Christmas is a magical time of year for travel. Cities sparkle with lights, mountain towns become winter wonderlands, and tropical beaches offer an escape from winter weather. Whether you’re searching for a relaxing family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a fun-filled solo adventure, Christmas vacation is an ideal time to create cherished memories.
The trick is finding the right destination—a place that matches your travel style, weather preferences, and the holiday experience you crave. From famous Christmas markets in Europe to sunny beach destinations and charming small towns, this list of top Christmas vacation ideas is full of inspiration for your next holiday adventure.
Reasons to Travel on Christmas Vacation
Travel is a great way to spend the holidays because every place you go looks, feels, and sounds different during the Christmas season. Locals gather to celebrate, cities and towns put their own spin on the festivities, and there are Christmas-specific activities to enjoy at every destination.
Some of the most special benefits of holiday travel include:
A festive holiday atmosphere
Lights, decorations, themed events, and holiday markets make the season sparkle.
Vacation time
The Christmas break gives you more time to travel without work or school.
Special activities
Christmas sleigh rides, shows, markets, and food traditions you can’t enjoy year-round.
Memories with loved ones
Friends and family can get away in a beautiful place during holiday time off.
Travel is naturally more expensive during the Christmas season, so you should plan early to find the best deals. But when you find the right holiday destination, your Christmas trip can be one of the best vacations you take all year.
Exciting Christmas Vacation Destinations from Around the World
This is our curated list of the most magical, relaxing, and exciting Christmas vacation ideas. Whether you love winter snow or beach sun, there’s a destination to suit every holiday traveler.
1. Christmas Market Holiday in Europe
Europe is the quintessential Christmas dream destination. Nearly every major city offers a Christmas market full of stalls, mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, roasted chestnuts, and local holiday treats.
Top European Christmas Market Destinations:
Germany:
Cities such as Munich, Cologne, and Nuremberg offer some of the most famous and historic Christmas markets in Europe. Wooden stalls twinkle at night, choirs sing carols, and holiday specialties like gingerbread and bratwurst are everywhere.
Austria:
Vienna’s Christmas markets are elegant, with crafts, pastries, and holiday concerts. Salzburg also shines with its lantern-lit Old Town and snow-capped mountain views.
France:
Strasbourg is a must-visit. The city is sometimes called the “Capital of Christmas” for its beautiful displays and traditional Alsatian charm.
Czech Republic:
Prague’s Old Town Square becomes a fairytale scene during Christmas with its lights, festive food, and performances.
A European Christmas market trip is ideal for travelers who want a cozy, cultural holiday filled with food, shopping, and winter scenery.
2. A White Christmas in a Snowy Mountain Town
If your dream Christmas includes fluffy snow, warm fires, decorated lodges, and winter sports, then a mountain getaway is the ideal holiday escape.
Top Mountain Destinations for a Snowy Christmas:
Aspen, Colorado:
Aspen offers luxury lodges, top-rated skiing, fine dining, and lots of festive events. It is one of America’s most beautiful wintertime destinations.
Banff, Canada:
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a hub of snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and breathtaking frosty views.
Swiss Alps:
Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Grindelwald all offer world-class skiing and picture-perfect Alpine villages.
Lapland, Finland:
Considered the ultimate winter wonderland, Lapland in Finland is complete with reindeer, snow hotels, Northern Lights, and Santa Claus Village.
A mountain Christmas is great for couples, families, or anyone looking to enjoy winter magic.
3. A Warm and Sunny Christmas Beach Escape
Not everyone dreams of snow at Christmas. Some people look forward to holiday time as a perfect chance to swap boots for sandals and enjoy a sun-filled vacation.
Best Sunny Destinations for a Christmas Escape:
Hawaii:
Maui, Kauai, and Oahu offer the best of holiday cheer and tropical beaches, volcano hikes, and island culture.
Caribbean Islands:
The Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Barbados all provide stunning clear waters, all-inclusive resorts, and sunshine.
Mexico:
Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta all have beautiful beaches and festive local celebrations.
Australia:
Sydney and Melbourne provide a great summertime alternative to traditional winter Christmases, with beach barbecues, outdoor concerts, and warm summer weather.
A sunny Christmas beach vacation is great for stress-free relaxation, family-friendly holidays, or escaping the cold.
4. Christmas Lights in a Big City
Major cities light up at Christmas time with gigantic displays, theater performances, shopping festivals, and iconic landmarks.
Best Cities for a Christmas Lights Trip:
New York City:
A classic Christmas destination. Visit Rockefeller Center’s tree, ice skate at Central Park, stroll Fifth Avenue’s window displays, and enjoy holiday Broadway shows.
