Best of the Best: Christmas Destinations 2 Quiz

Quebec City, located in the province of Quebec, Canada, was founded by the French in 1608, and has a lot of old world charm anytime of the year. Its fortified walls are the only ones found in America north of Mexico. In December the average high temperature is 24°F (-4°C), and yes, it snows!

So it is the perfect place to enjoy a white Christmas! By the end of November the city is ready to celebrate the season. Quebec City hosts a variety of activities, such as ice skating, a toboggan run, and even a Nordic spa! And - there are parks nearby with ski hills, snow tubing, and snow shoeing.

Also, don't forget to visit Old Quebec; the snow, along with the lights and decorations, causes Old Quebec to simply sparkle. The historic area with its old buildings is beautiful. There is a German Christmas market to visit, with music and treats; after Christmas a program called Kaleidoscopes offers opportunities to attend cultural events such as music and theater.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was an important fur trading outpost long before it became incorporated in 1914. It was named after a beaver trapper named Davy Jackson, and the Hole part of the name came from the term that trappers used for a mountain valley. In December its average high temperature is 28°F (-2°C), and, yes, there is snow!

Jackson Hole is a fun destination any time of the year; its location near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks makes the possibilities endless. At Christmas there are snow-covered mountains to enjoy, and a lot of winter-type activities, such as snowmobiling, skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and cozy fireplaces.

There are also amazing views and wildlife to see, either with a tour or by oneself. There is a Christmas show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse, as well as Christmas programs at venues all over town. There is no wonder that at Christmas the town is called Jackson Ho-Ho-Hole!

In 1741 a small group of settlers in what became Pennsylvania celebrated Christmas and decided to call their settlement Bethlehem. It has been known as Christmas City USA since 1937, and is host to a wonderful Christmas celebration. The weather is typically a bit chilly, with the average daily high temperature being around 41°F (5°C).

Don't forget to visit the Christmas City Village to find handcrafted gifts and taste the local treats! There are also historic sites to see, such as the Moravian Book Shop, which claims to be the oldest continually operating book store in the world. Visitors can also take the Christmas City Stroll, and learn more about the city and its founding.

I think everyone would have to agree that Rio de Janeiro is an impressive city to visit any time of the year. Well, there's Christ the Redeemer to see, Sugarloaf Mountain, and, of course, Copacabana Beach, and a host of other locations. Being in the southern hemisphere, December is the beginning of summer, of course! The average daily high temperature around 84°F (29°C).

Because it is a tradition to spend Christmas and Christmas Eve in Brazil with one's family, the beaches are not quite as crowded on those days. Aside from that, due to its colonial heritage, celebrating Christmas in Brazil is much like celebrating in Portugal. There are decorations, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes present throughout the city, and it is common to see fireworks as well. There is also Feira de São Cristóvão, which is a traditional Christmas market. You may even like to stay for Réveillon, the local New Years Eve celebration!

It is the beginning of summertime in Argentina during the Christmas season, and the average high temperature of 84°F (29°C) makes it the perfect time to go to the beach. Or maybe visit a natural wonder such as Iguazu Falls!

Towns are beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and lights, and there is music to enjoy while shopping in the street markets. Because the tango is so popular there, there are plenty of performances to enjoy, and you might even like to take tango lessons! At the very least, plan to see International Tango Day on December 11!

Don't forget to take in the Night of the Temples, when 86 churches are open for tours. And there is Plaza Francia, or numerous other craft fairs to enjoy, or La Bombonera, which is a celebration of the city's soccer tradition. There is definitely something for everyone in Buenos Aires!

Christmas in Salzburg means cold weather, with an average daily high temperature of 37°F (3°C), so it's important to pack warm clothing. But the decorations and Christmas markets, that have a reputation for being the best in Europe, make it worth standing the cold. The city's main market has been in existence for over 500 years. Which reminds me - don't forget to take a walking tour of the Alstadt, which is the old town in the city.

If shopping, food, and beautiful views of the Alps don't excite you, there is always Mozart to fall back on. His favorite cafe, Cafe Tomaselli, is still in business, and there are musical performances to enjoy. And - in case you have forgotten - the "Sound of Music" was largely filmed in and around Salzburg. Go on a scavenger hunt to find the famous locations!

The weather is beautiful in Kenya in December, with 79°F (26°C) being the average daily high. It's a great time to plan to see the great outdoors and the beautiful venues that Nairobi has to offer. Did anyone say Christmas safari?

While you may not think of Nairobi as a Christmas spot, there are many activities offered in the area during the holidays. There are a number of tours available to see a white rhinoceros in the wild, visit a tea farm, or take a guided shopping tour. If you like wildlife, visit the Nairobi National Park to see the giraffes, lions, and leopards. There is also a walking tour of the city offered which gives the opportunity to try local foods and traditional Christmas meals.

Cape Town, South Africa, is a great place to visit in December if you like warm weather and barbeques! The average high temperature is 74°F (23°C), and there is little rain. Since Cape Town has close connections to the UK, there are many similar traditions in the two countries. Father Christmas is there, and Boxing Day is celebrated with friends, as Christmas Day is typically reserved for family.

There is a lot to do outdoors. Christmas markets are popular places to buy gifts and food, but you may want to be at Adderley Street the first Sunday in December. That is when there is a street party with the official turning on of lights! The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden hosts Christmas caroling programs, and there is a Santa village at the V&A Waterfront for children. Churches hold services and people enjoy going Christmas caroling. Even though there aren't real pine trees in South Africa, plastic trees are decorated with lights and ornaments and tinsel.

Pampanga is a province of the Philippines. Founded in 1571, it was the first European (Spanish) province on Luzon Island. It is a warm weather Christmas destination, as the average daily high in December is 85℉ (30℃).

The province was named as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines by its House of Representatives in 2023. Lawmakers cited the work of the kapampangans, who make traditional lanterns "to honor the birth of Jesus Christ". Don't forget to attend the Great Lantern Parade, which uses steel, colored plastic, and light bulbs to create a magnificent display. And, yes, there are some lanterns for purchase, however, they are typically made from native materials and are much smaller!

It's the beginning of summer in Australia, and a great time to go to the beach! Daily highs are 77°F (25°C), but everywhere in Melbourne looks like Christmas! It is common to have warm days and cooler nights.

Christmas Square features a huge decorated Christmas tree, and nearby the kids can visit Santa's Workshop. One can enjoy a show on the Yarra River that has music, water fountains, and lights that runs every fifteen minutes, and don't forget to check out the decorated streets that feature giant reindeer, candy canes, and koalas. There is also a Christmas Carnival with rides and food.

Aside from that, there are many other attractions that are always fun to visit in Melbourne, including the Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo, National Gallery of Victoria, and Melbourne Museum. It's a win win!