Grinch-Proof Christmas Destinations People Want to Visit Most
Haven’t made holiday plans yet? Don’t worry. There’s still time, and we have some suggestions — whether you’re looking for a classic white Christmas or a warm getaway. Here are the most-searched towns on Yahoo for Christmas. Head to Finland, Mexico, or anywhere in between.
10. Lapland (Finland): Where Santa Lives
Riisitunturi National Park in Lapland. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Lapland, the northern region of Finland, is known as the secret home of Santa Claus — which may be why people travel to this snow-covered land of reindeer in the winter. Plus, you’ll almost definitely see the majestic Northern Lights at night. Take the kids to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi; visit Joulukka to see elf school and maybe get a peek at the Santa Claus Top Secret Command Center, and don’t miss the underground caves at Santa Park.
9. Zurich (Switzerland): Floating Candles for Christmas
Christmas in Zurich is as pretty as a postcard. (Photo: Juan Rubino/Flickr)
The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich sits on the edge of Lake Zurich just north of the Alps. It’s known for its plentiful museums, art galleries, and famous opera house. During the holidays, the city is all about Advent festivals and Christmas markets. Have some mulled wine and shop at one of the oldest markets in Zurich in the Niederdorf quarter. Then, sing carols while you watch hundreds of floating candles get launched down the Limmat River on Dec. 18.
Related: Here Comes Santa Claus… Down a Rock: Strangest Places to See Saint Nick
8. Durango (Colorado): Just a Train Trip Away
The Polar Express pulling into the station in Durango, Colo. (Photo: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad/Facebook)
HGTV named Durango one of its top 10 Christmas towns in 2011 because of its festive holiday spirit. At the center of that holiday-ness is the special Polar Express train that takes kids to visit Santa Claus. Then, enjoy the HoliDazzle displays and shopping in historic downtown. Of course, what Durango is best known for is its outdoor beauty, so don’t miss out on the great skiing at nearby Durango Mountain Resort.
7. San Juan (Puerto Rico): A Tropical Christmas
Colorful lights along Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan. (Photo:jaydro/Flickr)
It may not be a white Christmas, but colored lights hung through the palm trees aren’t bad either. San Juan is the largest city in Puerto Rico and offers both tropical beaches and all the amenities of a historic metropolis. Take a break from the crystal waters to explore Old San Juan and visit Castillo San Cristóbal. You’ll see all the Christmas decorations as you walk around. Take in a Misa del Gallo mass at midnight on Christmas Eve and then enjoy some pork shoulder — a holiday tradition. The holiday season is slightly longer here, stretching all the way to Three Kings Day on Jan. 6.
6. Edinburgh (Scotland): A Scottish Winter Wonderland
Hogmanay in Edinburgh. (Photo: Grant Ritchie)
With ice rinks, Christmas markets, holiday shows, and the massive New Year’s Hogmanay party, Edinburgh turns into a winter wonderland for the month. Check out Santa Land in the East Street Prince Gardens, with a Christmas tree maze and Santa train. There’s also a large ice rink (or visit the new-for-2014 circular ice track at St. Andrew’s). Then, meet Santa in the West Street Prince Gardens. If that’s not enough Santa, then you’ll want to participate in the Great Santa Run. To mark the end of the year, don’t miss Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s massive New Year’s celebration.
5. Santa Claus (Indiana): Send a Letter to Santa
You can’t get any more Santa than this town. (Courtesy: Santa Claus)
It’s no secret why Santa Claus, Indiana, makes our list. Because the town has the only post office in the world with the name Santa Claus, it receives thousands of letters addressed to Santa each year. A group of volunteers ensures that every one of those children gets a response from the jolly man in red. Along with Santa’s post office, you can visit the Santa Claus Museum and Santa’s Candy Castle in this southern Indiana town. Check out all the official Christmas events happening in Santa Claus.
Related: What, No Reindeer? Santa’s Flying Finnair This Year Instead
4. Amsterdam (The Netherlands): Sinterklaas and Classics
Amsterdam streets are full of lights for Christmas. (Photo: Daniella Nowitz/Corbis)
Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. While the city is home to countless museums, art galleries, fashion houses, and shops, what many think of first is the red light district — where prostitution is legal. For Christmas, though, Amsterdam is a magical city, filled with classical concerts and sparkling lights. And, of course, you’ll want to meet the Dutch Sinterklaas, who arrives by boat and then parades through the streets.
3. Key West (Florida): Winter on the Water
An alternative to a Christmas snow tour. (Courtesy: Key West Holiday Events and Celebrations)
If you’re looking for a warm paradise to celebrate the holidays, then look no further than Key West. The southernmost island of the Florida Keys, which stretch from Florida toward Cuba, Key West is just four miles long. Celebrate a new kind of white Christmas, with white lights sparkling through the palm trees and colorful decorations surrounding the island — which you can see on a trolley tour through old town. The lighted boat parade is one of the most popular events of the year. Then, head out to sail with Santa. Bet you didn’t know that jolly old St. Nick was handy with a boat too!
Related: Sand and Santa: Top Places to Spend Christmas at the Beach
2. New York City: A Holiday to Remember
The quintessential NYC Christmas experience: skating in Rockefeller Center under the glow of the tree. (Photo: Angelo Amboldi/Flickr)
New York is a great place to visit any time of year, but during the holidays the Big Apple is filled with the Christmas spirit. Of course, you’ll want to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and go ice skating under the lights. (But, you should know that skating at Rockefeller can be expensive and take a long time. The rink in Central Park is a good alternative.) You’ll also want to see all the famous decorated windows along Fifth Avenue, take the kids to FAO Schwartz, and check out the crazy Santaland at Macy’s. The crowds can be thick, though, so go early and on a weekday if you can. Top it all off with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It’ll be a holiday to remember.
WATCH: Rockefeller tree lights up for Christmas
1. Cancun (Mexico): A Stress-Free Christmas in Cancun
Trade in the cold and snow for Christmas on the beautiful beaches of Cancun. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Maybe it’s no accident that the best time to visit Cancun (in terms of the weather) happens to be in December. Leave behind all your holiday stress, stay at one of the area’s popular all-inclusive resorts, and relax on the beach. Most of the all-inclusives also have a number of holiday-themed activities, so check ahead. Many local restaurants should be open on Christmas — but closed on Christmas Eve. Enjoy the Christmas concerts in Kukulcan Plaza through the end of December and take part in Los Posadas, the nine days of candlelight processions and parties starting Dec. 16. Don’t forget to partake in some Ponche con Piquete — a classic Cancun alcoholic drink made from seasonal fruits and cinnamon.
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