A WINTER PLANET OF WONDERS

Every December, the world around us undergoes a transformation. Cities are wrapped in shimmering lights, shop windows turn into fairy-tale scenes, and the air fills with the aromas of gingerbread, mulled wine, pine needles and countless other festive scents. The reason is the most widely celebrated and eagerly anticipated winter holidays: Christmas and New Year. This is a time of magic, when people want not only to gather with family or friends, but also to travel to places where the festive spirit is felt especially vividly.

From cosy European towns with Christmas markets to the snow-covered villages of Lapland, from skyscrapers glowing with lights in global megacities to the sunny beaches of exotic resorts, the possibilities for a winter adventure are endless. We will explore the most atmospheric destinations where winter holidays turn into true magic and share tips on how to make this season truly unforgettable.

Where Christmas becomes a fairy tale

When it comes to festive traditions, Germany invariably occupies a leading position. In December, its cities turn into genuine fairy-tale villages. Nuremberg, with its famous Christkindlesmarkt, where the aroma of mulled wine blends with the scent of gingerbread, and Dresden, home to the oldest Christmas market, Striezelmarkt, where visitors can find unique tree decorations and traditional stollen, are vivid examples. Here, Christmas is felt in every light, every shop window and every mug of hot drink, while small wooden stalls create an atmosphere of a true winter miracle.

Austria is a symbol of music, snow and café romance. Vienna impresses with its Christmas markets, where classical music accompanies glowing lights, aromatic mulled wine and the famous Viennese strudel. Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown, turns into a fairy tale with snow-dusted streets, markets on the main square and festive concerts.

Prague in December looks like a living postcard. Stone pavements, historic buildings, castles and towers are illuminated by thousands of lights. Traditional markets unfold on the Old Town Square, offering hot wine, honey gingerbread and local souvenirs. A morning walk across Charles Bridge allows visitors to experience Prague’s mysterious beauty without crowds. Czech Christmas blends medieval charm with modern traditions, creating a cosy, elegant and truly fairy-tale atmosphere.

Christmas in Brussels is accompanied by markets, ice rinks and festive installations. The most famous event, Winter Wonders, occupies the city centre and the Grand-Place. Wooden stalls offer gifts, sweets and hot drinks, while in the evenings streets and buildings glow with thousands of lights, creating an almost unreal ambience. Light shows on historic façades, including the Grand-Place, are particularly striking, and the Christmas tree becomes the focal point of the celebrations.

For those dreaming of a true winter fairy tale, Northern Europe offers unique experiences. Finnish Lapland is the home of Santa Claus, reindeer and snow-covered forests. Visitors can ride dog sleds, witness the northern lights and meet the “real” Santa. Sweden and Norway attract travellers with snowy landscapes, cosy cabins and the magic of Scandinavian Christmas traditions. Here, Christmas is not just a holiday, but a genuine adventure filled with snow and wonder.

Welcoming the New Year: from megacities to the tropics

New Year is celebrated almost everywhere, yet each part of the world gives it a distinct character. In Asia, cities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong astonish even seasoned travellers with their lights and large-scale shows. In Tokyo, streets sparkle with millions of bulbs, while in Seoul people gather in public squares to launch fireworks. Hong Kong hosts one of the most spectacular New Year light shows along Victoria Harbour, attracting visitors from around the globe.

In the US, Christmas and New Year celebrations take on a particularly grand scale. New York’s Times Square has become a global symbol, where millions gather each year to watch the descent of the iconic crystal ball. Chicago and San Francisco impress with festive illuminations and diverse cultural programmes, creating the feeling of a true winter carnival.

For those seeking an unconventional New Year experience, exotic destinations are an excellent choice. The island resorts of the Maldives and the Seychelles offer golden beaches, warm seas and dinners under the stars. Here, the New Year is welcomed in a relaxed atmosphere, with cocktails in hand, the sound of waves and unforgettable sunsets.

Dubai offers a New Year celebration defined by luxury and scale. Massive fireworks, spectacular shows and modern hotels combine with a mild climate that allows beach relaxation even in winter.

The islands of Thailand are ideal for those wishing to escape the cold and spend the holidays under palm trees. Tropical scenery, the sound of waves and comfortable bungalows create a calm atmosphere, while local markets and festivities add colour and exotic charm.

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, differs from Western celebrations in that its date varies, falling between late January and early February according to the lunar calendar. Preparations begin well in advance. Streets are decorated with red lanterns, shops with festive ornaments, and homes with symbols of luck and prosperity. The main celebrations take place in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, but the true magic can also be felt in smaller towns, where parades with dragons, lions and fireworks fill the streets. Markets offer traditional sweets, zodiac figurines and countless souvenirs, while firework displays symbolise the banishment of evil spirits and the attraction of good fortune.

