We get it, Christmas has a special kind of magic. But if you’re looking for a holiday to remember and, more specifically, one that is wrapped with a bow of comfort, luxury and indulgence, then a Christmas getaway could be the answer.
Luxury Christmas getaways take the regular and give you something truly extraordinary. It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for snow-capped mountains, sun-kissed beaches, glamorous cities or secluded countryside villages. Christmas travel to the world’s most luxurious destinations can offer you an escape the likes of which you’ve never experienced before.
In this all-inclusive guide, we will explore where the best Christmas getaways are located, what makes them great and how you can plan the perfect luxurious, low-stress Christmas escape.
Why Consider a Luxury Christmas Getaway?
For most, Christmas brings visions of family, tradition, good food, and the familiarity of the comforts of home. However, a luxury getaway provides a new way to enjoy Christmas – with a touch of pampering and convenience.
Here are some reasons why luxury Christmas travel might be just the ticket:
1. Low-Stress Holiday
A luxury resort or boutique hotel can take away all the hosting, cooking, cleaning and entertaining responsibilities. You have no worries when all the details are taken care of for you.
From five-star holiday meals to pampered suites and pre-planned seasonal events, a luxury escape is about saying goodbye to stress during this sometimes chaotic winter time.
2. Celebrate in Style
Champagne and mulled wine in Paris under the Eiffel Tower, cocktails in a private hot tub on the deck with views of snow-covered mountains, Michelin-starred dining. The luxury element will elevate every moment of your Christmas holiday.
3. Experiencing Holiday Traditions Around the World
Cultures around the globe all celebrate Christmas in unique ways. A luxury getaway lets you enjoy Christmas markets across Europe, or indulge in a beach Christmas feast in the tropics.
4. Spending Quality Time with Family and Friends
Planning and organizing a holiday can take up lots of time and attention. When this is done for you, you can focus more on the people you’re traveling with. Luxury travel is all about spending quality time with loved ones without distractions.
5. Bucket-List Worthy Memories
Celebrating Christmas in a luxury resort, a fairy-tale château or at an exclusive island resort will be far more memorable than the norm.
Luxury Christmas Getaway Destinations
Luxury Christmas destinations are as varied as the seven seas. From snowy alpine hideaways and elegant city escapes to secluded coastal paradises, these are some of the world’s best luxury holiday options for Christmas.
1. The Swiss Alps – Ultimate Luxury Winter Wonderland
For many of us when we think of a luxurious, traditional and snowy Christmas, we see the Alps. Mountain villages like Zermatt, St. Moritz and Gstaad have world-renowned skiing, plush chalets, gourmet dining and of course, iconic holiday decor.
Why It’s Ideal for Christmas
There is always snow.
Chalet accommodations with private chefs, spas and all the perks.
Glamorous après-ski restaurants and entertainment.
Ice-skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides and Christmas markets.
Luxury Experiences You Must Try
Stay in a glass-walled chalet with panoramic mountain views.
Ski private slopes with expert instructors.
Enjoy gourmet Christmas meals at Michelin-starred restaurants.
2. Paris, France – Iconic Elegance and Romance
Paris is magical at any time of year, but at Christmas it turns up the wow-factor. Luxury hotels, historic cafés and sparkling Christmas lights create one of the most indulgent holiday experiences around.
Why Luxury Travelers Love Paris for Christmas
Iconic Christmas décor and displays
Luxury shopping on the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne
Luxury palace hotels with festive holiday suites
Must-Do Luxury Experiences
Christmas Eve dinner cruise on the Seine
After-hours private tour of the Louvre
Stay at the Ritz Paris or Le Meurice
3. The Maldives – Ultra-Opulent Tropical Christmas
For those that equate luxury with turquoise ocean, white sand and overwater bungalows, the Maldives is the most indulgent Christmas escape.
Why It’s Ideal
Ultra-luxury resorts with all the bells and whistles.
Private island getaways and excursions.
Personalized holiday events and chef-prepared gourmet meals.
Memorable Christmas Highlights
Holiday dinners by candlelight on the beach
Private snorkeling tours with marine biologists.
Overwater bungalows decorated for Christmas.
4. Aspen, Colorado – Glitzy Mountains, a Stylish Christmas in the U.S.
Aspen combines luxury, adventure and festive cheer like no other destination. The town transforms into a sparkling Christmas village surrounded by world-class ski slopes.
Why Travelers Choose Aspen
Upscale ski resorts
Upscale boutiques and cozy gourmet restaurants.
Holiday performances and parties.
Luxury Experiences You Must Try
Ski-in, ski-out lodges
Spa retreats with views of the Rockies
Fireside wine tastings and holiday feasts.
5. Dubai, UAE – Ultra-Modern Luxury and Sunshine
Dubai is a city that embraces Christmas with enthusiasm, extravagance, festive brunches and warm weather. A perfect blend of desert luxury and modern glamour.
