23 Most Popular Christmas Destinations This Year
Christmas is the perfect time to travel and experience the holiday magic in a new setting.
I’ve always found that exploring different destinations during the festive season adds a special charm to the holiday spirit.
There’s something truly magical about discovering unique holiday traditions, wandering through decorated streets, or finding cozy spots to enjoy hot cocoa in a winter wonderland.
Whether you’re looking for a snowy escape or a warm, festive beach vacation, this list has something for everyone.
Let’s dive into some of the top Christmas destinations and discover what makes each one special this time of year.
1. New York City, New York
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in New York City.
The city lights up with holiday cheer, from the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink to the festive window displays along Fifth Avenue.
One of the highlights is watching the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where the Rockettes put on a dazzling show.
The city’s energy is electric, and whether you’re sipping hot chocolate in Central Park or shopping for last-minute gifts in Times Square, New York’s holiday spirit is infectious.
Read more on New York Christmas Celebration in my: Ultimate Guide to Spending Christmas in New York
2. Lapland, Finland
For a truly magical Christmas experience, Lapland in Finland is the ultimate destination.
Known as the home of Santa Claus, it’s a place where you can live out childhood dreams. The snow-covered landscape is ideal for winter activities like dog sledding, reindeer rides, and visiting Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi.
The Northern Lights are often visible, making it even more enchanting. Imagine warming up by the fire in a cozy log cabin after a day of playing in the snow—Lapland makes the holiday season feel like a fairytale.
3. London, England
London transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, with twinkling lights and decorations adorning the city’s historic streets.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a must-visit, offering ice skating, holiday markets, and even a circus. Covent Garden and Oxford Street dazzle with their festive displays, and you can enjoy traditional Christmas markets with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
With its blend of history and holiday magic, London is perfect for those who love the classic Christmas atmosphere.
4. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s old-world charm shines bright during the holiday season.
The city’s Christmas markets are among the most elegant in Europe, with beautifully decorated stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, seasonal foods, and mulled wine.
The sound of classical music fills the air, with performances of Mozart and Strauss adding to the atmosphere.
The city’s Baroque architecture looks even more stunning under a light dusting of snow, making Vienna an ideal destination for a romantic, cultural Christmas getaway.
5. Paris, France
The City of Light takes on a whole new glow during the Christmas season.
Paris dazzles with festive lights along the Champs-Élysées, luxury window displays at Galeries Lafayette, and holiday markets along the Seine.
You can indulge in seasonal treats like marrons glacés (candied chestnuts) or sip vin chaud (mulled wine) while strolling through charming neighborhoods.
Paris offers a magical blend of elegance, culture, and festive cheer, making it an unforgettable holiday destination.
6. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a winter wonderland that combines world-class skiing with luxury holiday experiences.
The town itself is decked out in Christmas lights, and the surrounding mountains offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country.
You can enjoy après-ski festivities at cozy mountain lodges or take part in holiday parades and events.
The snow-covered landscape and festive atmosphere make Aspen a perfect spot for a traditional yet upscale Christmas celebration.
7. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City’s old-world charm makes it feel like stepping into a Christmas card.
The historic streets of Old Quebec are adorned with festive decorations, and the German-style Christmas markets offer seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts.
Ice skating at Place d’Youville is a popular activity, as is taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered streets.
Quebec City’s combination of history, holiday spirit, and snowy scenery creates an enchanting Christmas experience.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Christmas in Tokyo may not be a traditional holiday, but it’s celebrated with an extraordinary display of winter illuminations.
Neighborhoods like Shibuya and Roppongi feature stunning light shows, and the Tokyo Midtown complex hosts an impressive holiday display.
Seasonal sweets and themed events give the city a festive touch, while the mix of Japanese culture with Western holiday traditions makes for a unique experience.
Tokyo’s vibrant celebrations are a fascinating way to experience Christmas in a different cultural context.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s medieval charm is amplified during Christmas, with festive lights illuminating the cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
The Christmas markets in Old Town Square are particularly magical, where you can sip mulled wine and browse stalls offering handcrafted ornaments and traditional Czech treats.
The city’s iconic Gothic structures, like the Church of Our Lady before Týn, provide a stunning backdrop for holiday festivities.
Experiencing Christmas in Prague feels like stepping into a fairytale, where history and holiday spirit come together seamlessly.
10. Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most renowned Christmas markets in the world.
The city’s medieval charm sets the stage for festive stalls that offer traditional gingerbread (Lebkuchen), handcrafted wooden toys, and unique holiday gifts.
The market’s atmosphere is enriched by choirs and brass bands playing Christmas carols.
With its emphasis on tradition and artisanal crafts, Nuremberg offers an authentic German holiday experience that transports visitors to a time when Christmas markets were central to festive celebrations.
11. Honolulu, Hawaii
For a warm-weather Christmas, Honolulu provides a festive yet tropical escape.
The Honolulu City Lights festival transforms the city with holiday displays, a towering Christmas tree, and lighted parades.
You can celebrate the season with beachside events, like festive luaus and Christmas-themed surf competitions.
The combination of palm trees adorned with twinkling lights and Hawaiian holiday music creates a unique Christmas atmosphere, making Honolulu a great choice for those looking to trade snow for sand.
12. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is often called the “Capital of Christmas,” and it’s easy to see why. The city’s Christmas markets date back to 1570 and offer a mix of Alsatian crafts, regional delicacies, and mulled wine.
