In the mood for a new adventure or looking for a change of scenery? The holiday season is the perfect time to explore a new destination, see new things and learn about different cultures.
1. Tromso, Norway
Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
If you like the night life, Tromso is the place for you. Daylight during the holiday season is just a couple of hours long.
But the darkness is lit up by incredible views of the northern lights (look for them between 6 p.m. and midnight) and a chance to say you’ve been to the North Pole -- well, the Arctic Circle, anyway -- for Christmas.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Credit: Sean Gallup
Credit: Sean Gallup
Seeing “The Nutcracker” is a great experience. Seeing it in Prague, one of the homes of ballet, is an even more noteworthy experience.
After leaving the Czech ballet, enjoy historic Nerudova Street in Mala Strana, which is filled with Gothic and Baroque architecture. Don’t miss the holiday markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
3. Lapland, Finland
Credit: Alexander Hassenstein
Credit: Alexander Hassenstein
Want to walk in a real winter wonderland? Urho Kekkonen National Park, a 90-minute flight from Helsinki, is the real thing. Cross the frosty landscape via a reindeer-pulled sled or go cross-country skiing on the Saariselkä trails.
If you want to watch the northern lights warmly, some of the igloos at Hotel Kakslauttanen are made of thermal glass.
4. Zurich, Switzerland
Credit: Oli Scarff
Credit: Oli Scarff
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe believes in lighting up the holidays. A display of 12,000 crystal lights are turned on to mark the season starting in late November.
On the eve of Dec. 19, children set candles afloat on the Limmat River near City Hall. And don’t miss the Conelli Christmas Circus.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
Credit: John Coletti
Credit: John Coletti
If you’re not in the mood for Europe, Charleston has its own spin on the holidays. Pecans roasting instead of chestnuts, eggnog spiked with bourbon, and choirs singing spirituals at Drayton Hall plantation are among the signs of the season.
The city has an extensive list of events at ChristmasInCharleston.com.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
Credit: Spencer Platt
Credit: Spencer Platt
Iceland has been a hot vacation spot for the last several years, and the center of that is Reykjavik, the capital city. It’s another northern location where daylight is a four-hour affair and the aurora borealis is the biggest holiday light of them all. Statues of the 12 Yule Lads -- the Icelandic version of Santa Claus -- peek around every corner and from every window.
7. Santa Barbara, California
Credit: David McNew
Credit: David McNew
So you’d rather be warm for Christmas -- who wouldn’t? Hotels in the Santa Barbara area can give you the New England winter lodge feeling just steps from the beach.
If you are there on a Sunday, check out the Sunday Arts & Crafts Show for last-minute shopping.
8. Boston
Credit: Scott Eisen
Credit: Scott Eisen
If you want New England’s Old World ambience with snow, Boston is the place to go.
Enjoy Beacon Hill’s cobblestone streets dusted with snow, and celebrate the ghosts of Christmases past with the Christmas Revels at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre. Get some skating in on Boston Common.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Credit: Jeff J Mitchell
Credit: Jeff J Mitchell
Fireworks lighting up over Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse? Yes, please. Add in bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” around the Sir Walter Scott monument, and the sounds of the season are fully engaged here.
10. Taos, New Mexico
Credit: Mona Makela Photography
Credit: Mona Makela Photography
For a unique holiday season, light a farolito (little lantern) in Taos. The Native American and Hispanic influences are prevalent, bringing a multicultural twist to the holiday season with activities like the lighting of Ledoux Street with the tiny lanterns.
In the days before Christmas, the town also celebrates the Hispanic tradition Las Posadas.
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