Places To Visit These Holidays

December is a month filled with various holidays celebrated around the world, representing diverse cultural, religious, and secular traditions. Some of the prominent holidays observed in December include:

Christmas (December 25): Celebrated by Christians worldwide, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends.

Hanukkah (dates vary, typically in December): Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration that usually lasts eight nights. It commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Temple in Jerusalem. Families light the menorah, exchange gifts, play traditional games, and enjoy special foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1): A celebration of African-American culture and heritage, Kwanzaa lasts for seven days. Each day focuses on a different principle, such as unity, self-determination, and cooperative economics. Families often light the kinara (candle holder), exchange handmade gifts, and engage in traditional dances and music.

Winter Solstice (around December 21): In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Various cultures and traditions celebrate this astronomical event with festivals, rituals, and ceremonies, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun.

Boxing Day (December 26): Observed in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Boxing Day traditionally involved giving boxes of food and goods to those in need. It has evolved into a day of shopping, sports, and charitable activities.

New Year's Eve (December 31): The final day of the year is celebrated globally as people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Festivities often include parties, fireworks, countdowns, and various cultural and religious traditions.

Bodhi Day (December 8): Celebrated by Buddhists, Bodhi Day commemorates the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Buddhists may engage in meditation, prayer, and acts of kindness on this day.

Saturnalia (Ancient Roman Festival, December 17-23): In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was a festival honoring the god Saturn. It was a time of feasting, gift-giving, and revelry. Some modern Christmas traditions have roots in Saturnalia celebrations.

Dongzhi Festival (East Asia, around December 21): Celebrated in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other East Asian countries, Dongzhi marks the winter solstice. Families come together to enjoy special foods, such as tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings), symbolizing reunion and the return of longer days.

December is a month that caters to shoppers, offering diverse attractions around the world. For those with extensive gift lists, a visit to the Christmas markets in Europe is recommended. Meanwhile, the southern hemisphere experiences its best weather during this month. As the year draws to a close, New Year's Eve celebrations unfold globally with spectacular fireworks.

One notable destination is Gubbio in Italy's Umbria region, where Mount Ingino transforms into what locals proudly claim as the world's largest Christmas tree. Illuminated with hundreds of lights spanning from its peak to the base, this impressive tree stands at 2,130 feet (650 meters) and is visible from up to 30 miles away. Its inception dates back to 1981 when Gubbio residents sought a unique way to celebrate Christmas.

Sydney, Australia, becomes a focal point on New Year's Eve, particularly around Sydney Harbour. Festivities commence with an air show, followed by tug boats spraying water into the air. The celebration also involves a symbolic cleansing by Australia's Aborigines, who release eucalyptus smoke as they traverse the harbour. The night culminates in a grand display of fireworks visible from various vantage points.

In Guatemala, the "Burning of the Devil" ceremony on December 7 is a unique tradition. Believing that the devil resides in their homes, Guatemalans discard their rubbish into the streets, forming large heaps that are set ablaze. This ritual is believed to ward off evil spirits, though the devil might also be fleeing the lively marimba bands and fireworks.

The Bahamas hosts the vibrant Junkanoo celebration in Nassau, a tradition rooted in the 18th century when slaves were granted three days off at Christmas. The parade, starting at 2 a.m. and lasting eight hours, features colourfully costumed performers, often on stilts, dancing and playing traditional instruments along the route.

Vienna, Austria, transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, with markets offering a variety of gifts, decorations, and traditional snacks. The Old Viennese Christmas Market, dating back to 1772, is a particularly enchanting attraction among the city's many markets.

The Maldives, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters, becomes an ideal December destination due to the dry monsoon season, offering minimal rain and lower humidity. Overwater bungalows, snorkelling, and scuba diving sites contribute to the appeal of these Indian Ocean islands.

Nuremberg, Germany, hosts the Christkindlesmarkt, a renowned Christmas market dating back centuries. With over 180 vendors in decorated stalls, Old Town Nuremberg transforms into Christmas City, offering a delightful shopping experience accompanied by festive snacks.

In Douz, Tunisia, the International Festival of the Sahara draws crowds for four days of captivating performances, including traditional music, juggling acts, and daring stunts on horseback. The festival culminates with a re-enactment of a southern Tunisian wedding, creating a vibrant and colourful spectacle reminiscent of scenes from "Lawrence of Arabia."

Times Square in New York City is synonymous with New Year's Eve celebrations, attracting over a million people. The iconic Waterford crystal ball descends from atop One Times Square at midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Antarctica, though off the beaten path, emerges as a unique December destination in the southern hemisphere. With up to 20 hours of daylight, visitors may witness the hatching of adorable penguin chicks. The stunning South Pole scenery, devoid of wildflowers, offers a unique experience for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, with arrangements often requiring advanced planning.