Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia for Christmas Cheer

For expats and digital nomads in Saudi Arabia looking to capture the holiday spirit, there are numerous destinations around the world that come alive with festive cheer in December. While Saudi Arabia itself may not have traditional Christmas markets or celebrations, there are plenty of places globally renowned for their holiday festivities. From the charming Christmas markets of Europe to the dazzling light displays in major cities, here are some of the best places to visit for a dose of yuletide joy.

Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik

Strasbourg, France, is home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, the Christkindelsmärik. Nestled in the picturesque Grande Île area, the market is a wonderland of twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread. The market typically runs from late November to Christmas Eve, offering a wide array of handcrafted goods, festive decorations, and Alsatian culinary specialties.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try the local bredele biscuits, a traditional Alsatian Christmas treat that comes in various shapes and flavors.

Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt

In the heart of Bavaria, Germany, Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is a must-visit for its authentic German Christmas experience. This market, one of the most famous in the world, is known for its unique ornaments, toys, and the famous Nuremberg gingerbread. The market usually opens in late November and features a grand opening ceremony with the Christkind, a symbolic gift-bringer.

We Recommend: Sample the Nuremberg Rostbratwurst, a small, spicy sausage that's a local delicacy, best enjoyed with a mug of Glühwein.

Vienna's Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt

Vienna, Austria, transforms into a fairy-tale city during the holidays, with its highlight being the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz. The market is set against the backdrop of the grand City Hall, offering a magical setting for shopping and indulging in Austrian treats. The market typically starts in mid-November and continues until Christmas.

We Recommend: Indulge in a sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake that's a Viennese specialty, while you're exploring the market.

Brussels' Winter Wonders

Brussels, Belgium, hosts Winter Wonders, an extensive holiday festival that includes a Christmas market, ice-skating rink, and a light and sound show at the Grand Place. The event usually kicks off in late November and runs until early January, featuring over 200 chalets selling everything from Belgian chocolates to handcrafted goods.

We Recommend: Be sure to try the Belgian waffles, smothered in chocolate, strawberries, or cream, for a truly indulgent treat.

London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a festive extravaganza with Christmas markets, amusement rides, an ice-skating rink, and circus shows. This event starts in mid-November and lasts until the beginning of January, offering a perfect blend of holiday shopping and entertainment in the heart of London.

We Recommend: Enjoy a hot cider or a pint of English ale at one of the themed bars, such as the Bavarian Village, to warm up on a chilly London evening.

New York City's Bryant Park Winter Village

New York City's Bryant Park Winter Village is a holiday haven with a free-admission ice-skating rink, a European-inspired holiday market, and delicious food vendors. The village opens in late October and runs through early January, providing a cozy atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

We Recommend: Try the artisanal hot chocolate from one of the food kiosks, perfect for sipping as you browse the market's offerings.

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season, complete with Christmas markets, amusement rides, and thousands of twinkling lights. The festivities usually begin in mid-November and continue until the end of December, offering a charming Nordic Christmas experience.

We Recommend: Don't leave without tasting æbleskiver, traditional Danish pancake balls served with powdered sugar and jam.

Edinburgh's Christmas Market

Edinburgh's Christmas Market in Scotland is a festive highlight set against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The market offers a blend of traditional and modern gifts, as well as an array of food and drink options. It typically runs from late November to early January, with a variety of attractions including a Big Wheel and a Christmas Tree Maze.

We Recommend: Warm up with a dram of Scotch whisky or a hot toddy as you wander through the market's many stalls.

Stockholm's Gamla Stan Christmas Market

Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan, hosts a traditional Christmas market that dates back to the 1800s. The market usually opens in late November and lasts until Christmas Eve, offering Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer, and elk meat, as well as warm glögg, the Swedish version of mulled wine.

We Recommend: Try the pepparkakor, Swedish ginger snaps, which are a beloved holiday treat in this part of the world.

While these destinations are outside of Saudi Arabia, they offer a fantastic opportunity for expats and digital nomads to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and experience Christmas traditions from around the globe.