Listopedia: The Ultimate Christmas Bucket List

All over the world, it’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas. From giant Christmas trees to festive Christmas markets, there’s something magical about the holiday season, whatever country you happen to be in.

For those feeling festive, here’s our special yuletide Listopedia bucket list to the most Christmassy places on Earth.

Lapland, Finland

You can’t get much closer to Christmas than visiting Santa in his alleged home town – Santa Clause Village in Rovaniemi. At Santa Park, there’s seasonal fun for the whole family including Santa’s Office, the Toy Factory and an Elf Workshop. For a less Santa-centric experience, Christmas-lovers can visit a local reindeer farm, spend a day ice fishing, and go skiing and sledding in the snow.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, growing in popularity with Expedia customers, is home to the famous Bradesco Seguros Christmas tree, the largest floating Christmas tree in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Standing at a whopping 85 meters tall, the tree is lit with millions of lights during a special ceremony on the night of 30 November, and remains on display until the end of the year. You can also catch the world’s largest exhibition of life-sized nativity scenes at the Festival de Presépios Christmas Festival.

Quebec City, Canada

Visit Quebec City over the holiday season for an enchanting white Christmas, as the cobblestone streets and historic buildings are coated in snow, and Old Quebec is transformed into a picturesque Christmas village. The array of local Christmas markets and concerts are not to be missed, and if you arrive a few days before Christmas, enjoy the Quebec City Lights Festival on 21 December, the longest night of the year.

Hamburg, Germany

In the lead-up to Christmas, Hamburg turns last-minute gift buying into a not-to-be-missed seasonal ritual with its unique Christmas markets. The largest is the Town Hall Christmas Market, filled with everything from locally crafted jewellery and homewares to freshly baked gingerbread. There’s something for the kids as well, as Santa’s sleigh appears above the nearby cottages every day at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.

New York City, USA

A perennial favourite with Expedia customers, New York never sleeps less than at Christmas time, when the city is lit up with dazzling decorations. A classic is the decadent Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. To truly enjoy the experience, strap on your skates and enjoy the scene from the ice rink below. Other seasonal attractions include Christmas shows and musicals, and the festively-themed department store displays.