The winter is spreading worldwide, signaling the end of the year. This is also the time when everyone is busy preparing for the Christmas celebrations and welcoming a peaceful new year.
Christmas is one of the most beloved festivals of the winter season. It is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Starting in December, not only followers of Christianity but people all over the world come together to decorate and prepare for a splendid and vibrant Christmas day. Particularly in European countries, this is a significant celebration for many nations on the continent.
Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Countries with the Most Dazzling Christmas Celebrations in the World to see how the atmosphere of this festive day unfolds there.
Lost in the fairyland of Finland
Finland, especially the small town of Rovaniemi, seems like a fairyland during every Christmas season, notably as it is considered the hometown of Santa Claus. When visiting Finland during this festive season, tourists can behold the sight of sparkling Christmas lights adorning evergreen trees amidst a blanket of pristine white snow, and immerse themselves in the lively Christmas celebrations throughout the country.
The Radiant Czech Republic with Dazzling Lights
The Czech Republic is renowned for its ancient and magnificent architecture, and Christmas in this country carries an air of sophistication and impression. Many streets are adorned with dazzling lights and tall Christmas trees. Particularly, in the Czech Republic, there are two famous Christmas markets: Horse Square (Vaslavske) and Chicken Square (Straromestske), where various unique Christmas products and gifts are sold, enhancing the festive ambiance.
Belgium – A Memorable Christmas
If you want to experience truly memorable Christmas celebrations, Belgium is a must-visit destination, especially the city of Bruges, considered the most splendidly decorated Christmas city in Europe. Starting from December, the square is adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, accompanied by numerous markets offering festive-related items throughout the month. Belgium has always been one of the most attractive destinations for European tours.
France – A Splendid Christmas Season
During the Christmas days, in the capital city of Paris, France – famously known as the City of Lights, becomes even more dazzling than ever. The decoration of streets and houses for Christmas in France begins in mid-November. Especially on Christmas night, you might be surprised to find that everywhere is brightly lit up with spectacular street performances.
Italy – The ‘Holy Land’ of Christmas
Christianity is the most prevalent religion in Italy, making Christmas celebrations the biggest festival of the year in the country. Starting from the early days of December, churches and people across Italy begin preparing for this solemn celebration. On Christmas night in Italy, everyone gathers, celebrates, and feasts with their families. The lights from houses and streets illuminate the night throughout the country.
Switzerland – The Greatest Christmas Celebrations Nation
Switzerland is a beautiful country renowned as one of the most fantastic Christmas celebrations in Europe. Every street is adorned with decorative lights, images of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, green and red gift boxes, and more. Particularly noteworthy are the stalls decorated like tents at the markets, showcasing beautiful Christmas-related accessories. Traveling to Switzerland offers the most wonderful Christmas experience.
Enjoy The Festive Atmosphere in the United States
Christmas is the biggest holiday in the United States. On the day of the holiday, the entire country is decorated with brightly colored lights, Christmas trees adorned with various decorations, and gift boxes. This is a festive occasion for people across America to gather, spend time with family, engage in conversations, and enjoy traditional holiday dishes.
Unmissable Christmas Markets in Germany
Similar to other European countries, the Christmas celebrations in Germany are lively, with streets adorned with bright lights, giant Christmas trees in shopping centers, and bustling Christmas markets. What makes Germany interesting is that Christmas holidays vary; each state has different holiday periods, usually lasting for two weeks. If you’re planning to experience the Christmas atmosphere in Germany, it’s essential to take note of this.
South Korea – One of The Largest Christmas Celebrations Countries in Asia
South Korea is the only country in East Asia that considers Christmas a national holiday. Although it’s not a traditional holiday in the country, the Christmas celebrations in the land of kimchi are vibrant and lively. Decorating Christmas trees is not common in every Korean household, but restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and streets in Korea are beautifully adorned with everything from Christmas trees to colorful and bright LED lights.
Lively Christmas in Japan
Similar to South Korea, Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Japan, but it is one of the Asian countries with a lively Christmas atmosphere. On the holiday, the Japanese people often gather in the streets to celebrate Christmas, especially by dining together, often enjoying turkey. As a result, the streets of Japan on this day are bustling, and Christmas songs can be heard everywhere.
Conclusion
Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm and splendor around the world. While traditions and festivities vary, certain countries stand out for their exceptionally dazzling Christmas celebrations. These top 10 countries showcase the diversity of Christmas celebrations worldwide, each contributing its own cultural richness to make the holiday season a truly global and dazzling phenomenon.