “Alexa Center”, “Shopping Center Mall of Berlin, Treptower Park, Berlin Cathedral and Mauer Park.

Lapland; Finland

Lapland is the largest region in northern Finland, where you can literally see everything you can imagine from Christmas. Almost most of the people of the world believe that the story of Santa Claus, red dress, carriage, deer and also the Christmas celebration is inspired by this region and its city “Rovaniemi”. If you are one of those people who like to spend Christmas holidays in snowy and cold weather, Lapland and its villages are the best option. In this area, in addition to the cold and snowfall, you will experience a dreamy and magical trip with the best entertainment.

_{A snowy landscape of Christmas in Lapland’s Santa Claus Village; Photo source: Fundacionbatipa.org website. Photographer: Unknown}

There are many reasons to visit Lapland for Christmas, the most important of which are to visit Santa Claus Village, meet Santa Claus, sleigh ride with reindeer and huskies, snowmobile safari, skiing And snowboarding pointed out. Keep in mind, Lapland is one of the cold and snowy regions, and most of its recreation ends with the mentioned items. One of the amazing sights of Santa Claus village is the “Aurora borealis” or “Northern Lights” which are usually seen in this area throughout the winter. Watching the colorful lights and dancing aurora borealis will definitely become one of the pure experiences of your trip to Finland.

New York; America

New York is considered one of the best tourist destinations during Christmas, which takes on a more beautiful face during these days. The city’s attractions include the lighting of the giant Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, street parties in Times Square, ice skating in Central Park, Christmas festivals in Bryant Park, and local Christmas markets such as “Midan Etihad” or “Union Square” (Union Square) pointed out with all kinds of crafts, gifts, cookies, sweets, desserts and drinks for Christmas.

_{Christmas decorations in New York; Photo source: Wanderon website. Photographer: Unknown}

During Christmas, you can also visit the sights of New York such as “Central Park”, “Rockefeller Center”, “Brooklyn Bridge”, “American Museum of Natural History”. ), visited “Statue of Liberty”, “Metropolitan Museum of Art”, “Saint Patrick’s Cathedral” and “Fifth Avenue” and enjoyed their New Year decorations win

_{Christmas decorations in one of the main squares of Amsterdam; Photo source: Winter Festival Amsterdam website. Photographer: Unknown}

In this article, the best foreign destinations for Christmas were discussed. If you have the experience of traveling abroad these days, please share your opinion with us and other Kajaro companions in the comments section of this article.

_{Cover photo: Christmas market in Berlin; Source: purelife.travel website. Photographer: Unknown}