Christmas can be an extremely modern affair, but what if you’re looking for tradition? Here are some cities that’ll have you feeling like a line in a Bing Crosby seasonal special. Dowse yourself with some festive cheer and let me lead you through the streets of…
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the bright centre of Finland’s most northern province, Lapland. Obviously Lapland is the home of Father Christmas, which is a good start, but aside from that you’ll get plenty of illuminated trees, reindeer, carols and nativity scenes. And all this is set against a significant amount of snow coupled with the rarely surpassed beauty of Lapland’s natural landscape.
Initially the thought of Christmas in the Arctic Circle might be a bit off-putting, but northern Finland is more than just traditional, it’s magical. To top everything off the Aurora Borealis is visible on average 200 times a year in the region, spectacular, spectacular!
New York, USA
It might not seem the most ‘traditional’ at first, but make no mistake; NYC isn’t just about crushing those credit cards on Fifth Avenue, though that obviously is an option and quite a fun one too. But no, we’re here for the traditional. New York is pretty amazing whenever you visit and this only increases during the holidays.
There are so many iconic Christmas sights to take in and be part of. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Macy’s window displays and skating in central park. Mooching through the snowy streets, taking in these sights gives a great sense of community, and although that might sound a little trite to the more cynical, even the most scrooge like can’t help but smile when in New York for Christmas.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is the classic fairy tale Christmas city. It is basically what the front of all Christmas cards are modelled on. Head to medieval town and weave yourself down tiny streets, along quaint waterways and all surrounded by the magnificent architecture of the city’s historic buildings.
The city goes overboard, in a good way, at Christmas. There are numerous events, notably the extravagant and super traditional seasonal markets along with plenty of boutiques and candlelit restaurants and cafes for those wanting to duck out of a wintery breeze and cosy up in a quiet corner.
If you’re looking for a city in which to spend a traditional Christmas this year then the three above are solid choices. Before you know it you’ll be raising your collar against a flurry of snow, while humming carols between sucking on a candy cane, what could be more festive, and traditional, than that?
David James researches and writes about the wacky and wonderful world of novelty Christmas gifts for the online retailer Find Me A Gift.