10 Spectacular Christmas Destinations

From reindeer sleigh rides to bountiful Christmas markets, these cities are so perfect during the holidays you'll think they came from a Hallmark card.

1. New York City, New York

Via newyorkguest.com

We'll start with the obvious: NYC! New York has an endless list of things to keep you in the holiday spirit. Hit up a Broadway show like A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker, check out the holiday markets in Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, and Union Square, do some window shopping via the displays at Barney's, Henri Bendel, and Macy's, and finish your night off with the most traditional NYC Christmas activity: ice skating at the Rockefeller Center.

2. Tallinn, Estonia

Via centralvalleymoms.com

What better place to spend Christmas than the town that started the Christmas tree tradition in 1441? Tallinn puts together a lavish Christmas market every year that's piled high with handcrafted holiday trinkets and goodies, "Christmas Dwarves" who wander around offering help, snow carving competitions, and some very authentic Estonian cuisine like black blood pudding, sour cabbage, and gingerbread.

3. Rome, Italy

Via theexaminer.com

In Rome, spend each day leading up to Christmas exploring a different piazza. Start with the famous Piazza Navona, where Babbo Natale often makes a surprise appearance. Check out the massive Christmas tree at Piazza Venezia and do some people watching while you enjoy a slice of pandoro (traditional Italian Christmas cake). Finish your trip off by visiting St. Peter's Square on Christmas Eve, where a life-sized nativity scene is unveiled and the Pope says mass at midnight.

4. London, England

Via hdwallpapersinn.com

For a really traditional feeling Christmas, head over to London where the red city busses and phone booths accentuate the festive decorations. Join the crowds in their last minute shopping at Harrods, a famous British department store, go ice skating on the rink at the castle-like Natural History Museum, take a spin on the London Eye while it's draped in glowing lights, and check out the Winter Wonderland festival at Hyde Park, which boasts "over the top Christmas spirit!" Don't worry, if you get a bit weary, you can relax with a spot of tea and traditional Christmas biscuits.

5. Monte Carlo, Monaco

Via montecarlodailyphoto.com

Christmas trees and palm trees may be a bit of a juxtaposition, but it seems to work out just fine in Monte Carlo. This gorgeous town in the principality of Monaco is ideal for those who want more of a lavish, yet laid back Christmas experience. Take a carriage ride through the stunning old streets, watch the Palace du Casino get lit up with extravagant lights, enjoy a decadent brunch at the Hotel de Paris or Hotel Hermitage, and stick around long enough to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve.

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Via spirittourism.com

Every city has a Christmas market or two, but Prague trumps them all. The larger markets are held in the Old Town Square (pictured above) and the aptly named Wenceslas Square, while smaller markets can be found in Republic Square and Havel's Market. You'll find handcrafted Czech goods like embroidered lace, wooden toys, glass and metalware, and dolls in traditional Czech dresses. And then there's the food... watch as hams are roasted to perfection over fires, try a spicy barbecued sausage, and enjoy a trdelink, a traditional sugar coated pastry, served warm. Wash it all down with a svařák (hot wine)!

7. Vienna, Austria

Via academictravelblog.com

Foodies should be sure to check out Vienna, where you can be sure to get your fill of delectable treats. Check out the Market on Freyung in the city center, which has been going on since 1772. Here, try a Kartoffelpuffer, (an enormous potato pancake), a melange (a Viennese cappuccino topped with copious heaps of whipped cream), kirsch-gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, mulled cider and wine, huge glazed donuts, or bratwurst. The other great thing about Vienna? The city itself is so magically beautiful, you're going to feel like a king or queen by just strolling down the street. How could you not, when even the Christmas lights look like they belong in a palace?

8. Milan, Italy

Via walksofitaly.com

The massive tree in Milan's Piazza del Duomo alone is worth a holiday trip here. Make it the grand finale in a whirlwind day trip: start in the Navigli District, where the decked out canals will make wonder if you're actually in Venice. Take the metro up to Castello Sforzesca and have a cafe on the pedestrian only Via Dante, where you can people watch and enjoy the decorations. Stroll down Via Montenapoleone, where stores like Prada, Gucci, and Burberry will have impressive window displays up. Weave through the busy Christmas market behind the duomo and enjoy a tin of caldarroste (roasted chestnuts). Finally, end up in the piazza where you can admire the beautiful tree and climb to the top of the cathedral to get a bird's eye view of Milan during Christmas.

9. Geneva, Switzerland

Via skirebel.com

Geneva is fairly quiet during Christmas compared to these other destinations, but for some, that's ideal. If a day of skiing and an evening of (spiked) hot cider in front of the fireplace appeals to you, check out Geneva. If skiing isn't your thing but you still want a simple, relaxed holiday, you can visit the small, charming suburb of Geneva called Carouge, where you'll find fantastic art galleries and restaurants. Take a stroll through Geneva's Old Town to admire the beautiful decorations as well, and you'll be home in time to enjoy that cider.

10. Lapland, Finland

Via theguardian.co.uk

A trip to Lapland over Christmas will really make you feel like you're walking in a winter wonderland. Lapland is like one big interactive Christmas story and great for children. Enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by huskies or reindeer, partake in an evening of storytelling around a cozy fire, or visit Santa and his elves at Rovaniemi's Santa Park, where you'll wander through colorful workshops and festively decorated corridors. And don't forget to spend a night in Kittila's Snow Village, where you can book a room in their ice hotel!