Top 10 year-end destinations for Singaporeans

This article first appeared on Skyscanner’s Top 10 year-end destinations for Singaporeans

The end of the year is closer than you think! Do you know where you're going to celebrate Christmas and New Year or a vacation just to close the 2016 chapter?

Take a look at this handy guide; based on Skyscanner data, these are the top 10 destinations that Singaporeans are searching for their year-end holidays.

We show you the reasons why so that you can plan that vacation right now and book your tickets ASAP!

1. Tokyo

As the official coolest city on the planet, Tokyo has a little something for everyone. Is it tradition you're looking for? Tokyo attractions -Buddhist temples like the famous Sensoji in Asakusa, ancient shrines such as the beautiful Meiji Jingu, gorgeous ryokan and onsen resorts- will inspire your inner samurai.

Prefer excitement? The lights, street scenes, pubs, clubs and mass of humanity will have your blood pumping.

New Year is Japan's biggest holiday, and you can enjoy the countdown surrounded by cheering throngs of locals who will greet you with open arms and some hot sake.

Stop by a department store for a fukubukuro (lucky shopping bag) or several, and take advantage of the year's biggest bargains while you're there.

Some of the more famous stores with great fukubukuro finds are LaForet in Harajuku, the Apple Store in Ginza and Isetan in Shinjuku, where some even lineup in the wee hours of the morning to get the best bags!

2. Seoul

For fans of Descendants of the Sun, lovers of Korean culture in general, or just plain travel buffs, Seoul makes an amazing year-end destination. You'll never feel cold inside a jimjilbang, the traditional style spa where Koreans sweat their way through the cold months. Mingle and make new friends over beers and friend chicken.

Lotte World will be throwing an amazing Christmas party this year, and K-pop fans won't want to miss Ara-ho, a pop concert on a boat in the middle of the Hangang river, now until 31st December 2016.

Boats leave the dock at 7:30pm and the nearest station to get there is Yeouinaru. For more details, head to Let's Go Korea.

Make sure you go ice-skating at Seoul Plaza, check out a Sunrise Festival held on the first day of the new year all over Korea or go for a romantic walk where the streets are decorated with beautiful illuminations and romance fills the air.

3. Taipei

If you're not the type of person who enjoys a white Christmas, or if you just hate the cold in general, Taipei is a wonderfully temperate option for you. It's cool enough (around 13 °C) that you'll know you're out of the tropics but not so cold that your extremities go numb (around 25 °C).

Of course, there are tonnes of eating, drinking and dining options, befitting its status as a major Asian city, with lots of traditional and innovative ways of celebrating our familiar holidays.

If Stinky Tofu is not your thing, make sure you don't leave Taipei without trying shaved ice mountain, Taiwanese sausage and beef noodles!

If you're sporty, you can try December's Taipei International Marathon on 18 December, or, enjoy the fantastic NYE party the city has become known for.

With over 1 million visitors heading to the city, you know it'll be rocking. Make time to enjoy Christmasland, a beautifully illuminated enclave with the country's tallest Christmas trees, parades and goodies to purchase.

4. London

For a romantic European year-end getaway, London comes highly recommended. Stroll the streets like Oxford, Carnaby and Regent with throngs of shoppers and take in the festive decorations that adorn the ancient capital.

Near Christmas, the halls are decked and the revellers come out to enjoy the holiday spirit.

Carollers take to the streets, and concerts are held across the city for the enjoyment of the people. Ice skating in Big Ben's shadow is a delight to be savoured.

The piazza and cobbled streets of Covent Garden Christmas Market is postcard-perfect and don't forget to shower your loved ones back home with a Christmas gift from the Tate Modern Christmas Market. Come enjoy this wonderful holiday in this magical city.

5. Hong Kong

For an Anglophile Christmas, you don't have to head all the way to Old Blighty to get your fix. There are plenty of places in beautiful Hong Kong, with its long history of English influence, to scratch that particular itch.

