9 Unforgettably Festive Holiday Celebrations Around the World
Auckland Farmers Santa Parade, New Zealand
An 83 year old tradition, the Santa Parade is the largest community event in Auckland. The parade features bright, bold floats that reflect the cultural diversity of Auckland, marching bands, plenty of balloons and, of course, Santa himself.
The parade kicks off to summery vibes, giving the whole event an infectiously upbeat and cheerful atmosphere.
When: November 25th, 2018
Navidad, Puerto Rico
Navidad (Christmas) is a huge deal in Puerto Rico. With a combination of gorgeous scenery, a sunny climate and a serious fervor for the holiday season, Puerto Rico is frequently picked out as a top Christmas destination. Among the long series of events and non-stop partying during the Christmas period, parrandas are one of the best traditions to witness.
The Puerto Rican version of caroling, friends get together in the evening and go from one house to the next singing at the top of their lungs, to wake up their friends. After each serenade, the singers hang around to party for a while, before collecting the owner of the house and carrying on to the next stop.
As the group grows so does the fiesta: if you’re bold enough to join in it might be the most fun you ever have at a Christmas party.
When: Early December until mid-January
A Paris Catacombs tour will give you an experience you won't soon forget. Walk along 2 kilometers of tunnels, surveying the bones of past Parisians.
Budapest Fair, Hungary
The Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival pops up in Vorosmarty Square in Budapest every year. Quaint cottage style wooden stalls, and the scents of honey cookies and cinnamon make this market feel like something straight out of a fairy tale.
The festival also brings music to the crowds of Christmas shoppers, with two outdoor stages being set up in the square. The fair is a gem among Budapest attractions as you’ll have the chance to sample some of the local culinary delights, such as Rooster Testicle Stew (kakashere pörkölt), Fishermen’s Soup (halászlé) and flódni, a traditional Jewish cake.
When: November 9th, 2018 to January 1st, 2019
