12 Stays of Christmas

Christmas is such a special time of the year! In 2021, Aertrip made a compilation of the best destinations to enjoy Christmas and soak in the festive vibes of the place. Check out the list and plan where you wish to travel during the holiday season this year.

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#Stay1 – Beach Camping – Chennai

You can spend Christmas eve by camping on the beach, under the stars along with family and friends, merrymaking around the bonfire. Best known for the ones who live amidst the hustle and bustle of the city streets and want some serene time with nature ?

#Stay2 – New York City

New York City is known for its vibrancy and nightlife, but all of this doubles up during December.

With Christmas around the corner, one can witness a galore of festive lights across the city streets with stunning light shows, festivals, and much more in store.

#Stay3 – Gulmarg

If you’re hoping to ski down the snowy slopes or build a snowman while celebrating White Christmas, then Gulmarg is your next go-to-stay during this holiday season. Don’t miss out on the magical Christmas celebrations within the Snow festival for 2 days during December. Cover yourselves with layers of clothes and take a trip down the ski resorts, shark fin or ride in a Gulmarg Gondola, the snow-city is all yours?

#Stay4 – Denmark

Have yourself a traditional julefrokost (Christmas lunch) at some of the popular restaurants in Copenhagen. The streets are fully decked with string lights and Christmas trees, while the Christmas markets open up. The culinary fiesta also calls for new openings, events, pop-ups, and collaborations across the streets of Copenhagen ???

#Stay5 – Kerala

The Cochin Carnival celebrated in Kerala is a week-long event, held from Dec 23 to Jan 1, every year.

The highlight of the carnival is the huge procession with men dressed in colourful costumes and led by embellished elephants on the streets of Cochin on New Year’s.

During this time, Fort Kochi is decorated in white throughout, just like a bride. Music, art, dance and many other events are helpful during the week with visitors and participants from across the country. The carnival is a colorful delight, and hence, it’s a must-visit event this December.

#Stay6 – Netherlands

Christmas in the Netherlands is celebrated not on 25th December alone, rather on 26th too. Rather, Christmas preparations begin weeks before the actual Christmas day. The various holiday traditions include Sinterklaas Avond, Sinterklaas, the midwinter hoornblaazen, and special celebrations on Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day

During this time people spend two days with their family, playing games, watching movies and eating some traditional Christmas food.

#Stay7 – Manali

Manali is covered in a blanket of snow during Christmas every year. Tourists across the world come to experience the pristine beauty of the white fairyland. From skiing and other snow activities to a drive on the roads of Manali and being mesmerized by the snow-laden roads and snow-covered mountains all across the city. The winter chills and festive feels is a must-visit in December.

#Stay8 – Vatican City

Vatican and the St.Peter’s Basilica has the world’s attention when it comes to Christmas, festive rituals and the lit decorations across the city.

Christmas celebrations begin with the unveiling of the Christmas tree on Dec 8 right up to Jan 6, the season of joy continues. Attending the midnight mass with the Pope inside the St.Peter’s Basilica needs a ticket, which is free of cost but to avoid overcrowding in the church. You can also arrive early and grab a seat at St.Peter’s Square and watch the mass live on the big screens.

Colourful markets, decorated Christmas trees, melodious Christmas carols, lively masses, Christmas is a magical 21-day affair in the Vatican city.

#Stay9 – Goa

This #Christmas eve, the land of beaches is calling you to experience the vibrant fireworks by the shore. Celebrate and merry to the lively music, sip on some cocktails when in #Goa. Being the hub of parties and beaches, nothing compares to the festive feel in Goa, than in any other city.

#Stay10 – Czech Republic

Christmas markets play an important part during the festive season in the Czech Republic. These markets are widespread all across the country, with the main one located at the Old Town Square in Prague.

Christmas markets in the Czech Republic isn’t all about shopping!

Many enjoy the spirit of the festival with decked up Christmas trees, lighting all across the lanes, carols and more. One can also shop for ceramics, jewellery, wooden toys, scented candles and Christmas tree ornaments, etc. While strolling around the markets, do not forget to relish traditional Christmas treats such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted pork ham, sausages, and a traditional pastry called, ‘Trdelník’ that are offered at the market huts.

#Stay11 – Sikkim

Situated near the Indo-Tibet border, the lake of Gurudongmar is a partially frozen wonder. It is placed at an elevation of 17,800 ft above sea level, which makes it one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is a great attraction to visit during the holiday season and is also called to be a sacred one.

Another fun fact about this pristine beauty is that, while one part of the lake completely freezes, the other part is always in a liquid state even in sub-zero temperature. This gives it a white-blue colour texture – A magical December feel.

#Stay12 – Finland

Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland is a Santa-themed amusement park where one can explore the magical hometown of Santa Claus.

You can also witness the northern lights, experience the sleigh ride, and meet Santa himself.