Sinterklaas has only just left the country and you can already see people walking down the street with pine trees under their arms. The Christmas music sounds in the shops and you can smell the oliebollen stalls from the end of the street. The holiday season has begun! A magical period that is celebrated in a different way all over the world. To get you even more in the festive mood, we take you on a journey around the world full of Christmas and New Year traditions. From New York to Japan and from fireworks in Madeira to pizza in the one and only house from the Home Alone films.
New York
Like every year, New York is going big during the holidays. The metropolis knows how to enchant travelers like no other with magical lighting, cozy Christmas markets and cozy ice skating rinks. Visit the Light Festival at Hudson Yards or the Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden for magical illuminated moments. Or view one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the world, the Rockefeller Tree. This year there is again a beautiful specimen of almost 25 meters! Spend a few hours on the ice while enjoying a hot mug of chocolate at the skating rink in Bryant Park, Wollman Rink NYC and Rockefeller Center. Finally, in New York, close the year with a bang with the New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop.
Foto New York: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer
Home Alone
You may have seen it on Voyago.nl before, but whoever thinks of Christmas quickly thinks of Kevin McCallister who is left alone by his family during their annual Christmas vacation. A true classic! And good news, because during the holiday season, fans of the popular Home Alone film series can make their Christmas dream come true with an overnight stay in the original Home Alone house, located in Chicago. Here, guests can relive their favorite scenes and enjoy a culinary Christmas dinner featuring all of the ’90s favorites, including Chicago’s best pizza and a candlelit dinner of microwaved Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. The Airbnb Host is none other than big brother Buzz, who will provide the overnight stay on December 12.
Japan
Japan is known for its special customs and traditions. One of these traditions is eating ‘toshikoshi soba’, which literally means crossed noodles, on New Year’s Eve. These noodles are made from buckwheat and it is believed to represent resilience. The thin, long noodles themselves stand for longevity. It is important that these noodles are eaten before midnight for longevity, resilience and good luck! Other theories explain that the noodles represent the length of an entire year and are symbolically cut to continue into the new year. Thus the ‘bad luck’ of the old year is cut off and thus ended.
Bahama’s
If you like the holidays but not the winter weather, a Christmas cruise is a good idea. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers cosiness on board around the holidays with lights, Christmas balls and other Christmas decorations. Soar to the sun on a cruise to Mexico or the Bahamas, or stay closer to home and enjoy the best European Christmas markets. Also no stress around the Christmas meal, it is just cooked for you! You can find the offer for the Christmas period here.
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Celebrate Christmas in the Bahamas
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