It’s coming up to that time of year again – Christmas. There was a time when the end of year holiday meant inflated prices but the explosion of package holidays, regional low-cost flights, the development of hotels, resorts and villas in hot destinations and increased affordability of ski holidays has meant that Christmas vacations has been one of the fastest travel trends in the last couple of decades.
For many, Christmas naturally means family and home. But if you fancy packing up the family or rounding up some of your friends for something different this coming Christmas and just need ideas of where to go, then simply read on and pick a destination.
New York
New York is one of those old Yuletide haunts that you see every year on some TV programme or film but is actually much more impressive in person. If you’re the bustling city type, head on over to old New York and you can’t go past the famous tree at Rockerfeller Centre. But this is just the centrepiece to a Christmas display that’s enthusiastically taken up throughout the entire city. Many neighbourhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens are well-known for their elaborate Christmas decorations competitions that have even the locals gawking like tourists. Carriage rides through Central Park, ornate displays at department stores, or meander through the city’s old brown-stone lined streets will certainly get you in the mood for Christmas even if you’re not necessarily the traditional sleigh bells and reindeers type.
Puerto Rico
There are some destinations that are further away from Santa’s home and native climate but presents unique Christmas traditions that’s perfect for those who don’t fancy the cold temperatures and icy activities. Puerto Rico kicks off Christmas festivities nice and early and keeps it going until well into January.
Once the 25th is celebrated and done with, what ensues is an intense two-week affair saturated with food, family and festivities. The local version of eggnog, coquito, a rum and coconut drink, is the favourite beverage option. In San Juan, enjoy seasonal holiday food of pasteles – pastries filled with meat and spices, and pernil – a seasoned, baked pork shoulder popular in many homes. 
Instead of pulling on muffs and gloves, take layers off and try surfing or relax at sunset at one of Puerto Rico’s famous beaches, Rincon. The celebrations continue until Three Kings Day on January 6, where families pull together for one last Christmas do.
New Zealand
If the idea of a hot climes is warming you up, then go all out and head to New Zealand. For something more specific, Kaikoura in New Zealand should do the trick. At Christmas time, it is the height of summer and so most of the celebrations are done outdoors with backyard barbeques and beach picnics.
For those more adventurous, it is also a fantastic time for rainforest hiking through the Kaikoura mountain range or on the waters of Kaikoura Bay, home to one of the most diverse marine wildlife in the world.
Instead of reindeers and sleds, jump in a boat and expect to see sperm whales, fur seals, dusky dolphins and pilot whales, but just like waiting for Santa you will also need a little bit of patience and perseverance to spy these wonders of nature.
Amsterdam
If you feel you don’t want to be so far from Saint Nicholas after all, then you can’t go past the country where he was born – Amsterdam. The Dutch celebration of Christmas is split into two main events; on the 5th is the day Sinterklass brings all the nice children their gifts, and Christmas day on the 25th reserved for the traditional family and close friends time.
But regardless of when you choose to arrive, you will be welcomed by a city that brightly twinkles at every street and corner, with the canals reflecting the lights that creates a truly magical Yuletide atmosphere.
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