San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why We Will:
Puerto Rico boasts the world’s longest public holiday, lasting 45 days from late November to mid-January. This leaves more time for you to enjoy the island’s festive decor, music, and music, folklore, midnight mass, and coquito, a coconut beverage that puts eggnog to shame.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
Stroll through Old San Juan to see Christmas lights hanging from colorful buildings, with some of the best displays near the central Plaza de Armas.
Here:
Our readers love the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel for its hammam spa (the only facility in PR), ocean-facing rooms, and 4 relaxing pools.
Santafe, New Mexico
Why We Will:
Santa Fe’s already splendid square becomes downright magical with the addition of Christmas lights, but the holiday spirit doesn’t begin and end there.
The city also holds midnight Mass at St. Francis of Assisi, a holiday exhibit at the New Mexico Museum of Art, holiday flamenco performances at El Flamenco Cabaret, and seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market.
Even with Christmas officially over, you can still stay busy at Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe, both within easy driving distance.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
Don’t miss the annual Canyon Road Farolito Walk, a Christmas Eve event of farolitos (paper bags filled with sand and topped with votive candles) that line the streets and walls of burnt-brick buildings.
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The attractive list-winning Bishop’s Lodge exudes tangible warmth, with wood-burning kiva fireplaces and wrought-bronze soaking tubs decorating the rooms.
Sydney, Australia
Why We Will:
You haven’t seen the Christmas lights until you see the Christmas lights in Sydney. Plus, there’s the month-long festive season here (take that 12 days of Christmas) with “Sydney Christmas”.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
Marvel at the 3,500 twinkling lights in the Strand Arcade or the 85,000 twinkling LED lights in the Pitt Street Mall’s incredible Canopy of Light.
Here:
Celebrate with a Christmas lunch followed by a nap by the rooftop pool (remember it’s summer Down Under) at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Taipei, Taiwan
Why We Will:
December 25th isn’t a public holiday in Taipei, but it’s still one of the best places to spend Christmas, as the city celebrates with incredible light shows, attractions festivals, and events.
During the weeks between mid-November and New Year, nearly the entire Banqiao District transforms into Christmasland, as its name suggests.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
Don’t miss the Christmasland area in downtown Fuzhong, home to the magical forest and the Boshou Light Park.
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We love Mandarin Oriental for its chic decor and wide range of dining options. Tbilisi Georgia at Christmas
Tbilisi, Georgia
Why We Will:
Since the Georgian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, Christmas is only officially celebrated in Tbilisi on January 7.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
Located in Tbilisi’s Freedom Square, the Statue of Liberty (depicting Saint George slaying a dragon) is covered with cascading lights to form a giant temporary Christmas tree.
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Hotel Stamba’s cozy-chic atmosphere is unmatched — think plush leather sofas, lush hanging plants, and floor-to-ceiling vintage bookshelves.
Tokyo
Why We Will:
The city adds to the tension each year with its winter lights, with different neighborhoods competing to create truly sensational performances.
Illuminated attractions include snow-capped nearly 10-foot snowballs in Tokyo Midtown and the massive Baccarat crystal chandelier at Yebisu Garden Place.
Bright lights are so popular that they last long after Christmas Day, usually in January or February.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
One of the most famous illuminations is the Blue Cave (Ao no Dokutsu) in Shibuya, which was inspired by the Blue Cave of the Mediterranean.
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Aman Tokyo, a two-time Gold List winner, has a multi-level spa and deep tub in every room.
The capital city of Vienna, Austria
Why We Will:
Vienna practically sparkles with the holiday spirit during the Christmas season (the lights covering almost every building might have something to do with that).
The city is famous for its markets, with the Viennese Christmas market at the town hall and the Christmas tree at Rathausplatz standing out.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
Enjoy the clear sound of Vienna’s only male choir, which has been around for more than 500 years and has a tradition of performing in its homeland during the holidays.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Why We Will:
Vilnius becomes a true winter wonderland in December, with the Christmas train passing through the old town, 3D nativity scenes projected onto buildings, and the Christmas market in the town square.
Only Thing To Put You In Mind:
The headline Christmas tree is no joke. This year’s main tree was designed to look like a giant multi-tiered birthday cake in honor of the city’s upcoming 700th anniversary.
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The warm and friendly Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius is as close as you can get to all the delights of Christmas.
