With Christmas fast approaching, people all around the world are seeking festive fun, to get them into the holiday spirit! As we await the most anticipated day of the year, there are plenty of incredible events and experiences around the world, to help you avoid being a Humbug! But, if you’re looking for unique and unusual Christmas experiences in 2018, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found the coolest Christmas travel options across the entire globe to get you well and truly in the mood! Grab your gloves (and your bikini), because these travel experiences could warm even the coldest of hearts!
THE RIDE, New York City
Over the last seven years, THE RIDE has received critical acclaim for its exceptional tourist offerings. Taking place from the comfort of a custom-made bus, with floor-to-ceiling windows and street-facing seats, eager passengers are transported around the streets of New York City. THE RIDE: Holiday Edition goes one step further.
This interactive experience makes its way from Midtown Manhattan towards Times Square, on a special 75-minute holiday-themed excursion. Featuring surprise street performances and winter magic, take a front-row seat to all the festive sights of this unforgettable city! As far as Christmas travel experiences go, THE RIDE is definitely one of the most enthralling
Here is how it actually looks like:
Essential info:
Web: https://experiencetheride.com/
Tel: 212-221-0853
Email: reservations@experiencetheride.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theridenyc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRideNYC
Cost: From $69 per person
Hogwarts Christmas Dinner in UK
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What could be more festive than a trip to Hogwarts at Christmas? The popular Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London transforms each winter for “Hogwarts in the Snow”, as iconic locations from the novels and movies are covered with a layer of frost. During the festive season, the studio invites hungry Potter fans for an evening of dinner and drinks in the famous Great Hall.
The evening begins with a magical tour of the studio before dinner is served. The hall is decorated with original movie props and festive flourishes, while a replica Potter feast is served. Afterward, enjoy Butter Beer, dessert and dancing on Platform 9¾. Pure magic!
Welcome to the fairytale!
Essential info:
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Web: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wbtourlondon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wbtourlondon
Cost: £240 per person for a table of 10 or 12
Christmas Tuk Tuk Tours in Bangkok
Every year experience company, Expique, invites keen visitors to take a festive tour of Bangkok – with Santa behind the wheel! On December 24th and 25th, the team at Expique dress up, decorating their Tuk Tuks with tinsel, glitter, and inflatable snowmen! Climb aboard and allow Santa to drive you around this bustling city, with unique surprises and treats along the way.
Offering a family edition which starts at 5 pm and an adult’s night tour from 6.30pm, see the Christmas offerings of the Thai capital in style. If you’re seeking hilarious and memorable travel experiences this year, then an Expique Tuk Tuk ride could be the thing for you!
Make the most of your seasonal trip to Bangkok, by booking an exclusive, luxury apartment in the heart of the city.
Essential info:
Meeting point: Krung Thonburi BTS Station
Web: https://www.expique.com
Email: hello@expique.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expique
Cost: 2250 THB per person
Carol-oke at Bar Hütte in the UK
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Japan meets Switzerland with this unique Christmas experience. Offering its unique take on the Alpine après ski scene, Bar Hütte invites you to test your vocal chords, with a special seasonal Karaoke session – or Carol-oke! Taking place at Winter Wonderland in Manchester, Liverpool, and London, this travel experience is great for groups of friends wishing to boost their Christmas mood.
Book yourself a private, cozy ski hütte, equipped with comfy seating and a Carol-oke machine, lined up with all your favorite Christmas hits, and popular chart toppers! Grab the mic and celebrate the festive season with a classic sing-along – all with a warming mulled wine to hand! Plus, with roaring fires, a seasonal cocktail menu and plenty of live music (from actual musicians!), there is something at Bar Hütte for everyone.
Xmas mood is waiting for you…in England!
Essential info:
Web: https://www.barhutte.co.uk/
Tel: 01565 830042
Email: manchester@barhutte.co.uk, liverpool@barhutte.co.uk, winterwonderland2018@pwrevents
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barhutte/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarHutt
Lapland Reindeer Safari
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As one of the most magical travel experiences in the world, Lapland is renowned as being the home of Santa Clause. Each year, this beautiful part of Finland welcomes thousands of festive lovers, all seeking a magical winter period! Covered in pristine white snow, and with nothing but wilderness and log fires for miles, Lapland is the only place to experience a Reindeer Safari.
From the back of a sleigh, watch as real-life reindeer transport you through a truly breath-taking winter landscape. Enjoy a warm drink as you traverse the woodlands, soaking up the beauty and silence of Lappish nature. There’s even the chance that you might spot the Northern Lights! Head to Santa Claus Village in the heart of the Arctic Circle, or try your hand at ice fishing on a frozen lake, because if you’re looking for the best Christmas experiences in 2018, Lapland has it all!
Seeking more animal magic? Check out our ultimate guide to Bali for animal lovers!
Essential info:
Web: https://www.laplandsafaris.com/
Email: levi@laplandsafaris.fi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaplandSafarisLevi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laplandsafaris/
Cost: From €160 each
Berlin’s highest Christmas Market
When it comes to festive travel experiences, Berlin is renowned as one of the best cities in the world. Awash with spectacular street bazaars and lavish decorations, the city is also home to the annual Klunkerkranich Christmas Market. Taking place every weekend throughout Advent, the Klunkerkranich Weihnachts Markt takes place on the roof of the Neukölln Arcaden in central Berlin.
