December is here and the calendar is fluttering fervidly towards Christmas. The festive cheer has set in. And you are all prepped to sing hallelujahs to the New Year. But wait! Have you thought about what Santa is doing at the moment?
who wears red, sings a guttural hohoho, and has the world’s best job – he packs gifts in his red goodie bag, checks driving directions, pulls the sleigh out of the attic and travels the world in one night. But if you had a few free nights, where would you go for Christmas?
Best Cities To Celebrate Christmas
Here are the top cities to celebrate Christmas.
1. Rome (Italy)
Pope’s message in the Vatican City – the ecclesiastical urbi et orbi is conveyed in Vatican City around early afternoon on December 25 (section is free). Piazza Navona hosts a Christmas market. Take a transport visit to see the city’s Xmas lighting.
Must-eat: Abbacchio, a dish of lamb roasted with garlic, rosemary and ham, served with potatoes and vegetables; Xmas Eve, dinner typically known as the ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes
2. Dublin (Ireland)
Visit Dublin Castle & the 18th-century style Neapolitan Crib in the heart of the Chapel Royal. Head to the Liberties for the Stillgarden Xmas Market. Christmas Craft Market at National Botanic Gardens. Window displays of Brown Thomas, and Arnotts.
Must-eat: Roast turkey and stuffing; Clove-studded baked ham; Crispy goose fat potatoes; Steamed Brussels sprouts; Buttery sweet carrots; Crispy parsnips.
3. London (the UK)
See the Christmas lights (begin at Oxford Road, then up to Official Road and Carnaby Road). See the 60-foot Christmas tree at Covent Nursery Xmas Market. Holiday song at St Paul’s. Southbank Center Winter Celebration. Christmas Day bounce on jump off transport visit.
Must-eat: Xmas chicken; British plowman’s lunch; Traditional British Christmas Pudding; Cranberry orange Relish; Foggy Pudding; Mincemeat Tarts; British Brandy Butter.
4. New York City (the USA)
See the Rockefeller Place Xmas tree. Xmas lights in Dyker Heights. The Bryant Park Winter Village. Visit GingerBread Path, the world’s biggest gingerbread town.
Must-eat: Pigs in a Blanket; Roast beef; Xmascookies – chocolate chip, sugar, fudge, M&M, and snickerdoodle; Coffee from Ralph’s Xmas-themed Coffee Truck; meal at a CXmas Market.
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong WinterFest at West Kowloon Art Park (on till January 1, 2024). Fairytale Xmas at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct. Polar-bear mountain at Landmark Atrium. Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival.
Must-eat: Pumpkin soup; Lobster bisque; Maple-glazed roasted turkey; Slow-cooked beef Wellington; Honey-glazed Gammon ham; Xmas buffets in various hotels.