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Best Places to Spend Winter | Christmas & New Year

09 Dec 2015 | by Myles Johnson


Updated November 2017

FROSTY WINTER ESCAPES


Winter has arrived, and what a wonderful time of the year it is. With festivities in full swing, and Christmas on the horizon, the season of good will looks set to be a special one.

The winter season comes with a number of loved or loathed changes, low temperatures in the forecasts, and mulled wine and mince pies back on the menu. For now, many of us stay cocooned in cosy blankets in front of toasty fires, as the Christmas holidays approach. But, if you’re tempted to brace colder climes, discover stunning medieval towns and cities, or picturesque snow-covered landscapes where temperatures dip below zero, then look no further.

Here at Planet Cruise we have put together a perfect selection of frosty winter destinations to visit during the colder months.


TROMSØ



Winter is a great time of year to venture north, to discover the lands of snow and all the natural wonders they have to offer. Head to the Arctic Circle, and you’ll find Tromsø - known as the “Capital of the Artic”. This beautiful city is famed for its prime location for viewing the colourful Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis), and enjoying a true Arctic experience of husky dog trips, camping beneath the stars, and much more.


CHRISTMAS MARKETS


 


European capitals have a unique festive atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In Europe, winter is the time to visit the marvelous traditional Christmas markets that turn sleepy towns and cities into colourful hubs of festive fun and frolics. Absorb the scent of Christmas trees and mulled wine, hear the uplifting sound of carol singers, and uncover many unique festive traditions. Cologne, Berlin, Strasbourg, Brussels, Copenhagen, Leipzig, and Zagreb are some of the many towns and cities you should visit, and many Christmas markets can be visited onboard an ocean or river cruise. Browse Christmas market cruises & festive river cruising for further information.


NEW YORK




New York, the big city of dreams, is one of the best places in the world to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Explore the famous Central Park where you can ice skate outdoors, see the spectacular and often outrageous window displays in Manhattan, see the stunning, giant Christmas tree outside Rockefeller Centre, and watch the Times Square ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Expect an abundance of snow and lots of festivities.


NORWEGIAN FJORDS




If you’re seeking some thorough winter relaxation, then a cruise along the Norwegian Fjords will be one of life’s most unforgettable experiences. Winding through the gigantic snow-covered landscapes is truly mystical. Take in the unspoilt scenery of captivating wildlife and rocky coastlines from the warm comforts onboard your vessel.

PLANET CRUSE MUST-SEE 




The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) are one of Mother Nature’s true wonders. It’s a magnificent sight to behold as light dances across the cold night sky in a variation of neon colours. The occurrence of the Northern Lights takes place when there is a collision between gas particles from the earth’s atmosphere, with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere. The Northern Lights are an amazing once in a lifetime spectacle that you’ll never forget. Find out more about the Northern Lights and our dedicated cruises to Norway.




View our exciting selection of December & Winter Cruise Deals.

 Winter simply wouldn’t be winter without snow, Christmas markets and joyful festive spirit.

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