Best Places to Visit for Christmas
Christmas offers a magical time to explore new destinations or revisit favorite places.
Top Destinations for a Magical Holiday Experience
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, and there's no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by traveling to some of the world’s most enchanting Christmas destinations. Whether you’re seeking festive markets, cozy winter retreats, or tropical getaways, here’s a list of the best places to visit for Christmas in 2024.
Vienna is a winter wonderland that exudes old-world charm and Christmas magic. The city’s famous Christmas markets, like the one at Rathausplatz, are perfect for indulging in mulled wine, gingerbread, and handmade gifts. The grand architecture, classical music concerts, and twinkling lights add to the festive atmosphere. For an extra magical touch, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel at Prater Park for stunning views of the city covered in snow.
Highlights:
Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Ice skating at Wiener Eistraum
Classical concerts and opera performances
For a truly unforgettable Christmas experience, Lapland in Finland is the ultimate destination. Known as the home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers an array of festive experiences, including visits to Santa's workshop, reindeer rides, and Northern Lights viewing. The snowy landscapes, cozy log cabins, and ice hotels make it a perfect destination for those looking for a winter wonderland.
Highlights:
Visit to Santa Claus Village
Reindeer sledding and husky safaris
Northern Lights hunting
New York City is iconic during the Christmas season. The massive Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating in Central Park, and the vibrant window displays on Fifth Avenue all contribute to the festive mood. The city's diverse culture also means you can enjoy holiday events and celebrations from around the world. Don’t miss the holiday performances at Radio City Music Hall or a stroll through the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights display in Brooklyn.
Highlights:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Ice skating at Bryant Park or Wollman Rink
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Prague’s medieval charm is enhanced during the Christmas season, making it one of Europe’s most picturesque destinations. The Christmas markets in the Old Town Square are filled with handcrafted goods, delicious Czech pastries, and festive decorations. The city's historic churches, like St. Vitus Cathedral, also offer beautiful Christmas services. The picturesque bridges and charming streets add to the festive ambiance.
Highlights:
Old Town Square Christmas Market
Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
Christmas concerts in historic venues
Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, and Nuremberg hosts one of the best. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most traditional in the country. The market features handmade ornaments, gingerbread cookies, and hot mulled wine. The medieval town center, with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, is the perfect setting for a Christmas adventure.
Highlights:
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Medieval architecture and historical sites
Nuremberg Christmas Museum
Quebec City is a charming, French-speaking city that becomes even more magical during Christmas. With its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and festive lights, it feels like stepping into a Christmas fairytale. Old Quebec’s Christmas markets are filled with local artisans, and the cobblestone streets offer an enchanting winter escape. If you're a fan of a classic Christmas atmosphere, Quebec City delivers it in spades.
Highlights:
Old Quebec Christmas Market
Chateau Frontenac and snow-covered landscapes
Ice skating at Place d’Youville
Iceland is a stunning winter destination, with dramatic landscapes and a unique Christmas culture. Reykjavik comes alive with festive lights, and the city’s Christmas markets offer handmade crafts, local delicacies, and festive treats. Iceland also has its own Christmas traditions, like the Yule Lads, mischievous figures who visit children during the holiday season. Don’t forget to relax in a geothermal spa like the Blue Lagoon to unwind after a winter adventure.
Highlights:
Christmas markets in Reykjavik
The Yule Lads folklore
Northern Lights viewing and hot springs
London is one of the most iconic Christmas destinations, with festive lights, extravagant window displays, and charming holiday markets. Oxford Street and Covent Garden are lit up with dazzling Christmas decorations, and ice skating rinks pop up in locations like Hyde Park and Somerset House. The West End also offers a variety of Christmas shows, such as “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.”
Highlights:
Christmas lights in Oxford Street and Regent Street
Ice skating at Somerset House
Christmas shows in the West End
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is becoming a must-visit destination for Christmas celebrations. The city blends European and Asian cultures, making for a unique holiday experience. The Christmas markets are filled with local handmade goods, and the festive spirit is heightened by the traditional Georgian food, wine, and music. Tbilisi also offers cozy cafes and stunning views of the snow-capped Caucasus mountains.
Highlights:
Christmas markets with local crafts and food
Festive lights along Rustaveli Avenue
Traditional Georgian Christmas celebrations
If you’re dreaming of a warm Christmas, Sydney offers a unique take on the holiday season. While Christmas in Australia is during the summer, the city still celebrates with festive decorations, markets, and outdoor events. Bondi Beach hosts the annual Christmas Day swim, and Sydney’s spectacular fireworks on New Year’s Eve make for a great finish to the holiday season. The city's parks, beaches, and outdoor lifestyle are perfect for enjoying Christmas in the sun.
Highlights:
Christmas decorations in Martin Place and Pitt Street Mall
Christmas Day on Bondi Beach
Sydney Harbour fireworks
Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” is famous for its Christmas markets. With its medieval architecture and festive atmosphere, Strasbourg transforms into a holiday dream come true. The Christkindelsmärik in the city center is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. The city is also known for its impressive Christmas lights and the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral.
Highlights:
Christkindelsmärik Christmas Market
Strasbourg Cathedral and its light displays
Festive boat tours along the Ill River
Amsterdam offers a magical Christmas experience with its canals, lights, and festive atmosphere. The city’s Christmas markets are filled with handcrafted goods and Dutch specialties. The Amsterdam Light Festival, where artists illuminate the city with stunning light installations, adds a spectacular touch to the holiday season. A winter canal cruise is a unique way to experience the city’s holiday charm.
Highlights:
Amsterdam Light Festival
Christmas markets and Dutch treats
Canal cruise through winter landscapes
No matter where you go, Christmas offers a magical time to explore new destinations or revisit favorite places. Whether you're seeking a snowy escape or a warm holiday retreat, these destinations offer the perfect blend of festive charm, holiday traditions, and winter magic.