The world offers countless ways to celebrate, from dazzling megacity lights to quiet snow-covered villages and tropical sunshine. The key is choosing a destination that will make this time special and leave lasting memories.

Top five places where Christmas and New Year surprise

For those looking for something beyond traditional markets and megacities, there are destinations where celebrations turn into unusual adventures.

Grožnjan in Croatia is a small medieval town in northern Istria that transforms into a charming Christmas village in winter. Narrow stone streets, art galleries and local cafés create the feeling that time has stood still. Visitors can stroll through the square with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy authentic European charm.

Reykjavik in Iceland becomes a true fairy tale in winter. Snow-white streets, northern lights and geothermal hot springs make the city especially appealing. New Year is welcomed with large-scale fireworks, while the Christmas atmosphere is enhanced by cosy houses and national traditions.

Bled in Slovenia, with its lake and cliff-top castle, looks like a scene from a postcard. In winter, the lack of crowds allows visitors to enjoy a tranquil environment. Boat rides on icy waters, walks through the castle and local Christmas sweets make the experience particularly pleasant.

Santorini in Greece is ideal for those who want to celebrate differently. White houses against the blue sea, taverns and a mild climate make New Year celebrations visually stunning. The holiday can be welcomed on a terrace overlooking a volcanic sunset.

Lake Placid in the US suits lovers of active winter recreation. Ski resorts, sleigh rides, lakeside cabins and snowy forests create the image of a winter wonderland, allowing guests to combine festive celebrations with outdoor activities.

How to plan the perfect winter holiday

When planning to celebrate Christmas and New Year while travelling, several key factors should be considered to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. First, accommodation and transport should be booked well in advance. For example, when planning a trip to New York, hotels and flights are best reserved before summer, when prices are more reasonable and availability is greater. In December and January, popular destinations are often overcrowded, and prices can rise dramatically.

Second, weather and climate should be taken into account. Those dreaming of snow and a Christmas fairy tale should choose Northern and Central European cities or ski resorts. For a beach-style New Year, tropical destinations such as Thailand, the Maldives or Dubai are ideal.

Third, it is important to explore local traditions and celebrations. Chinese New Year, for instance, differs significantly in date and format from Western holidays, while destinations like Iceland or Lapland offer unique experiences such as northern lights viewing or dog sledding.

Budget considerations are equally important. Christmas markets and festive events may involve additional costs, and restaurant prices in tourist areas during winter are often above average. Planning expenses in advance and seeking alternatives, such as walking through festively decorated streets or attending free outdoor shows, can help manage costs.

Where Azerbaijanis go to celebrate the holidays

Azerbaijanis enjoy celebrating Christmas and New Year both at home and abroad, choosing destinations with a strong festive atmosphere, convenient logistics and engaging leisure programmes. Particularly popular are Türkiye (Istanbul, Uludagh), Georgia (Tbilisi, Bakuriani and Gudauri), Dubai, Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich), Austria (Vienna and Salzburg), Hungary, Russia (Moscow and St Petersburg), and even China (Beijing and Shanghai). Italian cities such as Rome, Naples, Venice and Florence also attract those who wish to combine festive celebrations with history and architecture.

Ski destinations in Türkiye, Switzerland, France and Austria are favoured by enthusiasts of active recreation. Skiing, snowboarding and winter entertainments create a dynamic and memorable experience. Those preferring warmth and seaside celebrations opt for exotic New Year tours to Bali, Thailand, Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh) or group trips to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The choice depends on budget, interests and the desire to experience the holiday spirit, whether it is a European Christmas fairy tale, a tropical New Year under palm trees or a ski holiday with family and friends.

Within the country, Azerbaijanis spend the New Year holidays in ski resorts such as Shahdagh and Tufandagh, in historic cities like Sheki and Gabala, in resort areas including Guba and Naftalan, or in Baku, with its markets and concert events, combining winter leisure, nature and cultural activities.

Create your own winter fairy tale

Christmas and New Year are times of magic, when it is possible to immerse oneself in a festive atmosphere. The world is full of places where the holidays are felt especially vividly. Everyone can choose a destination to suit their taste, whether it is grand shows in Dubai, northern lights in Lapland, the romance of Prague’s old streets or a beach New Year in Thailand.

The most important thing is to plan ahead, consider climate, traditions and budget, and remember to create a festive mood wherever you are, even at home. May your winter holidays be unforgettable, filled with bright emotions, warmth and memories that will stay with you for a long time.