Christmas is a magical time to travel. Cities and towns sparkle with lights, villages become winter wonderlands, and entire countries celebrate Christmas with special traditions, food, and events.
Dreaming of the snowy German countryside, cozy European markets, or twinkling lights on city streets? Prefer sun, sand, and surf for Christmas? The holidays are an ideal time to escape to new destinations, whether you’re going with family, friends, or solo.
In this complete guide, we cover some of the best Christmas travel destinations around the world. From iconic European cities and tropical winter getaways to amusement parks and relaxing cultural escapes, you’ll find great ideas for your next holiday trip. Whether you prefer warm or cold weather, love shopping and activities, or prefer a relaxing cultural getaway, you’re sure to find a place that’s perfect for a Christmas adventure.
Why Christmas Is the Perfect Time to Travel
Christmas is one of the world’s best times to travel, and for many travelers, December is a busy holiday travel month. Here are some of the top reasons why it’s such a popular season to book trips:
Christmas time is festive. Lights, decorations, live performances, holiday markets, and public events make cities feel like a fairy tale.
It’s the best time of year for snow and winter sports. December is peak ski and snowboard season, and most outdoor winter activities are at their best around Christmas.
Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers. Families love all the activities, while couples enjoy romantic getaways and relaxing vacations. Solo travelers often find Christmas streets and markets more cheerful, welcoming, and fun.
It works with school holidays. In most places, the Christmas season is a school vacation time, so it’s an easy time to travel for families.
The 15 Best Christmas Travel Destinations Around the World
Travelers around the world know December is a great time to visit certain places that especially come to life during the Christmas season. Here are some of the best places to explore for Christmas, from snow and sun to culture and pure fun:
1. New York City, USA
New York City is one of the most famous Christmas travel destinations in the world. Iconic holiday attractions include the huge Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating in Central Park.
Christmas highlights:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Fifth Avenue window displays
Bryant Park Winter Village
Ice skating at Central Park or Rockefeller Center
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
Holiday markets in Union Square, Columbus Circle
Ideal for travelers who love energy, lights, shopping, theater, and bucket-list Christmas experiences.
2. London, England
London is a Christmas wonderland, where historic holiday lights twinkle in the city’s famous streets, and everyone celebrates with special British traditions.
Christmas highlights:
Illuminated lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Christmas theater shows in London’s West End
Afternoon tea experiences with festive touches
Christmas markets around the Thames
London is a great choice for any kind of traveler and all ages.
3. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are among Europe’s oldest and most beautiful, drawing visitors from around the world each year. The half-timbered houses and warm lights also make the city feel storybook-perfect.
Christmas highlights:
Christkindelsmärik Christmas Market
Illuminated historic center
Taste traditional Alsatian food and drink
Christmas concerts and cultural events
Canal-side winter walks
Strasbourg is perfect for travelers who love classic Christmas markets and old-world European charm.
4. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a winter fairy tale at Christmas. Imperial architecture, classical concerts, and holiday traditions create a sophisticated and magical experience.
Christmas highlights:
Vienna Christmas Dream Market at City Hall
Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Classical holiday concerts
Pastries, hot chocolate, and warm punch
Vienna is ideal for travelers who appreciate culture and refinement and old-world European Christmas charm.
5. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is as close as you can get to the North Pole for a holiday visit. Home to Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer sledding, snowmobile safaris, and the Northern Lights, this is an unforgettable Arctic escape.
Magic of Lapland:
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Sled with huskies or reindeer
Snowmobile safaris
Stay in a glass igloo
Northern Lights viewing
Lapland is excellent for families, winter and snow lovers, and anyone looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime Christmas adventure.
6. Quebec City, Canada
Imagine visiting a European village covered in snow. Quebec City’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings create one of North America’s most romantic and festive winter destinations.
Christmas highlights:
German Christmas Market in Old Quebec
Views of snow-capped city from Château Frontenac
Ice skating and winter fun
French-Canadian comfort food
Festive performances and events
Ideal for travelers looking for European old-world charm without leaving North America.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a vision of Gothic and Baroque architecture under a winter white blanket. Christmas markets, traditional food, and seasonal events make it one of Europe’s most romantic and photogenic cities to visit for the holidays.
