Where are you planning to spend the holidays this year? At home? Do you have a standing date with your overstuffed armchair, the requisite whiskey glass and television? Break the mold and pack your bags and head out to one of these incredible Asian countries for Christmas and New Year. You won’t know what you’re missing until you actually travel there. We can tell you what you’ll miss if you don’t, though; you’ll miss all the exciting, exotic landscapes, the fabulous people, the sugar-sand white beaches, the warmth of the sun and unending miles of blue, blue waters….
Best Places to Celebrate Christmas & New Year’s Eve
1.Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju looks striking in wintertime, as does the rest of South Korea. If you want a white Christmas, head to the famous Mount Hallasan for some cool wintry hiking. Don’t miss a visit to the Ecoland Theme Park in Jeju. Explore South Korea’s food scene and try out some of the famous Christmas desserts. South Korea is one of the coolest and most beautiful Asian countries you can visit over Christmas.
2.Cambodia
It’s winter – the temperatures have cooled and the rains have eased. Explore Cambodia’s culinary coastline and dip into some scintillating seafood while checking out the idyllic beaches, sleepy coastal villages, fabulous islands and the peaceful landscapes. Dig into some succulent crab meat while lazing on the Gulf of Thailand’s shining waters. Don’t forget to explore the Angkor site and get some local flavor this Christmas in Cambodia, one of the best Asian countries to visit.
3.Koh Kood, Thailand
An idyllic tropical island is just the perfect escape if you’re looking for a Christmas or New Year in Thailand away from the usual hustle and bustle and hassle of gift giving. Check out Ao Noi beach and spend quality time in Koh Kood Island, surrounded by miles of blissful coastline. It’s all clear blue skies and blue water in Thailand in December, so get away from the cold and head out there immediately on a Thailand holiday package.
Okinawan winters are milder than in other Japanese localities, so it’s the right time to explore the archipelago’s dreamy beaches and incredibly-kaleidoscopic coral reefs. Dive in if you’re into diving and check out the colorful manta rays and other exotic marine life in the water. Take in the exotic culture of Okinawa, and its distinctive Ryukyu heritage; admire the architecture, cuisine and distinctly different customs. There are many tiny islands surrounding Okinawa that are worth several boating tours. Okinawa is one of the best destinations in Asia for a true blue Christmas.
5.Nagano, Japan
If you’re from a place where it simply doesn’t snow at Christmas, then head to Nagano, where you can enjoy a white Christmas. If you’re also into winter sports, you couldn’t do better for yourself with regard to a holiday destination. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and snowball-fighting to your heart’s content. Here’s the best part of the deal – Nagano has plenty of Onsens, which are Japanese hot springs. The feeling of relaxation you get from relaxing in a hot spring after a day of playing out in the cold is something else indeed. Check out Nishi-no-Mon and Zenkōji, the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum while you’re there.
6.Harbin, China
Don’t miss checking out the most spectacular winter spectacles our world has to offer – the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, which is a tradition in china. Feast your eyes on a multitude of gigantic, mind-blowingly beautiful ice sculptures that glitter with special lighting effects. The festival has been celebrated since 1985. People come to Harbin from all over China to attend this festival. Don’t miss out on the city’s landmarks, such as the Temple of Heavenly Bliss, Harbin Jewish New Synagogue, Wen Miao Confucius Temple, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and the Old Quarter. Check out other Chinese cities during your Asia travel, to get a more wholesome experience of the wonderland of China.
7.Langkawi, Malaysia
Want to do some duty-free Christmas shopping? Why not do it at Langkawi, Malaysia? Pick up some expensive bottles of wine and some jewelry and whatnot and make this a Christmas to remember for years. Langkawi enjoys good weather throughout the year, and December is so much fun, with diving, snorkeling, cultural tours, cable car rides and more. What’s more, every December, you get to watch the incredible International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition Show on top of everything else!
8.Bhutan
What does Christmas mean to you? A holiday that has spiritual meaning where you reflect on the year past and pray for a better year ahead? If that’s the case, then Bhutan’s innately spiritual environment will totally soothe you. This country with its incredibly-beautiful temple-dotted terrain with its shining stupas and prayer flags flying everywhere is a great place to find yourself.
9.Singapore
At the very beginning of December, the city of Singapore transforms into a magical wonderland, a grownup kid’s dream come true. Orchard Road turns into a Christmas fest location, with fireworks throughout the month, concerts, shows, shopping discounts, fabulously-decorated malls and the works. Marina Bay Sands put on the kind of Christmas and New Year’s extravaganza that keeps visitors glued to their spots. Every notable spot in Singapore is decorated to the nines for the season and there are impromptu programs and joy-making all over the city during this season, in readiness for the ultimate Christmas and New Year party.
10.Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s famous rooftop bars put on specials for Christmas that at times includes in-house DJ spinning tracks. Hong Kong’s world-class food scene will satiate your palate, while the shopping centers will help you take care of your Christmas shopping. The incredibly-decorated and vibrant city sets up a seemingly endless string of events that you can enjoy. How about prismatic fireworks from notable places and the HK Winterfest event? For the undying kid in you, there’s a smorgasbord of fabulous Christmas-themed amusements at Hong Kong Disneyland. Hong Kong goes all out to put up a fantastic New Year celebration each year.
Conclusion
Do something different this year for Christmas. Pack a bag and see a different part of the world as travelling is a healthy choice. You won’t regret it. Wherever you go, carry the Christmas spirit within you. Donate to noble causes and do something for the needy.