Celebrating Christmas and New Year in a different and allusive destination mobilizes thousands of travelers from all over the world.
To follow this trend, Civitatis, the world's leading online platform for excursions and activities in more than 160 countries, has made a selection of the most popular and unusual places that tourists choose to celebrate these special dates.
“From the world's major cities that boast unique decorations to festivals full of customs and traditions, these experiences stand out among the favorites of most of our users, who are always looking for memorable experiences to fill their trips,” said Nicolás Posse, Country Manager of Civitatis Argentina and Business Development Chile, Uruguay & Paraguay.
Most requested destinations
1. New York, United States: The city that never sleeps dresses in red and green to welcome Christmas with unique decorations in both its shops and its main tourist icons, among which the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the allusive markets in Bryant Park and Union Square stand out.
On the other hand, the great American metropolis is also the most popular tourist destination for welcoming the New Year, especially for the famous spectacle offered every December 31 in Times Square, with the fall of the iconic crystal ball and a grand fireworks show.
2. Paris, France: The city of lights shines like never before during the days of December and dresses up for a party to welcome a flood of visitors, who take advantage of excursions to explore iconic spots such as the illuminated Champs Elysees or the Christmas market in front of the Eiffel Tower. Gala dinners aboard cruises on the Seine are another of the most requested experiences for festive nights.
3. Cancun, Mexico: Many travelers from this part of the world choose the Caribbean beaches to enjoy the New Year's Eve festivities, and Cancun has become the most popular destination, especially for its all-inclusive hotel offering that organizes large events for both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Many private parties are also organized on the beach and in nightclubs throughout the main tourist centers of the Riviera Maya.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: One of the most sought-after places to travel to during the holidays, Rio offers attractions such as the floating Christmas tree installed in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon for Christmas, while New Year's Eve centers the celebrations on Copacabana Beach, where every December 31st millions of people dressed in white gather to enjoy live concerts, samba shows, and fireworks over the sea. Many travelers also take advantage of the opportunity to participate in traditional rituals of Afro-Brazilian culture.
5. Vienna, Austria: Vienna's elegance attracts those seeking a sophisticated New Year's Eve to the rhythm of a waltz. Its Christmas markets, classical music concerts and New Year's Eve celebrations in the Town Hall Square are highly sought-after activities for travelers.
Most unusual destinations
1. Edinburgh, Scotland: One of the most unique New Year celebrations in the world is celebrated here, called Hogmanay, a three-day event that includes a torchlight parade, open-air concerts and a fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. Among the unusual customs, on the first day of the year, some citizens dive into the cold waters of the River Forth in what is known as the “Loony Dook.”
2. Easter Island, Chile: This particular enclave has become an exotic destination for those seeking an introspective end of the year. The mysterious Moai statues, Anakena beaches and local traditions offer an unforgettable cultural experience.
3. Antarctica, Argentina: For extreme adventurers, nothing beats seeing out the year on the world's most remote continent. Antarctica cruises offer unique experiences, such as sailing among icebergs, observing penguins and celebrating the New Year in a completely surreal landscape.
4- Cappadocia, Turkey: Flying in a hot air balloon over the Goreme Valley and visiting the cinematic village of this site is a unique option to close the year and start a new one, making a wish from the sky.
5. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: Spending New Year's Eve at the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt desert, is like celebrating on another planet. During this season, the rains transform the salt flat into an immense mirror that reflects the sky. Many travelers choose to stay in hotels built entirely of salt and enjoy outdoor dining under a starry sky like few others in the world.
Source: Civitatis.