CULTURE

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to travel to three international destinations that take their celebrations seriously. We’re sharing inspiration now, so you can start making your lists and checking them twice for a most unforgettable holiday in 2024.

WRITER KARLA WALSH

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Riviera Maya

Come late October and early November, the border between heaven and earth is said to blur, allowing souls of those who have passed to return to our living world to eat, drink, dance, savor, and celebrate with loved ones. The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a colorful and joyful event commemorated over a few days every year. Día de los Muertos traditions are such a reflection of indigenous Mexican culture that they’re now recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Like a trail of breadcrumbs, local families welcome their relatives’ spirits back to earth by showering flower petals and placing candles and other sentimental offerings from their cemetery plots to the family’s home. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, you need not follow a trail to find the entrance of the Festival of Life and Death Traditions — it’s clearly marked and ready to welcome you October 30 through November 2 at Xcaret park in 2024. Expect plenty of skull and skeleton motifs (two of the holiday’s signature symbols), rainbow-hued decor, plays, dances, concerts, workshops, and an interactive hacienda, where those who are less familiar with Día de los Muertos can take part in hands-on experiences to learn more about the holiday’s traditions. Before and after the festivities, be sure to stroll through the other portions of Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park with waterslides, snorkeling, and more about 50 miles south of Cancún. In addition to the botanic beauty, you’ll be able to witness locals' half-painted faces (a custom that’s said to represent life and death).

Deepavali (Diwali)

Singapore

Deepavali, or Diwali, is considered by many Hindus to be the MVP of Indian holidays. Indians light up rows (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) outside of their abodes to showcase the light that protects them from spiritual darkness. From October 31 through November 4, 2024, you can witness this in person throughout cities around the globe. One of the best places to soak up the radiance? Singapore. Here, you can step inside the Indian Heritage Centre to study up on history in this Southeast Asian country. Leading up to the festival of lights, the museum also offers a Deepavali exhibit full of free family activities, including craft workshops, celebrity chef culinary demonstrations, live musical performances, and storytelling. Be sure to carve out 60 minutes during your vacation to hop aboard the Deepavali Big Bus Tour. The double-decker bus will give you a bird’s-eye view of the Little India neighborhood and its intricate street-spanning light displays. As you ride, you’ll roll past the majestic Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Singapore. That name carries a lot of significance: Sri Veeramakaliamman is known as an evil-destroying goddess. Most of the temple’s early members were former residents of India who had migrated to Singapore, and this temple was supposed to bolster them during this transition and help them feel safe, secure, and centered in their new homeland. The moniker grew in impact during World War II, when the temple sheltered locals during Japanese air raids.

Weihnachten (Christmas)

Vienna

Christmas in Vienna is such a dreamy scene that this was the title of a 2020 Hallmark movie. You’ll certainly give the real-life experience two big thumbs up if you plan a trip to the capital of Austria around December 25. There are more than a dozen Christmas markets in Vienna, and many run past Advent, the anticipatory four-week season that concludes on Christmas Eve and involves the preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ. Quite possibly the most famous Viennese Christkindlmarkt is Rathausplatz, which is situated in front of the town hall. Expect about 100 stalls and opportunities for ice-skating, then swing through the nearby park that’s overflowing with lights and features a Ferris wheel. Another notable Christkindlmarkt is at Stephansplatz, which is right in the heart of Vienna and situated at the foot of the picturesque Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral). The market includes more than 40 booths, offering snow globes, schnapps, and seasonal goodies in the shadow of a towering, illuminated evergreen tree. For one of the most impressive displays, be sure to include a visit to Christmas Village Belvedere Palace. Due to its somewhat off-the-beaten-path location and intimate size, the market is smaller and less busy than others. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in history and scenery. As you shop, stroll, and sip, your backdrop is a Baroque palace and its lake, which glimmers from the star-shaped lights that dangle above. Arrive early to tour the palace’s impressive art collection.