The Top 10 Best Cities Around The World To Celebrate Christmas

Over the years, Christmas has become a global and widely celebrated festival, regardless of regions and religions. CEOWORLD magazine has listed the best places in the world to cherish the yuletide spirit.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark
   A true Christmas city in all its senses, Copenhagen celebrates the best of the traditions during the festival. The whole city is covered in lights and one can always walk into massive Christmas markets at every corner of the city. From relishing the lip-smacking street food to taking a tour of the old candy factory, Copenhagen has a lot to offer during Christmas. Enjoy strolling through the majestic gardens of Tivoli, try mulled wine at the unique Hotel d’Angleterre, or go ice skating at Frederiksberg Have.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
   If you’re looking to escape winter this Christmas, there can’t be a better destination than Cape Town. It’s known for its summer in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also visit one of the South African city’s holiday markets without layering up yourself with a coat or scarf. Not to miss, you can enjoy the outdoor screening of Home Alone at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on Christmas Day at 8:30 p.m.
3. Vienna, Austria 
   It’s almost impossible to find a city that celebrates Christmas with grace and elegance like Vienna. The vibrant and lively Christmas markets, the classy café culture, and the old-world charm on the lanes create a magical aura here. The imperial architecture decorated with twinkling lights makes it a wonderful backdrop for an exciting winter break. Choose to indulge in glühwein, sausages, and freshly baked pastries at Vienna’s ubiquitous Christkindlmarkts, try ice skating on Rathausplatz, pay a visit to the Snow Globe Museum situated in the 17th District, or book a ticket at one of the Christmas concerts which take place in the city’s sumptuous churches during this time of year.
4. Rovaniemi, Lapland 
   Hugging the Arctic Circle, Finland’s Lapland region is the birthplace and home of Santa Claus. In the city of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village amusement park and resort creates an unforgettable Christmas experience for children with snow-covered cottages, reindeer rides, and friendly staff dressed as elves who refuse to break character. This one thing will get you the authentic Christmas vibes. You can also welcome the Christmas festivity with a glimpse of the Northern Lights while staying in this city.

   

5. Quebec City, Canada
   Quebec is one of the best destinations to spend Christmas in the whole of Canada. The city itself is bursting with culture and is the perfect place to go for a city break holiday over the festival time. During this period- the beautiful streets, Parisian-style cafes and designer boutiques of Quebec get dressed in lights and decorations. These turn the city into a real Christmas village, and we are sure you are going to cherish this Christmas all through your life.
6. Strasbourg, France
   Get an amalgamation of French and German flavors of Christmas in this border city that feels the vibes of both cultures. Here, you will find a series of themed Christmas villages transform the city into a visual and gastronomic winter wonderland. Around 300 stalls are spread over 10 locations, that sell Christmas gifts and a variety of street food. Alongside the market, you will get to see the Christmas fair, featuring live music and a street art trail.
7. Tokyo, Japan
   Christmas in Tokyo looks like a fairyland, religion-free sight to behold. That’s what happens when non-Christians embrace Christmas, and with spectacular decorations and lights. Christmas Eve is the big deal in Tokyo, resembling Valentine’s Day inactivity- an evening for couples and romance. Who doesn’t love to feast Japanese-styled dishes- fried chicken followed by sponge cake topped with cream and strawberries?
8. Prague, Czech Republic
   Don’t think twice before booking your tickets to Prague, for its festive charm. Prague boasts of the most scenic and the best Christmas market in entire Europe. With its world-known attractions, all lit and every street being decked up with Christmas trees and lights, spending Christmas in Prague looks nothing less than a pompous carnival. Don’t forget to dine with Mozart, buy souvenirs from the best Christmas market at the Wenceslas Square, stroll through the Old Town Square, and try the traditional Czech Christmas meal.

   

9. Santa Claus Village, Finland
   Why go anywhere else, when you can spend your winter holidays in the city of Santa? Look no further, rug up and head north to Finland’s Arctic Circle. The plump man in the red suit is this neighborhood’s well-known resident, it’s the best time to meet this man. Here, the landscape includes a blanket of snow and reindeer-dotted forests, far from the touristy atmosphere. Though there’s an amusement park called Santa Park not far from the village, to keep your family entertained.
10. Midnight Mass, The Vatican, Italy
    This eternal city is magical at any time of year, but the month of December has an extra frisson, with roasted chestnuts sold on every street and corner, and the city gets its walls decorated with presepi (nativity scenes). Best places to find these are St Peter’s Square, Piazza Navona, and in the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill. It’s the Vatican that experiences the most pilgrims from all over the world. Midnight Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve is an affair to remember.
11. New York, USA
    It may not be a small city, but it’s still got all the charm — and it’d be impossible to make a list of the best Christmas cities in the world without including the Big Apple! There’s simply no place quite like New York City at Christmastime.

Average spending on Christmas gifts in the U.S. (1999-2019)

The figure depicts the results of a survey about the estimated Christmas spending of U.S. consumers from 2000 to 2019. The most recent report by the CEOWORLD magazine revealed that U.S. consumers expected to spend approximately $1,007 on average on Christmas gifts in 2019, up 4.1% from last year ($967.12).

Spending falls into 3 major categories: Gifts for family, friends, and coworkers: $638; Non-gift holiday purchases such as food and decoration: $215, Other non-gift purchases for themselves and their families: $155.

• 2019: $1,007.24
• 2018: $967.12
• 2017: $862
• 2016: $752
• 2015: $830
• 2014: $720
• 2013: $704
• 2012: $770
• 2011: $764
• 2010: $714
• 2009: $638
• 2008: $616
• 2007: $866
• 2006: $826
• 2005: $763
• 2004: $730
• 2003: $734
• 2002: $690
• 2001: $794
• 2000: $817

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