14 Popular Destinations That Turn Into Chaos at Christmas
For many, the holidays provide images of sparkling lights, merry carols, and warm get-togethers. It’s the best time to fill their bags and go to some of the world’s most loved destinations to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The reality of these trips can be more frantic than festive, however. Christmas hotspots tend to get packed with chaotic spectacles, where the magic of the season is fighting against long lines and crowded streets.
The lure of these destinations is undeniable, but visiting them at Christmas is like jumping into a snow globe that’s been shaken a little too hard. If you are dreaming of a holiday getaway, here’s what to expect when visiting these popular but chaotic Christmas destinations.
Rockefeller Center, New York City
The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony is fun but trying to squeeze through the throngs of tourists to get a glimpse is not. The area becomes a gridlock of selfie-takers and last-minute shoppers in December. Put chilly winds and street performers into the recipe and you have a festive scene as overwhelming as it is festive.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This quaint Pennsylvanian town nicknamed Christmas City draws thousands to its European-style markets and festive events. But the charm wears thin fast when you’re stuck in traffic for hours. It can even be a Christmas miracle to find a parking spot.
Disney World, Florida
Disney World might sound like a great place to be at Christmas, but it’s really like being shoulder to shoulder in a sea of Mickey ears. By noon, the parks hit capacity, and guests are left without a place to sit or a place to sit and appreciate their fantastically overpriced hot cocoa.
Times Square, New York
Christmas in Times Square is less a winter wonderland and more a game of human Tetris. It is only made more frenetic by street performers and ticket vendors. It can feel like an endurance sport to visit, but if you’re up for it, the lights are dazzling.
Aspen, Colorado
This is a winter sports enthusiast’s paradise, but you won’t find a slope not packed during Christmas. The exclusive restaurants are often booked solid weeks in advance; the ski lifts become bottlenecks.
Champs-Élysées, Paris
Every year, the Champs-Élysées sparkles with Christmas lights and draws millions of visitors to its famous shopping boulevard. The magic fades though when you’re shoulder to shoulder with tourists taking photos or haggling for bargains in boutiques.
Oxford Street, London
Oxford Street is a glowing corridor of holiday cheer, but with more than a million shoppers hitting the street each day in December, it’s anything but tranquil. You’ll need your patience — and maybe a pair of earplugs for the carolers.
Bondi Beach, Sydney
Bondi Beach is a popular choice for a warm-weather Christmas but it’s not all sunshine and relaxation. Christmas Day is a big day on the beach, with locals and tourists filling the beach and spilling over into the streets and cafés nearby. Largely, the South Wales government regularly sends more law enforcement to deal with the influx of party-goers.
Vatican City, Rome
Going to Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is a bucket list item, but the crowds are overwhelming. Vatican City is overrun with pilgrims and tourists alike, creating long lines and little room. The mass attracts even those who don’t attend as the city’s narrow streets are packed with holidaymakers.
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing is the centerpiece of the celebration, but Tokyo takes Christmas lights to the next level. On regular days, the intersection already sees 3,000 people per crossing, and the holiday season just adds to that. There is a symphony of chaos between photographers, shoppers, and tourists.
Lapland, Finland
The mythical home of Santa Claus, Lapland, is a magnet for families who want to meet the man in red. Rovaniemi, a small town, often has no accommodations left, and tours to see the Northern Lights are booked out months in advance. Cold and crowds are the only things visitors leave with.
Venice, Italy
Venice isn’t normally considered a Christmas place, but the holiday season brings a surprising number of tourists. Narrow streets and canals that crisscross the city act as bottlenecks, especially around the most popular of the city’s landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica. Sometimes, the surge of visitors means that local authorities must use crowdcontrol measures.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a feast for the senses, but if you love long lines, it’s a feast for you, too. Once the most colorful greeting of the winter season descends upon the city, with more than 2.3 million visitors roaming around, the market becomes a maze of mulled wine stands and craft stalls. Throw in chilly winds and you’ve got a recipe for festive fatigue.
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
New Year’s Eve isn’t just the one day that Rio’s famous Copacabana Beach is crowded, it’s crowded all December. It’s impossible to find a quiet patch of sand because tourists flock to enjoy the summer sun and festive celebrations. Vendors compete for attention in the area, and traffic in surrounding parts of the city comes to a standstill.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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