Christmas changes its rhythm depending on where you are in the world. Some places welcome the season with frosty mornings, spiced aromas, and snow-dusted streets. In others, festive moments bloom under bright skies, with palm trees standing tall as carols echo in the warmth. December transforms cities into glowing showcases of celebration where traditions take centre stage and local cultures shape the way the season is experienced. Some places greet Christmas in soft, wintry stillness, while others welcome it under the sun with sound, movement, and vibrant hues, earning their place among the best destinations for Christmas travel.
Here, we share the top 10 Christmas travel destinations to experience the season beyond the usual celebrations.
Looking ahead, Christmas celebrations 2025 reflect how the world continues to celebrate the season in meaningful ways.
1) Vienna, Austria
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With its historic streets and festive lights, Vienna sparkles at Christmas, standing out as one of Europe’s best Christmas destinations. The city’s iconic Christmas markets, especially at Rathausplatz, buzz with artisanal gifts and the sounds of seasonal music. Traditions like classic concerts, choral performances, and enjoying festive treats such as Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, Lebkuchen and strudel add to Vienna’s magical charm. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers, Vienna offers a magical Christmas getaway easily accessible via Schwechat International Airport.
2) Strasbourg, France
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During the festive season, Strasbourg transforms into a charming storybook city, earning its place among the best places to visit during Christmas worldwide and holding the title, ‘Capital of Christmas’. The city’s historic squares come alive with its famous Christmas market, where charming stalls, festive aromas, and sparkling lights craft a magical holiday scene. Traditions like gathering beneath the grand Sapin, a towering Christmas tree that lights up at night, and enjoying seasonal treats such as mulled wine, crisp bredele cookies, and fragrant roasted almonds add to the festive charm. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Strasbourg offers a perfect holiday escape conveniently connected via Entzheim Airport, Strasbourg, France.
3) Prague, Czech Republic
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At Christmas, Prague transforms into a glittering winter wonderland where storybook streets meet Gothic architecture. The city’s Christmas market, including Old Towns Square and Wenceslas Square, glows with twinkling lights, bustling stalls, and lively seasonal performances, making it a top choice for unique Christmas vacation ideas.
Chilly December nights, often touched with snow, create a cosy holiday atmosphere, while visitors can indulge in festive treats such as trdelnik, spiced mulled wine, and aromatic roasted almonds. Ideal for families, couples, or solo travellers, Prague is easily accessible via Prague Ruzyne International Airport, now known as Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (VHAP).
For those captivated by snow-covered towns and icy escapes, this winter wonderland list is a perfect next read.
4) Rovaniemi, Finland
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Rovaniemi, in Finland’s Lapland region, is Santa Claus’s official residence, offering a fairytale Christmas experience for visitors of all ages. Guests can meet Santa Claus in person, browse vibrant Christmas markets, and enjoy unique traditions such as reindeer sleigh rides, husky tours, and breathtaking Northern Lights, making it an alternative to typical warm Christmas destinations.
Snow blankets the town in December, creating a festive atmosphere while seasonal treats like gingerbread goodies, Finnish mulled wine (glogi), and traditional pastries offer authentic flavours of Lapland. A short flight via Rovaniemi Airport (RA) whisks you away to a town brimming with Christmas magic.
5) New York City, USA
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New York City comes alive in December, drawing crowds with its legendary holiday decorations and the famous Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree. Visitors can explore New York City’s festive Christmas Markets at Bryant Park and Union Square, while ice skating rinks provide an iconic winter activity. Elaborate window displays along Fifth Avenue and the famous Macy’s Parade floats add a distinctive festive charm that draws visitors each December.
Crisp winter air, gentle snowflakes, and sparkling lights transform the city into a festive wonderland with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and gingerbread filling the streets. One of the world’s most famous Christmas cities, New York City is easily reached through John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport.
