For most of us, the word ‘Christmas’ makes us think of cosying up in front of the fire at home, wearing cheesy themed pyjamas and frantically checking the television channels to see if ‘Home Alone’ or ‘Elf’ are on yet. However, for some people, Christmas is better spent abroad- whether you want to embrace the Christmas spirit or escape it completely. Here at Holiday Numbers, we’ve cranked up the volume on our Christmas playlist and settled down to think about some of the best destinations to spend the festive season, and here they are.
Rome, Italy
Festive Factor: 
During the Christmas period, Rome comes alive with festivities. The impressive Piazza Navona transforms into a Christmas market filled with gifts and treats. For the Roman Catholic visitors, midnight mass at the Pantheon on Christmas Eve is a must do, followed by a Christmas Day service in the Vatican. If you wish to hear one of the Pope’s Christmas addresses, make sure to book in advance.
Getting there: Rome is just a short sleigh ride away with Easyjet.
Seville, Spain
Festive Factor: 
Seville at Christmas time is very old-fashioned. You can expect to find plenty of traditional Nativity scenes, snack on roasting chestnuts and peruse a range of traditional markets. You’ll see people singing Christmas songs in the streets as well as the local tradition of singing orphans on Christmas Day. The holiday season also lasts until the 6th of January, so even if you visit after Christmas you’ll still be in the spirit.
Getting there: Ryanair fly year round to Seville.
Lapland (Finland, Norway, Sweden)
Festive Factor:
Lapland is the home of Father Christmas, therefore, nowhere is more Christmassy! For more information about visiting Lapland, check out our guide here.
Getting there: Monarch offers package trips to Lapland, with the last departure on the 23rd December.
New York, USA
Festive Factor:
During the holiday season, New York just glows 24 hours a day. It’s not cheap to visit at Christmas time, but it is worth it for the incredible photos you’ll get- a snow topped Empire State Building, ice skating in Central Park…the list goes on. Check out how to do it on a budget here.
Getting there: British Airways will make your transatlantic seasonal flight as comfortable as possible.
London, England
Festive Factor:
Inspiration for Dicken’s classic novel ‘A Christmas Carol’ and home to multiple Christmas markets and events, London is a sure-fire hit over the festive season. Visit Winter Wonderland for ice skating and mulled wine aplenty- just make sure you don’t drink too much or you’ll need one of the penguins that the children use to balance themselves on the ice!
Getting there: Trains to London run from almost anywhere in the country. Check out your local station and times using National Rail.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Festive Factor:
Want to spend your Christmas on a beach sipping cocktails? Rio de Janeiro is the place to banish those winter blues. Enjoy various firework displays and extensive decorations. Christmas Day itself is rather quiet as the locals wind down, ready to hit the party scene hard once again on New Year’s Eve.
Getting there: You will probably have to stopover somewhere en route to Rio de Janeiro, so choose your accommodation wisely with Trivago.
Paris, France
Festive Factor:
Paris is having a tough time at the moment, following the recent devastating terrorist attacks. However, it’s such a beautiful city that will come back stronger. At Christmas time, you can enjoy beautiful window displays at the Galeries Lafayette department store (similar to Selfridges in the UK) as well as wondrous markets and festive ferris wheels.
Getting there: Why not take the Eurostar for a fuss-free journey.
Tallinn, Estonia
Festive Factor:
You may be thinking ‘Estonia? I’ve never thought of going there for Christmas’ and it’s not surprising. However, Tallinn is the home of the world’s first Christmas tree, so it makes sense to visit there for a festive holiday. You can enjoy classical concerts and a magical Christmas Village. If you’re looking for a Christmas holiday which isn’t cliché, Tallinn is the place.
Getting there: A short layover in Riga, Latvia is probable.
Escaping Christmas…
Yes, these two destinations are perfect for all the Scrooges out there who want nothing to do with Christmas.
Bora Bora
Escape Christmas completely with an island getaway to Bora Bora. However, it can be impossible to predict the weather- you may find it humid or short sharp showers, but whatever the weather it’s a tropical paradise. Spend Christmas day swinging in a hammock or taking a dip in the bright blue ocean. Dreamy.
Getting there: Travelling to Bora Bora will require stopovers, often in exotic destinations such as LA or Mexico.
Tanzania
Have you always wanted to go on an African safari, but you were never sure where to go? Well, Tanzania has it all- beautiful, idyllic scenery and all the animals you hear about or watch David Attenborough get up close to. Birdwatching is also best during this season.
Getting there: Turkish Airlines offers flights to Tanzania.
Wherever you decide to spend Christmas, home or away, we hope you have an amazing time!
We asked our friends over on Twitter about spending Christmas abroad, and here are some of the responses we got:
@holiday_numbers I went to California for Xmas & it was’t great as a lot of places were empty & not fun; ppl celebrate with families at home
— Inna Semenyuk (@innavation) November 23, 2015
@holiday_numbers I spent it one year in Sharm El Sheikh, happy to help
— Tom Bourlet (@tom_bourlet) November 23, 2015
@holiday_numbers It was really nice to get away from things, but I did miss seeing my family around this time
— Tom Bourlet (@tom_bourlet) November 23, 2015
@holiday_numbers no we haven’t but we ARE going to New York this Christmas!! #Excited
@holiday_numbers yes last year in Sri Lanka for Christmas & New Year. Fantastic
— Life Guidance (@LifeGuidanceApp) November 24, 2015
@holiday_numbers I've often spent Christmas abroad – Australia, Maldives, Cancun. And this year, Cayman Islands (scuba diving)
— SassySocialMarketing (@AlysonReay) November 23, 2015
