Best Places to Visit in Macau for Christmas Cheer

As the festive season approaches, expats and digital nomads in Macau may be looking for places to soak up the holiday spirit. While Macau itself offers its own seasonal charm, there are numerous destinations around the world renowned for their Christmas celebrations. From traditional markets to spectacular light displays, these locations provide a perfect holiday getaway. Here are some of the best places to visit in December for a memorable Christmas experience.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is often hailed as the "Capital of Christmas," and for good reason. Its Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dates back to 1570. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with its half-timbered houses adorned with festive decorations. The market is spread across several squares in the city, with Place Broglie and Cathedral Square being the most prominent. Visitors can find handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional Alsatian Christmas treats like bredele biscuits and vin chaud (mulled wine).

We Recommend: Don't miss the towering Christmas tree in Place Kléber and the chance to try the local gingerbread known as pain d'épices, which is especially popular during the holiday season.

Nuremberg, Germany

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic German Christmas experience. This market is famous for its Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread, and the Nuremberg Bratwurst. The Christkind, a symbolic gift-bringer, opens the market with a traditional prologue. Held in the Hauptmarkt square, the market usually starts in late November and runs until Christmas Eve. The "Children's Christmas" section is particularly enchanting for families.

We Recommend: Be sure to taste the original Nuremberg Bratwurst, which is smaller and more flavorful than its counterparts, and is typically served three in a bun.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna's Christmas markets, or "Christkindlmarkt," are a spectacle of lights, decorations, and festive cheer. The Viennese Christmas Market in front of the City Hall is particularly famous, with its enormous ice-skating rink and rows of vendors selling everything from hand-painted ornaments to Austrian delicacies like Sachertorte and Glühwein. The market usually begins in mid-November and lasts until Christmas.

We Recommend: Try the Weihnachtspunsch, a traditional Christmas punch, and visit the elaborately decorated trees in the nearby Rathauspark.

London's Chelsea Neighborhood

London's Chelsea neighborhood lights up with Christmas spirit during the festive season. The area is known for its high-end boutiques and restaurants, all of which feature stunning holiday displays. The Chelsea Christmas Lights, with their elegant and sophisticated designs, are a highlight. The nearby Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, starting in late November, offers a large Christmas market, ice skating, shows, and festive rides.

We Recommend: Enjoy a stroll along the King's Road for some of the most stylish Christmas window shopping and decorations in the city.

Little Italy in NYC

Little Italy in New York City is a vibrant community that celebrates Christmas with an Italian flair. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an event not to be missed, with restaurants offering special menus on Christmas Eve. Mulberry Street and the surrounding area are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a cozy atmosphere. The neighborhood's Christmas market offers unique gifts and Italian sweets like panettone and cannoli.

We Recommend: Indulge in a slice of authentic Italian panettone, a sweet bread loaf traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh's Christmas is a six-week season of festive entertainment in the heart of the city. The European Christmas Market in the Princes Street Gardens offers a unique shopping experience with a Scottish twist. The market features a mix of local and continental treats, crafts, and gifts. The city's Christmas celebrations also include a big wheel, ice skating, and various shows. The festivities usually kick off in late November.

We Recommend: Warm up with a hot Scotch whisky toddy as you wander through the market, and don't miss the stunning views of the city from the top of the Big Wheel.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is often described as a slice of Europe in North America, and its Christmas celebrations are no exception. The German Christmas Market, inspired by the world's great Christmas markets, brings a magical European village to the heart of the city. The market is filled with wooden kiosks selling handcrafted gifts and treats like maple products and mulled wine. The historic Old Quebec is beautifully lit and decorated, providing a picturesque backdrop for the holiday season.

We Recommend: Try the local delicacy, poutine, available at the market, and be sure to take a walk along the charming Petit Champlain Street, which looks like a scene from a Christmas card.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen's Christmas spirit is best experienced at the Tivoli Gardens, which hosts a Christmas market and is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights and decorations. The market offers Danish Christmas crafts and foods, including æbleskiver (pancake balls) and glogg (Danish mulled wine). The Christmas season at Tivoli usually starts in mid-November and continues until the end of December.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to ride the historic roller coasters and carousels in Tivoli, which are open during the Christmas season and offer a unique festive experience.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan, hosts a traditional Christmas market with a history dating back to 1837. The Stortorget Christmas Market is nestled among medieval buildings, offering Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer, and elk meat. The city is also known for its Saint Lucia's Day celebrations in mid-December, which include candlelit processions and choral singing.

We Recommend: Sample the Swedish gingerbread cookies known as pepparkakor and enjoy the Lucia concerts that take place in churches throughout the city.