6) London, England
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Every December, London dazzles with twinkling lights and festive cheer, while guests can wander through Hyde Park’s magical winter wonderland, explore Christmas markets at Southbank and Leicester Square, and glide across ice rinks in some of the city’s most iconic spots. From glittering illuminations of Regent Street to traditional carol performances in historic churches, London’s local customs are truly memorable.
With chilly air, glittering decorations and tasty treats like mince pies, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and Christmas puddings, London delivers an authentic holiday experience. London, one of the top winter holiday destinations, welcomes all with festive charm and is easily accessible mainly through Heathrow Airport (LHR).
7) Bruges, Belgium
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At Christmas, Bruges turns into a magical fairy tale, with twinkling lights illuminating cobblestone streets and canals shimmering with festive reflections. From wandering charming Christmas markets to strolling the glowing Winter Glow Trail, Bruges offers holiday magic complete with Belgian hot chocolate, Speculoos cookies, and steaming mulled wine.
Gentle snowflakes and crisp winter air transform Bruges into a cosy, storybook setting, while age-old local traditions bring the holiday spirit to life. Perfect for solo travellers, couples or families, the city welcomes all with its festive charm and is conveniently accessible via Brussels Airport, located about 100 km east of Bruges.
8) Seiffen, Germany
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Nested in Germany’s Ore Mountains, Seiffen, known as the Toy Village, enchants visitors with its handcrafted wooden toys and timeless Christmas decorations. From bustling Christmas markets to hands-on artisan workshops, Sieffen lets you see nutcrackers and wooden ornaments come alive, making the experience unforgettable.
With snow-dusted streets and charming timbered houses, Seiffen offers a storybook setting where festive treats, such as stollen, mulled wine, and spiced cookies, add an extra touch of magic. With so many family-friendly activities, Sieffen is truly one of the best Christmas destinations for families. This charming city is easily reached by air via Dresden Airport (DRS), located about 85 km northeast of Seiffen.
9) Madeira, Portugal
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Renowned for its dazzling holiday lights and lively celebrations, Madeira mesmerises visitors from all over the world. Festive markets, intricate nativity scenes, and the renowned Festival of Lights turn Madeira streets and waterfronts into a glittering holiday wonderland.
Madeira’s milder winter weather makes it perfect for enjoying festive treats like Bolo Rei, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. This island also showcases its rich culture through handmade embroidery, wickerwork, and traditional pottery markets, where visitors can discover truly unique gifts and keepsakes. Perfect for couples, solo travellers or families alike, Madeira offers a unique festive escape through Madeira Airport (FNC), standing out as one of the top Christmas destinations in Portugal.
10) Kiruna, Sweden
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Renowned for its Arctic Christmas celebrations, Kiruna in Sweden attracts travellers keen to witness the Northern Lights and enjoy its festive winter scenery. The town features charming Christmas markets alongside signature festivities like Santa Claus Week and ice hotel events, bringing sparkling holiday cheer to every corner. Visitors can immerse themselves in unique traditions such as dog sledging adventures, reindeer sleigh rides, and enchanting church concerts that celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Crisp, snowy winters envelop Kiruna with seasonal delights like spiced mulled wine and sweet saffron buns, adding to the festive experience. For travellers, Kiruna is easily accessible through Kiruna Airport (KRN), offering experiences they truly treasure.
Beyond festive journeys, it’s the exchange of thoughtful Christmas wishes that keeps the season truly alive.
While we focus on creating cherishable memories, crowded and popular destinations don’t always deliver the experiences we hope for. Surprisingly, lesser-known or offbeat destinations can offer equally magical moments and often have great potential to attract visitors seeking unique and memorable experiences.
Every destination holds its own magic, from Christmas markets around the world, bustling markets, sparkling lights and rich cultural traditions to serene winter retreats. Travellers can pick from family-friendly towns, romantic getaways, or adventurous snowy regions. To craft a memorable holiday, organise in advance, book ahead, and embrace new experiences. This Christmas, our carefully curated top Christmas destinations around the world are designed to create unforgettable experiences, allowing travellers to embrace the joy of festive celebrations across the globe.
