CULTURE

RCI is your key to unlocking the world. This year, broaden your horizons while exploring new cultures, traditions, and destinations near and far. Let these six ideas inspire you.

WRITER KARLA WALSH

Meet the Man in the Red Suit in the Arctic Circle

There’s no need to wait until December 24 for Santa to come to you. Head to Rovaniemi, Finland, which is known by locals as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Here, you can meet Santa, his elves, and even his reindeer. A handful of those cheery elves helm the main post office, where you can write a letter to your loved ones — affixed with the special Arctic Circle postmark. (Santa receives about 500,000 letters in this mailbox each year.)

Shop at a European Holiday Market

The sparkling, cozy, and joyful Christmas markets in Bavaria, Germany, are renowned for their mulled wine, stollen, and kiosks that sell handmade giftables. Nuremberg, Munich, and Rothenburg are the most well-known. For a lesser-known excursion, try romantic Treuchtlingen, Danube-adjacent Regensburg, and Passau, where you can shop with a Christkindlmarkt soundtrack courtesy of the world’s largest cathedral organ.

Skate in the Shadow of Rockefeller Center

Visitors flock to Rockefeller Center to take in the sights in Midtown Manhattan, especially the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree come holiday season. Did you know that this evergreen, typically a Norway Spruce, towers above 75 feet? The best spot to savor the view of the beautifully decorated, larger-than-life tree is from The Rink that’s welcomed ice-skaters each winter since Christmas Day 1936. No skates? No sweat. You can rent them on-site.

Journey through Napa Valley on a Festive Wine Train

All aboard, wine-lovers! Whether you’re into Chardonnay or sparkling; Sauvignon Blanc or Syrah, the Napa Valley Wine Train is the ultimate way to ensure your season is spent in good spirits. At the station, guests are greeted by carolers and Santa before departing on a journey that’s accented by a three-course meal with optional wine pairings. For a cozy and kid-friendly option, book Santa’s Cookie Car, a more casual trek that includes a cup of warm cider or cocoa, a fresh-baked cookie, and a visit from Saint Nick.

Cheer from the Stands on Boxing Day

If watching sports is more your style, head to the U.K. on Boxing Day, December 26. The name harkens to an old tradition of families boxing up presents to share with those in need the day after Christmas. These days, Boxing Day is celebrated as a holiday for all but the footballers. (Perhaps it’s time to rebrand it as Dribbling Day?) In 2024, you can snag tickets to enticing Premier League matchups like Chelsea vs Fulham and Newcastle vs Aston Villa.

Tip Back Oysters in France

In France, Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is just the beginning. After the final prayer, families head home and keep the fun going with Le Réveillon, a late-night meal of luxurious delicacies like oysters, escargot, foie gras, caviar, Champagne, and bûche de Noël (Yule log). In Provence, tradition has it that gatherings feature 13 different desserts to pay tribute to Jesus and his 12 apostles.

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