Take a journey to the place where Christ was born. What better way to celebrate the season than to immerse yourself into the country and culture that was Christ’s birthplace? While there, make sure to stop by the St. Catherine’s Church for a midnight mass. The St. Catherine’s Church houses a Grotto of the Nativity. A silver star on the grotto is said to mark the spot where the Child Jesus was actually born. Explore Bethlehem and make your Christmas a truly meaningful experience.

9. Santa Claus Village

Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting Finland’s most talked about resident, Santa Claus! Meet Santa Claus in person and have your picture taken with him and Rudolf while riding on his sled. The village is a magical place for both young and old as the joy of Christmas comes alive in this village in Finland. Join Santa as he spreads the message of goodwill and kindness at Santa Claus Village.

8. New York City

Take a bite of the Big Apple on Christmas Day and you will be amazed at what you will find. The city is covered in dazzling lights and if the weather cooperates, a flurry of snow at Christmastime. Take part in the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center or enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Remember to pass by Macy’s for a spectacular display of lights and an annual rendition of Miracle on 34^th Street. Christmas is always exciting at New York City.

7. Bondi Beach

Get your dose of sun as you travel to the picturesque Bondi Beach in Australia. Come Christmas day, Bondi Beach is usually filled with backpackers enjoying the surf and sand. Christmas festivities include a concert performance by bands and several DJs from Australia and abroad. Celebrate Christmas tropical style at Bondi Beach.

6. Vatican City

Also known as the Holy See, Vatican City is the center of Catholic religion. The Vatican City becomes even more beautiful during Christmas as the whole city celebrates the holiday cheer. Drop by St. Peter's Square, Piazza Navona and the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli when you spend the holidays at this city in Roma. For a unique, one of a kind experience, attend a midnight mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and have a well-spent Christmas at the Vatican City.

5. Dublin

Experience a truly Irish Christmas as Dublin city brings you its fine festivities during the holidays. Get your shop on at the 12 Days of Christmas Market and countdown to Christmas day at the Temple Bar. One curious tradition of the some of the Irish folk on Christmas day is a cold morning swim at the Forty Foot sea water pool in Dublin. Attend a yuletide mass at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral and hear the beautiful Christmas songs from carolers as they fill the Christmas air with merriment.

4. Nuremberg

Go on a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at the Christkindlesmarkt at Nuremberg, Germany. With over 180 stalls filled with every kind of trinket and gift imaginable, the shopping market is a haven for the adventurous shopper. It is best to visit at night, when the lights at this shopping market lend a surreal atmosphere to the surroundings. Nuremberg is Germany’s Christmas celebration at its best.

3. Zurich

This city in Switzerland has a very special way of celebrating a uniquely Swiss Christmas. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and cobbled streets, the Christmas season in Zurich is filled with the beautiful voices of Christmas carolers wishing everyone a merry Christmas. There are several markets and guided city tours that one can take to enjoy the best of Switzerland. The highlight of all these Christmas events is the lighting of a giant Christmas tree in Werdumplatz. Explore Switzerland as it celebrates the holiday season as only the Swiss can.

2. Tokyo

In Tokyo, Japan the twinkling lights and the dazzling displays are a feast for the eyes. Christmas is celebrated a little differently in Japan. The Christmas tradition begins with Japanese families having some Christmas cake (usually a sponge cake with strawberries and cream) and enjoying a Christmas chicken dinner. Christmas Eve is usually a time for romance as lovers spend their time during this Christmas season. While in Tokyo, make it a point to drop by their shopping malls for interesting and unique Christmas lighting and displays.

1. San Juan

Celebrate Christmas with a salsa beat in San Juan in Puerto Rico. A charming little town on the coast of Puerto Rico, San Juan has a festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. The Christmas celebration starts in early December and ends during the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6. Puerto Rico has a deep Catholic tradition and yuletide masses are held leading up to the Christmas Eve midnight mass. Pass by the City Hall on the Plaza de Armas and have a fabulous shopping time at the Paseo de la Princesa. Spend the holidays at San Juan and dance your way through the Christmas celebration.

Regardless of where you are in the world, Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness. A beautiful destination is a gorgeous backdrop for spending these holidays with your loved ones.