Festive Escapes: Unique Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year Around the World
The holiday season doesn't have to revolve around turkey and traditional trimmings. It's one of the best times of year for travel adventures. Skip the standard Christmas feast, stash that novelty sweater, and explore these inspiring alternative ways to enjoy the festive period.
Surfing in Hawaii
Trade the fireside for world-class waves in Hawaii this Christmas. This U.S. state's surf shines year-round, but December elevates Oahu’s North Shore to legendary status with swells over 30 feet, drawing pros and enthusiasts. For a milder option, join New Year's festivities featuring whole roasted pig, a tradition from the ancient Hawaiian Makahiki Festival—a four-month celebration. Whether surfing, feasting, or sunbathing post-dinner, Hawaii delivers festive fun.
Keep it festive: Honolulu’s annual City Lights event channels Rockefeller Center magic with dazzling decorations, a illuminated tree, and carols.
An Antarctic Cruise for Christmas and New Year
Experience a chilly yet exhilarating Christmas without early sunsets. Antarctica's summer aligns with the holidays, ideal for cruising the peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Polar Cruises (polarcruises.com) offers a 10-night voyage from Port Stanley, Falklands, with hiking, penguin encounters, humpback whales, and albatross sightings amid near-constant daylight. Bundle up and maximize deck time for stunning views.
Keep it festive: If conditions permit, hike Winter Island to build a snowman near an historic British Antarctic Survey hut.
Christmas and New Year Safari in Namibia
Post-rainy season, Namibia's landscapes green up in December, drawing wildlife to refreshed waterholes under drier skies—perfect for safaris. Etosha National Park suits newcomers, home to big game, black rhinos, and massive elephants. Add vast Etosha salt pan vistas and southern red desert drives for an epic festive contrast to mince pies and winter walks.
Keep it festive: As a former German colony, Namibia offers treats like warm glühwein in Windhoek bars, despite the summer heat.
Fake Snow and Christmas Lights in Hanoi
Vietnam embraces Christmas cheer without pausing daily life. In Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street bursts with decorations, lit trees, and snowmen. Fake snow dusts parks, mopeds sport Santa riders on December 25, and malls slash prices on luxury goods for festive shoppers.
Keep it festive: Attend midnight Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral for nativity scenes, then toast with fresh Bia Hoi draught beer nearby.
Tango in Buenos Aires
Argentina's Catholic roots make holidays huge in Buenos Aires, from the December 8 Immaculate Conception Feast to New Year's. Focus on Christmas Eve for prime celebrations: catch a tango show at venues like La Ventana or El Viejo Almacen, pairing Malbec, steak, and performance in one indulgent evening.
Keep it festive: Buenos Aires' New Year fireworks are DIY spectacles—locals launch rockets, lighting the sky post-midnight from safe vantage points.
A Four-Week Festive Party in Fiji
Fiji excels in holiday indulgence with four weeks of celebrations: fan and spear dances, village lanterns, and lovo oven feasts of garlic chicken, cassava, and Palusami (spiced mutton in coconut cream). Join the kava ritual—a potent pepper root brew.
Keep it festive: Spot Santa on beaches, distributing gifts from a speedboat 'sleigh'.
Beach Vibes in Sydney
Flee northern chills for Australian summer sun. Surf Bronte and Tamarama beaches with locals, opt for barbecues over roasts, and ring in New Year with harbor fireworks over the bridge and Opera House—no winter layers needed.
Keep it festive: Even at 30°C+, wear a Santa hat at Bondi Beach on Christmas Day.
