hot places to vacation in december?
1. Malta
If you don't like snowy weather but don't want to get away from Europe, Malta is a good alternative. Called “presepju” in Malta, Hz. Seeing the model exhibits depicting the birth of Jesus is an essential part of the Christmas tradition. The city center of Valletta is also bright and very lively during the month of December. You can watch special Christmas pantomime shows at the Manoel Theatre, or visit the Malta Toy Museum with your family.
2. New York
Rockefeller Center is the focal point of Christmas celebrations in New York. While the famous ice rink here has been hosting visitors seeking excitement and entertainment for 80 years, the Christmas tree has been enchanting those who see it with its decorations since 1931. Central Park, with its lively Christmas Market, is among the most beautiful spots to visit in December. In addition, the luxury stores, especially on 5th Avenue (on 5th Avenue), dazzle with their impressive Christmas-themed window displays.
3. Bath, England
You can combine Christmas time with cultural and artistic activities in Bath, which is also the birthplace of the famous literary writer Jane Austen. The city's legendary theater, the Theater Royal, offers a rich program of Christmas-themed plays, musicals, opera performances and concerts. In addition to the romantic Bath Christmas market, the Thermae Bath thermal spring with its rich mineral waters and city view is one of the places that will warm you up in the historical city, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is ideal with its warm weather for those who want to experience a different December. Every year at the end of November, Europe's largest ice rink opens in Plaza Catalunya. Even if it is not snowing, you can put on your skates and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in the Mediterranean. The Christmas Market in front of the Sagrada Familia, the Raluy Circus which is a Christmas tradition, the 200-meter swimming race called Copa Nadal, and the Joke Day called “Dia dels Sants Innocents” stand out among the special events for December in Barcelona.
5. Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
To experience the fantastic winter world of your dreams, your address should be this city above the Arctic Circle. All the Christmas classics you see in the movies, like baking gingerbread with Finns dressed as Santa Claus, take place here. You can also watch the fascinating Northern Lights in and around Rovaniemi, meet baby polar bears and reindeer, and have unforgettable experiences by staying at the Ice Hotel (Arctic Snow Hotel).
6. Nuremberg, Germany
The Nuremberg or Nuremberg Christmas market welcomes more than 2 million visitors each year. The giant wooden Ferris wheel, carousel and steam train here are candidates to give you a dreamy winter. Everything here is handcrafted and authentic; No factory products. The fantastic decorations of the vendors also fascinate those who see it. Children can have fun at the toy museum on Karlstrasse, while adults warm themselves with mulled wine.
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
Have you ever celebrated New Year's Eve at the beach? You can do this in Honolulu! Even if it's not snowing, Honolulu makes the Christmas spirit feel tropical with lights, live music, shows and a 15-metre Christmas tree. You don't want to miss the 6-metre-tall statue of Santa Claus in red shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, or "Shaka Santa" in the local language, in the city centre.
8. Quebec City, Kanada
Those who want to experience the European spirit in North America come to Quebec City, the heart of Canada's French-speaking region. It is possible to experience a fairy-tale Christmas atmosphere in the historical city center of Quebec. In the Christmas market, sausages, warm chestnuts, lighting and decorations fill both the stomach and the eyes. Caps de Charlevoix, which is close to the city center, is the favorite of those who want to go hiking, skiing or traveling with motorized snowmobiles.
9. Reykjavik, lzlanda
Located in Ingolfstorg Square in downtown Rejkjavik, the Yule Town Christmas market has everything to please winter visitors with colorful Christmas gifts, decorations and food drinks. Decorations here can change from day to day, and some products are offered exclusively for one day. The addition of the Northern Lights to the Christmas lights adds even more excitement to the festive mood.
10. San Miguel de Allende, Meksika
The city of San Miguel de Allende, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, has an authentic and warm atmosphere with its large and historical churches, well-preserved architecture and stone-paved streets. The city takes on a carnival atmosphere at Christmas time and Hz. Colorful performances reenacting parts of the life of Jesus appear before you.
11. Salzburg and Oberndorf, Austria
In historic Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, you might be confused whether it's Halloween or Christmas in December. Masked and costumed shows in which the legendary creature called Krampus is brought to life have been held in the city since December 1st. It is possible to see the demonstrations in almost every part of the city throughout December. Snow-capped mountains, baroque architecture and traditional Christmas markets make the city even more beautiful in December.
12. Krabi, Thailand
If you want to escape the stress and cold of city life during the winter months, Krabi is perfect for you! There are no Christmas celebrations as widespread and splendid in Thailand as in Europe, but nature activities such as canoeing, diving, rock climbing, entertainment and beach enjoyment continue unabated throughout the winter months.
13. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, where German and French cultures are intertwined, is one of the places that best reflects the winter atmosphere of Europe. Numerous Christmas markets transform the city into a visual and gastronomic wonderland throughout December. In addition to the traditional Christmas markets, there are alternative markets in the city where live music and street art stand out.
14. Queenstown, New Zealand
Another address for those who want to catch the winter sun in distant lands is Queenstown. You can do nature and water sports at the magnificent Lake Wakatipu, camp around the lake, and enjoy Christmas and New Year's meals consisting of mutton and seafood at the New Zealand barbecue.
15. Valkenburg, Netherlands
In this small city in the Netherlands the Christmas markets are set up in a very interesting place indeed: in caves! A historical chapel with wall paintings from the Roman period, performances and decorations featuring Santa Claus and reindeer, Christmas market stalls and a surreal and fascinating atmosphere in the caves await you.