MERRY CHRISTMAS
THE BEST PLACES TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS
1 Bethlehem, Palestine
Those even slightly inclined to explore the historical and most religious interpretation of Christmas should place a pilgrimage to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, high on their bucket list. Easy and comfortable arrangements can be made for travellers staying in nearby Jerusalem. Bethlehem’s Manger Square, the plaza outside the Basilica of the Nativity (a star on the church pavement marks the spot where the manger is believed to have stood), is the epicentre for pilgrims of many different Christian denominations.
2 Anguilla, Lesser Antilles
Trade in Christmas trees for palm trees, and snowdrifts for white beaches on any number of the Caribbean’s sun-kissed islands, where December promises ideal weather. Anguilla is a flat and scrubby island (compared to more mountainous neighbours such as St. Lucia, famous for those jungle-clad Piton peaks), but take a look at its confectionary perimeter: These are some of the most picture-perfect white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters you’ll find anywhere.
3 Ashford Castle, Ireland
There is no shortage of castle hotels in the Emerald Isle, but the romance and fantasy factor is unbeatable during the holidays at the 13th-century Ashford Castle, arguably Ireland’s most special, and historically rich, luxury hotel. Cosy up to a roaring fireplace with a mulled wine or tuck into a sumptuous high tea in royal surroundings. Ashford’s exquisite 350-acre grounds border Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake, and offer falconry, fishing, golf or scenic walking paths.
4 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is Christmas. There’s midnight mass at St. Stephen’s where the Vienna Boys Choir perform Viennese carols, and the sprawling Christkindlmarkt that takes over the square in front of the town hall — ongoing since 1298, it is surprisingly uncommercial and just one of many that is set up across town. Vienna is one of four European capitals that grace the banks of the Danube River and hopping from one dreamy Christmas market to the next is especially festive and fun aboard relaxing riverboat cruises.