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While I’m usually team ‘There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,’ the adventurer in me has been craving a Christmas experience somewhere else in the world—to immerse myself in a different culture and see how others celebrate. Why not experience Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland, or stroll through elaborate Christmas markets in Germany while sipping hot chocolate?
The holiday season is undoubtedly a magical time to travel, with destinations worldwide transforming into enchanting escapes to celebrate the season. Read on to learn about the best destinations to celebrate the holidays this season.
1. New York City, USA: Where Movies Come to Life
New York City truly comes alive during the holidays with endless ways to embrace the festive spirit. I recommend heading to Rockefeller Center to marvel at the iconic Christmas tree, where you can also ice skate. This is definitely one of the more tourist-heavy holiday spots, but it’s simply iconic and worth seeing.
I recently visited the Winter Village at Bryant Park, which is filled with artisan gift stalls and a beautiful ice-skating rink (that’s cheaper and less crowded than the one at Rockefeller Center). My friend and I strolled around, tasting chocolates and trying a variety of foods from different cultures. The hot chocolate there is to die for, and you’ll find great gifts at the artisan stalls.
For a more cultural touch, you can catch a performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center or explore the dazzling window displays along Fifth Avenue.
2. London, England: A Classic Christmas Dream
Picture this: you’re walking through Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, mulled wine in hand, as carolers sing somewhere in the distance. London gets so festive, and it only gets better when you duck into a cozy, centuries-old pub to share a bit of holiday cheer with the locals.
Covent Garden is gorgeous with all its decorations, but the real magic is in the smaller neighborhoods like Islington, where every shop window feels like its own little festive scene.
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If you’re in the mood for more holiday fun, you can skate under twinkling lights at the Natural History Museum rink or explore the Christmas markets along Southbank. Wander through Oxford Street to see the iconic light displays, or unwind with a festive afternoon tea at one of London’s luxury hotels.
For a deeper dive into history, visit landmarks like Hampton Court Palace, which offers a special holiday experience, or St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the season’s concerts add to the charm.
And if you’re staying after Christmas, the Boxing Day sales are the perfect chance to snag a deal at London’s top stores.
3. Germany’s Christmas Markets: The Real Deal
Germany during the holidays is like stepping into a fairy tale. The Christmas markets, especially in cities like Munich, Nuremberg, and Cologne, are full of festive cheer—think twinkling lights, handcrafted ornaments, and the irresistible scent of glühwein filling the air.
Whether you’re wandering through the medieval streets of Rothenburg or exploring a snow-covered castle like Neuschwanstein, the country feels straight out of a holiday postcard. You can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or try some traditional Christmas cookies while soaking in the cozy, old-world charm. It’s the perfect destination for embracing timeless holiday traditions.
Read More: The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
4. Mexico: Where Joy Meets Tradition
Mexico brings a vibrant, joyful twist to the holidays with its colorful celebrations and lively traditions. From the festive posadas—a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter—to the sparkling lights that adorn towns from north to south, Mexico is full of warmth and spirit.
In places like Mexico City and Oaxaca, you’ll find lively Christmas markets with everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious tamales and hot atole.
The holiday season also comes alive with traditional dances, music, and fireworks, especially on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve).
5. Lapland, Finland: The Real North Pole
Want to feel like a kid again? Lapland, Finland is your spot. Where else can you visit Santa’s workshop and then chase the Northern Lights from a glass-roofed igloo? The snowy landscape becomes a winter wonderland, perfect for reindeer safaris, husky sledding, or snowshoeing. Rovaniemi, Santa’s official hometown, is the ultimate Christmas destination, complete with festive events and a chance to meet the man himself.
It’s properly cold, but that’s part of the charm—curling up by the fire with Finnish hot chocolate after a day of exploring is pure magic. You can even sleep in an ice hotel or igloo hotel surrounded by intricate ice sculptures.
Read More: White Christmas: An Australian in Lapland
6. Quebec City, Canada: Europe Without the Flight
Quebec City feels like someone picked up a French village and dropped it in North America. The snow-covered cobblestone streets of Old Quebec are straight out of a holiday card. During the holidays, the city comes alive with Christmas markets, where you can find handmade gifts, enjoy local delicacies, and sip hot chocolate or mulled wine.
