Best Places to Visit in Saint Lucia for Christmas Cheer

As the festive season approaches, expats and digital nomads in Saint Lucia may be looking for places to soak up the holiday spirit. While the island itself offers a tropical Christmas with its own unique traditions, there are several destinations around the world renowned for their enchanting holiday atmosphere. From traditional Christmas markets to spectacular light displays, these destinations are perfect for those wanting to experience the magic of the season. Here are some of the best places to visit in December to get into the holiday spirit.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas," and for good reason. Its Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, dates back to 1570 and is one of the oldest in Europe. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and numerous market stalls selling traditional Alsatian Christmas decorations, crafts, and delicious treats like bredele biscuits and vin chaud (mulled wine). The market usually runs from late November to Christmas Eve.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try the local bredele biscuits, a specialty of the region, and pair them with a warming cup of vin chaud as you stroll through the picturesque streets of Strasbourg.

Nuremberg, Germany

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a traditional German Christmas market. This historic market is famous for its handmade ornaments, toys, and the Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a gingerbread-like baked treat. The Christkind, a symbolic gift-giver, opens the market with a prologue in early December, and the festivities continue until Christmas Eve.

We Recommend: Be sure to taste the Nuremberg Lebkuchen, which is protected by law and can only be produced in the city, making it a truly authentic treat.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna becomes a festive city with its Christmas markets, or "Christkindlmarkt," popping up in various squares. The Viennese Christmas Market in front of the City Hall is particularly famous, offering traditional crafts, ornaments, and an array of Austrian delicacies like sachertorte and apfelstrudel. The market typically starts in mid-November and runs until Christmas.

We Recommend: Indulge in a slice of sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake that is a Viennese culinary icon, as you enjoy the backdrop of the beautifully decorated City Hall.

London's Chelsea Neighborhood

London's Chelsea neighborhood becomes a Christmas destination with its stylish boutiques and restaurants adorned with festive decorations. The area hosts various events, including the Chelsea Christmas Lights switch-on, which usually takes place in late November. The King's Road and Sloane Square are particularly festive, with luxury shopping and seasonal window displays.

We Recommend: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the King's Road to take in the high-end Christmas window displays, which are a true visual treat during the holiday season.

Little Italy in NYC

Little Italy in New York City is known for its Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Italian celebration held on Christmas Eve. The neighborhood's restaurants and bakeries offer special holiday menus and treats, including cannoli and struffoli. Mulberry Street is adorned with lights and decorations, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.

We Recommend: Sample the struffoli, a Neapolitan dessert consisting of deep-fried balls of dough coated in honey and sprinkles, a staple sweet during the Christmas season in Little Italy.

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, selling everything from local crafts to gastronomic surprises. The market usually starts in late November and lasts until early January.

We Recommend: Try the traditional Scottish shortbread and warm up with a hot toddy as you explore the market against the backdrop of Edinburgh's stunning castle.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is often described as a piece of Europe in North America, especially during the holidays when it's draped in snow and Christmas decorations. The German Christmas Market, inspired by the world's great Christmas markets, offers a mix of European tradition and local culture. Visitors can enjoy products from local artisans, as well as German-inspired treats. The market typically opens in late November and runs until just before Christmas.

We Recommend: Don't leave without savoring a traditional German bratwurst and a glass of glühwein, which will surely keep you warm in the chilly Quebec winter.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a Christmas fairy tale with its Christmas market, heartwarming holiday decorations, and thousands of lights. The market, which runs from mid-November to the end of December, offers Danish Christmas delicacies, crafts, and gifts. The amusement park also features Christmas-themed rides and entertainment.

We Recommend: Enjoy a traditional Danish æbleskiver, a type of pancake puff served with powdered sugar and jam, as you wander through the enchanting Tivoli Gardens.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's Old Town, or Gamla Stan, hosts a charming Christmas market with a history dating back to 1837. The Stortorget Christmas Market is the place to find Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer, and elk meat, as well as traditional handicrafts. The market usually starts in late November and continues until just before Christmas.

We Recommend: Try the pepparkakor, Swedish ginger snaps, which are a beloved holiday treat and perfect for enjoying as you stroll through the historic cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague's Christmas markets are a key part of the city's festive magic, with the main ones located at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Visitors can browse through a variety of stalls selling Czech handicrafts, ornaments, and an array of traditional foods such as trdelník, a type of sugar-coated pastry. The markets usually run from early December until the first week of January.

We Recommend: Warm up with a cup of sva?ák, Czech mulled wine, and enjoy a freshly made trdelník as you take in the Gothic and Baroque architecture that provides a stunning setting for the markets.