The Grande Île district is beautifully decorated with lights, and the Cathedral of Strasbourg serves as a striking centerpiece for the holiday season.
The market’s rich history, combined with Strasbourg’s architectural beauty, creates an atmosphere that captures the true essence of a European Christmas.
13. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik offers a unique Christmas experience with its blend of festive traditions, such as the 13 Yule Lads, and natural wonders like the Northern Lights.
The city is illuminated with holiday lights, and locals celebrate with Icelandic Christmas treats, including smoked lamb and leaf bread.
Winter adventures, like glacier hiking or soaking in a geothermal hot spring, add to the festive atmosphere.
Reykjavik’s combination of folklore, stunning landscapes, and holiday spirit makes for an unforgettable Christmas.
14. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges’ picturesque canals and medieval architecture make it a perfect setting for a cozy Christmas.
The city’s holiday market is nestled in the main square, where visitors can enjoy Belgian chocolates, waffles, and mulled wine.
Ice skating on the market’s outdoor rink adds a touch of nostalgia, and the city’s historic charm shines through in its illuminated cobblestone streets.
Bruges feels like a step back in time, making it an ideal destination for a traditional, storybook Christmas.
15. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s festive spirit comes alive during Christmas, with traditional Catalan holiday markets such as Fira de Santa Llúcia near the Gothic Cathedral.
The markets feature unique Catalan crafts, including the “caga tió” and “caganer,” which are iconic in local holiday traditions.
The city also hosts special events like Christmas concerts and the Three Kings parade in early January.
Celebrating Christmas in Barcelona offers a warm Mediterranean atmosphere, mixed with cultural traditions that provide a different twist on the holiday season.
16. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations take over the historic city with festive markets, light displays, and ice skating.
The city’s Old Town, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, provides a dramatic backdrop for the holiday season.
Events like the Christmas at the Botanics light show and the Hogmanay festivities add to the festive atmosphere.
Whether you’re exploring holiday markets or taking in the views from atop Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh offers a blend of history, holiday cheer, and winter fun.
17. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, with Christkindlmarket offering a taste of traditional German holiday spirit.
You can enjoy ice skating at Millennium Park, with the city’s skyline providing a stunning backdrop.
The Magnificent Mile is decked out in holiday lights, making it ideal for winter strolls and shopping.
Catch a holiday show like The Nutcracker or the Joffrey Ballet to embrace the season’s cultural offerings. In Chicago, the mix of classic holiday charm and modern attractions creates a truly festive atmosphere.
18. Sydney, Australia
Christmas in Sydney is all about beach vibes and festive cheer under the sun.
The city’s famous landmarks, like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, are beautifully illuminated for the season.
Bondi Beach hosts Christmas events where locals and visitors can celebrate with sand, surf, and a Santa hat.
Experience Carols by Candlelight at the Domain for a holiday music tradition that brings the community together. Sydney’s warm-weather Christmas offers a unique twist on the traditional holiday experience.
19. Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, offering an authentic Arctic Christmas experience.
Situated on the Arctic Circle, this destination boasts reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
Santa Claus Village, open year-round, becomes even more magical during the holiday season, attracting families who want to meet Santa and his elves.
Staying in a glass igloo or a cozy log cabin adds to the charm of a Christmas vacation in Rovaniemi.
20. Munich, Germany
Munich’s Christmas celebrations center around traditional Bavarian culture, with the Marienplatz Christmas market being a must-visit.
You’ll find handcrafted ornaments, roasted nuts, and mulled wine to warm you up.
The city’s historic architecture is adorned with lights, and outdoor skating rinks add to the festive spirit.
Visitors can also enjoy holiday concerts in the ornate settings of Munich’s churches. Munich blends its rich history with the joys of the Christmas season, creating an atmosphere full of gemütlichkeit.
21. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s canals provide a picturesque backdrop for Christmas celebrations, with holiday lights reflecting on the water.
The city hosts winter festivals and Christmas markets that offer seasonal treats and gifts. Ice skating at Museumplein or taking a canal cruise to see the holiday lights are popular activities.
You can also explore cultural events like Christmas concerts in historic churches. Amsterdam’s combination of winter beauty, festive events, and cultural offerings make it a unique holiday destination.
22. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is famous for its musical heritage, especially during Christmas when the city honors the birthplace of “Silent Night.”
The Christmas markets are set against a backdrop of snowy Alps, providing a picturesque setting.
Visit historic sites like Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy holiday concerts at the birthplace of Mozart.
The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, creating a truly magical experience. Salzburg’s rich history and musical traditions bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
23. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas goes all out for the holiday season, with the Strip adorned in extravagant decorations and lights.
Casinos and hotels offer special holiday-themed shows, such as festive versions of popular Cirque du Soleil performances.
The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens transform into a winter wonderland with elaborate Christmas displays.
You can also catch ice skating at The Cosmopolitan or explore holiday villages.
Las Vegas blends its famous entertainment with seasonal celebrations, making for a truly unique Christmas experience.
Conclusion, 23 Most Popular Christmas Destinations This Year
Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy escape or a warm beach holiday, these 23 Christmas destinations offer something magical for everyone.
Each location, with its unique festive atmosphere, provides a chance to create unforgettable memories, from twinkling lights in the city to tranquil landscapes in nature.
Exploring a new place during Christmas can enhance the joy of the season, offering experiences that go beyond traditional celebrations at home.
So, consider a Christmas getaway this year to add a touch of adventure and wonder to your holiday season.
