Best unusual places to spend Christmas around the world

Do you have ideas for unusual places to spend Christmas? When we think of a dream place to pack our bags and embark on a perfect Christmas trip, our mind usually takes us to scenarios that are part of our subconscious. 

New York covered in snow, like in the film Home Alone and so many others, Paris lit up with Christmas lights and the Eiffel Tower shining, London and the Christmas atmosphere of several films we have seen throughout our lives.

We also thought about places that offer Christmas tourism, even in Brazil, such as Gramado and the fantastic Natal Luz.

There are many places around the world that bring the Christmas atmosphere and are perfect and predictable choices for traveling at this time of year.

Despite our imagination that dreams of walking through these places, thinking outside the box can lead you to surprising choices and unforgettable discoveries. Discover six unusual destinations to spend Christmas that will surprise you!

Discover 6 unusual places to spend Christmas around the world

Edinburgh

I am eternally suspicious when talking about Edinburgh. This was my first dream Christmas scenario, the kind we see on TV and read about in books. And it was totally unexpected.

We traveled there at the end of November, and walking through Princess Street We came across the Edinburgh Christmas Market – the city's Christmas market.

Even if I live a hundred years from today, I doubt I could find a more magical place than that.

The lights, the people, the smells, the toys. The stalls have typical Christmas or non-Christmas foods, crafts, tree decorations, sweets and hot drinks.

For a few pounds you can take a ride of a lifetime on a double-decker carousel or see Edinburgh from above on the Ferris wheel.

In addition to the Christmas market, the whole city takes on a beautiful tone at this time of year! There are several little shops scattered around the streets selling Christmas decorations, in addition to seasonal items in supermarkets.

If I could give just one piece of tourist advice, it would definitely be: go to Edinburgh at Christmas time!!!

Also read: My experience of the dreaded immigration at London – Heathrow

Finland

Finland is not exactly an unusual destination for Christmas, as it is the official home of Santa Claus! Even so, very few people consider making this trip and experiencing Christmas “straight from the source”, and a good explanation for this is the country's freezing weather at this time of year.

The capital Helsinki records an average of -1 to -4 in December, with a thermal sensation that chills the butt.

Still, it's worth buying thermal clothing, a powerful coat and going on an adventure in the middle of the snow-white landscape.

In Finland you can find the real Christmas spirit, amid the cold, the reindeer and the local festivities!

Milan

Christmas Milan was a pleasant surprise for us. It was the end of the trip, our last destination before returning home, and we decided to take a walk around the city near the Cathedral, the city's postcard, Duomo di Milano.

As soon as we got off the subway and started walking, we were surprised by the stalls at the local Christmas market.

Unlike Edinburgh, in Milan the fair is more open, right in the middle of the street. It has everything, especially typically Italian delicacies. Lots of cheese, salami and wine!

You can stop at one of the many restaurants in the area for a pasta da mama dinner or a gelatto straight from the source.

Bruges

Bruges is a truly Christmas-like place at any time of year! We were lucky enough to go at the beginning of December and enjoy the city's Christmas festivities.

In Belgium, not far from Brussels, the romantic medieval town has a touch of Venice, but with a grandma's house atmosphere everywhere, without the refinement and elegance of Italy.

Cozy and beautiful.

The Christmas market is located in a central square, surrounded by restaurants, as well as food from the stalls themselves, with Christmas music all the time.

It's freezing cold, but you don't even notice it. Filling your eyes and marking your memories.

Read also: Discover Acapulco and the Hotel do Chaves

Dublin

The hustle and bustle of Dublin, the pubs, music, beer and Celtic landscapes... none of this makes us immediately think of Christmas. Even so, it's worth considering the Irish capital to enjoy this date!

In addition to the local Christmas festivities, Dublin has a warm and hospitable climate that suits Christmas perfectly.

The houses with colorful doors, the happy energy of the pubs, the traditional music, the cold weather and good whiskey…

If you're thinking about traveling in December, be sure to take a look at tickets to Ireland.

Alaska

Despite not being a very common tourist destination for many travelers, it is easy to associate Alaska with Christmas.

In addition to the snow, the rustic towns with welcoming landscapes, you may even be lucky enough to see the lights of northern lights, an unforgettable gift.

In the winter months the sun sometimes doesn't even appear, and yet you can be sure that you won't regret your visit.

If you dream of taking a Christmas trip, but are still not sure which destination is perfect, consider opening your mind to some unusual destinations. They might surprise you!

And do you know other unusual places to spend Christmas around the world? Tell us!