We all love being surrounded by our loved ones back home, but we also love seeing how cities worldwide change each December. The best ideal places to celebrate the new year or Christmas birth, in our book, ranging from European classics with their storybook Christmas markets to Asian cities with their amazing light shows and even pillars of fun in the United States.
There are even places in the Southern Hemisphere where temperatures range between 20 and 30 on December 25, in case your perfect vacation idea includes lounging by the pool with a cocktail.
While the fun can vary slightly from city to city, these global destinations will help keep the holiday atmosphere happy year after year. And if you’ve been firmly planning this upcoming season, it’s never too early to start planning a great winter break for 2023 and celebrate the new year.
The Best Ideal Places to Celebrate New Year
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Why we will:
For three decades, the small town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has changed its name and made itself “Christmas City” during the holidays.
Celebrations are centered around Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks, with more than 50 stalls showcasing handicrafts, as well as live music and special events featuring Santa himself.
The only thing to put you in mind:
The “live” Advent calendar at the Goundie House on Main Street has a downtown merchant out the door at 5 o’clock:
At 30 o’clock every night there are gifts for those who are waiting.
Here:
The Bethlehem hotel itself is a wonderland, with 35,000 Christmas lights, 36 wreaths, life-size toy soldiers, and a hotel gingerbread house.
Brugge, Belgium
Why we will:
The best-preserved medieval city in Europe is brimming with charm year-round, but especially during the holidays. It’s hard to imagine a more magical place than strolling the cobbled streets, admiring the twinkling lights, and warming up with cups of Belgian hot chocolate in the cafes.
The only thing to put you in mind:
Follow the path of Winter Glow light with stops at 10 installations throughout the historic part of downtown, including the light at Our Lady’s Cathedral tower and the illumination at Gruuthuse.
Here:
Grand Hotel Casselbergh (a short walk from the Markt) has cozy touches like exposed beams in the rooms, a lobby bar with a fireplace, and a wellness center housed in a cellar from the 16th century.
Cape Town at Christmas
Why we will:
If you’re looking to escape the winter for Christmas, you can’t do better than Cape Town – it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere anyway. You can even visit one (or more) of the South African city’s holiday markets without having to wear a coat and scarf.
The only thing to put you in mind:
They’re not exactly Santa’s elves, but the roughly 2,000-3,000 African penguins at Boulders Beach, which you can get up close enough for a portrait shot, are sure to warm your heart.
Here:
The bright and airy rooms perched high above the Atlantic Ocean at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa are the perfect antidote to winter melancholy.
Chicago
Why we will:
From the European-inspired Christkindlmarket to rich light shows, Chicago knows a thing or two about embracing the Christmas spirit (and freezing temperatures). Must-do activities include visiting the 55-foot Christmas tree in Millennium Park and relaxing in the hot igloo at the Godfrey Hotel.
The only thing to put you in mind:
Dazzle in front of 2.5 million LEDs at ZooLights (through January 1), the annual festival of lights held at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Check the event calendar for sensory tour times.
Here:
After a $100 million renovation (Rs 8, 15, 62, 25,000), The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago guarantees you the most luxurious stay in town, especially if you book a suite with views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier. Be sure to order a festive afternoon tea or a 5-course winter truffle dinner at the delicious on-site Torali restaurant.
Cologne, Germany
Why we will:
Nothing epitomizes old-world charm like a Christmas market, and no one takes Christmas markets more seriously than the Germans, with Cologne festivals attracting around four million (forty thousand) visitors each season. Bronze.
The only thing to put you in mind:
Admire the joyful views from the observatory of the KölnTriangle, the tower directly opposite the church on the Rhine.
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Hyatt Regency Cologne offers beautiful views of Cologne Cathedral, as well as excellent multi-course meals at the Glashaus restaurant. Why We Go According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, making it one of the…
Copenhagen
Why we will:
According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, making it an ideal place to spend a vacation. Things are even happier in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, where the amusement park’s old games are decorated with lights surrounded by another lovely Alpine village Christmas market selling gifts and wares. Snack. The park is also known for decorating its trees with Swarovski crystals.
The only thing to put you in mind:
Book a table at Vita Restaurant for Kandersteg, a traditional Danish holiday dish of crispy, succulent roast duck served with prunes and apples.
Here:
Despite the hype, Hotel Sanders takes Danish comfort and satisfaction to the next level.
Dubai
Why we will:
Dubai is one of the best places among ideal places to celebrate the new year. Dubai celebrates Christmas the way Dubai does most things, authentically and above all wonderfully.
Catch tree-lighting events happening around town, including those at Towers Rotana, Fairmont The Palm, and The Irish Village, then watch the St. Old fashioned Nick happily runs at Santa Run.
And since no visit to Dubai is complete without some indulgent shopping, take a moment to stock up on goodies at one of the city’s Christmas markets.
The only thing to put you in mind:
Mall of Dubai is an air-conditioned winter paradise, with an ice rink and indoor ski slope at Ski Dubai.
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Jumeirah Al Naseem is highly regarded for its luxurious rooms, easy beach access, and upscale spa and dining options.
