The Christmas season is a magical time to travel. Cities twinkle with lights, cozy villages become winter wonderlands, and tropical beaches provide warm getaways from chilly weather. Whether you’re a fan of snowy Christmases, festive markets, or sunny holidays, Christmas is a special time when many destinations around the world are illuminated with unique charm and holiday spirit.
This travel guide will take you through some of the best places to visit for Christmas around the world. Each destination on this list offers a different atmosphere, set of traditions, and types of holiday experiences. From bustling cities aglow with dazzling lights and holiday events to quiet mountain towns and tropical beach escapes, there is a perfect Christmas destination for every type of traveler.
Why Travel for Christmas?
Traveling during the Christmas season provides a unique opportunity to see the world through a festive lens. Cities and towns come alive with holiday traditions, cultures embrace their own winter celebrations, and most places you visit feel more magical with seasonal cheer.
Christmas travel is so memorable for a few reasons:
Holiday atmosphere: Cities twinkle with lights, streets are decked with decorations, you can enjoy Christmas concerts and holiday markets, and people share their own traditions.
Holiday break: December is an excellent time to travel for many people, as it lines up with a built-in holiday break.
Christmas events: Holiday lights, parades, special shows, events, and traditional meals make for exclusive Christmas activities.
Memorable experiences: Holidays are a time to travel with family, friends, or your partner. This means creating meaningful memories that are more than about gift-giving.
Whether you are dreaming of cozying up next to a fireplace with hot cocoa or lounging by a beach in sunny weather, traveling for Christmas can be one of the most enjoyable and special experiences.
The Best Places to Visit for Christmas
These are some of the most magical and festive Christmas destinations around the world. Whether you want snow and sparkling lights, charming markets, cultural celebrations, or to escape to a warm beach for Christmas, these places have something for everyone.
1. New York City, USA
New York City at Christmas time offers visitors some of the most famous holiday attractions in the world. New York City is known for its grand Christmas trees, ice skating rinks, and window displays that people line up around the block to see.
Top Christmas Attractions in New York:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Ice skating at Bryant Park or Central Park
Holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue
Holiday markets at Union Square or Columbus Circle
Christmas shows, like Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular
Visiting New York at Christmas means experiencing all of the city’s dazzling lights, festive events, and fun holiday activities. New York is a great Christmas destination for first-time winter travelers, families, and couples.
2. London, England
London is a classic Christmas travel destination known for its festive lights, historic traditions, and world-class holiday entertainment.
Things That Make London Special at Christmas:
Christmas lights at Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Colorful Christmas markets by the Thames River
Holiday afternoon tea experiences
West End Christmas theater productions
Christmas in London is full of cozy charm, from hearing carolers on the street to the city’s unique but warm holiday traditions. It’s a great destination for travelers who want a classic but vibrant Christmas trip.
3. Lapland, Finland
If you are dreaming of a traditional Christmas in the Arctic, Lapland is the ultimate winter wonderland. You can see reindeer, explore snowy landscapes, witness the Northern Lights, and even meet Santa at his official village.
Top Activities in Lapland:
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Snowmobile safaris
Horse-drawn reindeer and husky sledding
Stay the night in a glass igloo
Northern Lights viewing
Lapland is a magical Christmas destination for families with kids, couples looking for a romantic snowy getaway, or anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime winter holiday adventure.
4. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is known as “The Capital of Christmas” and boasts one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Strasbourg lights up like a glow on holiday.
Christmas Experiences in Strasbourg:
The city’s famous Christkindelsmärik Christmas market
The half-timbered houses decorated with lights
Local Alsatian Christmas food and drink
Holiday concerts and special events
Boat rides on the canals
Strasbourg is ideal for market-lovers, cultural travelers, or anyone looking for a traditional and picturesque European Christmas destination.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is particularly elegant and festive for Christmas. The city’s architecture and musical history make it feel both historic and like a fairytale. Plus, the city’s markets are beautiful and have a unique feel.
Best Christmas Experiences in Vienna:
The Viennese Dream Christmas Market at City Hall
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Holiday concerts with music from Mozart or Strauss
Traditional pastries and mulled wine
Vienna’s city streets beautifully illuminated for the season
Vienna is a great destination for travelers who love refined Christmas charm, classical music, and historic Christmas markets.
6. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City has a lot of old-world European charm, but you don’t need to travel far for an authentic Canadian Christmas. The city has cobblestone streets, historic stone buildings, and is beautiful when it snows.
Christmas Highlights in Quebec City:
German Christmas Market in Old Quebec
Picturesque snowy views from Château Frontenac
Warm cafes and traditional French-Canadian food
Outdoor skating rinks
Winter Carnival-style activities
Quebec City is perfect for travelers who want a cozy, snowy European-style Christmas with charm and culture.
