Christmas Eve is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle and get away from it all! Some people like to spend their Christmas at home, with family members, special foods, and familiar traditions. However, some people are intrepid travelers and just love to see new places during the holidays. If this is the case, planning a Christmas destination party gives you a chance to start the holiday season with a fresh perspective, new cultural influences, stunning views, and the feeling of adventure that is harder to come by in your living room.
There are so many fun options for Christmas Eve destination parties, from snowy getaways to tropical escapes, from luxury resorts to cosmopolitan city adventures. This list will provide unique, fun, and festive ideas for Christmas Eve destination parties to give you new ideas for the ultimate Christmas getaway.
Reasons to Choose a Destination Party for Christmas Eve
Traveling and celebrating Christmas away from home can be a very satisfying experience. Travelers from all over the world are choosing destination Christmas celebrations for all these reasons.
Avoid Holiday Stress
Traveling can help you avoid holiday stress. No more hosting family and friends, preparing huge holiday meals, cleaning and decorating your house, and wearing many different hats at once. Instead, you can go to an exciting or relaxing new place and simply enjoy yourself.
Make New Holiday Traditions
Traveling for Christmas allows you to make new holiday memories and traditions. Spending Christmas in new places makes each one special in different ways. Your new favorite Christmas Eve traditions could include things like sunset dinners on a beach cabana, midnight walks in the snow, local holiday festivals, or group toasts beneath the stars.
Rediscover Connection with Travel
Travel is a time for reconnection and creating more meaningful connections with others. The beautiful location, along with a lack of many of the usual distractions at home, can create an environment to share experiences, stories, and laughter.
Try Global Holiday Cultures
Destinations around the world are full of their own unique ways to celebrate Christmas. Whether it is European Christmas markets, Pacific island luaus, alpine lodge getaways, or anywhere in between, all corners of the world have their own holiday charm to offer.
Types of Christmas Eve Destination Parties
The best way to plan for Christmas may depend on your location. Below are the main types of Christmas Eve destination ideas to get you started.
1. Beach Destinations for Christmas Eve
A beach destination might be for you if you are looking for sunshine and warmer weather and are tired of wintertime shivering in the cold. Having Christmas on the beach can be very relaxing and romantic, with things like sandy toes, sunset views over the ocean, local beach food and drinks, and tropical holiday weather.
Christmas Beach Party Ideas
Sunset Christmas Eve BBQ
Grill up local seafood and tropical fruits while you enjoy the sound of ocean waves.
Tropical Luau
Use flower leis, traditional island music, and foods with local roasted dishes.
Bonfire Beach Party
Roast marshmallows or other treats over a fire and listen to music and share stories.
Oceanfront Dinner Party
Rent a beachfront table at a restaurant for a private and festive Christmas Eve meal.
Beach Destinations
Caribbean
Hawaii
Maldives
Bali
Seychelles
Zanzibar
Mexico (Riviera Maya)
All these destinations are great options if you are looking for warmth, festive experiences, and easygoing holiday fun.
2. Mountain and Ski Resort Destinations for Christmas Eve
On the other hand, if you are a fan of snow, chimneys, and a winter wonderland setting, a mountain destination might be your ideal Christmas fantasy. There is nothing quite like spending Christmas Eve in a scenic mountain area—it is the ultimate Instagram moment with snow-covered rooftops, pine trees, cozy cabins, and warm holiday aromas.
Christmas Eve Mountain Party Ideas
Fireside at the Lodge
Drink hot drinks, listen to holiday music, and snuggle up with blankets and pillows.
Ski-and-Sip Party
Enjoy skiing or snowboarding during the day and warm up with a Christmas Eve dinner.
Snowshoeing or Night Walk
Rent snowshoes and take a moonlit tour of the local area.
Hot Tub Christmas Eve
Rent a hot tub and soak in the tub while surrounded by snowy pine trees.
Mountain Destinations
Swiss Alps
Canadian Rockies
Aspen, CO
Austria (Austrian Alps)
Japan (Hokkaido region)
Italy (Dolomites)
Each of these areas is world-famous for its winter activities and cozy mountain charm that is perfect for a Christmas Eve destination party.
