Even though some folks would rather not go shopping during the holidays, others can’t wait for the stores to break out the decorations and open the lines for photos with Santa. If you’re in the latter group and you’re looking for a new shopping experience this year, here are five suggestions.

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1. Minneapolis -- Mall of America
   The nation’s largest enclosed shopping mall is a five-minute ride from the airport by taxi, hotel shuttle or train. With more than 400 specialty shops, a seven-acre indoor family theme park, a movie theater, world-class aquarium, and more than 40 restaurants and eateries, there’s something to entertain everyone.
2. Las Vegas
   Las Vegas has emerged as one of the world’s finest shopping centers. You’ll find a wide range of shopping options ranging from exclusive boutiques to giant outlet malls all located just steps away from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
• Indulge in the convenience of over 145 stores at the Fashion Show Mall.
• Immerse yourself in Roman opulence among 110 upscale shops and restaurants at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
• The Desert Passage at Aladdin offers something for everyone with over 130 shops and 14 restaurants.
• For unprecedented elegance, Via Bellagio offers Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Channel, and other exclusive retail names.
• Enjoy the French retail shops, including boutiques and a great wine and cheese shop set among an outdoor European streetscape theme at Le Boulevard at Paris Las Vegas.
• At Belz Factory Outlet World, you’ll find 155 factory direct outlet stores all under one roof.
• More than 100 designer names like Neiman Marcus, Williams-Sonoma, Polo, Coach, and more can be found 45 minutes south of Las Vegas in Primm at the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas.
3. New York City
   It’s not hard to figure out why so many New Yorkers call their city the greatest in the world. As with so many other things, if you’re a shopper, New York is where you want to be. You’ll find all of the big names in fashion and goods featured in New York such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co. Lord & Taylor, and FAO Schwarz. For ultra-chic shopping, check out Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue. Head to the Village or SoHo for all the small boutiques. For bargains on designer reproductions, Canal Street is the place to be. New York City in the Christmas shopping season is a sight to behold. View the wonderful window displays, and see the famous Christmas tree and skating rink in Rockefeller Center.
4. Frankfurt, Germany
   Frankfurt’s Christmas Markets set it apart from any other shopping destination. They generally open before the first Advent and close two or three days before Dec. 24, so join in the festivities of “Christkindchesmarkt” (meaning Christ Child Market) for all your holiday shopping. Purchase traditional gifts such as a Quetschenmannchen (prune man) for your sweetheart, or delight your children with authentic German toys. Other than the world-famous Christmas Market, Frankfurt’s main shopping district is the chic pedestrian street Zeil, also known as the “Golden Mile.” City officials claim it’s the country’s busiest shopping street, and is famous for its variety of department and specialty stores. A typical purchase in Frankfurt is Äpfelwein (apple wine). You can pick up a taste at any local grocery store, but a more lasting souvenir would be the Bembel, or pitcher, and glasses that are just as much a part of the Äpfelwein tradition. The blue-stoneware pitcher has a fat middle and the glasses are ribbed to give the holder a better grip.
5. Hong Kong
   It’s a long plane ride away, but late November, early December is a good time to visit Hong Kong because the weather is pleasant and the shopping is always incredible. The city is very cosmopolitan, with top-notch restaurants and hotels.
   Some of the items you can expect to find include silk, pottery, custom-made suits and shirts, pearls, and woven baskets. Custom-made gifts include the "chop," which is a marble stamp of your name in Chinese characters. There is a wide selection of everything. Be sure to visit the Stanley Market, Temple Street Night Market and the Jade area. Even department stores are good bets for brand names at much lower prices than in the United States.