Whether you are planning a family vacation or a trip with friends, there are a variety of places to go for Christmas. Whether you're looking to go to a snowy place or to an exotic place, there is a Christmas vacation for you.

Christmas in London

During Christmas vacations in London, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Some of the best places to visit include Oxford Street, Kew Gardens, and Covent Garden. You can also check out the ice skating and winter themed attractions at Hyde Park and Somerset House.

During Christmas, the city of London sparkles with its festive lights and lanterns. During December, a number of churches offer special services, including the Midnight Mass, church service at Westminster Abbey, and candlelit services at St Paul's Cathedral. The Tower of London is one of the oldest fortresses in London.

The Covent Garden market sells unique gifts and handmade crafts. You can also sample gourmet food items and fine teas. You can also buy Christmas hampers at Fortnum & Mason. During Christmas, the store transforms into a festive world and features a variety of seasonal treats.

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the largest open air ice rink in the UK. You can enjoy a variety of activities at this attraction, including Santaland rides, ice sculptures, fairground rides, and a Christmas circus. There are also food options, including hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, and mulled wine.

Christmas in Paris

During Christmas vacations in Paris, there are many activities and places to go. One of the most popular is ice skating. For a truly magical experience, attend a Christmas show. There are concerts of classical opera and ballet, as well as jazz pieces. There are also plenty of restaurants that extend a festive welcome into the New Year.

During the Christmas season, the Champs-Elysees transforms into a winter wonderland. There are Christmas lights, carousels and merry-go-rounds. The most famous light display is on Boulevard Haussmann. The city has 120 streets that have been lit up for the season.

If you are looking for a more festive experience, you might want to head to the Champs-Elysees Christmas Market. It is car-free during the event. It was recently re-imagined as the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market.

Another festive activity in Paris is attending a Midnight Mass. It is free and rings for several minutes on Christmas Eve and day.

The Paris Festival of Lights is an annual event. It is held in the Latin Quarter of Paris and features monumental light structures and an exhibition of extinct creatures.

Christmas Traditions

Whether you're looking for an adventure Christmas vacation or a snow-blanketed mountain village, there are plenty of great destinations to choose from. There are also holiday events in cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Seattle.

The Philippines' Giant Lantern Festival has been an annual holiday event since 1904. This celebration uses creative materials and complex technologies to create structures that are impressive at night. In addition to the lanterns themselves, the festival features workshops and festive dinners for guests of resorts.

The Giant Lantern Festival has evolved from its beginnings as a bamboo and paper display. Today, the event incorporates other creative materials to create structures that look impressive at night.

The main Christmas tree in the city is located in the Christkindlmarkt on the central Marienplatz square. Other popular Christmas attractions include the Santa Claus Museum and the vintage toy collection.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel hosts a holiday light show and performances. Visitors can also try their luck on the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center.

Christmas Markets

Whether you're looking for the ultimate Christmas vacation or an adventurous Christmas escape, there are plenty of options to choose from. These Christmas vacations take you to destinations that are known for their festive flair and events.

While many of these Christmas destinations are large cities, there are also plenty of smaller places to celebrate the holidays. Those looking for a more laid-back, intimate holiday can find it in a small town or a city that they aren't familiar with.

New Orleans' French Quarter is always bustling during the holidays. The historic Biltmore Estate is home to a candlelight Christmas and 55 intricately decorated trees. You can also visit the Whaling Museum to see 80 decorated trees.

There are several markets in Boston during the holidays, including the SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market. The Seaport district's Holiday Pop-Up Market has great ice rinks for the kids. The city's Botanic Gardens hosts a holiday show that features ribbons, poinsettias, and more.