What about spending your next Christmas Holidays on a special trip? We think this is the best gift you can put under your Xmas tree and in this article we will list 5 unusual destinations where to spend an unforgettable Xmas...Santa Claus will find you anyway! ;)
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Going north at Christmas is not so strange, but spending holidays on this enchanted island is really a special thing. Christmas in Iceland is widely celebrated and is an irresistible combination of religious elements, but also folkloristic (just think that there are a whole series of gnomes and goblins that are said to spite the children for the whole month of December). Expect little light (there are only a few hours of sunlight in December), but don't think that it is a bad thing...you can indeed enjoy a very charming Christmas atmosphere, full of Xmas lights, but above all you will have a good chance to witness the 'Northern Lights'. One of the typical party dishes is the dried shark (for strong palates only!), while the most classic gifts for Icelanders is books.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN REYKJAVIK: we recommend the Kex Hostel because it is the perfect setting for a special Christmas. Just think that it is located in a building that was once a biscuit factory and that organizes a lot of events and concerts to promote Icelandic culture and music.
2. Tehran, Iran
Being the Islamic Republic, obviously, Christmas is not celebrated in great style, considering only 1% of the population is of the Christian religion. In Teheran, however, there are several Christian communities, especially Armenian, that celebrate with meals based on "harithao", a special polenta reinforced with cereals and meat and cooked for a whole night long.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN TEHRAN: there are many options, but we really recommend the brand new Tehran Heritage Hostel as it's a property with excellent standards of hospitality and with nothing to envy in even the noblest of hostels that you could find in Europe or US. The interiors have a modern and lively design, the rooms (both private and shared) are comfortable and clean and the atmosphere is calm and fun!
3. Miami Beach, USA
Making a snowman with sand...is priceless! In Miami, the month of December reaches temperatures between 21 and 25° and with many beautiful sunny days (on average there are 4 rainy days throughout the month). So if you are looking for a hot escape and maybe a nice party atmosphere, here you will have what you deserve!
WHERE TO SLEEP IN MIAMI BEACH: "Live, Laugh, Relax", this is the motto of the Bikini Hostel and right for this we would like to recommend it to you. It is located in South Beach, just a few minutes walk from the most beautiful beaches in the area and, besides being a great hostel (clean and with nice and comfortable private or shared rooms), it is a place of absolute fun. There is always a good reason to have wild parties here, even during Christmas!
4. Havana, Cuba
Christmas in Cuba does not provide for great celebrations, but the warm hospitality of the Cubans will make you feel like you're in the family. The advice is to extend the holiday until New Year, as it is widely celebrated, also because it coincides with the eve of the Revolution. In a week you will have the opportunity to enjoy various faces of the Cuban soul and ring in the new year with the music that can be heard through the streets and with parties at every corner.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN HAVANA: here too the choice is wide, but if you want to find the best quality/price ratio we recommend the Hamel Hostel. It is run by the entertaining Mrs Magnolia, a true volcano of energy (sometimes she also plays the guitar and sings Cuban songs to entertain guests). You will feel at home and there is no better place to experience Christmas in Cuba - the review left by Nikolajs from Latvia who spent his Xmas holidays in Cuba and writes: "We spent Christmas dinner as if we were in the family, together with the hostel manager and other guests! A beautiful experience, surely I want to come back!".
5. Moscow, Russia
The Orthodox Christmas actually falls on 7 January, but as early as mid-December the city of Moscow is wonderfully filled with lights, ice skating rinks and flea markets (don't miss the handicraft of Izmailovo, overlooking the Red Square). The atmosphere is truly unique and the festive-decorated Kremlin is something spectacular...it's cold, of course, but with a few Vodkas it heats up in a moment! ;) The Christmas meal is usually based on 12 courses, the same number of the apostles, so prepare for a good binge and book early if you don't want to stay dry-mouthed! Ah, remember that Santa Claus here is called Ded Moroz (literally the "Frost Grandfather"!).
WHERE TO SLEEP IN MOSCOW: It will not be difficult to find a low-cost offer even under the holidays. Among all the properties we would like to recommend the Friend House Hostel because it has a really elegant and modern design and a quality/price ratio is quite frankly, difficult to beat!
