Everyone wants to go: the most beautiful destinations to experience Christmas

Christmas is that time of year when dreams come true, and both young and old come together in hugs and smiles celebrating the arrival of the beloved Santa Claus. During this time, cities are illuminated, and people take to the streets in search of that Christmas market where they can find an unforgettable memento.

Gathering with family and friends to spend time together and enjoy the Christmas decorations that fill the streets is a unique experience that everyone looks forward to all year long.

Christmas lovers have the opportunity to travel the world in search of the magical spots that dress up for the holidays and showcase their finest attire. The world is full of cities and towns that beautifully decorate their streets, but some are particularly ideal for experiencing Christmas.

Germany and its cities and towns are an ultimate Christmas destination. Perhaps it's because of the cold temperatures, as it is hard to imagine a traditional Christmas on the beach of a tropical island. But the snowy streets of Germany are a perfect setting to make the most of this celebration.

While this country has countless magical spots preparing for the arrival of Santa Claus, one stands out above the rest. That is Dresden, a place where the Christmas spirit is present year-round and home to the oldest Christmas market in Germany.

In this city, all buildings, streets, and establishments decorate their walls for this spectacular celebration, with the Striezelmarkt being the main highlight. Considered the oldest Christmas market in the country and one of the first in the world, it is named after a local Christmas pastry called Striezel.

This market features no less than 240 stalls where you will find numerous Christmas souvenirs and everything you can imagine. The immense square it occupies is completely illuminated and accompanied by a 65-foot tall Christmas tree. Traveling to Dresden at Christmas is like being transported into a Christmas movie that you never want to leave.

Christmas would be nothing without one of its undeniable protagonists, the one responsible for spreading happiness all over the world on the most awaited night of the year, Santa Claus. When you think of this holiday, you probably picture this chubby old man with white hair loaded with gifts, but no one thinks about what he does the rest of the year.

Well, the truth is, if you want to find him during his holidays, you can do so in this ideal place to experience Christmas. We are talking about Rovaniemi, Finland, the home of the great Santa Claus. There you will find the hometown of the man in red, and it's perfect for traveling with children (and those who are not children anymore).

This location is a true wonder situated in the Arctic Circle, where in addition to meeting Santa and his reindeer and elves, you can enjoy the most stunning natural display in the world known as the Northern Lights. Close to half a million people visit Rovaniemi each year seeking to experience something unique like this.

There are two specific dates to make the most of your trip: just one month before Christmas when Mr. Claus kicks off the holiday season, and on December 23rd when Santa departs with his reindeer sleigh to deliver gifts to children around the world. If you're a Christmas enthusiast looking to experience a different celebration-albeit very cold-don't wait any longer and travel to Finland to discover all the magical secrets that this beautiful destination hides.

Christmas market lovers probably already have this destination on their must-visit list, as there's no shortage of them in Vienna. This Austrian city is an essential Christmas reference and the perfect place to immerse yourself fully into the most incredible holiday of the year.

The famous palaces and historic buildings of Vienna are adorned with lights and Christmas decorations for the enjoyment of those strolling through its beautifully illuminated streets. This destination is ideal for those who don't have much time to travel, as it, besides being in Europe, kicks off its Christmas season in mid-November and ends in early January, giving plenty of time to visit.

Christmas villages, stalls, traditional bakeries, and carols fill the streets of Vienna, creating a unique atmosphere perfect for experiencing Christmas. This beautiful city can almost be seen from the sky thanks to the hundreds of lights that illuminate squares, streets, buildings, and even public transportation.

You can't leave Austria without trying its delicious Christmas pastries and enjoying a glass of aperitif. Museums like the Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum also join this celebration, creating entire villages within their walls that are a spectacle to behold. Don't miss one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe and prepare your trip to Vienna to experience some holiday magic.

Everyone loves Christmas, wandering through Christmas markets, discovering the lights that adorn the city, and much more, but have you ever wondered where that typical European Christmas tradition originates? Well, the answer lies in France, specifically in Strasbourg. This city is said to be the capital of Christmas because it hosts the oldest Christmas market and decorations.

This celebration began in the city in 1570 and since then has become a tradition that no one wants to miss, filling the streets of cities all over the world. Its wooden buildings with colorful windows create a magical place that could easily be the home of the elves who help Santa Claus with Christmas gifts.

In addition to its beautiful streets, you can't miss the incredible giant Christmas tree, measuring no less than 30 meters tall, located in Place Kléber, one of its main tourist attractions and the perfect representation of this holiday. Join the two million lucky visitors who come each year to Vienna, the Christmas capital, and discover what Christmas magic is like by wandering its streets and soaking up its unparalleled holiday spirit.