London, England:
London glows with Christmas markets, festive streets, afternoon teas, West End shows, and historic charm.
Paris, France:
The Champs-Élysées glows with light displays, and the city’s bakeries and cafes offer some of the best holiday pastries.
Tokyo, Japan:
Winter illuminations in Tokyo are among the best in the world. Some neighborhoods become complete glowing art installations.
These destinations are perfect for culture, nightlife, shopping, and festive entertainment enthusiasts.
5. A Cozy Christmas Cabin Retreat
Nothing quite beats Christmas tucked away in a quiet cabin in the woods. A cabin getaway offers the gift of relaxation and quality time.
Popular Cabin Christmas Destinations:
The Smokies (Tennessee/North Carolina):
A variety of cabins with hot tubs and mountain views and many nearby holiday attractions, like Gatlinburg and Dollywood.
Oregon Coast or Oregon Forests:
Secluded, rugged scenery with cozy wood cabins and stunning trails.
Scotland Highlands:
Remote cottages surrounded by rolling hills, lakes, and dramatic landscapes.
New Zealand’s South Island:
Offers a quieter, nature-filled holiday with lakes, mountains, and summer weather.
A Christmas cabin is perfect for people looking for a relaxing, unplugged holiday surrounded by nature.
6. Christmas Vacation on a Cruise
One of the easiest ways to enjoy a Christmas vacation without much planning is to take a cruise. Many cruise lines offer special Christmas itineraries.
Popular Christmas Cruise Destinations:
Caribbean Cruises:
Sunshine, warm beaches, and onboard Christmas activities.
European River Cruises:
Pass through Christmas market cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Cologne while on a river cruise.
Alaska Winter Cruises:
A more adventurous option with potential Northern Lights viewing.
Cruises are a great idea for travelers who want an all-inclusive, stress-free, food, and activity-filled holiday.
7. Cultural Christmas Destinations
Some places are steeped in Christmas tradition and offer meaningful cultural experiences.
Best Christmas Cultural Destinations:
Bethlehem, West Bank:
The birthplace of Jesus makes for a powerful and meaningful Christmas journey, with holiday celebrations at Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.
Rome and Vatican City:
Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica is a life-changing spiritual experience.
Mexico City:
Festivals, colorful decorations, and traditional posada celebrations add depth and meaning to the holiday season.
Philippines:
Celebrates the world’s longest Christmas season and full of parades, lantern festivals, and special food traditions.
These destinations are ideal for travelers who enjoy cultural, religious, or historical holiday experiences.
8. Christmas Destinations for Adventure Travelers
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be all cozy. Some people prefer holiday adventure.
Top Adventurous Christmas Destinations:
Iceland:
Ice caves, Northern Lights, glacier hiking, and volcanic landscapes.
New Zealand:
Warm weather in summer allows for hiking, bungee jumping, kayaking, and mountain adventures.
Costa Rica:
Rainforest tours, ziplining, surfing, and wildlife watching.
South Africa:
Safari, Cape Town hikes, and warm summer weather.
Perfect for adventurous people who want more excitement than relaxation.
Tips for Finding the Best Christmas Vacation Destination
With so many amazing Christmas destinations, it can be difficult to pick just one. Here are some tips and questions to help you decide.
1. Snow or Sunshine?
Do you want snow as part of your Christmas experience?
If so, mountain towns, Europe, and northern cities or ski resorts are good bets.
Do you love sunshine at Christmas?
If so, beaches, tropical destinations, or Southern Hemisphere countries may be best.
2. Travel Budget
Christmas is peak season when prices can be higher. Pick a destination with more competitive prices, such as Mexico, Portugal, the Balkans, Southeast Asia, or U.S. national parks.
3. Traveling with Family or Friends
Solo travelers may do better in big cities or on adventure trips.
Couples may love romantic escapes like Paris or snow-covered resorts.
Families often prefer cruises, theme parks, or warm beach vacations.
4. How Much Time Do You Have?
A shorter trip means staying closer to home.
A longer trip allows you to consider places farther away, like Europe or Asia.
5. Type of Holiday Experience?
Festive and lively?
Or quiet and cozy?
Cultural and meaningful?
Or adventurous and active?
Picking the right destination for your holiday mood is key for a memorable Christmas.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Christmas Vacation
Christmas is the perfect time to explore a new place, experience new traditions, and create special memories with friends and family. Whether you want a snowy winter wonderland, a sunny beach escape, a cultural journey, or a quiet cabin in the woods, the right Christmas vacation can make the holidays feel truly magical.
Start planning early, choose a destination that gets you excited, and allow yourself to soak up the festive atmosphere. With some planning and a little holiday magic, your Christmas trip can become one of your most treasured travel memories.
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