When it comes to festive travel there is no shortage of tried and tested destinations, from Europe’s iconic Christmas markets to the bright lights of New York. But where do you go when you want to get away from it all, but don’t necessarily want to follow the crowd? As our gift to you, we’ve made a list of some of the more unusual places to celebrate. Some involve sun; others snow. There are also a couple of suggestions for those who would rather avoid traditional festivities altogether.
Tromsø, Norway
Where better to make a white Christmas less of a dream and more of a reality than the Arctic Circle? It might be plunged into total darkness from 26 November until 21 January, but there is no denying that the world’s northernmost city bursts into life during December. Your senses will go into overdrive as you wallow in the scents of spruce and gingerbread, listen to the sounds of the carol singers filling the Arctic Cathedral and if you are really lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. For anyone wishing to take a break from the hectic pace of the city, trips by dogsled, boat, snowmobile and reindeer sleigh go in all directions from Tromsø.
The Gambia
For a vibrant – and most importantly – warm Christmas, The Gambia in western Africa offers you almost guaranteed sunshine but without the inconvenience of long-haul flights or jet lag (the country is permanently on Greenwich Mean Time.) Christmas and New Year celebrations are most prevalent in the resorts and in the capital Banjul, where there is a sizeable population of Akus and other Christians. From early December, street traders sell tinsel and other decorations whilst the hotels go to town on decorations, gala events, music and firework displays. One of The Gambia’s most distinctive Christmas celebrations is the Fanal parades featuring small-scale ships decorated with candles or lights, while the festive season also brings dancers and acrobats out onto the street.
Oman
Forget the snow and the one-horse open sleigh, in Oman you’ll be more likely to be dashing through the sand on a one-humped camel train. As a Muslim country, Christmas is not an official holiday here, but people still enjoy its traditions, with Christmas trees illuminating shopping malls and hotels laying on all manner of festive feasting and entertainment. Most importantly you will be able to enjoy a beautiful coastline, fascinating culture, stunning desert scenery and December temperatures in Muscat averaging around 22°C. On the off-chance you are still missing winter climes, head to Snow Oman – the country’s first and only ‘snow park’ – where you can explore icy alleys and snow-frosted buildings, enjoy thrilling rides, go ice skating and even practice your snow-building skills.
Tokyo, Japan
If you’re looking for somewhere religion-free in which to mark Yuletide, then Tokyo is the place for you. Most Japanese are Buddhist and Shinto but that doesn’t mean they aren’t prepared to celebrate with gusto when it comes to shopping and dining and, most importantly, decorating public spaces. Yes, the Japanese capital might fall short when it comes to carols and nativity scenes, but it certainly makes up for it in spectacularly over-the-top decorations and lights. Winning the title of best OTT display is Yomiuriland’s annual winter illuminations. Here literally millions of colourful LEDs are set up throughout the vast area, which also houses a 25-metre-tall mountain inspired by the Matterhorn and lit-up roller coasters. If you have built up an appetite after all that light-gazing and really want the traditional Tokyo Christmas meal, then head to the nearest KFC, which has been a unique Japanese tradition for the last four decades!
Kolkata, India
Mistletoe, roast turkey, duck and mulled wine may not immediately be synonymous with the subcontinent, yet they all take pride of place during Kolkata’s festive season. Not just the Christian community, but every single person in the city celebrates, making this a truly joyous – and unique – place for your own Christmas festivities. To really experience Yuletide in India’s third-most populous city, Park Street, home to the month-long Christmas Festival, is a must. Bedecked with lights, it is like an open-air Christmas party with food and drink stalls, entertainment and live music in nearby Allen Park. Midnight mass is held at many churches across the city, but one of the most special is at St Paul’s. Built in 1847 and modelled after Canterbury Cathedral, it was the first Anglican cathedral outside the UK. Adorned with Christmas trees and lights it really is a spectacular setting for people from different faiths and backgrounds to celebrate together.
