Almost all of us are waiting for the end of the year, as it’s the most wonderful time of the year. And of course, it’s the best time to relax, to celebrate Christmas and New Year with family and to start the new year with a new page. If you want to discover a new country during this period, then Armenia will pleasantly surprise you.

1․New Year in Armenia

New Year in Armenia is something special. It is the favourite holiday of all Armenians. Preparations for the holidays begin almost a couple of months before: locals buy tasty goodies, make traditional dishes and decorate their houses and streets. On this day every stranger is a desired guest at every home. Do you want to feel the real family warmth and to celebrate New Year with clock chime and friendly crowd? If yes, then this is exactly your option.

2․Christmas in Armenia

Armenian Christmas is celebrated when almost all the Christian world has already celebrated Christmas and New Year. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christmas twice. Those who are seeking for spiritual growth and peace, Christmas Eve in Echmiadzin Cathedral will be an enlightenment for the whole year.

3․Winter wonderland or just Armenian countryside

If you are fond of passive rest, away from civilization, then Armenia has a lot to offer: snowy forests and cozy holiday homes. You can rent a small house in Aghveran or Dilijan. Just imagine a cozy wooden house, pleasant warmth of the fireplace and a fairy winter scene from the window. What else is needed to "restart" and to "recharge" yourself?

4. Gastronomic tourism or the taste of the country

Eat, pray and love… all these in one place. Armenia has a delicious cuisine. Here you can find everything. Winter and Christmas holidays are the best time for gastronomic tourism. Those who like meat will be delighted from various dishes and various ways of their preparations.

But this does not mean, that vegetarians will stay hungry. Only in Armenia, you can taste the most delicious dolma in the world, which is also prepared without meat.

5. In Vino Veritas

Well, what a holiday without good wine, and what a winter without tasty warm wine drinks. Yes, Armenia has a large wine assortment. According to the legend, here Noah found the first grapevine. Since then wine making has become a tradition. Just add pleasant jazz music in a good company somewhere in the center of Yerevan and voila a perfect evening.

6. Extreme sports and active rest

Cannot sit still? Then you need to go to snowy mountains. Tsaghkadzor will offer you ski tracks of various difficulties, so ski as much as you like. But if you want to try something really new, then head to Shirak region, where local extreme lovers will teach you kitesurfing on the snow. So choice is yours, just dare.

7. It’s all about Art

Art lovers will also find something interesting in Armenia. Just do not be lazy and visit the National Gallery to see the pictures by great master of marine arts Ayvazovksi. While passing near Opera and Ballet Theater in Yerevan pay attention to the posters. Why not to spend an interesting cultural evening?

8. Heal your body and soul at Jermuk

Probably you have heard, that there are several magical places on the Earth, where healing water flows and where nature cares of your health. Jermuk is one of such places. Holiday homes located in the mountains will help you to gain incredible strength and energy for the whole year.

9. Shopping is never enough

What else can be done in spare time? Yes, in the local trade centers of the capital you can find both world famous and local clothing brands. Winter sales will not leave shopping lovers indifferent. And during breaks do not forget to enjoy the tastiest ice cream or hot chocolate.

10. Winter decorations and atmosphere

At last, how to learn about the country and feel its atmosphere? Of course to stroll in the streets, to go to tiny streets and just to watch people. Many will like winter decorations, evening illumination and specific architecture, which will leave warm and good memories.

Do not forget to capture interesting moments and to return to Armenia in summer for local fruits and hot sun.