Salzburg
#5 in Best Christmas Vacations
For a Christmas vacation steeped in tradition, spend your holiday in Salzburg, Austria. Every December, locals don horned masks, pelts and bells as they chase spectators throughout the Old Town much like the folk creature Krampus is said to have done to scare naughty children. Plus, the city offers an annual Christmas market that sells decorations, toys and specialty treats, such as mulled wine and sausages. If you enjoy listening to Christmas carols, save time for a daytrip to nearby Oberndorf, where «Silent Night» was first performed.
Tromso
#6 in Best Christmas Vacations
Considered one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights, this Norwegian city gets no more than one hour of sunlight in winter. But don’t worry – Tromso’s twinkling Christmas lights and vivid skyscapes create the perfect ambiance for a magical Christmas vacation. Visit Stortorget’s famous Christmas tree, learn about the Sami culture on a reindeer sledding tour or stay warm inside a cozy cafe. For an even more memorable experience, stay overnight in the Tromso Ice Domes. Rebuilt every autumn, this one-of-a-kind attraction features a hotel, cinema, bar and restaurant that are completely made of ice.