Klunkerkranich is a culture roof garden, offering regular events and live music for locals and visitors. Each festive season, the roof is transformed into a winter wonderland, where unique handmade gifts, street food, and festive tipples can be enjoyed. Order a steaming cup of Glühwein and as night falls, sit back and enjoy live music and dancing, all with inspiring panoramic views!
Essential info:
Address: Level 5, Neukölln Arcaden, Karl-Marx-Strasse 66, 12043 Berlin
Web: http://klunkerkranich.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klunkerkranich/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kulturdachgartenklunkerkranich
Wizarding World Holiday Exhibition in Singapore
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Worth traveling to Singapore for alone, the Wizarding World Holiday exhibition epitomizes merriment! Regularly voted the best in the world, Singapore’s Changi Airport has transformed all three of its terminals to bring the story of Harry Potter to life. From November to February next year, the airport will be decorated with sets inspired by the books, as well as interactive experiences for the whole family, including Quidditch simulation rides and light shows.
In collaboration with Warner Bros, Changi has created a full-scale Harry Potter world, featuring iconic backdrops such as Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley. Whether you’re passing through or visiting Singapore, make sure you don’t miss one of the best Potter-themed travel experiences ever!
While you’re there, take a culinary tour of Singapore, using our dedicated guide!
Essential info:
Address: Changi Airport, Terminals 1-3, Airport Blvd, Singapore
Web: http://nowboarding.changiairport.com/discover-changi/a-wizarding-world-holiday-at-changi-airport.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changiairport/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/changiairport
Dates: 16 November 2018 to mid-February 2019
Christmas Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
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Celebrate the festive season in a more relaxed environment, by opting for yoga travel experiences in beautiful Sri Lanka. Hosted by Parampara Yoga, a six-day Sri Lankan retreat features daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and of course, tropical weather! The Parampara retreat invites guests to enjoy a more relaxed winter period – instead of battling the crowds on Oxford Street, opt for a Christmas travel trip that will nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Stay in a private apartment and enjoy a special festive dinner on Christmas day. When you fancy time out, head to the sands of Narigama Beach, just moments from your bedroom door. If you’re looking for chilled Christmas experiences in 2018, then you’ve found one!
If you need more inspiration, check out our top reasons why you should celebrate Christmas in Sri Lanka in 2018!
Essential info:
Address: Narigama Beach, Hikkaduwa, Galle District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Web: https://www.paramparayoga.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parampara_yoga_retreats/
Cost: 6 days / 5 nights from £651
Winter Steam Train Journeys in the UK
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If you seek nostalgic travel experiences, why not take a trip through the English countryside on a 1930’s locomotive? The Steam Dreams Rail Co. invites you to climb aboard a Black Fives steam train, reminiscent of The Polar Express. Elegantly kitted out with Art Deco furnishings, take your seat and enjoy a bygone era journey.
During your trip from London to the Christmas markets of Bath, you’ll be served a warming breakfast. After your day of festive shopping, climb back aboard and enjoy a leisurely dinner on your return journey. The Steam Dreams Rail Co. is also hosting festive trips to Lincoln, Blenheim Palace, and York, so there’s a Christmas travel trip to keep the whole family entertained!
Essential info:
Web: https://www.steamdreams.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSteamDreamsRailCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralsexpress/
Cost: From £89 per person
Tokyo’s Caretta Shiodome
Each year the Caretta Shiodome shopping center in Tokyo comes to life for its annual Christmas Illuminations Festival. The event takes on a different theme each year and in 2018 the festivities will be designed around Disney movies, Frozen and Tangled. Featuring over 250,000 LED lights, the event will be filled with movie music while visitors can enjoy a Disney-inspired outdoor show. Enjoy a sing-along to Let It Go before finishing your Christmas shopping in one of Tokyo’s most renowned malls. Make sure you don’t miss the special evening illumination show, taking place daily at 5 pm. Witness one of the most magical Christmas experiences in 2018, in one of the most captivating cities in the world!
Essential info:
Address: Caretta Shiodome, 1-8-2, Higashishimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-7090
Web: http://www.caretta.jp/foreign/index
Dates: 15th November 2018 to 14th February 2019, 5 pm until 11 pm daily
Christmas Dinner in the Jungle
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Every festive season, Chapung Sebali in Ubud invites keen visitors to dine in the heart of the jungle, making for one of the coolest Christmas travel offerings in Bali. With a series of unforgettable culinary experiences over the festive period, the Jungle Fish restaurant invites you to pull up a seat overlooking the canopy of the Ubud rainforest.
On Christmas Eve, enjoy a seasonal dinner with live jazz and on the big day, book yourself a celebratory Christmas brunch, featuring Indonesian and Mediterranean specialties, live music and a visit from Santa Claus himself! As far as Christmas experiences in 2018 go, this definitely has to be one of the most unique! Feeling in the holiday mood yet? We know we are…
If you need somewhere to stay during your Balinese adventure, take a look at our incredible, luxurious villas, all in the heart of Ubud.
Essential info:
Address: Jl. Raya Sebali, 80561 Keliki, Ubud, Bali
Web: https://www.chapung.com/ubud-offers/festive-season/
Tel: 62 361 8989102
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapungsebali/
Cost: Dinner from IDR 750,000 per adult and brunch from IDR 500,000 per adult