3. City Destinations for Christmas Eve Celebrations
Cities around the world all know how to celebrate Christmas with lively events, twinkle lights, festive markets, and more. A Christmas Eve party in the city can be elegant, glamorous, or adventurous, depending on your tastes.
City Christmas Party Ideas
Rooftop Christmas Eve Party
View the city skyline while sipping on festive cocktails and drinks.
Christmas Market Tour
Sample local delicacies and buy gifts while listening to live music.
Holiday Lights Walking Tour
Visit the most decorated streets and buildings in the city.
Dinner and Holiday Show
Enjoy holiday performances and acts that are unique to your destination.
City Destinations
New York City
London
Paris
Vienna
Tokyo
Dubai
Sydney
These cities are among the most famous for their huge Christmas decorations, festive concerts, and holiday shopping and nightlife scenes.
4. Countryside or Rural Destinations for Christmas Eve
For those who prefer quiet and seclusion during the holidays, a countryside location may be an excellent choice. Booking a cabin, eco-lodge, vineyard cottage, country inn, or other type of holiday home in a rural area can be just the ticket to give you warmth, tranquility, and peace of mind this Christmas.
Christmas Countryside or Rural Party Ideas
Rustic Christmas Dinner
Prepare slow-cooked dishes and bake fresh bread, or use local ingredients and produce.
Outdoor Fire Pit
Gather by a fire and exchange gifts while sipping on hot drinks.
Starry Night Celebration
Find a secluded spot and enjoy minimal light pollution to watch the stars at night.
Nature Walk or Wildlife Tour
Take a quiet nature walk or tour to commune with the local area.
Countryside Destinations
Tuscany (Italy)
Provence (France)
English countryside
California wine regions
South African countryside
Each of these destinations is great for warm and charming, quiet, and relaxing holiday celebrations.
5. Island Destinations for Christmas Eve
Island destinations can be a mix of relaxing, adventurous, or cultural, and a Christmas Eve party on an island can be unforgettable. Whether you are staying in a beach hut, a bungalow, a safari tent, a treehouse, or an over-the-top luxury villa, island locations offer something for every type of holiday traveler.
Island Party Ideas
Private Boat Christmas Dinner
Rent a boat or yacht and sail around at sunset and have a Christmas dinner at sea.
Cliffside Dinner Party
Enjoy scenic ocean views at a restaurant table on a cliffside balcony.
Cultural Christmas Celebration
Eat traditional holiday foods and learn and participate in local island customs.
Snorkeling or Night Swim
Add some adventure before your festive island celebrations.
Island Destinations
Santorini
Fiji
Jamaica
Mauritius
Tahiti
Island destinations are a great mix of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation for the ideal holiday escape.
Christmas Eve Destination Party Themes
The location for your Christmas party is one important choice, but picking a theme for your celebration is also a great way to add atmosphere to the occasion. Some of the best Christmas Eve destination party themes include:
Cozy Cabin Christmas
Decor with pinecone candles, knitted blankets, soft lighting, and board games.
Luxury Holiday
Drink champagne, enjoy fine dining, turn on candlelight and relax in glamorous attire.
Tropical Christmas Glow
Decorate with bright colors, palm “trees,” tropical drinks, and island music.
Holiday Around the World
Try out local rituals, foods, and traditional holiday decorations at your destination.
Adventure Christmas
Try hiking, sunset tours, stargazing, snorkeling, or winter sports depending on your location.
Food and Drinks for Destination Christmas Eve Parties
Food and drinks are the main part of every holiday party, of course, and many of the different meals that you enjoy will vary depending on your destination. Some of the best party food ideas for the various Christmas destinations are:
Beach and Tropical
Fresh seafood platters
Tropical fruit bowls
Coconut rice or dishes
Grilled meats or seafood
Mountain and Cold Weather
Stews and soups
Fondue or raclette
Roasted meats
Hot baked desserts
Cities
Restaurant dinners
Global fusion foods
Holiday pastries and desserts
Island Destinations
Roasted island-style pork or chicken
Fresh fish and plantains
Festive rice dishes
Coconut-based desserts
Drinks to Pair
Hot chocolate
Mulled wine
Seasonal cocktails
Tropical mocktails
Local drinks or beverages specific to your destination
Activities for Christmas Eve Destination Parties
Holiday parties are always a great time, but you can always make them more special by including group activities that work well at your location.
