Hey, travel lovers! š The holiday season is upon us, and trust me-- it's a magical time all around the globe! Here at Chelax Adventures, we love taking part in the unique holidays that make each culture unique. In fact, we plan trips around global festivities every year! Ready to explore how different parts of the world ring in the holiday cheer? Let's dive into some of the most amazingāand some lesser-knownāholiday celebrations across the globe. āØšš
Christmas š Germany and Philippines
Germany š©šŖ
Germany is known for its charming Christmas markets, nestled across the winter wonderland landscape. Visit Nuremberg or Dresden for traditional crafts, mulled wine (GlĆ¼hwein), and festive cheer. Decorate your home with beautiful glass ornaments from Lauscha's markets!
Philippines šµš
Hey Christmas lovers, the Philippines are kinda your dream place. If you hang your stockings while the leaves are still turning orange, be sure to visit here and experience the world's longest Christmas season, starting in September! The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando is a must-see, with intricate lanterns lighting up the night.
š Chelax Adventures' tips for a magical Christmas trip:
Take exclusive market tours to find charming souvenirs.
Holiday cooking classes will help you out when you're back home cooking Christmas dinner!
Festive accommodation packages make your stay oh-so merry and bright.
Diwali šŖ: India and Nepal
India š®š³
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness. Homes, streets, and temples are decorated with oil lamps (diyas) and colorful rangoli designs. Fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Nepal š³šµ
Known as Tihar, Nepal takes this time to honor deities, animals, and family. The festival features amazing light displays, and the Nepalese also celebrate Bhai Tika, another warm and glittering festival, to honor the bond between brothers and sisters.
šŖ Chelax Adventures' Diwali recommendations:
š Participate in temple ceremonies and puja (prayers)
š Get moving at traditional dance and music events
š Stay in a local home, a unique accommodation option, to experience authentic celebrations
Hanukkah š
Celebrate the Festival of Lights by lighting the menorah for eight nights, each with its special blessing. Jerusalem is vibrant during this time with candle-lighting ceremonies, delicious sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and lively dreidel games.
š Chelax Adventures tips for a special Hanukkah:
ā³ Take guided tours of historical sites
š³ Enjoy traditional cooking experiences
š Attend exclusive Hanukkah events and festivals
Chinese New Year š China and Singapore
China šØš³
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, features fireworks, dragon dances, and the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai light up with parades and festive decorations.
Singapore
Witness the blend of modern flair and vibrant tradition in Singaporeās Chinatown. Enjoy the Chingay Parade, decorative lanterns, and scrumptious feasts featuring yusheng (prosperity toss salad), a 20-ingredient delicacy that's unlike anything you've ever tried before!
š Chelax Adventures' Chinese New Year must-dos:
š¦ Enjoy charming dragon and lion dance performances
š Attend the festival parades for immersion with local crowds
š Hop on a culinary tour to sample traditional New Year foods
Songkran (Thai New Year) š: Thailand š¹š
Songkran, celebrated in mid-April, is Thailandās New Year festival and is famous for its water fights! People pour water over each other as a symbol of cleansing and renewal, and the streets are soaked with not only H20 but also great vibes. Visit big cities like Chiang Mai or Bangkok for the most vibrant celebrations!
š Chelax Adventures' Songkran highlights:
š¦ Get your hands wet at water fight festivities
š Visit temples and partake in traditional ceremonies
š„ Sample local food and explore street fairs
Bastille Day š«š·: France
Celebrated on July 14th, Bastille Day commemorates the French Revolution. Paris comes alive with an elaborate military parade on the Champs-ĆlysĆ©es, fireworks by the Eiffel Tower, and lively parties across the city!
š„ Chelax Adventures' Bastille Day experiences:
š See the fireworks from beneath the Eiffel Tower
š Take guided historical tours to learn more about the holiday's meaning
š Partake in the fun of parade events
Liberation Day š®š¹: Italy
Liberation Day, celebrated on April 25th, marks the end of WWII in Italy. Cities like Rome and Milan host parades, speeches, and concerts. It's a day of national pride and reflection on Italyās historical journey, and the lively streets are full of people. It's a super energizing experience!
