Posts Tagged ‘Munich’

Monday, November 5th, 2012

World’s Top Christmas Destinations

To inspire you and help you discover the world in all its glory, we have scoured the globe to fashion a series of World’s Top lists.

This week, as the festive season draws closer and closer, we bring you our top five Christmas destinations.

 

Munich | Germany

Every November Munich transforms in to a winter wonderland. The historic city is strung with glittering lights, dotted with spectacular Christmas trees, and home to some of the world’s most magnificent Christmas markets – including the famous Christkindl Markt (in Marienplatz); a market that dates back to the 14th century, selling traditional and handmade Christmas gifts, stocking fillers, gingerbread and hot spiced wine. The city even features a fairytale-like Christmas Village, hosted in the Residenz courtyard.

Flights to Munich: Together with partner airline Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia operates flights to Munich, from Sydney and Melbourne.

Hotels in Munich: Our hotel partner, HotelClub offers great hotel deals in Munich.

 

Moscow | Russia

Moscow at Christmas time must be seen to be believed. Draped in snow and lights, the city turns into a charming fairyland, spilling with Christmas fairs, markets and winter sports – namely ice skating, sledding and skiing. While many Russians celebrate Christmas on 25 December, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates on 7 January, and rings in the New Year on 13 January, making the festive season a drawn-out splendid affair. Throughout the season Moscow enchants with horse-drawn carriage rides, ringing church bells and performances of Russian classic, The Nutcracker.

Flights to Moscow: Together with partner airline Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia operates flights to Moscow, from Sydney and Melbourne.

Hotels in Moscow: Our hotel partner, HotelClub offers great hotel deals in Moscow.

 

Dublin | Ireland

The Irish like to celebrate, and celebrate they do at Christmas time in Dublin. A city renowned for its high spirits, Dublin comes alive with seasonal cheer and a vibrant variety of merry events. In a tradition known as ‘The Big Switch On’ the city’s Mayor lights up the streets and a 15 metre high Christmas tree. The cobbled lanes of Smithfield fill with ice skaters. Kids post letters straight to Santa via special Santa post boxes. The famous Temple Bar fills with Christmas carols. While Dublin’s Docklands transform into the 12 Days of Christmas Market.

Flights to Dublin: Together with partner airline Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia operates flights to Dublin, from Sydney and Melbourne.

Hotels in Dublin: Our hotel partner, HotelClub offers great hotel deals in Dublin.

 

New York City | USA

Like a scene from a movie, New York provides a mesmerising backdrop for the festive season. Snow blankets the streets. Fifth Avenue is adorned with exquisite window displays. Ice skaters glide across the Central Park rink. Rockefeller Plaza glows with a thousand light, strung high from the city’s tallest Christmas tree.  Carollers inundate the street singing yuletide favourites. And Radio City Music Hall comes alive with its annual Christmas Spectacular. Christmas in New York City is truly magical… the stuff dreams are made of.

Flights to New York City: Together with partner airlines Delta Air Lines and Virgin America, Virgin Australia operates flights to New York City, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Hotels in New York City: Our hotel partner, HotelClub offers great hotel deals in New York City.

 

Sydney | Australia

Christmas in Sydney is a far cry from the northern Hemisphere’s winter setting. Christmas Eve is spent at the local pub or RSL. Temperatures reach 40°C. Santa arrives on a jet ski on Bondi Beach. Prawns are pealed and consumed by the kilogram. The barbecue is lit up for lunch. And the day is punctuated with an afternoon nap. While Christmas Day is anything but traditional, the traditions of Christmas aren’t overlooked. In the lead up to 25 December, carollers take to the parks, the streets are draped with lights and wreaths, and the department store windows are frosted with faux snow and decorations.

Flights to Sydney: Virgin Australia operates flights to Sydney direct from all Australian capital cities and most major regional ports, and from international destinations such as Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, Nadi and Bali.

Hotels in Sydney: Our hotel partner, HotelClub offers great hotel deals in Sydney.