While most people will be done celebrating Christmas by January, the festive season is just kicking off in Russia. Orthodox Russians still follow the Julian calendar, which falls behind the more widely used Gregorian calendar by a few days.
The result? Most Russians celebrate Christmas Day on January 7, but with the same abundance of food and festivities, gifts and carols, and long holiday vacations!
Popular destinations to spend the holidays include nearby European countries, as well as warm locations to escape the freezing winter and bask in the sun. Whether you wish to celebrate Christmas the same time the world does, or you need travel inspirations for your holiday, here are the best destinations for a truly magical season.
1. France
Millions visit France’s Christmas markets every year, the grandest and most colorful in the world.
Christmas in France is always a good idea. The country boasts some of the grandest and most colorful Christmas markets in Europe, where visitors get their fill of treats while shopping for trinkets and souvenirs displayed at numerous wooden chalets.
Although Christmas markets can be found all over France, the famous ones are in the fairytale-like settings of Strasbourg and Colmar, which see up to 2 million visitors every year. Paris and Toulouse also host their own charming Christmas markets that are worth a visit.
Top off your experience with Le Réveillon, a Christmas tradition unique to France that includes indulging in a huge feast until late night to herald the special occasion. A visit to the ice rink at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is also a must!
With 17 locations in France, including Paris, Marseille, and Toulouse, Jetex can easily arrange an exceptional Christmas experience for you. For bespoke travel arrangements or any fuel, ground handling, or flight planning requirements, get in touch with us.
2. Spain
Spain’s Christmas markets are worth the trip for a wonderfully unique holiday experience. Image Credit
If you’d like to experience Christmas markets with a Spanish twist, then head over to Barcelona. Enjoy delectable sweets such as turrón and marzipan in Fira de Santa Llúcia, one of the country’s oldest Christmas markets.
And while in Barcelona don’t forget to watch out for Tió de Nadal, a wood log character that that gives out treats and simple gifts when you hit it. Yes, definitely one for the books!
Take a trip down south to Valencia where you can find Christmas markets with carnival rides like the Ferris Wheel, bumper cars and ride-on trains. Still looking for holiday gifts? Madrid’s Christmas markets with hundreds of stalls selling crafts, treats and other goods are the best place to enjoy the season while getting your last-minute Christmas shopping done.
Although not as prestigious as other Christmas markets in Europe, Spain’s Christmas markets offer a unique holiday experience you shouldn’t miss.
Want to experience Spain’s version of Christmas? Access Jetex’s impeccable trip planning solutions in Spain via our locations in Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga.
3. United Arab Emirates
Hop on a super yacht and enjoy spectacular views of Dubai’s stunning skyline.
Spending Christmas in a Middle Eastern country might be a novel idea for some, but the UAE – especially Dubai – proves it’s one of the best travel decisions you’ll ever make.
For one, the country’s winter weather is just the perfect mix of sunny and comfy cool, making it ideal for those who want to escape freezing winter temperatures.
See the stunning skyline of Dubai aboard a private super-yacht, or explore the marvels of the city from up above via a seaplane or helicopter tour. Want to discover the secrets of the desert? Experience the golden Arabian desert with a luxury desert safari adventure or with a thrilling hot air balloon ride.
Cap off your day with a fine dining experience at some of Dubai’s top gourmet restaurants, such as Armani / Ristorante, La Petite Maison, and Nobu by Michelin star chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Get more ideas on how to best spend the holidays in Dubai here.
About a one-hour drive from Dubai, check out the UAE capital: Abu Dhabi. Though not a holiday destination, the majestic and immaculate Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a spectacle you need to see at least once in your life. If you have time to spare, spend around two to three hours in Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, which features numerous pieces from noted Eastern and Western artists, including Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Picasso.
Flying to Dubai? Our five-star VIP Terminal is ready to welcome you, while our Operations Center in Dubai International Airport is on standby to provide you with fast and complete trip support solutions.
4. Thailand
Take in the natural beauty of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands. Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash
How does a tropical Christmas sound? If lying on soft white sand and sipping a cocktail while getting a tan is your version of holiday celebration, then Thailand has plenty of island adventures for you.
Take your pick from the world-class beaches of Phuket and luxury resorts of Koh Samui island, to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Phi Phi Islands and Ko Lanta.
Want to spend a few days in the capital? Bangkok is home to many luxury hotels with spacious and sumptuously decorated suites. Step out at night and take your pick of Bangkok’s rooftop bars and restaurants and admire the city’s spectacular views while enjoying authentic Thai food. Must-try dishes include tom yum goong (spicy soup), pad thai (stir fried noodles) and kao niew ma muang (mango and sticky rice).
5. Vietnam
A trek to the verdant rice terraces of Sapa is a must when in Vietnam.
With cooler temperatures in December to January, Vietnam is the perfect place to visit during the winter holidays. Treat your eyes to lush green views of rice paddies in the mountain town of Sapa, or relive the ancient history of Vietnam with a visit to palaces and shrines located in the imperial city of Hue.
Soak up the thriving energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling commercial and cultural hub of Vietnam, and admire beautiful French colonial landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the City Hall.
Da Lat is especially gorgeous in January, when cherry blossom trees bloom and fill the city with their breathtaking beauty. If cool weather doesn’t stop you from going to the beach, the budding beach resort town of Mui Ne is the best place to go for water sports, including windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing. Add scuba diving and snorkeling to your activities when you visit Nha Trang, the country’s popular coastal resort city.
A magical holiday season awaits
Whether you wish to experience a white Christmas in Europe or enjoy the holidays somewhere warm and sunny, our Jetex Experience Team will surely add the magic to your holidays. Tell us how you wish to spend the holidays. Contact us on +971 4 212 4088 or send us a message at experience@jetex.com.