For a truly winter wonderland experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city, or head out to Montmorency Falls, which transforms into a sparkling icy spectacle. You can also visit the German-inspired Christmas market, Marché de Noël, for a cozy and festive atmosphere. If you’re into winter sports, there’s plenty of skiing, tobogganing, and ice skating nearby.
Read More: How to Play in the Snow in Quebec
7. Strasbourg, France: Christmas Capital Indeed
They call Strasbourg the Capital of Christmas for good reason. The whole city transforms into what feels like a holiday theme park, but in the most authentic way possible. The smell of fresh-baked bredele (local Christmas cookies) wafting through the streets is worth the trip alone.
With over 300 wooden chalets, the Christmas markets here are some of the oldest and most picturesque in Europe, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to pain d’épices (spiced gingerbread). The medieval architecture of the city, especially around the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, looks even more enchanting with holiday lights and decorations.
Try to visit during the week—weekends can get pretty crowded—but the festive atmosphere is unforgettable no matter when you go. For a unique touch, check out the Christmas Village at Place Kléber or take a boat tour along the river to see the city’s holiday lights from a different perspective.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland: Where Nature Joins the Party
I visited Reykjavik in November 2023 and absolutely loved the welcoming community, the unique sights, and the beauty of the town. Even though December only has about 4-5 hours of daylight, it makes everything feel extra cozy—perfect for spending the holidays.
I wasn’t there for Christmas, but the city was already getting into the holiday spirit with decorative Christmas lights and international music and dance festivals. In December, they go all out with Christmas markets and uniquely Icelandic events like the Yule Lads Bath, St. Þorlákur’s Day, and a magical Christmas Village.
Be sure to grab some traditional laufabrauð (leaf bread), soak in a geothermal pool, and then head out to catch the Northern Lights. It’s honestly the ultimate place to spend Christmas.
If you’re up for exploring beyond Reykjavik, I can’t recommend Hotel Húsafell enough. It’s a Northern Lights hotel about 2.5 hours away, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. They have everything from ice and lava cave tours to relaxing Canyon Baths. And the location has the darkest skies for the best Northern Lights viewing. I can only imagine how amazing it would be during the holidays.
Read More: Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland
9. Edinburgh, Scotland: Medieval Magic Meets Modern Fun
Edinburgh doesn’t just do Christmas – it does the whole holiday season in style. The city’s Hogmanay celebration is legendary, with lively street parties, spectacular fireworks, and a massive torchlight procession.
The Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens, with Edinburgh Castle looming above, is simply unforgettable. The market is filled with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the aroma of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional Scottish treats like mince pies and shortbread.
For a truly magical experience, take a ride on the big Ferris wheel to see the city’s festive lights from above or wander through the enchanting German-style Christmas market at the West End. If you’re there later in the season, don’t miss the spectacular ice skating rink at St. Andrew Square, or the Christmas trees that line the Royal Mile.
Read More: Top 10 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
10. Honolulu, Hawaii: Because Who Says Christmas Needs Snow?
Ever had Christmas dinner at a luau? In Honolulu, you can trade your winter boots for flip-flops and still soak up the holiday spirit. Seeing Honolulu Hale lit up with palm trees, Santa in an aloha shirt, and festive wreaths made of tropical flowers adds a unique Hawaiian twist to the season.
You can stroll through the Honolulu City Lights display, enjoy live music performances, or watch the Waikiki Christmas parade along Kalakaua Avenue. And if you’re up for something unforgettable, celebrate with a traditional Hawaiian luau featuring fresh seafood, kalua pork, and local delicacies.
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Traveling during the holidays is not just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing how different cultures celebrate this magical time of year. Whether you’re craving a traditional winter wonderland or dreaming of a tropical twist, these destinations offer something special. Just remember to book early – the best holiday spots fill up fast.
Read More:
- The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers: Unique, Sustainable, and Practical Products - December 2, 2024
- 10 Magical Holiday Destinations to Celebrate the Season - November 20, 2024
- Staying Overnight at the Haunted Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA - October 31, 2024