FEEL AT HOME DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON WHILE TRAVELING - FIND HOST FAMILIES ON JOURNALONG APP - COMING SOON

JournAlong, a smartphone travel friend finder app, lets travelers socialize and plan out travel-based activities that cater to mutual interests such as exploring local cuisine, sightseeing, experiencing culture and music, and more. Travel matches have the opportunity to experience local heritage and get to know the city they are visiting, while engaging with other travelers and locals throughout their trip.

This holiday season can be a fun opportunity to connect with locals through JournAlong website and app traveling and various festivities around the world present the opportunity for a unique and fun cultural experience during the holidays no matter where you go. There are a variety of Christmas and New Year’s events happening all throughout the globe, and numerous celebrations are held for the public.

Christmas in Nazareth, Israel

What better way for Christian worshipers to celebrate the birth of Christ than in the Holy Land? In Israel, grand Christmas festivities can be enjoyed in the cities of Nazareth and Bethlehem. In Nazareth, events include tree lighting, an annual Christmas market complete with street performances, Christmas carols, musical performances, traditional dance, and food. On Christmas Eve, a traditional parade is held where thousands of youth from the Christian communities participate in the main street of Nazareth. Fireworks conclude the parade and the Catholic community partakes in Christmas mass. Travelers can indulge in the plethora of colors, lights, music, and joyful atmosphere during the Christmas season, as they immerse themselves in holiday festivities and meet with local families, churches, and other organizations.

In Bethlehem, celebrations start off with a Christmas market called Santa’s Village, where musical performances and classical concerts occur throughout the week leading up to Christmas Eve in Manger Square. Travelers can attend services in the Church of Nativity and partake in the Christmas vigil, as well as pilgrimage to Shepherd’s field. Christmas parties often take place in Jacir Palace and Hotel, featuring local singers and bands where couples can enjoy the bar and lounge for a nice evening out. JournAlong offers travelers the opportunity to meet locals in Bethlehem and Nazareth and participate in a cultural exchange with families or volunteer in local organizations to partake in festive activities, volunteer, and/or stay with a host family for maximum enjoyment during the holidays.

Christmas in Berlin, Germany - find host families on JournAlong

The Aachen Christmas market and Berlin Christmas Market in Germany are a must-see for travelers in Europe! Gospel concerts, Christmas carols, shops featuring baked goods and mulled wine surround the atmosphere the week preceding Christmas Eve. Theaters and museums host special events, traditional Christmas tales, and exhibits and travelers experience the perfect balance between live entertainment, holiday shopping, and family time. JournAlong can be used as a platform to meet locals and families, and engage in cultural events during the holiday season.

Christmas in Armenia 

In Armenia, the first country to adopt Christianity as a national religion in 301AD, Orthodox Armenian Christmas is celebrated on January 6^th. Downtown Yerevan is a sight to see with colorful Christmas lighting, winter decorations, and snow-covered chimneys in this ancient winter wonderland-like downtown area in Republic Square. Kids and adults go for outdoor ice-skating in Swan Lake and the city hosts a week-long Christmas Bazaar featuring tree decorations, warm baked goods such as jams and pastries, jewelry, paintings, warm clothing, and other handmade goods. From late December to mid-January, the municipality organizes daily Christmas concerts and performances as well as an Ice City complete with castles, carousels, and game booths where children get to meet Dzmer Papi, the Armenian Santa Claus. Participate in Armenia’s Candlelight Liturgy service with other locals who are celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ and the light He brought to the world in Armenia’s many historic churches. In addition to spending the holidays at home, Armenians love to celebrate New Year’s parties organized in pubs and various other music venues, featuring traditional food and Armenian music—a great opportunity to hang out with locals and enjoy the winter holidays. 

London’sChristmas lights, festivals, skating rink, and markets are not to be missed this holiday season. The week prior to December 25^th is usually filled with numerous holiday performances such as the Nutcracker ballet, Christmas tales, and more. Visitors and locals can dine together in London’s restaurants and enjoy the festivities while doing Christmas shopping on Oxford and Regent Streets and gazing at seasonal window displays before heading out to watch Christmas carol performances. JournAlong matches can meet up to go ice skating in one of London’s many elegantly decorated skating rinks and venues near Trafalgar Square. Hyde Park features London’s most well-attended attraction, the Winter Wonderland-style theme park filled with carousels, Magical Ice Kingdom, and warm traditional European foods—a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

Whether you find yourself in Israel, Germany, Armenia, or the UK, JournAlong will match you up with locals and enhance your holiday season in way like no other. By joining JournAlong, your holiday experience will leave you feeling mesmerized and fulfilled as you explore each country’s traditional celebrations and meet amazing people. Get ready to fall in love with the cozy and nostalgic atmosphere during Christmas and New Year’s with Bethlehem’s musical performances, Armenia’s Santa Claus, German Christmas markets, London’s Winter Wonderland, and more, with JournAlong travel matching app.