Pics: Traditional Christmas celebrations across the world

If you feel that the real meaning of Christmas seems lost in the present-day, then head to these places to experience a traditional Christmas celebration.

1. Bethlehem

IMAGE: A visitor prays inside the grotto, where Christians believe the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, in the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. Photograph: Mohamad Torokman/Reuters

The Christmas celebrations at Bethlehem will transport you back in time. There's no better time to be here than on Christmas eve.

Bethlehem marks the traditional birthplace of Jesus, and the town still prides itself at celebrating Christmas without killing its real essence.

According to the Museum of the Bible, 'The annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Bethlehem is a major event in this city in the West Bank -- one of the largest Palestinian Christian communities in the Middle East.'

A towering Christmas tree is erected in Manger Square, and every building of this historical town is lit on Christmas eve.

The 12th Century Church of the Nativity, which has been resorted just in time for Christmas this year, houses the Grotto of the Nativity, above, the place where Jesus is said to be born.

A sight to see: Visit the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, which is lit up with more than 35,000 lights during the holiday season.

2. Santa Claus Village, Finland

IMAGE: Santa Claus waits for visitors at the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi, Finland. Photograph: Pawel Kopczynski/Reuters

Want to meet Santa Claus on Christmas? Then a trip to the Santa Claus Village in Finland's Arctic Circle is a must.

It's the place to be if you want to experience a white Christmas too!

The history: Almost destroyed during the Second World War, in 1950 Rovaniemi hosted Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was there to witness the rebuilding process.

The officials build a cabin eight km north of the city, and that marked the birth of Santa Claus Village.

According to Visit Rovaniemi, 'Santa Claus' original home lies in the mysterious Korvatunturi in Finnish Lapland.

'Since the exact location is a secret only known to a chosen few, he decided to establish an office in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, in 1985.

'Rovaniemi received the status of the official hometown of Santa Claus in 2010.'

IMAGE: Visitors stand outside Santa Claus' office at the Santa Claus Village. Photograph: Pawel Kopczynski/Reuters

A sight to see: Santa Park, which is situated close to the village, is an amusement park you wouldn't want to miss visiting.

3. The Vatican, Italy

IMAGE: An artist works on a sand sculpture representing part of nativity scene in St Peter's square at the Vatican. Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

Almost every corner of the Vatican comes alive with nativity scenes.

When at the Vatican, you must attend a midnight mass in St Peter's Basilica -- it will be an affair for you to remember.

You can watch the pope celebrate the Christmas mass at the Vatican -- it is the most-watched mass in the world.

4. Zurich, Switzerland

IMAGE: An illuminated opera house is seen behind a Christmas market in Zurich, Switzerland. Photograph: Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters

Snow-topped mountains make Switzerland more appealing during Christmas.

It's known for its Christmas markets, Christmas-themed city strolls and a singing Christmas tree that comes alive on Werdmuhleplatz.

5. Vienna, Austria

IMAGE: A Christmas tree and a Christmas market are set up in front of St Stephen's cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna. Photograph: Lisi Niesner/Reuters

Missing the old-fashioned Christmas celebrations? Then head to Vienna.

Foodies, here's your chance to taste that wonderful spiced mulled wine.

When there, don't miss listening to the Vienna Boy's choir.

IMAGE: An advent market is seen in front of Belvedere palace in Vienna, Austria. Photograph: Heinz-Peter Bader/Reuters

6. Luceram, France

IMAGE: A nativity scene is seen in Saint Pierre chapel. Photograph: Eric Gaillard/Reuters

Christmas is big occasion here and every year, the locals come together to decorate the village with pine branches and red and gold ribbons.

As you walk past the homes, every window will have a nativity scene.

Come December and Luceram presents more than 450 nativity scenes, in all sizes, as part of the Circuit des Creches.

7. Kolkata, Shillong, Goa

IMAGE: People attend a Christmas Eve mass at St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

You don't need to earn flier miles to experience a traditional Christmas celebration.

Back home too, there are places where you can make your celebrations memorable.

In Kolkata, Park Street comes to life with decorations and lights.

St Paul's Cathedral organises a midnight mass and the Anglo-Indian communities in Kolkata still celebrate it the traditional way.

IMAGE: Indian painter Swapan Das gives finishing touches to a portrait of Jesus Christ on a busy road in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata. Photograph: Jayanta Shaw/Reuters

The North East is a perfect place to witness Christmas. In Shillong, the days leading to Christmas are reserved for baking, shopping and the streets here are decked in all their glory.

People attended the midnight mass on Christmas eve and there's usually a community lunch on December 26 or 27.

Crib making is a cherished tradition in Goa, and you must go crib-hopping to get into the Christmas spirit.

Locals practice an old custom of burning the effigy of the old man to usher in the New Year.

You can attend the midnight mass at the 400-year old church Missa de Galo.

Goa can get pretty touristy during Christmas. If you want to stay away from the tourists and enjoy a quiet Christmas, head to South Goa (avoid Colva in South Goa).