ALL WANT FOR X'MAS

Soak in the FESTIVITIES in CITIES that push the SLEIGH far and beyond with their CHRISTMAS makeovers.

- SHUBHANGI JINDAL

'Tis the season to be jolly! From tinsel trees, trinket huts selling gingerbread, and over-the-top light displays to Nativity scenes, festive markets, and merry mainstays—there’s nothing quite like a well-curated Christmas festival to get you truly in the holiday spirit. Let’s be honest, don’t we all deserve a vacation that involves savouring a hearty mug of mulled wine in one hand, and an even larger cup of delicious hot chocolate in the other, while blowing our budget on life-sized soft toys and handcrafted souvenirs? Whether you’re planning to visit extravagant European towns or Asian megacities, these global destinations—some familiar, some offbeat—are here to offer you and your family a much-needed dose of holiday season splendour.

ADVENT FEAST, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Named one of the best Christmas fairs in all of Europe—The Budapest Basilica Advent Feast—features a 12-metre-tall illuminated Christmas tree, light paintings, a photo-op area, an ice rink, and almost 120 high-quality handicraft and culinary exhibitors. Situated right in the heart of the city is the Vörösmarty Square Christmas market that offers handcrafted merchandise, Christmas decorations and other precious knick knacks. Particularly noteworthy, however, is the food; have your fill of freshly-baked pretzels, crepes, gingerbread and some of the best mulled wine that will warm your hands and soul.

ROCKEFELLAR CENTER, NYC, USA