With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are looking for ways to celebrate Christmas in a way that's new and exciting. If you're tired of the same old holiday ham and reindeer games, we've found 10 places around the world that offer up something a little different. From breath-taking festivals to spooky parades, here are 10 Christmas activities from around the world that will surely make you want to hop on a plane and experience them first hand.
Christmas Activities #10 Take part in the Krampus parade in Austria
While Christmas activities generally involve warm and cozy traditions and motifs, many Austrians have something different in mind. When most kids in the world are dreaming of reindeers, gift-wrapped presents, and Santa Claus, many kids in Austria are preparing for St. Nick's dastardly counterpart. You've probably heard of him - he's called Krampus, a frightening creature that punishes naughty children. Krampus is a lot like Santa, except his thing is to go around and scare the living daylights out of kids. Each year, thousands of people line up to see Austria's Krampus Parade, a spectacular nighttime procession of terrifyingly clad Krampus figures and Perchten elves.
Now book cheap flights to Vienna.
Christmas Activities #9 Enjoy a sun-filled Christmas in Australia
Like many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia's Christmas falls during the height of summer. As such, locals tend to flock to the beach or picnic areas to beat the heat. Many Australians celebrate Yuletide merriment with a barbecue on the shore. Other Christmas activities that are common among Australians include playing numerous rounds of cricket, drinking festive spirits, and singing carols under the twinkling Christmas lights.
Now book cheap flights to Sydney.
Christmas Activities #8 Admire the wonder of illuminated boats along the coastline in Greece
At the forefront of nautical exploration, Greece stands as a testament to the spirit of exploration and adventure. In ancient times, villagers would decorate boats to symbolize a safe return from those who worked at sea. The age-old tradition still exists today. As you cruise through the Greek harbors during the Christmas season, you'll see many large boats adorned with lights in honor of this tradition. The town squares are also peppered with sparkling caiques alongside Christmas trees, while fairy light-draped smaller models become the centerpiece of many homes.
Now book cheap flights to Athens.
Christmas Activities #7 Party the night away in Mexico
In Mexico, the night before Christmas is celebrated with a big feast, songs, and dancing. Sometimes it takes the form of a raucous party, but mostly it's about family and being together. Traditionally, the celebration begins nine days before Noche Buena — or Christmas eve — with the Las Posadas festivities. Over the course of nine nights, people host large gatherings, sing holiday songs and build piñatas as they celebrate the journey Mary and Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Now book cheap flights to Mexico City.
Christmas Activities #6 Participate in the 12 pubs of Christmas in Dublin, Ireland
Upon the arrival of cold and yuletide weather, the entire city of Dublin erupts in a riot of festive color, carols, and cheer. The streets come alive with entertainment[JP1] and there is no shortage of pantomimes and seasonal concerts, either. Kids can visit elves' workshops and Santa's grotto, while adults engage in live entertainment and festive drinks. The prime attraction of the season, however, is the annual drunken pilgrimage, 12 pubs of Christmas. Instead of going to 12 different houses around town, people go to 12 pubs in one night. The idea is inspired by the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and it's one of the Irish Christmas activities that, unsurprisingly, tourists have picked up on.
Now book cheap flights to Dublin.
Christmas Activities #5 Marvel at the splendor of the Great Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines
You've seen embellished Christmas trees and brightly lit houses. But if you want to see something truly spectacular, check out the Philippines' Great Lantern Festival. Every year, the town of San Fernando holds the Ligligan Parul (Giant Lantern Festival) during the holiday season. Hordes of gigantic parol lanterns bursting with color, splendor, and majesty illuminate the night sky as thousands of spectators watch in awe.
Now book cheap flights to San Fernando.
Christmas Activities #4 Revel in the magic of Christmas in Rome, Italy
Even the most magical Christmas cannot compare to a Christmas in the Eternal city. The allure of Rome never really goes away, but the city is especially enchanting when it's brimming with holiday cheer. Its beautifully lit streets, lavishly decked piazzas, and endless array of Christmas markets make it a destination that is difficult to forget. Rome's restaurants, tourist attractions, and exciting nightlife are all extended invitations to relish in the festive atmosphere throughout the city. The holiday festivities start on December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception, and they last all the way until January 6, in celebration of the Epiphany. People who visit Rome during this period usually take excursions to witness all the Italian Christmas activities and customs in action.
Now book cheap flights to Rome.
Christmas Activities #3 Ring in the holidays in New York, USA
Looking for an action-packed Christmas getaway that could blow away your previous experiences? You can't go wrong with New York's holiday celebrations. The Big Apple is filled with Christmas activities and adventures. Whether it's ice skating at Rockefeller Center, watching the Radio City Rockettes as they dance and kick with precision, or lurking around 34th street to catch a miracle — there's something for everyone.
Now book cheap flights to New York.
Christmas Activities #2 Experience a true northern Christmas in Finland
If you're seeking the perfect white Christmas, there are few places more idyllic than Finland's winter wonderland. It is the land of Santa Claus, after all. A typical Finnish household's most anticipated Christmas activities consist of starting the day with traditional rice and milk porridge bowls, followed by a customary soak in the sauna, and then waiting for the jolly bearded man himself to come in through the chimney.
Now book cheap flights to Helsinki.
Christmas Activities #1 Have a Fried Christmas Dinner in Tokyo, Japan
While in the United States, Christmas may conjure up visions of candy canes and turkey roast, in Tokyo, it's all about fried chicken. Japan in the 20th century didn't have particular Christmas traditions, so the folks at a well-known fast-food chain decided to capitalize on the holiday meal, and the Japanese public ate it up (literally). Thus, was born a whole new Japanese Christmas food tradition that has thrived for almost five decades. To this day, Christmas activities for many families in Tokyo include queuing up outside their local fried chicken joint to get their fix of grub.
Now book cheap flights to Tokyo.
For those who crave the holiday spirit but yearn for something a little different than the standard Christmas turkey and gift exchange, these destinations are guaranteed to whisk you away with their own unique take on the season.