10 Unique Places to Visit Over Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of year, and each year people around the world travel to different places to enjoy the holiday season and explore new destinations. Here are 10 unique places to visit over Christmas that you won’t want to miss out on!

1. The Christmas Markets of Germany

The Christmas markets of Germany are world renowned, and for good reason. From the festive decorations, to the hot mulled wine, to the unique handmade gifts, these markets offer a truly unique Christmas experience. The large markets in Berlin, Nuremberg, and Dresden are the most popular, but smaller markets can also be found in smaller towns, offering a more intimate experience.

The markets are usually open from late November to December, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to experience them in all their glory. Be sure to bring plenty of cash as most of the vendors don’t accept credit cards.

Don’t forget to sample some of the delicious German treats that are available at the markets, including sausages, pretzels, and bratwursts. And don’t forget to pick up some handmade gifts for your loved ones.

2. The Christmas Island of Lapland

If you’re looking for a truly unique Christmas experience, then head to the Christmas Island of Lapland. This remote island is home to the Sami people, who have their own unique culture and customs. During the winter months, the island is blanketed in snow and offers a stunning natural beauty that is perfect for exploring.

The island is home to a number of activities that can be enjoyed during the festive season, including skiing, snowshoeing, and reindeer sledding. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, you can also enjoy the hot springs and take part in a traditional Sami ceremony.

Be sure to visit the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, where you can meet Santa himself, as well as his elves and reindeer. And don’t forget to pick up some unique Sami handicrafts as souvenirs.

3. The Christmas Markets of Vienna

Vienna is known for its stunning architecture, and during the Christmas season it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christmas markets are some of the most popular in Europe, and offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

The markets are open from late November to December, and offer a wide variety of festive treats, including roasted almonds, sausages, and hot mulled wine. Don’t forget to try some of the unique Austrian Christmas delicacies, such as christstollen, a traditional sweet bread, and maroni, roasted chestnuts.

The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments. And don’t forget to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city for a truly unique experience.

4. The Christmas Markets of Prague

Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and during the Christmas season it is transformed into a fairytale. The city’s Christmas markets are some of the most popular in Europe, and offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

The markets are open from late November to December, and offer a wide variety of festive treats, including roasted almonds, sausages, and hot mulled wine. Don’t forget to try some of the unique Czech Christmas delicacies, such as medovina, a honey wine, and trdelnik, a traditional rolled pastry.

The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments. And don’t forget to take a boat ride along the Vltava river for a truly unique experience.

5. The Christmas Markets of Strasbourg

The beautiful city of Strasbourg is home to one of Europe’s oldest and most popular Christmas markets. The market is open from late November to December, and offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

The markets are filled with festive decorations and offer an array of delicious treats, including roasted chestnuts, crepes, and hot mulled wine. Don’t forget to try some of the unique Alsatian Christmas delicacies, such as baeckeoffe, a traditional stew, and bredele, small spiced cookies.

The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments. And don’t forget to take a boat ride along the Ill river for a truly unique experience.

6. The Christmas Markets of Finland

Finland is a great destination for those looking for a unique Christmas experience. The country’s Christmas markets are some of the most popular in Europe, and offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

The markets are open from late November to December, and offer a wide variety of festive treats, including roasted almonds, sausages, and hot mulled wine. Don’t forget to try some of the unique Finnish Christmas delicacies, such as korvapuusti, a cinnamon roll, and lihapullat, meatballs.

The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments. And don’t forget to take a sleigh ride through the forests for a truly unique experience.

7. The Christmas Markets of Switzerland

The Christmas markets of Switzerland are some of the most beautiful in Europe, and offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The markets are open from late November to December, and offer a wide variety of festive treats, including roasted almonds, sausages, and hot mulled wine.

Don’t forget to try some of the unique Swiss Christmas delicacies, such as raclette, a melted cheese dish, and bratapfel, roasted apples. The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments.

And don’t forget to take a ride on the Bernina Express, a train that takes you through the stunning Swiss Alps, for a truly unique experience.

8. The Christmas Markets of Budapest

The Christmas markets of Budapest are some of the most popular in Europe, and offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The markets are open from late November to December, and offer a wide variety of festive treats, including roasted almonds, sausages, and hot mulled wine.

Don’t forget to try some of the unique Hungarian Christmas delicacies, such as beigli, a poppy seed-filled pastry, and kürtőskalács, a twisted sugar-coated pastry. The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments.

And don’t forget to take a ride on the Children’s Railway, a miniature railway that takes you through the stunning Buda hills, for a truly unique experience.

9. The Christmas Markets of Edinburgh

The Christmas markets of Edinburgh are some of the most popular in the UK, and offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The markets are open from late November to December, and offer a wide variety of festive treats, including roasted almonds, sausages, and hot mulled wine.

Don’t forget to try some of the unique Scottish Christmas delicacies, such as tablet, a fudge-like sweet, and shortbread, a buttery biscuit. The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments.

And don’t forget to take a ride on the Royal Mile, a cobblestone street in the heart of Edinburgh, for a truly unique experience.

10. The Christmas Markets of Amsterdam

The Christmas markets of Amsterdam are some of the most popular in the Netherlands, and offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The markets are open from late November to December, and offer a wide variety of festive treats, including roasted almonds, sausages, and hot mulled wine.

Don’t forget to try some of the unique Dutch Christmas delicacies, such as oliebollen, deep-fried dough balls, and poffertjes, small pancakes. The markets also offer a variety of handmade gifts, from wooden toys to jewelry and glass ornaments.

And don’t forget to take a ride on the canal boats, a unique way to explore the city, for a truly unique experience.

Conclusion

Christmas is a magical time of year, and there are many unique places to visit during the holiday season. From the Christmas markets of Germany to the Santa Claus village of Lapland, there are plenty of unique places to explore and create lasting memories.

So, if you’re looking for a truly unique Christmas experience, consider visiting one of these 10 unique places to visit over Christmas. You won’t be disappointed!