As much as Winter Wonderland has a special place in everyone’s hearts, there are only so many Decembers you can spend drinking mulled wine and watching others fall over on the ice-skating rink from a safe distance. So why not spend your December doing something different? Take on the festive traditions of a different country and experience one of the most festive things to do on holiday – trust me, Saint Nick’s Day will never be the same again.

Gaze at the Northern Lights in Iceland

Let’s face it – it doesn’t get any more Christmassy than admiring gorgeous lights while wrapped up warm, so this is a brilliant alternative to watching your tree LEDs in front of the fireplace. Head to Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. Watch the sky burst into a cascade of vibrant purples, emeralds and turquoises – and the short daylight hours during the winter mean that the stars shine even brighter. Set up camp at the Alda Hotel, a centrally-located hotel that provides the perfect base to explore the best bits of Reykjavik.

The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are guaranteed to put your Christmas tree LEDs to shame

Experience Disney magic in Hong Kong

What’s Christmas without a little Disney magic? An underrated theme park that shouldn’t be overshadowed by its Florida and California counterparts, Hong Kong Disneyland embarks on the ultimate Christmas celebration with Mickey and friends from November 15th through to January 1st. Don’t think you’ll see snow during your Hong Kong holiday? Alongside the exciting Christmastime Ball and the Fantasy Gardens Wintertime Market, stick around for when dusk falls and the air is filled with white flakes that simply glow underneath the thousands of Christmas lights, making the experience one of the most festive things to do on holiday. InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong provides an ideal stay during your holiday to Hong Kong with harbour views, a rooftop swimming pool and Zanadu Health Spa.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland offers the perfect festive day out for the very young and the young at heart

Party ‘til Dawn in Miami

Around Christmas time, it’s all about getting your fix of festive cheer wherever and whenever you can, right? That’s why Miami is a top choice to let your let your hair down after 11 months of hard work, so treat yourself to new glad rags with that Christmas bonus and spend a few days partying along the city’s famous boardwalk. The Kiwanis Christmas Party on December 15th is one of the most festive things to do on holiday whereby your ticket buys you unlimited cocktails to the Bacardi open bar, food from local restaurants and live salsa performances, plus a donation to benefit A Toy for Every Child. Delano Miami Beach should be your go-to during your holiday to Miami thanks to the fantastic central and beachfront location.

Miami

There’s nothing like a Christmas party on the iconic Miami Boardwalk

Kick Along with the Rockettes

The world-famous show that attracts audiences from every corner of the globe, The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is an experience that you’re guaranteed to never forget. The entire city of New York is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, and there’s nothing like a day of festive sightseeing rounded off with an extravaganza of lights, sparkly costumes, and high kicks in perfect unison. Another activity that tops the list of the most festive things to do on holiday to New York is heading to Rockefeller Centre to admire the straight-out-of-a-postcard scenes – think cheery music, an ice-skating rink and, of course, the incredible 72-foot-tall Norwegian tree that is decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a 9-foot-wide Swarovski Star. Luckily for you, the W New York – Times Square is just a 10-minute walk from this incredible landmark.

New York

What a show! Radio City Music Hall has seen many a jazz hand and high kick over the years

Engage in Flamenco Festivities in Barcelona

It’s safe to say that this beats a drunken boogie at the office Christmas party to the golden oldies! Barcelona’s Christmas traditions are extensive, with one of the most popular being Flamenco productions every night throughout the city. A notable show is El Palacio de Flamenco, a performance that is dedicated to the art in its purest form and features singers, dancers and musicians. And what’s Christmas without a few markets? Your holiday to Barcelona isn’t complete without a trip to Fira de Santa Llúcia, one of the city’s biggest and best markets located underneath the iconic Gothic Cathedral. Think festive decorations, handmade crafts, nativity scenes, and plenty of edible treats. The luxurious Hotel Omm is just a 10-minute drive from this festive bazaar – what are you waiting for?

Barcelona

Hotel Omm doesn’t shy away from the festivities so head to the rooftop terrace for some soulful sounds

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