12 Christmas Destinations That Are Not as Magical as They Seem
The holidays are a special time of year when the world seems to glitter, and an atmosphere of celebration makes everything beautiful and magical. Every seasoned traveler knows the sparkle of a destination doesn’t always match the reality. It turns out some of the most celebrated Christmas destinations are more hassle than harmony.
Your Christmas adventure should be full of cheer, so we have highlighted some destinations that may not quite live up to their picture-perfect hype.
New York City, USA
While New York City is synonymous with the holiday spirit, December there is more about crowds than charm. While the Rockefeller Center tree is stunning, you’ll elbow your way through mob scenes to see it. The city gets one of the most significant influxes of tourists, which equals wall to wall, line to line, and fight for your personal space crowdedness.
Lapland, Finland
Many holiday bucket lists include Lapland’s snowy wonderland, but it’s not all reindeer and Santa Claus. In December you have barely four hours of daylight, and much of your sightseeing is done in the dark. Add to that the eye-watering costs of activities such as sleigh rides and Arctic expeditions and it feels like you’re paying premium prices for less-than-premium experiences.
Paris, France
During the holidays, the City of Light shines a little less brightly. Unlike other cities in Europe, Paris doesn’t go overboard with its Christmas markets or decorations, and some travelers are disappointed. Charming neighborhoods become quiet and dimly lit streets with many local bakeries and boutiques close for the season. You might not find twinkling romance, just a damp Parisian winter.
The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Skiing holidays in the Swiss Alps make for a postcard-perfect holiday, but you’re out of luck if you’re not hitting the slopes. Accommodations, dining, and simple transportation become expensive during the holidays. When you’re jostling for space, even the most stunning vistas lose all their luster.
Bethlehem, Israel
Celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem is a profoundly moving experience, but in reality, it is anything but peaceful. It’s a tiny city struggling to cope with the influx of pilgrims and tourists. Hotel rooms are few and expensive, plus getting around the busy streets can make a spiritual journey exhausting. The added security checkpoints make for a less serene celebration and a more logistical nightmare.
The Maldives
The Maldives might seem like an idyllic escape if you’re looking to swap snow for sand, but December is peak season, and resorts are at their priciest. There is also the northeast monsoon to consider, which can be unpredictable. The experience at this paradise may cost a small fortune for cloudy skies, and a packed overwater bungalow.
Venice, Italy
As romantic as Venice in the winter may sound, it often means damp feet and gray skies. In December, the city experiences flooding—referred to as “acqua alta”—that can make cobblestone streets look like watery pathways. Sightseeing is more of a balancing act than an easy stroll because you navigate the city on elevated walkways. Unfortunately, the holiday cheer isn’t helped by the cold, damp air either.
Aspen, USA
There’s no denying that Aspen’s snowy slopes are beautiful, but it comes at a price. Lift tickets and accommodations can double, even triple, during the winter season. You might go home more financially drained than refreshed, unless your wallet is as deep as the snow.
London, England
The experience of London’s twinkling lights and bustling markets can be hit or miss. A place like the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park gets huge numbers of visitors, so what could be a magical visit is a frustrating drag. London’s weather is also unpredictable—cold rain and gray skies—so the festivities can be more of a chore than a treat.
Tokyo, Japan
Christmas is a work day in Japan, which means the festive spirit is dampened for visitors, even though Tokyo’s holiday displays are undeniably stunning. Holiday traditions in the city are commercial to the max — more elaborate light shows and buckets of fried chicken than togetherness. It’s a unique twist, but some travelers end up feeling removed from the spirit of the season.
Niagara Falls, Canada
While Niagara Falls’ winter light displays might be a great reason to visit, the frigid temperatures usually steal the show. The falls can be obscured by snow and ice, and outdoor attractions are a test of endurance, not enjoyment. You can lose the sparkle of the Winter Festival of Lights when you’re shivering through the experience.
Disney World, USA
Christmas is a crowd-filled frenzy at Disney World, but it can be the ultimate family destination. Rides could have wait times of over two hours and tickets, food, and accommodations are expensive. According to Disney’s official attendance tracker, December is one of the company’s busiest months. Instead of holiday magic, you could be slogging through swarms of stressed-out parents and exhausted kids.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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