These are 20 of the best places to spend Christmas this year.
Others prefer to lounge on a beach as far away from cold weather as possible.
The festivities kick off with a Christmas tree lighting and end with fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
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Looking for gifts in downtown Jackson?
New York City
There’s truly nothing likeChristmas in New York City.
The city lights shine brightly year-round, but holiday lights add to the magic.
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Bruges, Belgium
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Bruges' two Christmas marketsare among the best in Western Europe.
The festivities extend to a smaller market in nearby Simon Stevinplein Square.
Elevate your stay inBrugeswith a suite overlooking the picturesque canal at the luxurious and historicHotel Van Cleef.
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Otherwise, you could book one of just 60 rooms atThe Pines Lodge.
Both offer ski-in, ski-out access.
This picturesque town is in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest.
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Throughout December, you’ll find storefronts on and just off Main Street decorated with wintry displays.
Salzburg, Austria
It’s easy to get in the holiday spirit while visiting Salzburg.
The most luxurious place to stay?
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That would beHotel Goldener Hirschright in Old Town.
Solvang typically hostsJulefest, a month-plus-long village celebration complete with outdoor gatherings and holiday decorations.
Stay atThe Lodge at Spruce Peakfor beautiful mountain views and ski-in, ski-out access.
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The annualCastle of Lightevent draws crowds with spectacular displays projected onto the exterior walls of the 12th-century stronghold.
The projections typically get a refresh every year and have included everything from fire-breathing dragons to flowers.
Sip mulled wine at one of the Christmas markets and ice skate on George Street for the full experience.
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If you’re around on New Year’s Eve, participate in Hogmanay, Scotland’s own end-of-year celebration.
Edinburgh puts on aHogmanay festivalthat includes a torchlight procession, concerts, and a disco party.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Feis a great place to visit any time of the year.
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The sunny weather is perfect for sipping cocktailsand picnicking on the grassy Plaza Intendente Alvear.
London
There’s just something especially magical about London at Christmastime.
Rovaniemi, Finland
What’s the most Christmassy place in the world, you ask?
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Surely it’s Santa Claus' hometown,Rovaniemi.
During the winter, the arctic landscape is covered by a thick blanket of pretty snow.
This is also the best time of the year for spotting the northern lights.
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The tropical paradise that is Maldives' 27 atolls is truly one of the best all-inclusive Christmas vacations.
Among thetop resortsareMeeru Maldives,Constance Moofushi, andLily Beach.
Bavaria, Germany
Spend your Christmas holidays in this picturesque state in southern Germany.
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Wherever you go,beware of the spooky Krampus, a frightening Christmas beast of local folklore.
Quebec City
Quebec Cityis about as European as it gets outside of Europe itself.
The Bahamas
Just a short flight south for East Coasters and a three-hour ferry fromFt.
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Lauderdale,the Bahamasis another popular choice for travelers seeking sun and sand during the holidays.
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