Christmas Vacation: 5 of the best places to spend the holidays.

Note: We continue to encourage everyone to stay at home until the government considers it safe.

The Christmas holiday season is for spending time with family and eating a questionable amount of food.

Enjoying home-made biscuit and singing with family is a gift, and to be honest, a luxury this year.

But for a moment, imagine what it would be like to hop on a plane and fly to somewhere magical. Be in a place where Christmas is extra special.

Let's get the festive spirit going! Add these places to your bucket list.

1. Malta

Christmas in Malta! Visit the colourful and quaint presepju or nativity scenes displayed all over the place. Residents open their beautiful abodes so the public can enjoy creative renditions of the manger and the holy birth.

For some lively Christmas spirit, visit Downton Valletta where carolers fill the air with beautiful music. They sing just outside the baroque St. John's Cathedral during advent.

2. New York

Times Square may be a little different this year, but in the years past and hopefully, in the future, this is one of the best places to be in for the holidays.

Ice skate on the famous Rockefeller Center ice rink and twirl under their gorgeous Christmas trees. This activity alone will jumpstart your New York Christmas.

Across the street, Radio City hosts the annual Christmas Spectacular. And if you've got the energy for shopping, visit the southwest corner of Central Park - Columbus Circle. Here your senses will enjoy the Holiday Market.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is on this list specifically for the outrageous and wonderfully festive Three King's Day. It's celebrated on the first week of January and it commemorates the arrival of Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthazar (the three wise men or three kings in traditional Christianity).

On the eve of Three King's Day, people flock to the port of Santa Eulalia to welcome the three kings. A celebration with fireworks and cannons going off welcome their arrival. The mayor of the city then gives them the keys to the city.

A parade ensues and fills the streets with floats that include camels, elephants, giraffes and costumes.

4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Leave it to this Mexican city to make Christmas both a solemn and festive affair.

With Piñatas, Posadas and ponches involved! Catch Mary and Joseph strolling around the streets, they go from home to home singing to ask for "posada" or beg for shelter. This reenactment of the holy couple's journey to Bethlehem has become a tradition for the community.

You can also visit designated grand churches that have gained UNESCO World Heritage titles.

5. Nuremberg, Germany

The Christmas market at Nuremberg is the gold standard, the icon, the institution for all Christmas markets to live up to.

With more than 2 million visitors each year, and over 200 select vendors, the Nuremberg Christmas is all about traditional handmade toys and holiday goods.

Is this list feeding your wanderlust? Start planning for the coming years! Make it extra special with luxurious, well-deserved accommodation.

Check out our list of affiliated villas and apartments: https://bwg.partnersvillas.com/