TASA’s Personal Favourite Christmas Destinations
If you haven’t booked a Christmas break this year, you’re most likely gearing up to face your extended family on a scorching hot day, exchange terrible secret Santa gifts and fall into a food coma by 2pm.
While this familiarity can be comforting during the crazy festive season, it’s certainly a treat to be able to experience Christmas under the glow of another city’s Christmas lights.
So here at TASA we’ve looked back at some of our personal favourite Christmas-time holidays; ones that we’ve enjoyed around the globe… even if we did miss out on Auntie Sue’s famous pav that year…
#1 – Disneyland, California USA [Liah]
It’s the most magical time of the year, and Disney sure do know how to put you right in the Christmas spirit. From the stunning decorations lining Main Street USA to the endless Christmas-themed treats, guests will be reminded of the merry season everywhere they look. Disneyland’s Christmas runs from early November until early January, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
The Christmas lights on Sleeping Beauty Castle are truly something to behold, but my personal favourite is the dazzling display of lights on the “it’s a small world” attraction. Plus, the whole ride is given a festive yuletide makeover so you can hear traditional holiday songs representing every corner of the globe – you don’t want to miss it!
No matter how old you are, you’ll be sure to find something that’ll make your Christmas magical at Disney.
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#2 – Banff National Park, Canada [Esther]
Even for Australians, whose closest thing to a White Christmas is if your dog decides to rip up the couch cushions on Christmas morning, there’s something about snow-capped scenery and wintery weather that’s ingrained in our minds as the quintessential Christmas. And Esther, one our Sports and Events extraordinaires who lived in Canada for 2 years, reckons that everyone should get to experience ice-skating on Lake Louise or drinking hot cocoa by the fireplace on a cosy Christmas morning at least once in their life.
In Banff, the season kicks-off with the Santa Claus Parade of Lights in mid-November. Later, experience Carols in the Park- free outdoor concerts every weekend of December leading up to Christmas.
For those looking for luxury, why not enjoy a Christmas meal at Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies”, the Fairmont Banff Springs. From a festive high-tea to dinner in Santa’s Suite, if you book early there’s a magical memory to be made for every taste.
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#3 – Strasbourg Christmas Markets, France [Sandra]
Our resident croissant-loving, baguette-eating, marketing guru, Sandra, was born and raised in France and has a special fondness for the Strasbourg Christmas markets. The smell of mulled-wine and the sound of Christmas carols delight your senses while you shop for the perfect hand-made gifts among the pop-up shops. Crepe-in-hand you can explore the 300 fairy-tale-like wooden chalets, all filled with unique trinkets and delicious treats.
There are hundreds of Christmas markets around Europe to experience while you’re there. And one of the easiest ways to make sure you see the best is by joining a specially crafted Christmas Markets tour! With so many trips to choose from, contact our team to narrow down the best options for you.
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#4 – Gardens By The Bay, Singapore [Leanne]
If you’re looking for a Christmas that is more merry and bright than the Santa hat sunburn-line on your dad’s forehead, Leanne from our Conference & Incentives team suggests you look no further than Singapore!
During December in Singapore, the 30-degree heat won’t stop you from walking in a winter wonderland. Famous shopping strip, Orchard Road and surrounding sub-precincts are lined with over 6km of stringed lights and almost 200 Christmas-tree shaped LED decorations. While doing your Christmas shopping, you’ll be entertained by buskers and live musicians and there’s even a festive carnival with rides and games for everyone at The Great Christmas Village.
Leanne’s favourite was Gardens by the Bay, it’s turned into a Christmas Wonderland for the season. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are completely decked out with Christmassy displays (see picture below). There’s a Christmas Parade and Santa’s workshop, and best of all you can experience a beautiful “snow” fall 5 times daily!
Singapore sure know how to do things in style, and Christmas is certainly no exception.
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#5 – Boxing Day Test [Ashlee]
Now, if you just can’t bear the thought of a Christmas without your double-pluggers and a cold VB in your hand, then why not head to the annual Boxing Day Test to watch one of Australia’s favourite sports played in Australia’s biggest stadium?
Every year starting on Boxing Day, the Australian cricket team go head-to-head with a touring national team to see who comes out on top after 4 or 5 days. There’s no better way to show your national pride than to slap on the green and gold and cheer on the home team with a belly full of leftover Christmas ham.
The beauty about the festive season is that it’s a time we can all enjoy in our own personal way. As long as you’re spending it with your loved ones it’s hard to go wrong. These are just a few of the TASA team’s favourites but the list of options is endless and as always, our travel gurus are here to help. Contact our team today if these, or any other travel ideas appeal to you!
In the meantime, to all of our TASA friends and family, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy, safe New Year!
Team TASA
