"Riistunturi National Park, Finland" winter

"Riistunturi National Park, Finland" winter, Lapland, the northern region of Finland, is known as the secret home of Santa Claus — which may be why people travel to this snow-covered land of reindeer in the winter. Plus, you’ll almost definitely see the majestic Northern Lights at night.

Take the kids to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi; visit Joulukka to see elf school and maybe get a peek at the Santa Claus Top Secret Command Center, and don’t miss the underground caves at Santa Park.

The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich sits on the edge of Lake Zurich just north of the Alps. It’s known for its plentiful museums, art galleries, and famous opera house.

During the holidays, the city is all about Advent festivals and Christmas markets. Have some mulled wine and shop at one of the oldest markets in Zurich in the Niederdorf quarter. Then, sing carols while you watch hundreds of floating candles get launched down the Limmat River on Dec. 18.