Festivities and decorations during the holiday season bring a whole new element of magic and beauty to cities around the world. Some cities really stand out and seem a bit more magical than others. If you get the chance to travel during the holidays, try to make it to one of these cities to experience the beauty yourself!
Vienna, Austria
Home of the first patented snow globe, Vienna is a Christmas-lover's fantasy. Take a stroll through the streets and you'll see, "grimacing gingerbread men stare out of bakeries, old-world porcelain dolls with green velvet dresses cluster at the windows of toy shops and everywhere you look snow globes of miniature Viennese landmarks are trapped in perpetual storms." With an abundance of markets, concerts, museums and shows you will not run out of fabulous things to do during the holiday season in Vienna.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, France is the home of the very first Christmas Market in 1570. It was called "Christkindelsmärik," which translates to "market of the Infant Jesus." They have continued to hold this market every year since then; visiting it is like taking a step back in time!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Christmas and New Years in Amsterdam are unique and exciting celebrations unlike anywhere else. With parties, markets, festivals, concerts and art exhibits, there is no shortage of things to do throughout the season. You can stroll along the side walks and enjoy the scenic canal views while taking in all the festive holiday decor.
Dresden, Germany
Dresden is the home of one of Germany's most famous markets: Striezelmarkt. Streizelmarkt is also Germany's oldest Christmas Market and actually dates back to 1434. You can stroll through the square and enjoy plenty of shopping as well as festive holiday decor.
New York City, USA
Nothing is better than Christmas in New York! While this photo captures the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Ice Skating Rink, it is by no means the only Christmas attraction in the city. Just about anywhere you go in NYC will be twinkling and merry throughout the month of December.
Cotswolds, UK
If you've ever seen the movie "The Holiday", a movie that takes place over Christmas time starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Jude Law, you will remember this adorable place in England. Located in South Central England, this picturesque, storybook-like village is absolutely breathtaking during the winter holiday season. It is worth it to visit this area purely for the scenic views of small cottages and rolling hills quite unlike anywhere else in the world.
Believe it or not this fairytale-like cities and villages are real place. They are incredible and beautiful to begin with, but Christmas truly brings out the best in them. So next time you're traveling for the holidays, add these cities to your list!
