Experience a new culture this Christmas

There is nothing quite like that first moment every year when you start to feel a bit Christmassy. It could be the first card coming through the door, the advent calendars going on sale in Tesco, or the first time Band Aid gets played on the radio.

For many of us, it’s the switching on of the local high street’s Christmas lights that really stirs up that festive feeling. It makes the dark evenings, chilly nights, crowded shops and non-stop “Best Christmas Album Ever” playlists all seem worthwhile. Indeed not even the inevitable appearance of a washed up X-factor winner can ruin the magic.

The Oxford street lights are switched on in London on Wednesday 7th November, so Kayak.co.uk, the world’s leading travel search engine has had a look at some other great cities that get into the seasonal spirit.

Get a summary of airfares to these spots by using Kayak’s Trip Idea section. From there you can easily use Kayak’s award-winning Fare Buzz to get an instant snapshot of air fare prices to locations from your home airport. See kayak.co.uk/h/buzz/view?dt=I&t=4006491&code=.

Kayak.co.uk is the UK arm of the hugely successful Kayak.com; the world’s largest travel search website.

• Oslo

For a picture perfect experience visit the Holmenkollen area of Oslo, and enjoy snow, skiing, Christmas markets and even restaurants where you can sample the local reindeer (sorry Rudolf!). Based in the highest hill surrounding Oslo you have easy access to both the forest and the city. Holmenkollen is a winter wonderland where it really does feel like Christmas.

Flights from London from £62 with Norwegian Shuttle, leaving 6 December, returning 9 December

• Munich

How about visiting this fairy-tale city and tobogganing in the German Alps? The very adventurous can attempt the 2km Bavarian death luge, which is not for the fainthearted but offers a thrilling icey ride. It takes over two hours to get to the top, and is lit with lanterns all the way. If you are brave enough to keep your eyes open during your descent you can enjoy spectacular views all around the city, including fireworks and Christmas celebrations.

Flights from London from £60 with EasyJet, leaving 13 December, returning 16 December

• New York

There is simply no better time to visit New York. From the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center to the Christmas window displays at Macy's and Saks, the Christmas sights during the holiday season are timeless and stirring. You have seen it in the movies, so why not see Christmas in New York for yourself? Hold off on shopping until you get there and take advantage of the exchange rate at the stores along Fifth Avenue.

Flights from London from £230 with Northwest, leaving 5 December, returning 10 December

• Stockholm

December 13th is one of the shortest days in Sweden and Saint Lucia Day. Local women dress up as Saint Lucia wearing a white dress and crown of candles and a beauty contest follows with the winner being appointed Santa Lucia of the year. Traditional songs and foods such as gingerbread biscuits help complete the celebrations. Sweden isn’t renowned for bad looks, and this event brings light and warmth to the cold, dark Swedish winter.

Flights from London from £107 with SAS, leaving 6 December, returning 9 December

• Paris

Paris is beautiful all year round, but it really bursts to life at Christmas. The Christmas tree outside Notre Dame, ice skating in front of the town hall, bustling Christmas markets and the Champs Elysees decked in Lights are all magical sights to behold.

Flights from London from £49 with EasyJet, leaving 17 December, returning 20 December.

For more information visit kayak.co.uk.