It is the end of December; Flight bookings are flying off the charts, the anticipation for the year’s end celebrations is high, and it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas (No, it’s not the snow). The Christmas season has long been seen as a nostalgic holiday for many, Christians and non-Christians alike, and while most travelers dream of a white Christmas (which may or may not have something to do with Bing Crosby hypnotizing us all), here are some magical destinations that deserve a spot on your holiday travel radar.
ITALY
Christmas in Italy begins quite early on 8th December with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and celebrations typically end on 6th January with the Epiphany, making for a long period of celebration. As the seat of the Vatican, the Christmas celebration is held in high esteem, with the tradition of the Presepi (nativity scene) originating from Italy. In Rome, the annual 100 Presepi exhibition showcases about 200 nativity scenes from artists worldwide. Amidst stalls, carols, living nativity scenes, and Christmas villages, Italy becomes a magical place for children and adults. Although it is winter, the weather at this time is temperate, depending on your travel destination.
Why should you visit Italy?
- fewer tourists and shorter wait times at the museums and monuments as opposed to the summer months.
- The sprawling Italian holiday markets in Milan and Florence
- The chance to experience the presepi (nativity scenes) in Naples.
EGYPT
Did you know Christmas is celebrated twice in Egypt? Although it is a predominantly Islamic country, the Christian populace makes up about 10% of its population. Of the total number of Christians, 90% are Coptic Christians. Christmas in Egypt is celebrated by Orthodox Christians on December 25th and Coptic Christians on January 7th; thus, January 7th is a public holiday in Egypt. If you ever needed an excuse to quadruple your Christmas cheer, Egypt is more than willing to oblige! Although the celebration isn’t as commercialized as in the West, what makes Christmas celebrations even more unique in Egypt is the story of the Holy Family’s trip with the baby Jesus. Apart from popular tour activities like visiting the pyramids at Giza and the Sphinx, you get to follow the footsteps of the Holy Family around Egypt, beginning at Cairo, while enjoying the weather. The weather in December is pleasantly mild, with daytime temperatures being warm and sunny, while nights are a bit cooler. Explore Egypt with us!
MOROCCO
Celebrating Christmas in this North African country is a rather unique experience and one you would have tons of stories about. Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and Christmas is not a national holiday, however, Christmas cheer can still be felt in the air due to its growing popularity as a tourist destination. The more cosmopolitan cities, like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier, often have locations that cater to tourists seeking to celebrate Christmas in Morocco. Instead of a white Christmas, Morocco offers a golden Christmas with bright sunshine, warmer weather during the daytime, and cooler temperatures at night. Whether you decide to spend your Christmas in the bustling city center, the Atlas Mountains, or even in the Sahara Desert (fully prepared, of course—the golden dunes of the desert provide stunning imagery for the holiday season), Morocco offers an unforgettable experience.
Pro tip: Spending Christmas in Morocco allows you to explore some of the country’s iconic destinations during a less crowded time.
NIGERIA
An unspoken rule about Christmas in Nigeria: Christmas starts on the 1st of December. Now this isn’t me advertising my country, it is common knowledge that Nigerians love to party and take partying very seriously. Christmas is no exception. The holiday season in this western African country is marked by homecomings and numerous celebrations; the people’s “Detty December” culture includes carols, carnivals, concerts, and end-of-year parties. I guarantee there’s a party every weekend to attend once it’s December. In addition to the festive atmosphere, visitors can also explore Nigeria’s diverse culture, vibrant markets, and stunning natural landscapes during this time of year. Whether you’re interested in traditional ceremonies, delicious cuisine, or lively music and dance performances, Nigeria offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival, is held annually in the city of Calabar, Cross River, featuring breathtaking performances, colorful displays of the African culture, roadshows, music concerts, and thousands of people in attendance, including celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. It runs from the 1st to the 31st of December this year. The weather at this time of the year is relatively mild in most cities, allowing for sightseeing.
AUSTRIA
Perhaps the most obvious destination on this list, Austria has been described as having very “Christmassy” vibes. With the multitude of Christmas markets dotting Vienna and Innsbruck, your dreams of a white Christmas might remain in the land of dreams (the Austrian climate has been known to be notoriously deceptive about snow on Christmas Day), the Christmas spirit is not lost. In the days leading to Christmas, parades, choirs, opera carols, and nativity scene viewings keep the Christmas spirit alive. The festivities are a true celebration of the season.
At Innsbruck, the Jaufenthaler nativity scene—a mechanical nativity scene—delights visitors with free performances daily. The intricate details of the Jaufenthaler nativity scene truly bring the Christmas story to life for all who visit. The combination of music, movement, and storytelling creates a magical experience that captures the true essence of the holiday season. Visitors are transported into a world of wonder and joy, where the spirit of Christmas is felt in every corner. 15 motors move 28 figures, drive a waterfall, and make the church bells ring. A Christmas world comes to life.
ETHIOPIA
Whether you are an Orthodox Christian or not, Christmas is a fantastic time to visit the country, particularly in the holy epicenter Lalibela or, if you prefer urban areas, the country’s capital Addis Ababa. Ganna, as it is known, is all about religion, eating good food, and playing games with friends and family. As believers gather to church, there is a rather noticeable lack of Santa hats, Christmas lights, and gift exchanges, but an abundance of individuals dressed in Netela –the traditional thin white cotton garment with vividly coloured stripes across the end —or Shamma. If you want to experience something unique, you should go to the overnight service in the underground passageways of the old rock-hewn churches in Lalibela on the gahad of Christmas (Christmas Eve). Everyone is given candles to signify the Bethlehem star, and they walk in a solemn procession around the church. Though modern churches are still wonderful if you want to see ancient churches, visit Lalibela in January.
Practical Considerations
Overall, visiting a Christmas destination can be a magical experience, however, it is important to be prepared and knowledgeable about the practical considerations. By booking in advance for the best prices (if you don’t have a tour experience, we could arrange one for you! ), researching local customs, packing appropriately, considering timing, and being aware of potential differences in holiday celebrations, you can make the most of your Christmas adventure. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the magic of Christmas worldwide!