Christmas highlights:
Christmas market in Old Town Square
Traditional Christmas pastries, like trdelník
Christmas concerts in historic churches
Tree below the Astronomical Clock
Great for couples, culture, and photography lovers.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo lights up for Christmas in the best possible way, with dazzling illuminations, awe-inspiring displays, and a few unique cultural twists. Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, but modern light shows and festive events are one of the city’s most popular events.
Christmas highlights:
Illuminations in Shibuya, Roppongi, and Tokyo Midtown
Christmas markets with European flair
Christmas Eve dining in Tokyo
Holiday events at Disneyland and DisneySea
Tokyo is perfect for lively, futuristic, and uniquely festive Christmas travel.
9. Sydney, Australia
Sydney offers sunny Christmas beaches, outdoor celebrations, and cheerful summer festivals. It’s one of the best Christmas destinations to escape winter cold.
Christmas highlights:
Gather at Bondi Beach or Manly Beach on Christmas Day
Carols in the Domain
Christmas markets and waterfront festivals
Light displays in The Rocks
Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, active, and sunny Christmas.
10. Nuremberg, Germany
Germany is the home of many classic Christmas traditions, and Nuremberg hosts one of the world’s most famous and most traditional Christmas markets.
Don’t miss:
Christkindlesmarkt
Traditional Nuremberg gingerbread
Medieval architecture and ambiance
Handcrafted decorations
Great for travelers who want a traditional European Christmas experience.
11. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a perfect mix of Christmas and dramatic Icelandic winter. Myths, hot springs, and a chance to see the Northern Lights make a holiday trip to the island special.
Christmas highlights:
Northern Lights excursions
Hot springs in the snow
Christmas villages in Reykjavik
Icelandic myths and holiday traditions
Great for adventurous travelers and lovers of nature and winter culture.
12. Charleston, South Carolina, USA
A mild, cozy Christmas with historic charm and Southern hospitality. In Charleston, you can enjoy historic homes decorated for Christmas, festive lights, and delicious local food.
Christmas highlights:
Holiday Festival of Lights
Christmas boat parades
Decorated historic homes
Southern comfort food for the holidays
Ideal for travelers who love mild winter weather, history, and Southern hospitality.
Warm Christmas Destinations for Sun Lovers
Not everyone wants snow for Christmas. If you’d rather have Christmas in the sun, these are some of the best warm Christmas destinations:
The Maldives – luxury overwater bungalows with turquoise water
Hawaii – beaches and laid-back holiday celebrations
Bali, Indonesia – beaches, resorts, and culture
Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico – Caribbean waters
Dubai, UAE – modern attractions, glamorous displays
Choose your next Christmas destination with our comprehensive list of the world’s best spots to travel this winter season. From snow to sun and everything in between, a Christmas holiday is the perfect time to take a new adventure, no matter your travel style.
How to Choose the Right Christmas Destination
With so many amazing Christmas destinations, picking the right one can be a challenge. Here are some questions to help you decide:
Do you want snow or sunshine?
Are you traveling with family, a partner, or solo?
How much can you spend?
How far do you want to travel?
Do you want culture or relaxation?
Tips for Planning a Christmas Holiday Trip
Christmas is a peak travel season, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Book as early as possible
Flights, hotels, rentals, and tours can sell out early, and prices are lower the earlier you book.Be flexible with your travel dates
Flying a few days before Christmas or waiting until after December 25 is a great way to save money and avoid crowds.Expect winter weather delays
If you’re traveling to a snowy destination, allow time for winter weather delays.Pack appropriately
Layer clothing, waterproof and warm jackets, and snow boots for cold destinations. Bring light clothing, sunscreen, and swimwear for warm destinations.Prioritize your must-see experiences
Christmas markets, light shows, and performances often sell out, so plan those first.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a truly magical time to travel the world. Whether you find yourself wandering through European Christmas markets, gazing at the Northern Lights, relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, or admiring holiday lights in a city, there’s a perfect Christmas travel destination for you.
Travel during the holidays is a great way to experience new cultures and make lifelong memories. If you’re not sure where to go for your next holiday trip, our list of the world’s best Christmas destinations can help. From snow to sun and everything in between, the holidays are an ideal time to escape to new destinations, whether you’re going with family, friends, or solo. With a little planning and an open mind, your next Christmas trip can become one of the most memorable journeys of your life.
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