There are so many things to be getting ready for in the months of November and December. The main holiday that everyone is looking forward to is, of course, Christmas. There’s nothing quite like the spruce and pine trees that represent the spirit of the holiday, and people who love Christmas go all out, decorating their trees until they’re overflowing with decorations and giving out presents to their friends and family. It’s a perfect way to bring people together and bond over what has happened the past year and what to expect from the New Year. However, this isn’t for everyone. You might enjoy travelling to new countries and experiencing how other cultures celebrate the festivities. You might want to try a White Christmas for the first time, since snow is virtually impossible to find in Australia at this time of the year. Here are some holiday destinations that you might like to think about when organising your Christmas holidays.

Lapland, Finland

For a White Christmas, Lapland can offer you an incomparable experience, with actual reindeer rides through knee-deep snow and roaring fires indoors. It’s quite a remote location so if peace and quiet is something that you’re looking for in a holiday, to release the strains and stresses of city life, this is the place for you. There are conifers growing everywhere in this part of Finland, which is why it’s associated with Christmas, and if you’re a fan of Father Christmas, you might just have the chance to meet the man himself.

Niseko Village, Japan

Another place to celebrate the White Christmas experience is Niseko Village in Japan. If you’re a fan of skiing, this is the ideal location for you. This place is also known as the “Prince of Powder”, you have slopes for beginners and expert skiers and snowboarders. Afterwards, you can take a sled ride pulled by reindeer, or soak in one of the many onsens and hot springs in the village to sooth your tired muscles from the eventful day you had previously. This is a good place for families and skiers who are eager to take to the slopes.

London, UK

This is the place to be for Christmas festivities. Enjoy the Christmas markets that pop up on the sides of streets and sample the goods. There is mulled wine and snacks to be had as you stroll around and take a look at what’s available, so it isn’t a bad way to spend your Christmas, or the days leading up to the holiday. There are also festivals that are celebrated in Hyde Park so you won’t want to miss out on the festivities that bring joy to people who really love Christmas and the Yule season. You might also be lucky and get the chance to celebrate a White Christmas if it decides to snow.

Krabi, Thailand

This might seem to be an unusual choice destination for Christmas but if you love island hopping, this province has numerous islands to explore and travel around. One of the most fun activities to do is to rent a boat on your own and travel to as many islands as you wish in your own time. The water is clear and blue, the islands have some of the most amazing sites in the country and beautiful beaches that you won’t be able to resist visiting. In addition to beaches and island visiting, you can also take advantage of the Krabi Hot Springs, nestled in a surrounding rainforest. You can be an opportunist and capitalise on the healing properties that the natural minerals have within the springs and soothe your tired muscles after a long day of paddling, or even if you just want to relax for a while.

Bali, Indonesia

A country a little closer to home, Indonesia has a lot to offer you, especially if you go in the Christmas time. Shopping is a great way to start your journey, with markets around every corner and most of the products available made locally and from local products. Sukawati Art Market is your place for handcrafted products whereas the streets of Seminyak are perfect for if you’re into a more upmarket products. If you’re wanting to relax for the Christmas holidays, you can try a Christmas yoga retreat in Bali that will help to heal your inner self and practice breathing work and meditation for you to take into the New Year.

Whitsundays, Australia

If you want to travel but not overseas, try the Whitsundays. Located in Queensland, this place is known for it’s amazing views and the Great Barrier Reef. it’s also a popular place for families, honeymooners and backpackers who are drawn to the extraordinary sights that this island has to offer. Whitehaven Beach boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, being the most visited and photographed place in Australia. If you’re up for a little adventure, you can try snorkelling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and interact with the local aquatic life. A step up from this could be spotting crocodiles on the Proserpine River. In addition to spotting these carnivores, keep a lookout for wallabies, frogs and crabs.

Make sure that wherever you travel to, that you enjoy yourself and make the most of all the things that you could be involved in. Christmas only happens once a year so let this be the time that you try a new activity or explore a place that has been on your list for a while now. Have fun and have a Merry Christmas!