Explore the magic of Christmas as it transcends borders and cultures. This festive season, many cities illuminate their streets, offering unique celebrations and traditions. Here are some remarkable places where you can experience Christmas like never before.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand: It’s the start of summer here, and people celebrate Christmas with outdoor activities, such as river surfing.
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland: Santa Claus meets with children at his office near Rovaniemi. Located in Lapland, Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village amusement park is a snow-covered wonderland of reindeer rides, ice castles, snowmobiles, and igloo hotels where Christmas holds sway 365 days a year.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Sharing the same name as the birthplace of Jesus in the Bible, the Pennsylvania version of the city goes all out for the holiday. Pictured is a Christmas Eve vigil at the Central Moravian Church.
Bath, England
Bath, England: This historic city — known for its Jane Austen ties and ancient Roman baths — knows how to make a splash with its Christmas market.
San Fernando, Philippines
San Fernando, Philippines: Home to the Giant Lantern Festival, the city is a visual wonderland at Christmas, such as this footbridge looking out over festive, illuminated decorations.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain: Artists dressed as the Three Kings — Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar — arrive aboard a boat to Bogatell Beach in Barcelona on January 5, 2021, during Epiphany celebrations.
New York City
New York City: The biggest city in the United States knows how to do Christmas right. Here’s a view of the Rockefeller Plaza ice skating rink with the annual Christmas tree.
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya: A group of Kenyan acrobats entertains people on Christmas Day. Most offices in the majority Christian nation shut down days before Christmas and reopen after the New Year. Kenyans take a collective break to relish long conversations and buffets filled with traditional delicacies.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg, Germany: The second largest city in Bavaria, the crafts and goodies at Nuremberg’s Christmas market are a big draw.
Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia: The capital city is renowned for its lights, including this previous tunnel-like installation at Usaquen Park.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta: The Mediterranean island goes all out for the holiday. This Christmas nativity scene is set up in the streets of Valletta, the capital.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City, Canada: Rue du Petit-Champlain in the historic core of the city makes a nice setting for a wintry Christmastime stroll.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: This popular haven for artists is a great place to celebrate Christmas with generally temperate, autumn-like weather.
Salzburg and Oberndorf, Austria
Salzburg and Oberndorf, Austria: Release Krampus! A man dressed as Krampus, the companion of St. Nicholas and one of Austria’s unique Advent traditions, makes his way during a traditional procession.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, France: Why choose between a German-flavored Christmas and a French-flavored Christmas when you can get both in Strasbourg?