Plenty of events celebrating the season are being held during this time, such as traditional British feasts, ballet performances and Christmas specials at Disneyland.

New Year's Eve is, of course, a massive celebration. Victoria Harbourfront is thronged with people waiting to watch the laser show and fireworks. Don't skip out on brilliant decorations in Central too.

And add to that, at Christmas the shopping and the food is a cut above the rest.

6. Bangkok

December is a dry time of year for Bangkok, so the weather will be delightful no matter what you have planned. Indoor or out, there's so much to see and do in Bangkok at the end of the year.

See the skies light up with lanterns at Loy Krathong on 15 November this year - it's truly magical. The Christmas bargains in Bangkok are insane, naturally, and you'll be able to get a great price for all your presents (for others or yourself!).

Bangkok really outdoes itself on New Year's Eve, and if you can't find an awesomely fun party to count the seconds down at, then you haven't been trying.

There are classic options, like rooftop al fresco feasts with bubbly drinks and warm companionship, and there are multiple fireworks displays happening throughout the city.

A great spot for families is Asiatique, where the kids will have no problems staying up late to ring in the new year. Their countdown event starts at 5pm.

7. Osaka

Osaka rivals Tokyo in many ways, and as an end of year destination, it really holds its own. The city begins to light up in November, and walking the illuminated streets with a close friend or someone you love can feel magical.

Of course, Osaka is known as Japan's kitchen, and the local culinary scene is spectacular, with lots of local favourites like okonomiyaki, takoyaki and more.

You may have tried these dishes somewhere in town, but they truly take it to the next level in Osaka. Jazz fans will love the Tombori River Jazz Boat, a chance to cruise the Dotonbori River with some of the coolest cats in town.

Did you know that Osaka is the birth place of jazz in Japan?

8. Manila

Manila is really coming into its own as a destination for revellers, and as the biggest city of a very Christian country, you know they'll do Christmas right. It's a great place to enjoy Christmas themed illuminations, and the shopping malls will be bursting with bargains.

Check out Mall of Asia, Mega Mall and Robinsons Place Mall to fill up your suitcases with lots of good buys.

If you'd like to catch a glimpse of their culture and religion, visit any church during Christmas too!

English is the lingua franca, so you won't even have to brush up on your language skills before you go. New Year's Eve is also a draw, and the parties thrown at the grand hotels are always a blast. Try Resorts World Manila for a classy way to ring in the new year.

9. Sapporo

Japan's snow capital is the place to be for a real winter wonderland. It will be very cold of course, and the snow will pile high, but with its heated streets and well-insulated buildings, you won't have to suffer to enjoy the seasonal treats.

For starters, you can check out the Munich Christmas Market, which runs from 27 November through Christmas Eve from 11am to 9pm.

This traditional German style market at Odori Park has been held in Sapporo for the past 14 years, and attendees can enjoy some of the best beer and sausages you'll find outside of der vaterland.

For light shows, check out Sapporo White Illumination from 18 November 2016 to 12 February 2017 at Ekimae Dori, which will enchant your holiday journey.

While you're there, participate in the age-old ritual of onsen bathing, where you soak your stresses and chills away in very hot mineral water.

10. Melbourne

If you want a taste of Europe, but are afraid of the cold, Melbourne is the perfect place to be. December is midsummer down there, but people are festive and ready to celebrate Christmas nonetheless.

It's a great excuse to doff your trousers, don a Santa hat, and hit the beach. Even in the middle of summer, Melbourne with its temperamental weather may still give you a chill or two, so bring a light jacket.

The warmth of the city will counteract any breezes that come up from the south. This year, the Frankston's Christmas Festival of Lights will be held on 26th November from 5pm to 10pm.

The festivities will include the lighting of their Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa! Or if you prefer something wilder, the Melbourne Zoo is holding a Wild Christmas Party for you to enjoy live entertainment, food and mystery animal experience.