By Tiffany Lam, CNNGo
Any family Christmas vacation probably will include seeing Santa Claus and/or the dazzle of the holiday lights somewhere. But some places are more special than the others.
Please find below a list of places prepared for you to consider when making your plan for a Christmas getaway.
Boston, Massachusetts
Why: During the festive season, Boston lays on the New England charm thick, with snow-dusted cobblestone roads, locals feasting on roasted lobster instead of Christmas turkey and candlelight carols at the Trinity Church.
The Sowa Holiday Market, which features works made by New England artisans, is a great place to get Christmas shopping done.
When: The Sowa Holiday Market will be held on December 11 and 12 this year.
London, United Kingdom
Why: Head to London for the Dicksenian holiday experience with A Christmas Carol walking tour of the places characters Pickwick, Scrooge and Tiny Tim supposedly lived.
Oxford Street also offers one of the best (and most crowded) Christmas shopping experiences in the world, with thousands of shoppers jostling to get into 300-odd shops while basking in the glow of Christmas lights.
When: Oxford Street Christmas lights were
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why: Can’t get enough of Christmas? Head to San Juan in Puerto Rico, where Christmas celebrations run longer than anybody else’s — sing carols, or aguinaldos, from November through mid-January.
On Christmas Eve, many Puerto Ricans head to Misa de Gallo, midnight mass, to catch a re-enactment of the nativity scene.
On New Year’s Eve, locals might make you eat 12 grapes for luck, and the government hosts a free-for-all party.
The climax of the season is El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, when children can get free gifts at the San Juan governor’s house.
Three Kings Day is on January 6, 2011.
When: November to mid-January
Hong Kong, China
Why: Hong Kong may take top billing when it comes to having one of the most commercial and unauthentic Christmases around, but the city has its strong points.
Most shops are open even on Christmas Day, allowing residents to do Christmas shopping at literally the last minute. Many expats are out of town during the Christmas season, which means your favorite watering hole is probably quieter than usual.
And let’s not forget the brilliant Christmas light displays on buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour, and the 30-meter Swarovski crystal Christmas tree in Central, which tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents and Mainland Chinese tourists love to gawk at.
When: Celebrations kick off on November 29 and last till January 1
CNNGo: 8 of the hottest Asian winter retreats
New York City
Why: No Christmas destination list would be complete without a mention of the Rock at New York. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is probably the most famous in the world and is illuminated by five miles of lights starting the week after Thanksgiving.
If you’re a tourist, throw on a pair of skates and jump into the rink for the quintessential “I’m in New York during Christmas!” Facebook photo.
When: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held on November 30.
To Be Continued
