Are These The Most Festive Cities?

Christmas is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s something some take further than everyone else in the world. After all, is there anything more joyous than the twinkling of the lights, the sound of carols being sung, and the smell of all those chestnuts roasting on an open fire?

It turns out it’s not just individuals that take things to whole new levels, as some places go all out to bring the magic of the holidays to life each year. Are these the most festive cities? They just might be, and it could be time to add them to our bucket list to really help get into the festive spirit.

Vienna, Austria, truly comes to life with Christmas markets and events

When it comes to Christmas, Vienna doesn’t hide the fact it’s a huge part of the city. Christmas markets come to life each holiday season, adding even more old-fashioned charm to the city. From the smells of warm spice punch and candied fruit to the sound of classical concerts taking place around every corner, Christmas really is for everyone when it comes to Vienna. In fact, with so much family fun to be had throughout the city, it’s hard to find somewhere that’s not entirely absorbed by the holidays at the end of each year.

Rovaniemi, Finland, is the Christmas wonderland we all dreamed about as children

If you want a place that’s straight out of a storybook, you need to head to Rovaniemi, Finland. After all, it’s the capital of Lapland and truly becomes the Christmas wonderland we all dreamed about when we were younger. It’s covered in crisp snow that’s often illuminated by the Northern Lights, but that’s not all. Being the home to Santa himself makes Santa Claus Village even more special. What better way to take it all in than with a husky sleigh ride, meeting the reindeer, and saying hello to Santa’s elves?

Prague, Czech Republic, is filled with markets and Christmas carols every year

The gothic architecture around Prague already makes it an incredible place to be. Add Christmas festivities into that, and you have one of the most festive cities in the world. The Christmas markets are a huge pull for most people, with all kinds of gifts on offer at the hundreds of stalls. Of course, this wouldn’t be the same without the seasonal carols that fill the air as you shop and the various twinkling Christmas trees you will see throughout Prague during your trip.

New York City, the US, is the home of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

New York City is the place that never sleeps, and the same goes for the holiday season. After all, it might be hard when you see just how bold and bright all those Christmas lights are. It often feels like every inch of the city is covered in twinkling lights, with the Rockefeller Center’s iconic tree and skating rink taking center stage for most people. While the shopping might draw most people in, it’s the surroundings that make New York City such a beautiful place to be at Christmas time.

Québec City, Canada, might be the most Christmassy of all Canadian cities

There are plenty of Canadian cities that come to life each Christmas, but Québec City might be the most festive of them all. This is the place to be if you want to know what it’s like to walk into a Christmas card, as the holiday markets and outdoor concerts mean there is always something to see and do throughout the city. Then there’s the setting. Being surrounded by snow and Christmas lights, it’s hard to remember you’re not dreaming when you spend the holidays in Québec City.

London, England, really comes to life with Christmas lights each year

The capital of the UK is buzzing throughout most of the year, but there’s something so special about London when it comes to Christmas. Here, lights will dazzle you down most streets, with Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, and Mayfair really pushing things to new levels each year. Then, there are the holiday-themed concerts that take place across the city. Of course, we can’t forget about the ice skating rinks that pop up across the city, adding even more magic to the already magical time of the year.

Are these the most festive cities? They just might be. After all, there’s nothing like walking through the streets and having to pinch yourself to remember that you’ve not been whisked away to a winter wonderland - it just feels like you’re in the story books.