Christmas Beauty Around the World
The holidays are fast approaching and with New York City shining bright, I’ve decided to highlight 5 cities I’ve visited during Christmas that know how to decorate right.
Cusco
By far the warmest destination, I spent some time traveling through South America just a few days after Christmas. Their seasons are opposite what I’m used to, so it was certainly a strange sensation to be sitting in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes in early January. Cusco decorated the Plaza del Armas with a beautiful Christmas tree and Nativity Scene. When I made my way to Aguas Calientes, I discovered a Christmas tree built out of recycled Sprite bottles. It is the most creative decoration I have seen in any destination.
Luxembourg
I spent a quiet day here in Luxembourg browsing the Christmas Market, drinking hot chocolate and eating crepes. Unfortunately it was sleeting this day, which made taking pictures a bit difficult. At one point my hands were so frozen that I had to run into the nearest café just to defrost for a few minutes. Once the weather improved, I was able to pick up a few Christmas gifts and practice my French with the locals. I found their decorations and sculptures quite interesting.
Paris
I spent a few days in Paris right before Christmas 2010. In fact, due to a frozen track, I almost didn’t make it back to London via the EuroStar, meaning I could have missed my flight home. Paris is beautifully decorated during the winter season ans since it was snowing at the time, it truly looked like a Winter Wonderland. The Lights along the Champs Elysees are absolutely stunning and give the city of lights even more shine. Houses are often decorated with Christmas cheer, including this house in the Latin Quarter.
London
Also in December 2010, I spent about a week in London visiting friends that I met during my semester abroad in spring 2008. The city was cold but the festive decorations hung throughout the shopping districts definitely warmed up the rainy city. Top on my list was the Harrods Wizard of Oz themed window displays. I spent more time taking pictures outside the building than I did inside shopping for gifts. Oxford Street and other popular shopping districts also do a great job decorating the neighborhood.
New York
A resident of New York City, of course this city that never sleeps is going to make it on my list. My favorite decorations here include the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, the street lights along Columbus Avenue and all the ice-skating rinks scattered throughout the city. One thing I can’t help but find strange is the Santa at Grand Central. Seems a bit out of place to me but then again, I didn’t grow up in a city. Speaking of Santa, a popular event taking place yearly is Santacon which basically involves dressing up in your best Santa costume and drinking as heavily as possible.
Image via Pulsd
18 Comments
Great choices for your Christmas beauty round up. Haven’t been to Cusco or Luxembourg yet — hope I’ll get to visit during the holidays sometime. London, Paris, and NYC are wonderful places to be this time of year.
Cusco was a surprising one for me! Especially since it was like 80 degrees there during Christmas – I’m so used to cold winters
Megan recently posted..Christmas Beauty Around the World
I looove that photo of Paris.
Abby recently posted..Rain, rain, go away?
Me too! I spent a good 5 minutes just staring at it before even snapping the photo haha
Megan recently posted..Christmas Beauty Around the World
I love that photo of Paris too. But that big red shoes in London also make me take a look a little long to think what they put there.
Anjieya recently posted..Objects that should be taken when traveling
The red shoe display was huge! The window displays were beautifully done. Wish I was in London right now to see what they came up this this year.
Megan recently posted..Christmas Beauty Around the World
Wow these all look so magical. My favorite is Paris. Makes me long for a white Christmas.
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..Countdown until my dad arrives: one month
I think Paris may be my favorite too! There’s just something about that city during winter that feels very magical
Megan recently posted..Christmas Beauty Around the World
I’m with Abby. That photo of Paris is enchanting. I would LOVE to have a hot cup of coffee and just stare at that building.
DTravelsRound recently posted..Escape of the Week: Radovljica, Slovenia
It really was beautiful. I found it as I was walking toward Notre Dame and I’m so glad I randomly stumbled down that street! Sipping coffee in Paris sounds amazing right about now
Megan recently posted..Christmas Beauty Around the World
That red shoe from London is quite interesting. It kind of makes you stare for awhile
Adrian B. recently posted..Merry Christmas Everyone!
haha it sure is! I stared at it for a good 5-10 minutes now that I think about it
Megan recently posted..Christmas Beauty Around the World
Lovely post! After coming home from Europe to Toronto for Christmas …. I made a new promise to myself … I will go away for every Christmas going forward. There’s just too much to see and experience elsewhere! Toronto will be for other times. I like the Paris photo the most.
Cheryl recently posted..The ABCs Of Travel: cherylhoward.com Edition.
I think that’s a really great viewpoint to have – and one that I completely agree with! It’s so interesting to see how other countries/cultures celebrate the holidays and it helps you appreciate your own traditions even more
Megan recently posted..Christmas Beauty Around the World
A great series. Hope you’ve had a merry Christmas!
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Australia and Chile: Couples
Thanks Andrew! Same to you
Megan recently posted..Personal Highlights from 2011
I grew up in NYC and it has a special place in my heart during Christmas time. Great series.
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..Green Global Travel’s Top 20 Wildlife Photos of 2011
Thanks Mary! The decorations in NYC definitely help make up for the cold weather
Megan recently posted..Personal Highlights from 2011