š Chelax Adventures' Liberation Day options:
šµ Take historical and cultural tours to learn about the holiday
šāāļø Become one with the crowd in local festivities
šØ Enjoy Italy's extensive museums full of classic art
Carnival š: Brazil and Italy
Brazil š§š·
Rio de Janeiroās Carnival is probably the most famous worldwide. Experience grand parades, samba music, and stunning costumes. The energy and vibe are contagious!
Italy š®š¹
Italians sure know how to party! Italy hits our list again for Veniceās Carnival, renowned for its elaborate masks and costumes. Take part in masquerade balls, enjoy street performances, and admire the historic architecture draped in festive decor.
š” Chelax Adventures' unforgettable Carnival activities:
š Take lessons at a samba school in Rio
š Express your artistic side at mask-making workshops in Venice
š Get your party on at major parades and events
DĆa de los Muertos š: Mexico š²š½
DĆa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It's a vibrant and colorful festival honoring deceased loved ones. Families build altars (ofrendas) with photos, flowers, and favorite foods of the departed. Parades, marigold decorations, and face painting lend stunning sights at this event.
š Chelax Adventures' DĆa de los Muertos highlights:
š„³ Enjoy local parades and festivities
ā°ļø Embark on fascinating guided tours of traditional cemeteries
š©āš³ Take workshops on making sugar skulls and papel picado
šØ Holi (Festival of Colors): India and Nepal
India and Nepal celebrate Holi, a vibrant celebration where people throw colored powder and water at each other, creating an vibrant crowd. The celebration marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.
š Chelax Adventures' favorite Holi experiences:
š Become one with the rainbow in local Holi events
š Enjoy extra vibrant celebrations in key cities like Vrindavan and Kathmandu
š Immerse yourself with guided cultural and historical tours
š St. Patrick's Day: Ireland
It's no surprise that Ireland comes alive with parades, music, and a sea of green on March 17th. Dublinās celebrations are world-famous for their energy and entertainment!
š Chelax Adventures' St. Patrick's Day highlights:
š Don your green clothes and head to local parades
š» Sip on a Guinness with locals during pub tours
š° See the stunning historical sites across the hills of Ireland
āļø Matariki: New Zealand
A unique celebration, Matariki is New Zealand's indigenous MÄori New Year, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster. Itās a time for remembering the dead and celebrating new life.
ā Chelax Adventures' must-have Matariki experiences:
š· Become starstruck by cultural performances and workshops
š Take star-gazing tours to see the sky from across the globe
š Enjoy the amazing eats and culture at traditional Maori feasts
š Festa Junina: Brazil
Celebrated in June, this Brazilian festival honors Saint John. Towns are decorated with colorful flags and there are traditional dances, bonfires, and delicious foods like canjica and quentĆ£o.
š© Chelax Adventures' Festa Junina highlights:
š Enjoy the heat at local festivals
š Expand your palate with traditional food tasting tours
š Shake it at dance performances and workshops
Nowruz (Persian New Year): Celebrated across Iran, Central Asia, and parts of Turkey š®š· š š¹š·
Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the New Year. People celebrate with feasts, fireworks, and setting the Haft-Seen table with items symbolizing rebirth and prosperity.
šø Chelax Adventures' Nowruz experiences:
š Enjoy the fireworks across the sky
š“ Sample local flavors at traditional feasts and cooking classes
š Enjoy vibrant cultural performances and parades
š§ Maslenitsa (Butter Week): Russia
This Russian festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of Lent. Celebrations include eating pancakes (blini), sleigh rides, and burning effigies to welcome the spring.
š„ Chelax Adventures' Maslenitsa highlights:
š©āš³ Learn to make blini at traditional cooking classes
š· Take a sleigh ride across the cold landscapes of Russia
š„ Attend an effigy burning to warm up after exploring the icy landscape
Celebrate your favorite holiday in a brand new place: Travel with Chelax Adventures!
Ready to explore holiday traditions around the globe? At Chelax Adventures, weāre here to help plan your dream trip to discover a unique celebration. Remember, "Be a traveler, not a tourist!" and immerse yourself in the worldās most incredible festivities. šāØ
Happy Holidays! šš¾š