Outdoor Activities
Beach volleyball
Ice skating
Skiing or snowboarding
Guided nature walks
Sunset cruises
Creative Activities
DIY ornaments with local ingredients or materials
Holiday photoshoots
Writing Christmas cards
Crafting personalized souvenirs or gifts
Relaxing Activities
Spa treatments or massages
Beach or pool yoga
Fireside storytelling
Reading circles
Nighttime Activities
Stargazing
Bonfire
Midnight countdown or celebration
Holiday movies
Decor for Travel-Friendly Christmas Eve Destination Parties
Traveling is a great excuse to try out simple decorations that do not take up a lot of space and look festive.
Travel-Friendly Christmas Decor
Mini LED string lights
Foldable paper lanterns
Travel-size tabletop trees
Reusable fabric banners or flags
Battery-operated candles
Destination-Inspired Decor Ideas
Seashells and starfish for beach destinations
Pinecones and evergreen branches for forests or wooded areas
Local flowers or handmade crafts for cultural or traditional destinations
Gift Ideas for Travel Christmas Eve Celebrations
Gifts to give when you are far away can be more of a challenge, but you can make your present giving special by choosing the right items.
Practical and Portable Gifts
Reusable water bottles
Compact phone power banks
Travel journals
Compact blankets or foldable quilts
Small but Meaningful Gifts
Handwritten letters or cards
Mini photo prints or photo gifts
Local souvenirs or souvenirs from your home
Personalized keychains
Experience Gifts
Spa passes or vouchers
Guided tours or tours
Holiday or destination dinner reservations
Adventure activities
Tips for Choosing the Best Destination for Christmas Eve Parties
Some people are very clear on which places they like to visit, but if you are choosing between several options or are not sure, then keep these tips in mind when choosing:
Budget
Islands, beaches, and cities can be very expensive at Christmas time. Rural areas or less-famous destinations may offer more affordability.
Weather Preferences
Consider if your party group would prefer a cold and snowy Christmas, a warm and sunny one, or a mild and temperate location.
Group Size
Plan for smaller or larger groups, as some places are better for couples or individual travelers while others are best for families or big groups.
Travel Distance
Consider flight time and any travel fatigue that could set in, especially if traveling with small children.
Available Activities
Make sure your party group will be happy with the available activities in a destination.
Sample Christmas Eve Destination Party Itineraries
Beach Christmas Itinerary
Morning: Relax or shop at local markets
Afternoon: Beach games or snorkeling
Sunset: Bonfire and beach dinner
Night: Tropical drinks and music by the stars
Mountain Lodge Itinerary
Morning: Skiing or snowshoeing
Afternoon: Enjoy hot drinks by the fire
Evening: Holiday dinner at the lodge
Night: Exchange gifts and tell stories
City Travel Itinerary
Morning: Visit holiday markets
Afternoon: Explore the city and see light displays
Evening: Christmas Eve dinner at a restaurant
Night: Explore nightlife or a rooftop bar
Island Escape Itinerary
Morning: Boat tour or relaxing on the beach
Afternoon: Spa or pampering
Evening: Traditional Christmas dinner
Night: Dance or listen to local music
Final Thoughts
Celebrating Christmas at a destination party offers unlimited fun and new holiday memories for travelers of all ages and preferences. Whether you love snow and mountains, sand and beaches, big cities, the countryside, or islands, the world is full of magical places to celebrate Christmas at any time of year. By planning the right destination, activities, and decoration touches, you can give yourself and your loved ones a Christmas Eve holiday you will remember forever.
Christmas does not always have to be conventional or expected. Oftentimes, the greatest gift is a new experience in a new place surrounded by beauty, adventure, and the people you care about most. Destination celebrations make Christmas Eve into not just a holiday, but a journey filled with joy, amazement, and memories to last a lifetime.
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