The best places to visit in January
Many travelers eagerly anticipate the arrival of January. While some are looking for the beauty of the Northern Lights, or enjoying the best time for skiing, others aim to participate in vibrant cultural festivals or wishing to swap their winter coats for bathing suits, craving the warmth of sun-drenched beaches in tropical locales.
This guide focuses on six cities offering these unique January experiences. Beijing in China vibrantly comes alive during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Despite the chill of winter, Venice in Italy lures visitors with its distinctive charm, Venice Carnival, and the smaller crowds.
Tromsø, a Norwegian city located well above the Arctic Circle, provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the Northern Lights. For skiing aficionados, Chamonix in France is an iconic destination with its challenging pistes and stunning alpine scenery.
Lastly, Phuket in Thailand is a haven for those searching for a beach vacation. The destination boasts year-round warmth, azure waters, and ample opportunities for relaxation or water-based activities.
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Beijing
In the depth of winter, while other places hibernate, Beijing, the capital of China, hums with anticipation. The reason is the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The time leading up to this event is rich in tradition and celebration, offering a cultural feast for visitors.
As January progresses, the city gears up for the festival with markets brimming with decorations, traditional foods, and gifts. Visit Ditan Park, where the annual temple fair offers a range of local snacks and folk performances. Alternatively, stroll through Wangfujing Snack Street, sampling traditional treats like tanghulu - candied hawthorn sticks.
Yet, it's not all festivity and frivolity. Beijing residents take the New Year seriously, engaging in deep-cleaning their homes to sweep away ill fortune and make way for incoming luck. Don't be surprised if you see red paper-cuts and couplets on doors and windows, a custom believed to bring good luck.
However, be aware that the period from 2 days before the Lunar New Year Day to 2 weeks after that is the time for family reunions. Many businesses close as employees return home. While this offers a quieter experience in Beijing, it also means reduced services and crowded public transportation. Therefore, the time leading up to the Lunar New Year in January is the best time to experience the tradition.
As the New Year approaches, do not miss the chance to witness the spectacle of the CCTV New Year's Gala, a Chinese variety show watched by millions, or witness a fireworks display that paints the sky with colors.
Beijing isn't alone in its fervor for Lunar New Year. Other places such as Shanghai in China, Singapore, Hongkong, Taipei in Taiwan, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi in Vietnam also light up with equal gusto, their skyline punctuated with fireworks and streets echoing with joyous laughter and well-wishes for the coming year.
