Yes, we know we’re Christmas legends, but it’s good the rest of the world knows too.
Still basking in the triumph of having the world’s best cocktail bar and being literally the best city in the world, it’s time to add a third feather to London’s cap. This time, the nice people at Big 7 Travel have conjured up a list of the best Christmas destinations in the world, and saw fit to rank London at #6. (Yes, it’s not the top spot we’re accustomed to, but it’s still pretty good.)
With Christmas lights and attractions aplenty, we’re far from shocked to make the top ten, as the travel aficionados dubbed us “one of the world’s most influential and exciting cities”. Name checked as London’s Christmas crown jewels -alongside carollers and sparkling lights – were our Christmas markets, Queen’s House Ice Rink, and Winter Wonderland (which, as I’m sure you’re aware, was cancelled back in September).
Unfortunately, 2020 has been kind to very few of our usual Christmas highlights, with plenty of the city’s Christmas markets cancelled, ice rinks postponing until next year, and most of the remaining festive fancies being shuttered by the impending move into Tier 3. Which means we’re going to need to cling tightly to that number six ranking to see us through the remainder of the curtailed festive season, and obviously go big with Christmas in 2021.
So, who pipped our city of giant advent calendars, daily snowfall, and spectacular Christmas trees to the top five? Our usual friendly rival New York bested us this time, taking fourth place, with Moscow separating us at number five. The top three, however, are a lesser-heralded trio: in third, it’s Franklin, Tennessee, which scored highly for a Dickensian Christmas festival (we’ll claim an assist on the basis that Dickens is one of history’s most famous Londoners) and Victorian Christmas market. Second place went to Woodstock, Vermont and their quintessential New England Christmases, whilst the heavyweight champion of this exercise was Dresden, Germany. Powered by the iconic Strieselmarkt, which dates back to 1434, the eastern city overflows with mulled wine and sweet treats come December.
A worthy winner, for sure, but if 2021’s resurgent Christmas celebrations have anything to say about it, London will be gunning for the top spot next year!