Best Places to Visit in Kuwait for Christmas Cheer

Living in Kuwait as an expat or digital nomad doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festive holiday spirit that December brings. While Kuwait may not have the traditional Christmas landscapes of snow and evergreen trees, there are still plenty of places around the world where you can soak in the magic of the season—whether you’re planning a quick getaway or dreaming of future travels. From charming European markets to dazzling light displays in bustling cities, these destinations offer the perfect blend of holiday cheer, cultural experiences, and festive treats. Here are some of the best places to visit in December to get into the holiday spirit.

Vienna’s Christmas Markets

Vienna is a dream destination for anyone looking to experience the quintessential Christmas market. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with its historic squares filled with wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, mulled wine, and traditional Austrian treats. The most famous market, the Vienna Christmas World at Rathausplatz, is set against the stunning backdrop of City Hall and features an ice-skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and live music. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread fills the air, making it impossible to resist the festive atmosphere. Markets typically open in mid-November and run through December, with the city hosting over a dozen unique markets, each with its own charm.

We Recommend: Don’t leave without trying a *Kaiserschmarrn*, a fluffy shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar and served with plum compote. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly December evening.

New York City’s Dyker Heights Neighborhood

If you’re craving over-the-top holiday decorations and dazzling light displays, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is a must-visit. This residential neighborhood becomes a spectacle in December, with homes adorned in elaborate Christmas lights, inflatable Santas, and synchronized music displays. The tradition started in the 1980s and has since grown into a full-blown tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. While there isn’t a formal market, the neighborhood’s streets are lined with food trucks and vendors selling hot cocoa, pretzels, and roasted nuts. The best time to visit is in the evenings, when the lights are at their brightest, and the festive spirit is contagious.

We Recommend: Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the local vendors and grab a soft pretzel—it’s the perfect snack for strolling through the illuminated streets.

Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik

Strasbourg, often called the "Capital of Christmas," hosts one of the oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe. The Christkindelsmärik dates back to the 16th century and takes over the city’s picturesque squares, including Place Kléber and Place Broglie. The market is famous for its Alsatian crafts, such as hand-painted ornaments, wooden toys, and intricate lacework. Visitors can also indulge in regional specialties like *bredele* (Alsatian Christmas cookies), *vin chaud* (mulled wine), and *foie gras*. The market usually runs from late November through December, with the city’s half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets adding to the fairy-tale atmosphere.

We Recommend: Try the *pain d’épices*, a spiced honey cake that’s a staple at the market. Pair it with a cup of mulled wine for the ultimate festive treat.

London’s Covent Garden Neighborhood

London’s Covent Garden is a hub of holiday magic in December, with its iconic market building draped in twinkling lights and festive decorations. The area comes alive with street performers, carol singers, and pop-up bars serving seasonal drinks. The Covent Garden Christmas Market features artisan stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to gourmet chocolates, while the nearby Apple Market offers unique gifts and crafts. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree in the central piazza, which is often adorned with thousands of lights. The neighborhood also hosts festive events like ice-skating rinks and holiday-themed workshops, making it a perfect spot for families and solo travelers alike.

We Recommend: Stop by the *Neal’s Yard Dairy* stall for a selection of British cheeses and pair it with a warm mince pie—a classic holiday treat in the UK.

Quebec City’s Old Town

Quebec City’s Old Town feels like stepping into a European Christmas postcard, with its snow-covered cobblestone streets and historic architecture. The city’s German Christmas Market in Old Port is a highlight, featuring wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, local maple products, and warm beverages. The market is especially famous for its *vin chaud* (mulled wine) and *tire d’érable* (maple taffy), a sweet treat made by pouring hot maple syrup onto snow and rolling it onto a stick. The city also hosts a stunning light festival, *Lumières sur l’Aqueduc*, which illuminates the streets with dazzling displays, and the grand *Santa’s Village* at the Old Port, complete with rides and holiday activities.

We Recommend: Try the *beaver tails*, a fried dough pastry topped with cinnamon sugar or Nutella—it’s a Canadian holiday staple you won’t want to miss.

Prague’s Old Town Square

Prague’s Old Town Square is one of the most magical places to experience Christmas in Europe. The Prague Christmas Markets feature a towering Christmas tree, wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, and an array of Czech holiday treats. The market is famous for its *trdelník*, a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame and coated in sugar and cinnamon, as well as *sva?ák*, a spiced mulled wine. The square is also home to a nativity scene and live performances of carols and folk music. The market typically runs from late November through early January, with the city’s Gothic architecture providing a stunning backdrop for the festivities.

We Recommend: Grab a cup of *sva?ák* and a *trdelník* to enjoy while wandering through the market—it’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly December evening.

Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills Neighborhood

For a unique twist on holiday celebrations, Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills neighborhood offers a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations. The Roppongi Hills Christmas Illuminations feature millions of LED lights, transforming the area into a glittering winter wonderland. The highlight is the *Keyakizaka Street Illumination*, a tunnel of lights that creates a mesmerizing effect. While Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, the country embraces the festive spirit with themed cafes, pop-up markets, and special holiday menus at restaurants. The illuminations usually run from early November through December, with the neighborhood hosting events like live music performances and photo opportunities with Santa.

We Recommend: Visit the *Mori Garden* for a serene escape from the bustling city, and don’t miss the chance to try a *Christmas cake*, a light sponge cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries—a beloved Japanese holiday dessert.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a festive extravaganza set against the backdrop of the city’s historic castle. The market features a mix of traditional Scottish crafts, international gifts, and delicious food stalls. Highlights include the *Star Flyer*, a thrilling swing ride that offers panoramic views of the city, and the *Ice Adventure* ice-skating rink. The market is also known for its *hog roast* sandwiches, *mulled Irn-Bru* (a Scottish twist on mulled wine), and *shortbread* cookies. The festivities usually run from mid-November through early January, with the city hosting a variety of events, including a Christmas tree maze and live music performances.

We Recommend: Warm up with a cup of *mulled Irn-Bru*—it’s a uniquely Scottish take on a holiday classic that you won’t find anywhere else.

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is one of the most enchanting places to visit during the holidays. The amusement park transforms into a magical wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a giant Christmas tree. The Tivoli Christmas Market features wooden stalls selling Danish crafts, handmade gifts, and holiday treats like *æbleskiver* (Danish pancake balls) and *gløgg* (mulled wine). The park also hosts a variety of holiday-themed rides, live performances, and a dazzling light show set to classical music. The market typically runs from mid-November through December, with the park’s historic charm and festive atmosphere making it a must-visit destination.

We Recommend: Try the *æbleskiver*—these fluffy pancake balls are dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam, and they’re a Danish holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.

Sydney’s The Rocks Neighborhood

While December marks the start of summer in Australia, Sydney’s The Rocks neighborhood embraces the holiday spirit with a unique twist. The The Rocks Christmas Markets feature artisan stalls selling handmade gifts, local crafts, and festive treats. The highlight is the *Christmas at The Rocks* event, which includes live music, carol singers, and a visit from Santa. The market is also known for its *pavlova*, a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, as well as *glühwein* (mulled wine). The festivities usually run throughout December, with the neighborhood’s historic charm and waterfront views adding to the festive atmosphere.

We Recommend: Cool off with a slice of *pavlova*—it’s the perfect summer holiday treat to enjoy while soaking up the festive vibes.