Things to Know
Ultra-luxury hotels such as Atlantis and Burj Al Arab
Celebrating Christmas on the beach
Desert tours and private yacht rentals
Memorable Indulgent Holiday Highlights
Luxurious Christmas brunches
Shopping festivals
Spa getaways with a view.
6. Vienna, Austria – Classic Sophistication and Christmas Charm
Vienna is famous for its refined, classic Christmas celebrations, classical music and old-world charm. A perfect luxury destination for those who appreciate history and culture.
Why It’s Ideal
Palatial imperial architecture
Famous Christmas markets
Five-star hotels steeped in history
Luxury Experiences to Include
Christmas concerts at Schönbrunn Palace
Gourmet pastries and hot chocolate in café salons
Horse-drawn carriage rides around the city center
7. Seychelles – Secluded Luxury Tropical Escape
If seclusion, privacy, natural beauty and a remote island paradise sound like your ideal Christmas escape, Seychelles has an unbeatable luxury experience.
Why Luxury Travelers Love It
Exclusive resorts on private islands
Spa treatments with ocean views
Personalized holiday events
Memorable Holiday Highlights
Sunset cruises
Fine dining in restaurants surrounded by jungle
Private villas with infinity pools
8. New York City – Big Apple Iconic Christmas Luxury
New York City is about as iconic and unmissable as it gets. So if you’re looking for a luxury Christmas experience with bright lights, show-stopping performances and non-stop charm, NYC is hard to beat.
What Makes It Great for Luxury Travelers
Five-star hotels with themed suites.
Premier dining and holiday shows
Famous holiday attractions
Luxury Experiences to Include
VIP tickets to Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Private shopping experiences in Fifth Avenue boutiques
Stay at The Plaza or The St. Regis.
9. Lapland, Finland – Luxury Santa Claus Experience
For a truly magical, fairy-tale Christmas that’s one-of-a-kind, Lapland is a luxury must-visit. Northern lights, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile adventures and the ultimate in luxury – private glass igloos.
Ideal For
Families looking for a luxurious winter wonderland
Couples searching for a romantic, snowy getaway.
Luxury Christmas Experiences
Private visits with Santa.
Northern lights viewing in heated glass igloos
Snowmobile and reindeer safari tours.
10. Italian Countryside – Elegant & Timeless Holiday Escape
From Tuscany to the Dolomites and Abruzzo to Umbria, Italy is full of elegant countryside and mountain getaways featuring gourmet food, wine and old-world charm.
Luxury Elements
Boutique hotels and villas
Authentic holiday feasts
Cozy landscapes and festive villages
Luxury Experiences to Include
Christmas dinner at a vineyard estate
Spa days in mountain resorts
Cooking classes with an Italian chef.
How to Plan the Perfect Luxury Christmas Getaway
Luxury holidays are always better when thoughtfully planned. Here’s what to consider:
1. Book Early for Busy Destinations
Luxury chalets, overwater villas, and five-star resorts fill up quickly. Book months in advance for a stress-free Christmas escape.
2. Holiday Packages
Look for all-inclusive packages at luxury resorts. Includes food, activities, spa treatments and more.
3. Private Villa or Chalet
Private villas and chalets provide extra privacy, personalized service and exclusivity. Ideal for families or couples.
4. Plan Unique Experiences
Luxury travel is all about memorable moments:
Private yacht charters
Gourmet tasting menus
Personal photographers
Exclusive tours.
5. Decide on Climate Preferences
Snowy white Christmas or warm tropical?
Decide your climate preferences for Christmas and find the right destination.
Luxury Activities to Include in Your Christmas Holiday
Luxury Christmas travel is about experiences just as much as the destination itself. Here are some ideas to take it to the next level.
Snowy Destinations
Private ski lessons
Hot springs and spa days
Candlelit dinners in a cozy mountain chalet
City Destinations
VIP museum tours
Michelin-starred Christmas meals
Personal shopping experiences
Tropical Destinations
Sunset yacht cruises
Private island picnics
Luxury in-villa massages and spa treatments.
What to Pack For Your Luxury Christmas Getaway
Your packing list will differ depending on the destination and activities, but here are some general tips:
Cold Destination Packing List
Layering thermals
Warm winter coat
Gloves, scarves and hats
Evening wear for dinners
Waterproof boots
Warm Destination Packing List
Breathable and comfortable clothing
Swimwear, sandals and resort wear
Light evening outfits
Sunscreen and sunglasses
General Essentials
Travel documents and insurance
Portable charger and international plug adapter
Travel-friendly gifts for loved ones
Toiletries and skincare
Final Thoughts on Creating an Unforgettable Luxury Christmas
Luxury Christmas getaways give you an opportunity to create a holiday experience unlike any other. Instead of bustling around and prepping meals, juggling holiday events and running errands, a luxury getaway lets you slow down, indulge and appreciate the beauty of the season.
Whether your dream is nestled in snow-covered mountains, sun-kissed beaches, cosmopolitan cities or a remote island paradise, luxury Christmas travel adds a new level of magic and awe to the season.
Dreaming of a Christmas filled with elegance, comfort and memorable moments? This is your year to make it happen.
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