10 international holiday destinations, perfect for Christmas and New Year's

The Christmas and New Year's holidays are fast approaching. Have you decided where you want to go? There's no harm in taking time off with your family to relieve the stress of the past year.

Here are 10 international holiday destinations perfect for enjoying the Christmas and New Year's holidays. The views are sure to be beautiful and memorable!

1. Petronas Twin Towers – KLCC Park Light Show, Malaysia

The nearest international destination perfect for enjoying the Christmas and New Year's holidays is the Petronas Twin Towers area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Every year-end, this area is always crowded with tourists because of its festive and holiday-themed decorations. KLCC Park, located directly in front of the twin towers, offers synchronized light and fountain shows, making it a favorite spot for taking photos or simply enjoying a relaxing evening stroll.Around this area, you can also find a giant Christmas tree, colorful light installations, and various year-end activities held throughout December. Its strategic location, close to the Suria KLCC shopping center and major hotels, makes the holiday experience practical and comfortable.

2. Christmas Wonderland – Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Besides the Petronas Twin Towers, you can also enjoy the Christmas and New Year's holidays at Christmas Wonderland, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. This place usually hosts the most iconic Christmas festival in Asia, attracting tourists' attention. A series of giant light installations called Luminarie, artistic Italian structures made of thousands of warm-colored LED lights, are ready to welcome you when you enter the festival area.There are many exciting attractions, from the Christmas Village, family rides, live music performances, small parades, to a snowfall experience. Many people's favorite part is the Garden Rhapsody – Light & Sound Show under the Supertree Grove. These super trees light up following the rhythm of Christmas music, creating a truly magical sight.

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Furthermore, the Honest credit card has an approval rate of up to 90%, making the chance of approval much higher, and provides Honest Points that you can collect from every transaction to be exchanged for various other benefits. If you are curious or want to see how these features work, you can check them directly on the Honest App anytime, according to your needs.

3. Shibuya Scramble & Shibuya Sky, Japan

An international destination in Japan that you must visit is Shibuya Scramble and Shibuya Sky. Shibuya Scramble is one of the busiest crossings in the world, decorated with year-end lights and winter decorations.After enjoying the view below, you can go up to Shibuya Sky, a rooftop observatory atop the Shibuya Scramble Square building. From above, you can see the dazzling Tokyo city view, landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Sky Tree, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. The view gets even better on New Year's Eve because the entire city feels alive.

4. N Seoul Tower, South Korea

During the Christmas and New Year holidays, N Seoul Tower transforms into one of Seoul's most romantic spots with typical winter decorations: a large Christmas tree, colorful LED light installations, illumination in the plaza area, and love-themed decorations in the Love Locks zone. Visitors can enjoy the brightly lit Seoul city view from the observatory, take photos at winter-themed spots, or write New Year's wish messages and hang love locks on the fence as a symbol of prayer or commitment.At the base of the tower, there are usually seasonal booths, winter-themed cafes, and light music performances before the evening. The path to the tower through Namsan Park also offers a winter experience, such as leafless trees, fresh cold air, and a beautiful route for light hiking or simply enjoying the city atmosphere approaching the turn of the year. No wonder this place is one of the best international destinations for Christmas and New Year holidays.

5. Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

Another magnificent international destination is Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. During Christmas and New Year's, this area turns into a giant light stage thanks to the Symphony of Lights show, an evening show featuring a play of laser lights, colors, and animations from the skyscrapers reflecting beautifully on the harbor water surface.Approaching the New Year, the atmosphere becomes even more festive with NYE Fireworks, a spectacular firework display launched from the rooftops of tall buildings and ships in the harbor, creating a giant light curtain in the Hong Kong sky. The combination of the futuristic cityscape, Christmas lights, and fireworks party makes Victoria Harbour one of the most iconic and must-visit locations for year-end celebrations.

6. Champs-Élysées, France

Champs-Élysées, France, is one of the busiest places to visit at the end of the year. The reason is that this iconic boulevard is filled with super luxurious Christmas illuminations: large trees on both sides of the street are covered with red-golden LED lights, shops put up festive decorations, and the atmosphere feels elegant yet warm.Approaching the New Year, Champs-Élysées becomes the center of crowds as everyone gathers facing the Arc de Triomphe to witness a spectacular light show and New Year's Eve countdown, complete with giant visual projections on the monument. In addition, the area is also close to seasonal Christmas Markets, a row of world-class boutiques, cafes, and photo spots that make the holiday season stroll feel vibrant and festive.

7. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, England

Experience a festive Christmas and New Year at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a place where the entire park transforms into a winter festival full of light and warmth. From Christmas Markets filled with food stalls and traditional crafts to the ice skating rink glistening under the night lights, every corner presents an enchanting holiday atmosphere.Rides, circus performances, and ice installations at the Magical Ice Kingdom provide a complete experience for families, couples, and tourists who want to enjoy the year-end moments in a special way. When night falls, the sparkle of decorations and festive music make Winter Wonderland one of the best places to enjoy the Christmas spirit and welcome the New Year in London.

8. Times Square Ball Drop, USA

The most iconic New Year's Eve celebration in the world is the Times Square Ball Drop, United States. Every December 31st, thousands of people crowd the Times Square area to witness the descent of the giant crystal ball made up of thousands of Waterford Crystal panels and colorful LEDs. The ball begins its descent exactly one minute before midnight, accompanied by a countdown and the cheers of visitors.The atmosphere is very festive with a large stage featuring music performances by international artists, colorful confetti released into the air after the New Year's turn, and the entire area filled with the signature neon lights of Times Square. The Ball Drop moment is not only a tradition but also a symbol of celebrating hope and new beginnings broadcast worldwide, making it one of the most famous and most anticipated New Year's experiences every year.

9. Burj Khalifa, UAE

The New Year's celebration at Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates, is always one of the most anticipated in the world. Every year-end, the tallest building displays an LED light show that adorns the entire building facade with stunning visuals. Right at the turn of the year, the Dubai sky is decorated with a series of fireworks launched in coordination from various sides of the Burj Khalifa, creating a spectacular display.The Downtown Dubai area, including the Dubai Mall and Burj Park, is packed with visitors who want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, the water show at the Dubai Fountain, and the modern and energetic celebration atmosphere. The combination of light, music, and iconic architecture makes Burj Khalifa one of the most magnificent and memorable New Year's celebration locations.

10. Old Town Square Christmas Market, Czech Republic

Finally, the best international destination to enjoy a warm and traditional Christmas atmosphere is the Old Town Square Christmas Market in the Czech Republic, where visitors can find a classic European style Christmas market with wooden stalls selling handicrafts, typical ornaments, and traditional cuisine like the fragrant trdelník and typical Prague grilled sausage.In the middle of the square stands a giant Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights, combined with the backdrop of Gothic and Baroque buildings that make the atmosphere feel even more magical. Various music performances, choirs, and cultural attractions also enliven this area, making it an ideal location to feel the warmth and festivity of the year-end holidays in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the best place for an affordable Christmas and New Year's vacation?

Countries in Southeast Asia are recommended as places to enjoy the Christmas and New Year holidays, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. This is because the price of travel tickets and the cost of living are cheaper than other countries.

2. How to get cheap plane tickets for year-end holidays?

It is recommended to buy plane tickets well in advance of the year-end holiday season so that the ticket prices do not skyrocket multiple times.

3. Is December the best time to visit Europe?

Most European countries celebrate Christmas and New Year with great fanfare, making December highly recommended for a trip to Europe.