Tropical holiday destinations offer alternative Christmas celebrations

Travelers seeking warmth during the holiday season can find unique Christmas traditions in tropical locations such as the Seychelles and the Maldives.

On the island of Praslin in the Seychelles, Christmas celebrations incorporate Creole culture. Traditions include decorating trees with views of the Indian Ocean, using local rum instead of eggnog, and serving octopus curry, known as Curry Zourit. Some local resorts even feature themed arrivals for Santa Claus via helicopter and beach buggies.

In the Shaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, festivities are centered around the Indian Ocean and the local reef ecosystems.