New York City

Well, when it comes to Christmas and New Year celebration, no place can beat Manchester for the wow-factor of the light display during Christmas time. I am sure all of us have heard of the Lighting up of the Tree at Rockefeller. It is ranked #1 for its illuminated towering tree and plaza set aglow with twinkling angels, toy soldiers, wreaths and much more. You can linger around the Grand Central Terminal as it is no ordinary terminal at this time but is the epicentre for holiday fun each year, all thanks to its splendid annual holiday market.

For the New Year’s Eve, you can see the Ball Drop at Times Square. However, if the idea of standing and waiting in the crowd unsettles you, or if you happen to be with kids; there is a whole list of other things you can try out. You can go for running and biking outings, harbour cruises, NYE concerts all over the city or ice skating.

Sydney

There is a long to-do list you would need to tick if you are planning on celebrating this vacation in Sydney. For Christmas, the first thing and the must-do thing is head down the Hyde Park to St. Mary’s Cathedral and witness the play backdrop of lights, 3D projections and sounds. Bondi Beach on Christmas day is swarming with tourists enjoying the golden rays of the summer sun on Christmas and making the most of this amazing experience. It is full of Christmas trees, Santa hats, barbeques and people swimming in the cool waters.

For New Year’s Eve, one should never miss the iconic Fireworks display over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The most obvious place to watch the fireworks is Circular Quay – the crowd that gathers here is unbelievable so plan to head on down early to save yourself a spot! But if you want to avoid the crowd that doesn’t mean you have to miss the fireworks. There are a few other spots from where you can watch the display - The Rocks, Mary Booth Lookout, Campbell’s Cove and Pyrmont, Bradfield Park, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

London

London is famous for its shopping opportunities all year round, but the holidays bring a whole new feel to the retail experience. Shop till you drop in the chic boutiques of Mayfair, browse for bargains in the stylish stalls of Camden, and make the most of the holiday season with a little retail therapy just about anywhere in the city. If the hustle and bustle of the London streets get to be too much, escape to the surrounding countryside and see another side of English life. Tours run to diverse destinations including historic Bath, Salisbury, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stonehenge.

See Fireworks on New Year's Eve River Cruise With the famous towers of Westminster as the backdrop, London's New Year's fireworks display is among the most impressive in the world. The crowds can be a challenge, so take to the Thames River on New Year's Eve cruise, and relax in style as the fireworks explode across the night sky.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, at this time of the year, can be said to be a very romantic destination. The leafless trees open up the canals allowing you to check out the grandest mansion houses along the canals. Amsterdam is full of wooden-interior bars or cafes with fireplaces to warm up next to. And there are plenty of Christmas-themed things to do, or just cosy, wintry activities to do to make your Amsterdam Christmas very special. Oh, and you really can't get enough of the much more winter-friendly, stomach-warming meal than most Dutch foods!

For New Year, join the festivities at one of Amsterdam’s city squares, which are free to the public and located in various spots around town. The Museumplein public space in the Museumkwartier neighbourhood is the location of the national New Year's Eve party, a televised event that draws tens of thousands of partiers with its live music and fireworks. The Nieuwmarkt square (in Amsterdam's Chinatown) follows closely behind with its explosive celebrations.

Venice

Who isn’t aware of the beauty of this small town in Italy? Venice, the exotic honeymoon destination is also one of the world’s best spots for the festive season. Venice is magical at Christmas time. The “Floating City” covered with glittering lights and the water reflecting it; turn the city covered in mist, a heaven-like sight. Though the temperature is cold, there is something in the air that feels warm and sweet (maybe all the delicious cakes and biscuits). The best part of Christmas in Venice is the Santa Clause charity run. Imagine Venice full of Santas running all over the city! You can also take part in the run if you want to be a part of the charity. It would be a fun way to celebrate and meet like-minded people.

New Year celebration here deserves another article to praise it properly. Every year, a party takes place in the most beautiful ballroom of Europe – St. Mark's Square. And you can also be a part of the concert before the fireworks display. Though it is not as huge as that of the other places, but the beauty of Venice makes it a memory that you remember with a toothy smile and the nutty good feelings in your tummy.