The 5 Best Countries In Asia To Celebrate Christmas In And Why

Whenever you think of travelling overseas for Christmas, a couple of big names come to mind—U.K., U.S. or Australia. But who said only the Westerners know how to throw a good Christmas celebration?

You might not think of it, but there are a handful of countries in Asia that bring on great festive fun when the yuletide season comes around. Sure, these Asian countries might not have an ice skating rink as grand as the one at Rockefeller Center, or a Christmas wonderland like that at Hyde Park, but you will still be able to find joy during the happiest time of the year in Asia.

Here are the 5 Best Countries In Asia To Celebrate Christmas In And Why.

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#1 JAPAN

This Asian country goes on our list with no questions asked. The Japanese sure know how to throw a celebration, especially one as big as Christmas. There are plenty of Christmas light-ups all over Tokyo city, especially at hot spots such as Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Ginza and Shibuya. Some of these illuminations even start in early November!

And of course, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland during Christmas is a must.

If you prefer a quieter Christmas, visit Hokkaido. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by sledging down peaked snowy hills and stuffing your face with creamy Hokkaido goodies (cream puffs, cheese cakes and ramen included).

Photo Credit: Traxon Technologies

#2 HONG KONG

Christmas is a time for giving, which makes shopping in Hong Kong a wonderful getaway idea.

Shop along Tsim Sha Tsui—the shopping area with the largest amount of independent shops in Hong Kong. All shops and restaurants will open till late on Christmas Eve, and they are all in business even on Christmas day itself, so there won’t be any dull moments.

Can we also say how obsessed we are with Hong Kong’s iconic neon signboards?! They simply add character to the Christmas decor!

Photo Credit: Holiday Philippines Blog

#3 THE PHILIPPINES

Filipinos take their yuletide celebrations very seriously. Their country celebrates the longest Christmas in the world! Makati, Manila, is the financial hub of the Philippines and is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the country.

There will be outdoor concerts on Christmas day itself, complete with a wonderful fireworks display. You can also shop around Manila during the festive period, as many stores will be offering crazy discounts.

Churches all over the country have masses on Christmas day itself too.

Photo Credit: i-mockery

#4 SOUTH KOREA

South Korea should get you excited, especially Seoul.

The Korean cities will be decorated with festive lights, and particularly in Seoul, the decor and light-up is one sight to behold.

There will also be several festivals held at the various theme parks around the country. Lotte World, for example, holds its celebrations from early November, dressing the entire park to look like a Santa village.

#5 SINGAPORE

Christmas is a festivity that Singaporeans never fail to celebrate. More and more Christmas-themed events are popping up all over the little island.

Gone are the days when the only Christmasy thing you can do is to shop at Orchard Road, or to admire the fancy light-ups adorning Singapore’s more famous street. Christmas Wonderland in Gardens By The Bay is one highlight to look forward to, as with many weekend festive markets and musicals.

We might not be able to experience real snow in Singapore with its tropical climate, but its line-up of activities will make up for that all.