10 Ways To Spend Christmas Around the World For Every Type of Traveler

When it comes to international holiday travel, spending Christmas in Rovaniemi, Finland, is nothing short of a magical experience. Cozy wooden cabins covered in blankets of white snow hidden deep in a thick forest make this place especially enchanting during the holidays.

If you’re a festive traveler, then you’re likely hoping to see an enchanting Christmas scene unfold right in front of your eyes. Visiting Santa Claus Village, home of Santa's post office, will most certainly meet your expectations and more.

Other activities to add to the itinerary include snowmobile tours to a nearby reindeer farm (hello, reindeer sleigh ride!); taking a husky safari through the winter wonderland; and enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna. Is there a more magical place in the world to spend Christmas morning with family and friends? Probably not!

Every crafty person knows that handmade presents are far more special than those that are store-bought. So, we don’t blame you if creating a sentimental Christmas gift that outshines them all is top of mind—and what better gift than handmade glass artwork?

This Christmas, enjoy a hands-on experience you’ll never forget by taking a private glassmaking class alongside renowned craftsmen in Venice, Italy. If glass artwork isn’t your thing, then you can always opt for a opt for a jewelry-making workshop in Florence. That way you can gift a pair of handmade one-of-a-kind earrings instead.

Thrillseekers are probably on the lookout for Christmas travel ideas and holiday activities packed with adrenaline and adventure. With that in mind, say goodbye to regular sledding—it’s fun but all too ordinary for festive season adventure seekers—and give extreme sledding a go instead. There’s nothing like the cold rush of Colorado mountain air while gliding downhill to get your season started with a bang. Besides, “Christmas in Colorado” has a nice ring to it.

For many, the holidays are heavily associated with cozy kitchens that smell of pot roast and sugar cookies. But this Christmas, leave the cooking to someone else. Take a mini road trip to Chicago and go on a festive foodie holiday stroll to sample delicious treats from warm apple cider to seasonal craft brews and chocolatey brownies as you stroll along the city's seasonally decorated streets.

If you’re an adventurous traveler, you’ve likely visited multiple countries and plan to keep growing that list. (And you certainly won't find yourself cozied up at home on Christmas Eve like everyone else, that’s for sure.) Instead, you’ll be out conquering your bucket list by visiting Reykjavik for a midnight glimpse of the northern lights. And what better time to witness nature’s own festive lighting display than at Christmas?

Related: Chasing the Aurora: Where To See the Northern Lights Around the World

Lots of cultural Christmas celebrations include music, and if you're a music lover, then you likely feel a sense of harmony when surrounded by people bursting into song. Christmas caroling is a wholesome way to immerse yourself in holiday cheer wherever you may be. And what better place to be than New York City—a place illuminated by lights and the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? Get in the holiday spirit by singing along to carols on a cruise while sipping some hot cocoa.

It's all too often that we find ourselves taking the photo rather than being in the photo when we're on vacation. So why not try your hand as a model by having professional Christmas photos taken in Madrid? The results could make for a fabulous Christmas card next year!

Put on your best holiday attire and follow your professional photographer to the city’s most aesthetically-pleasing spots and spread the Christmas travel inspiration. And even if you don't send these photos in th email, it's always a good idea to take a memorable snapshot or two to commemorate a big trip.

Don’t skip the joys of learning about the past, especially at a time of year when self-reflection is more than encouraged. Instead, make the most of the season by combining a Christmas tour with a historical overview for a real holiday treat.

Not sure where to start? Williamsburg was one of America’s first planned cities so it’s safe to say that it has plenty of history. Take a colonial Williamsburg Christmas tour to learn about the city’s traditions, past and present.

When it comes to holiday experiences worldwide, not much tops heading into the wilderness of Norway and experiencing something unlike ever before. Check out the snowy peaks of Tromso. They make the perfect destination for a husky sledding adventure. And, as it happens, this is also the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the elusive northern lights.

The romantic city of Paris is already known for its twinkling lights, so imagine the light show that awaits you during the holiday season. Explore the city of grandiose architecture and stop by the holy site of Sainte Chapelle to say a Christmas prayer, marvel at the Eiffel Tower, and take a Christmas lights tour to see the city’s diverse neighborhoods come to life at night. Don’t forget to take a box of macarons back home for your loved ones, either.