3 Holiday Cities That Feel Straight Out of a Storybook

Some cities feel special all year long, but during the holiday season, they reveal an entirely different kind of magic. Lights glow brighter, traditions feel a little deeper, and every street seems to hold its own story.

Whether you enjoy historic charm, fairytale beauty, or big-city energy, these three destinations offer unforgettable ways to celebrate the season.

Edinburgh, Scotland: A Holiday Filled With History and Warmth

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Edinburgh feels like stepping into a beautifully written story lit with lanterns and gentle winter light. As the colder months settle in, the city takes on a warm golden glow. Its medieval lanes feel alive with music, handmade goods, and the scent of seasonal treats floating through the air.

Walk the Royal Mile, explore artisan stalls, or pause to admire the castle as it rises above the city. Edinburgh’s holiday spirit feels both intimate and grand. It is a place where tradition and warmth meet in the most welcoming way.

Ljubljana, Slovenia: A Fairytale City Sparkling With Light

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Few places transform for the holidays quite like Ljubljana. Its riverside paths glimmer with festive lights, bridges shine with shimmering displays, and the charming old town becomes a quiet world of wonder and warmth.

Cafés fill with the scent of pastries and warm drinks. Musicians perform along the water. Light installations turn every corner into a gentle scene of celebration. Ljubljana feels peaceful, joyful, and perfect for slow holiday wandering.

New York City: Where the Holidays Light Up Every Street

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New York celebrates the holidays with a kind of bold and joyful energy found nowhere else. Fifth Avenue sparkles with imaginative window displays. Skating rinks glow beneath towering city lights. Every neighborhood buzzes with its own festive personality.

Explore Central Park as snow gathers on the branches, admire iconic seasonal decorations, or visit lively markets filled with flavors from around the world. The city’s energy is bright, beautiful, and unforgettable during this time of year.

Bring the Holiday Magic Home

Edinburgh, Ljubljana, and New York City each offer a unique kind of seasonal wonder. Historic streets, glowing bridges, and world-famous lights make these cities unforgettable during the holidays.

You can explore destinations like these through Discover Live’s interactive virtual tours, guided in real time by locals who share the spirit, stories, and traditions of their hometowns.

If you are searching for a meaningful holiday gift, you can also give to the world.

A Discover Live Experience Voucher lets someone special explore more than two hundred destinations in real time. It is more than a present. It is a memory waiting to begin.