Best of the Best: Christmas Destinations Quiz

Answer: Bethlehem

Jesus was born in Bethlehem after his parents took the 70-mile journey from Nazareth to register for the census. According to the story in the book of Luke, he was born in a stable; however, other early writers point to a cave location. When Helena, the mother of Constantine, made a tour of the Holy Land in 326-328, she visited the site in Bethlehem, and construction of the Church of the Nativity began. The original church was destroyed by fire c. 529, and a new church was built by Emperor Justinian I, who ruled until his death in 565. The silver star that marks the spot where Jesus was born was added in 1717; the middle of the star opens to a stone that visitors may touch. It is believed to be the place where Mary gave birth.

There is a lot of activity in Bethlehem during the Christmas season, as different denominations of Christian churches observe different birth dates - December 25 (Roman Catholics and most Protestants), January 6 (Greek, Coptic and Syrian Orthodox Christians), and January 19 (Armenian Orthodox Christians). There is much to enjoy, including food, performances, and sight seeing, in the city's Manger Square and beyond.

Answer: Naples

Oh to be in Naples - any season of the year! But during the holidays, the festive decorations, lights, food, and entertainment really take things up a notch! There are concerts in the Piazza del Plebiscito, the city's main square. There is shopping in the Spaccanapoli, the street that bisects the town's historic center.

The Via San Gregorio Armeno is an area where all sorts of Christmas handicrafts can be purchased and craftsmen are assembling the famous Neapolitan nativities, and painting figures to compliment the display. And don't forget the pizza and baba, an Italian rum cake! Tired of walking? Get over it! There's too much to see and do to take a break!

Answer: Vatican City

A trip to Vatican City during the Christmas season requires some careful planning because the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, two of the must-see main attractions, are not open on Christmas Eve or Day or most Sundays in December and January. One must also have a ticket to attend Christmas Eve mass, which isn't held at midnight, so St. Peter's Basilica and Square are not open to the public at all times. Don't forget to visit the Vatican Christmas Tree, and remember - the Pope offers Urbi et Orbi, a Christmas message and address that is free to the public on Christmas Day and held in St. Peter's Square.

Answer: Strasbourg

Located in the Alsace region between France and Germany, the city of Strasbourg really knows how to celebrate Christmas - in fact some tourist sites call it the "Capital of Christmas"! Why? It is considered to be France's oldest Christmas market, dating back more than four hundred years. From November 29-December 31 people can visit the Christkindelsmärik, which means "Market of the Christ Child", and there is a lot to enjoy, including shopping, light displays, the Christmas tree on the central square called Place Kléber, food, such as bredle, or Christmas biscuits, and - the region's specialty - mulled wine.

Answer: Copenhagen, Denmark

While some destinations cannot promise snow for the holiday season, Copenhagen is one where at least snow is possible. There are many markets, but be sure to visit Kongens Nytorv in the city center. It is close to the Nyhavn Christmas market, which specializes in Danish food and drink. For some the ultimate Christmas experience might be at Kronborg. Who doesn't want to celebrate the holidays in a castle? If you like decorations, though, be sure to see Tivoli Gardens with its lights, parades, and Santa Claus. And don't forget the mulled wine and ćbleskiver, a sweet dessert.

Answer: Lapland

Lapland is the northernmost region in Finland. Rovaniemi was named Santa's official home in 1985. Because it's snowy and cold there, with lots of conifer trees, it has been associated with Christmas at least since 1927. At Santa Claus Village one can visit Santa's House of Snowmobiles, see his office and have a picture taken with him, and view the beautiful Northern Lights. Nearby is SantaPark Arctic World, where, along with other attractions, visitors can meet Santa and take pictures with him, visit Mrs. Gingerbread's Gingerbread Bakery, and go to Elf School.

Answer: Dresden

Striezelmarkt was originally a one-day market that was held the Monday before Christmas. Its purpose was to sell meat, which was especially in demand after all the Advent fasting that people had to do. These days it features around 240 stalls and is open from the beginning of Advent until Christmas Eve.

While there, be sure to check out some ornaments, candle pyramids, and, of course, some of their famous Christstollen and gingerbread. And don't forget to check out the market at Stallhof in Dresden Castle, which is very medieval in nature. You may even like to visit the bathhouse and soak in a wooden tub!

Answer: Tbilisi, Georgia

When it comes to celebrating the religious holidays of Christmas and Easter, the Georgian Orthodox Church uses the traditional Julian calendar for setting the date. That means that while some celebrate Christmas on December 25, they have a public holiday to look forward to on January 7. People enjoy dressing up in the costume of a priest's assistant to attend a street parade, the Alilo, where sweets are given to the children. Carols are sung, and the traditional tree, the chichilaki, which is made of dried wood, is displayed.

The same holds true with the date for New Years Eve, which is celebrated on December 31, and again, as Old New Year, on January 13. That is when Tovlis Papa arrives and gifts are exchanged.

Answer: Bondi Beach

It is a tradition for Bondi Beach to be open on Christmas Day, so don't forget to include it in your travel plans! Even though a lot of people do not associate Christmas with the beach, one must remember that Australia is in the southern hemisphere. While Christmas in the northern hemisphere is associated with cold and snow in many places, in the southern hemisphere it is hot and dry. Going to the beach offers a bit of a cool down. So wear your swimsuit with an elf hat or an ugly holiday tee. And don't forget to pack a picnic basket that includes such Aussie Christmas favorites as cherries, potatoes, BBQ, and pavlova!

Answer: Rockefeller Center

Like all holiday destinations, one has to carefully plan to see as much as possible in New York City. In fact, if you are there for Christmas, you should plan on staying for the famous New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square. Let's go back, however, to the month of December and enjoy the tree lighting ceremony that takes place at Rockefeller Center. You may enjoy skating at The Rink nearby; it is considered a very iconic way to pass the time in New York City, so if you want to skate, be sure to make your reservation in advance and bring extra money! In addition, there are museums with Christmas displays, markets with gifts, food, and drinks to purchase, and the annual performance of "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center.