Mistletoe, lighted trees and caroling: ’tis almost the Christmas season and the proper moment to begin planning for your Christmas holiday. Whether you are travelling this season and discovering a new city or simply spending time with family and friends at home, Christmas is a holiday filled with beauty and enchantment. For those looking to discover or want to be delighted by scenic photographs, check out some fresh ideas for where to spend Christmas, with eDreams top recommendations for a great Christmas holiday:
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg during Christmas time is an idyllic setting with enchanting moments where snow flutters by and the magic of the season fills the air. From the Town Hall Christmas Market to a boat tour on Lake Alster, there is much to see and much to enjoy.
Must do in Hamburg: An essential part of visiting Hamburg during the holidays is stopping by the Christmas markets. The market at Hamburg City Hall is a great place to sip on Glühwein (hot mulled wine) and munch on famous printen cookies or Gebrannte Mandln (carmelized almonds). Visitors enjoying the tourist attractions during the holiday may also get a special surprise: A glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeer flying above the market!
![Hamburg Christmas A Hamburg Christmas](https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/hamburg-christmas.jpg 600w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/hamburg-christmas-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/hamburg-christmas-564x423.jpg 564w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/hamburg-christmas-310x232.jpg 310w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/hamburg-christmas-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/hamburg-christmas-330x248.jpg 330w)
Puglia, Italy
If you’re planning on taking a holiday escape, the region of Puglia in Southern Italy (located at the heel of the boot), is a great destination to visit. Delicious cuisine, great people and beautiful landscapes: Prepare to say Buon Natale (Merry Christmas) and enjoy the splendour of Christmas in Italy!
Must visit while in the Puglia region: Alberobello is a small town in Puglia, and a lovely destination for a holiday. Their characteristic Tulli homes are reminiscent of a village straight out of a J.R.R. Tolkien book and are part of the World Heritage sites by UNESECO. During the holiday, the town has a live nativity in the Aia Piccola street. The event takes place on certain Sundays and is a wonderful opportunity to listen to music and enjoy food and drink with the locals.
![Alberobello, Puglia Alberobello, Puglia during Christmas](https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Alberobello-Sabrina-Campagna.jpg 600w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Alberobello-Sabrina-Campagna-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Alberobello-Sabrina-Campagna-564x374.jpg 564w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Alberobello-Sabrina-Campagna-310x205.jpg 310w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Alberobello-Sabrina-Campagna-200x132.jpg 200w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Alberobello-Sabrina-Campagna-185x124.jpg 185w)
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is located near the Garonne River in the Southwest of France. Wine and picturesque landscapes abound making this region a wonderfully romantic location and an ideal destination for a romantic holiday for couples.
Must do in Bordeaux: Because the region is famous for its wines, spending some time visiting a few wine castles is a must-do. Savour delicious fig bread and caneles (typical custard pastries) and enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights at the Bordeaux Christmas Market. Other activities include renting boats or taking a stroll.
![The Merry-go-round in Bordeaux, France](https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-by-Charles-Hutchins-via-Flickr-bordeaux-564x423.jpg 564w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-by-Charles-Hutchins-via-Flickr-bordeaux-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-by-Charles-Hutchins-via-Flickr-bordeaux-600x450.jpg 600w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-by-Charles-Hutchins-via-Flickr-bordeaux-620x465.jpg 620w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-by-Charles-Hutchins-via-Flickr-bordeaux-310x232.jpg 310w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-by-Charles-Hutchins-via-Flickr-bordeaux-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-by-Charles-Hutchins-via-Flickr-bordeaux.jpg 1050w)
Brescia, Italy
Brescia, Italy holds a gem for the adventurous traveller who wants to enjoy a invigorating holiday. Brescia is located in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy and is situated at the foot of the Alps.
Must visit while in Brescia: When you are this close to the Alps, skiing during the holidays is the way to go. The mountains are many and we recommend hitting the slopes at Ponte di Legno and Madonna di Campiglio, two of the most famous in the area.
![Madonna di Campiglio Madonna di Campiglio](https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/madonna-di-campiglio-mortimer.jpg 600w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/madonna-di-campiglio-mortimer-300x170.jpg 300w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/madonna-di-campiglio-mortimer-564x319.jpg 564w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/madonna-di-campiglio-mortimer-310x175.jpg 310w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/madonna-di-campiglio-mortimer-200x113.jpg 200w)
New York, USA
Take the leap and experience Christmas in New York. The cool weather, the hot mulled apple cider and the energy of the city will be sure to make your holiday unforgettable.
Must visit while in New York: New York City is filled with wonderful activities fitting for a magical Christmas holiday. One of the most notable is the Christmas tree at Rockerfeller Center. Standing as tall as 100 feet in previous years, this Christmas tree is worth the visit. While you are there, go to the Top of the Rock and take in the amazing New York skyline.
![Lit angels and Christmas tree in Rockerfeller Center](https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York-564x375.jpg 564w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York-620x413.jpg 620w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York-310x206.jpg 310w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York-185x124.jpg 185w, https://www.edreams.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/12/Photo-By-Luke-Redmond-New-York.jpg 1050w)
Where will you be spending your Christmas holiday this year? Whether at home or abroad, share your holiday destination with us!