Three Spectacular Destinations To Spend Christmas
The greatest Christmas conundrum for avid travellers is often not what to gift or serve but where to spend the holidays. Do you head for destinations where every building and tree seems to be decked in Christmas finery? Or do you pick a winter wonderland that is nestled in tranquility? Is there a place that offers a little of both? And more importantly, will there be something to keep the children entertained?
These three spectacular Christmas destinations will tick all those boxes.
Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese are known for going all out for Christmas and Tokyo in particular, has a reputation for hosting one of the best festive light-ups in the world. The gigantic Christmas Tree at Ebisu Garden Place, the luminescent tree at Roppongi Hills, the flashing lawn at Midtown Park and the Old World Christmas Market are just a few of the Yuletide attractions that promise to wow you.
If there is anyone in the family who is not yet in the holiday spirit, Tokyo’s spectacular decorations, bright lights and good food will very quickly change that.
Stay: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Indisputably one of the city’s most luxurious skyscraper hotels with spectacular views of Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Kanto Plain all the way to the Mont Fuji. A choice spot to drink in the night view of metropolitan Tokyo and ring in the New Year.
Dine: Kikunoi
Do not mistake the lantern-lit path, traditional wooden decor and tatami mats to equate simple food. Kikunoi will have you sitting at your table for a good three hours for its exquisite, full-course dinner.
For the young ones: Disney’s Christmas Fantasy will thrill them to bits with its dazzling display of festivity and special Christmas parade.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn was home to the world’s first Christmas tree in 1441. So you can only imagine how the holiday season is celebrated there. The charming town’s medieval squares and cobbled streets make it a truly magical setting for its famous Christmas market where snowy wooden huts selling Yuletide food and crafts surround a massive tree in the Town Hall Square. Spend your holiday in the market browsing, listening to jazz concerts, skating on the rink and watching film screenings.
Stay: Hotel St. Petersbourg
Located in the heart of the Old Town with 27 beautiful boutique-style rooms, a traditional restaurant and a sauna.
Dine: NOA
A seaside restaurant on the border of Tallinn and Viimsi where people flock to for the fantastic food and the magnificent view of Old Town from across the bay.
For the young ones: Bring your children to Santa’s house to post him their letter and feed moss to the baby reindeer.
Lapland, Finland
For a true northern Christmas, you cannot beat Lapland in Finland. With the blue light of winter, deep silence and show-topped trees, this is as close as you will get to a postcard Christmas.
Head to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus, where you will fall under the spell of the Northern Lights and blue twilight of the Polar Night. Spend your days alternating between long peaceful walks and winter activities.
And if you plan to stretch your holiday to January, book yourself into Porsche Winter Driving Experience. http://www.porsche.com/australia/motorsportandevents/driving-experience/drivingexperience/camps/
Stay: Hotel Kakslauttanen
Fall asleep under the Northern Lights and star-studded sky in a glass igloo. Built from special thermal glass, the temperature indoors always stays cosy even when it is below zero outside.
Dine: Nili
The rave reviews speak volumes of this Lappish restaurant’s cuisine and traditional furnishings. Its Christmas Menu features a mouthwatering range of Lappish and Finnish cuisine including Kammi Elf mulled wine, Aurora Borealis gingerbread cheesecake and Arctic Ocean salmon.
For the young ones: The Santa Claus Village. Bring the fairytale to life by taking them to meet the man himself at his office. Then meet the elves and other mythical creatures in Santa’s underground home cavern at the Santa Park.
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