While Christmas never fails to get us excited, the level of excitement does not seem to hit a new benchmark. Even the most festive of occasions are rendered commonplace events when celebrated in the same way and in the same place. Why not improvise? Why not celebrate your Christmas 2018 in an exotic setting, in a far-off country? TravelHouseUK gives you a running start in your search for some of the best tourist destinations that are just as good for Christmas celebrations.
Prague – Baroque Architecture, Gas Lamps and Radiance:
Prague is one of the most representative cities of central Europe as well as one of the most dynamic. Christmas in Prague is celebrated like elsewhere, with the typical enthusiasm and commitment, but the city of stately palaces lends its own distinct flavour to the occasion and creates an otherworldly ambiance that is unique to Prague. You can accommodate yourself in any of the five-star hotels to not-so expensive bed & breakfasts and make the most of your trip. Prague is wide-awake a week or two before Christmas and the well-lit streets and gas lamps complement its elegant architecture.
Crowds gather at key locations such as the Prague Castle, the Peace Square, and the Tyl’s Square. Baroque-styled architecture, buildings and broad avenues lined with magnificent Christmas-themed shops and roadside stalls put together a world where an antiquarian will linger on for good. The Prague Castle and the iconic Charles Bridge have much to offer the thousands of foreigners who visit the city every year. While you are at it, visit the Petrin hill station or the Karlstejn Fortress for a change. There is more to Prague than just picturesque courtyards and palace galleries; it affords recreation of every kind.
Budapest – Morality Plays and Hot Water Baths:
Christmas festivities beside the Danube are the finest in Hungary. In addition to the social atmosphere and hospitality peculiar to the Hungarians, the richly decorated buildings and edifices make their own statement. No mention of Budapest is complete without reference to the Matthias Church and the Buda Castle which are the hubs of Christmas festivities in the region and clearly the most embellished. The Hungarian State Opera is known to hold some of the best Christmas performances every year. Miracle and morality play from antiquity, as well as contemporary masterpieces, are performed in accordance with the occasion. Yet another activity that Hungarians indulge in during this time of the year is the hot water Szechenyi Bath. There are even outdoor community pools here and there. Take a dip… it’s worth it!
Dubrovnik – Christmas in a Medieval Setting:
More and more folks are time-travelling to a glorious past, far from the glitz and glamour of ultra-modern cityscapes. Take refuge in a city that still retains its medieval attributes; defensive walls all around, gothic architecture and stony passages canopied by thick trees. A simple stroll during the daytime is probably the best compliment to the place. As you watch the Christmas preparations being made and pavilions being set, warm up your enthusiasm for the night ahead when it’s an altogether different picture. Everything pales in comparison. The idea here is to blend in, not to stand out, which once executed makes Dubrovnik more than the sum of its parts. Here the muted colours of the buildings blend in perfectly with the luminous beautifications rendered and the Christmas pageants performed. At places like the Lokrum Island, folks take their boats out into the sea for lantern drifting and fireworks. Some of you might prefer an aerial view of the festivities taking place and consider taking a cable car ride to that end. On top of it all, Dubrovnik is one of the most affordable cities in Europe.
Split-Hvar – Christmas Celebrations on the Croatian Coastline:
Split is yet another Croatian city that can rank very well with many of the older and much larger towns in Europe. A mild winter climate, outdoor activities of every description and large-scale Christmas celebrations are the compelling attractions of this coastal town. Most of the delightful festivities take place at the rich coast belt, with its wonderful variety and abundance of resource but even the streets and patios bear a strong Christmassy flavour. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Diocletian’s Palace, the Golden Gate and the Bacvice Beach are major points of interest. Hotels are conveniently located and equipped in the most up-to-date manner. Fishing, boating and tennis are popular pastimes and every facility is provided for the full enjoyment of these sports. But boating remains by far the major attraction. For instance, tourists can get a ferry ride to Hvar Island, which will definitely be an exciting episode in your Christmas trip to Split.
Book a deluxe suite overlooking the vast, beautiful sea in any of Hvar’s finest resorts. Spend your Christmas Eve yachting and the Christmas Day on the beachside as Hvar’s coastline is jam-packed during the eventful day. Hvar is what the tourism industry calls a resort island. There is nature side by side the man-made. Visit the Sveti Klement Island, the Fortica (a medieval stronghold) on the highlands and beach at Paklinski Islands.
Final Thoughts?
Visiting exotic countries during the Christmas season will definitely fade away the anxiety of finding yourself trapped in an unfamiliar environment. Some might say that Christmas is the best time to visit such places. The experience is good while it lasts and also leaves a pleasant aftertaste when you revisit those memories or scroll through those photos of yours. Bloggers / vloggers will find plenty of source material here for their next update. The destinations mentioned above are some of the emerging tourist destinations this year and now is the right time for a visit. So take that plunge!
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