7. Tokyo, Japan
Christmas in Tokyo is exciting, modern, and unlike anywhere else in the world. Japan doesn’t have the same holiday traditions as the West, but it lights up for Christmas. Tokyo is known for its massive light displays and dining out for the holiday.
Christmas Highlights in Tokyo:
Massive illuminations at Shibuya, Roppongi, and Tokyo Midtown
Holiday markets inspired by German Christmas markets
Romantic Christmas Eve dinners in the city
Themed Christmas events at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo is a great destination for travelers who love unique cultural experiences, modern festivities, and jaw-dropping light shows.
8. Prague, Czech Republic
The Gothic and Baroque architecture of Prague turns the city into a literal fairytale during the holidays. Snow often covers the city, and the Christmas markets illuminate the squares with cozy lights and smells.
Best Christmas Experiences in Prague:
Old Town Square Christmas Market
Stunning tree beneath the Astronomical Clock
Local holiday pastries and treats like trdelník
Holiday classical concerts in historic churches
Prague is a romantic Christmas destination for couples and a great place for photographers and history lovers.
9. Sydney, Australia
If you are more of a sunshine-and-warm-weather person for Christmas, then Sydney can offer you a Christmas under blue summer skies. Christmas in Australia is all about beaches, outdoor celebrations, and festive events.
Best Christmas Activities in Sydney:
Sun and surf at Bondi Beach or Manly Beach
Holiday Carols in the Domain
Christmas markets and harborside festivals
Holiday light displays at The Rocks
Sydney is a great destination for travelers who want to escape the cold and have a lively, warm Christmas.
10. Nuremberg, Germany
Germany is famous for its Christmas markets and traditions, and Nuremberg has one of the most well-known. This destination is home to Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt Christmas market, which dates back hundreds of years.
Christmas Attractions in Nuremberg:
Traditional gingerbread
Handmade wooden toys and ornaments
The Christkind ceremony
Medieval-era historic atmosphere
Nuremberg is a great destination for travelers who want to have a traditional European Christmas.
11. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is another city that offers visitors both Christmas charm and stunning natural beauty. The winter landscape often provides a magical setting and Iceland has its own interesting holiday traditions.
Top Christmas Experiences in Iceland:
Northern Lights on clear winter nights
Snowy landscapes and hot springs
Christmas villages and holiday lights in Reykjavik
Icelandic holiday folklore and traditions
Reykjavik is an ideal Christmas destination for adventure-lovers looking for a mix of festive charm and nature-based exploration.
12. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is an ideal Christmas destination for travelers who enjoy mild winter weather and historic southern charm. The city can be especially beautiful during the holidays.
Christmas Highlights in Charleston:
Festival of Lights at James Island
Decorated historic homes for Christmas
Holiday boat parades
Southern Christmas foods and treats
Charleston is a great destination for travelers who love warm hospitality, history, and mild winter weather.
Tips for Finding the Best Christmas Destination for You
Choosing a Christmas destination can be difficult because there are so many great options. Consider these helpful tips when deciding on a destination for the holidays.
1. Snow or sun?
Do you prefer a snowy Christmas, or do you want to be in the sunshine? If you want snow, Austria, Quebec City, and Lapland are great. For a sunny holiday, Sydney, Mexico, or the Caribbean are excellent.
2. Consider your travel budget
Travel prices increase during the Christmas season, so make sure to select destinations within your price range. Some European cities, like Prague or Quebec City, are more affordable than others.
3. Travel companions
Families may want to consider Orlando, Lapland, or beach destinations.
Couples should consider Vienna, Prague, or a snowy mountain town.
Solo travelers can find amazing Christmas destinations in London, Tokyo, and New York City.
4. How much time do you have?
For shorter trips, you’ll need to find destinations closer to your home. If you have more time for travel, then long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, or Australia are possible.
5. Match the type of experience you want
Do you want a relaxing, romantic, adventurous, or lively and energetic trip? Your ideal Christmas destination should match your personality and travel style.
Final Thoughts
Traveling for Christmas is a special way to experience the joy, cultural traditions, and festive holiday spirit that this time of year brings. Christmas is one of the most enjoyable times to travel because you can go to any number of beautiful destinations all lit up with holiday magic.
Whether you are dreaming of a snowy mountain Christmas, a tropical beach escape, a European market town, or a Christmas light pilgrimage to a famous city, the world is full of beautiful places to visit for Christmas.
The best place to visit for Christmas is the one that excites you most, fits your holiday travel style, and can help you create some of your fondest and most lasting travel memories. With a little bit of planning and an adventurous attitude, your Christmas trip can be one of the most fun and meaningful trips of your life.
Save pin for later
