As the climate adjustments to chilly winter nights, I sip a sizzling tea by the hearth whereas listening to the wind howl. The Christmas tree is adorned, and Michael Bublé performs softly in the background. Oh yeah, Christmas is true round the nook. But some folks don’t like spending Christmas at house. We was these folks and have loved many a Christmas celebrations in several elements of the world. So, for many who desire a Christmas getaway, listed here are our picks for the greatest locations to spend Christmas worldwide.
Table of Contents
The Best Places to Spend Christmas VacationsWhere to Spend Christmas in USA1. New York City2. Orlando3. Washington DC4. Las Vegas5. North Pole, AlaskaBethlehem, PennsylvaniaBest Christmas Vacations in Europe6. Basel, Switzerland7. Nuremberg, Germany8. Rome and Vatican City9. London10. Paris11. Dublin, Ireland12. Prague13. Vienna, Austria14. Zurich, Switzerland15. Brussels, Belgium16. Tallinn, Estonia17. Lapland, Finland18. Copenhagen, Denmark19. Sydney, Australia20. Tokyo, Japan21. Beijing, China22. MexicoChristmas Getaways in Canada23. Quebec City, Canada24. Toronto25. Banff
The Best Places to Spend Christmas Vacations
From the conventional celebrations of Europe to the all-out shows in downtown New York and Toronto, these locations will hold you in the vacation spirit whereas having fun with a Christmas away. If you need a spot that embraces the Christmas spirit, listed here are a few of the greatest Christmas Vacations worldwide.
Where to Spend Christmas in USA
1. New York City
Christmas in New York City is a magical expertise. The metropolis is adorned with glowing lights, and festive decorations, with quite a few occasions and actions to take pleasure in. Some highlights embrace the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the New York City Ballet’s manufacturing of “The Nutcracker.”
You may even wish to guide this Dyker Heights Christmas tour to see the neighborhood’s elaborate shows with views of the Manhattan skyline.
The vacation window shows at department shops in Manhattan like Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman are lovely, and the festive markets at Bryant Park and Union Square are crammed with vitality. Make positive to cease to look at the Saks Fifth Avenue mild present free of charge. Read extra: Christmas in New York – What to do in NYC for the Holidays
2. Orlando
My household spent practically each Christmas in Orlando and Orlando is actually enjoyable for the entire household. And then the remainder of the holidays in Daytona Beach. Orlando is legendary for its theme parks that rework into magical winter wonderlands and vacation actions.
Walt Disney World and Universal Studios supply spectacular Christmas-themed occasions, parades, and decorations which can be a feast for the eyes. Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays showcases vacation traditions from round the globe, providing a novel, multicultural Christmas expertise.
3. Washington DC
We spent the week earlier than Christmas in Washington DC, and it was the good place to spend the holidays. Washington, DC, the nation’s capital, gives a Christmas expertise steeped in American custom. The National Christmas Tree is a must-see attraction. It is fantastically lit close to the White House, accompanied by nightly musical performances.
Seasonal occasions like the distinctive twist on a conventional Christmas parade, the Holiday Boat Parade & Party at The Wharf, and the U.S. Capitol National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony are distinctive to the metropolis.
We even obtained a White House decoration whereas visiting the Intercontinental Willard Hotel. We would undoubtedly return to Washington, DC for Cristmas.
4. Las Vegas
Who wouldn’t wish to spend Christmas in Vegas? Las Vegas, already recognized for its dazzling lights and leisure, takes Christmas to a different degree. The well-known Las Vegas Strip is adorned with spectacular vacation decorations, and casinos supply particular Christmas reveals and occasions.
The Bellagio Conservatory transforms into a shocking vacation show, a must-visit for these in search of an opulent Christmas expertise. You may also take a look at the Glittering Lights, which is a drive-thru mild present at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Enchant Las Vegas vacation attraction which is a vacation lights journey with a cool mild maze full with a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. Beyond the Strip, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory lights its cactus backyard with festive lights.
5. North Pole, Alaska
Located simply outdoors of Fairbanks, you’ll not solely end up in the North Pole for Christmas, however additionally, you will discover one in every of the greatest locations in the world to identify the Northern Lights.
For one in every of the most actually distinctive Christmas getaways, North Pole, Alaska, gives a magical, winter wonderland expertise. This small city, the place the Christmas spirit lives year-round, is house to the Santa Claus House, crammed with Christmas decorations and presents. There are even Santa’s reindeer ready in the pasture, preparing for his or her Christmas Eve run. And the annual North Pole Christmas In Ice Contest showcases beautiful ice sculptures.
Where to Stay: Fairbanks Aurora Villa. This fashionable retreat is a boutique resort providing views of the northern lights nestled in the mountains above Fairbanks.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
What could possibly be extra Christmassy than Bethlehem? With the identical identify as the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, holds a particular place in Christmas celebrations. Known as the “Christmas City,” Bethlehem hosts a conventional Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired Christmas market with artisans, stay music, and scrumptious vacation treats.
The metropolis lights up with lovely Christmas decorations, and the historic Moravian Book Shop, based in 1745, is the oldest bookstore in America. The stay Christmas pageants and the metropolis’s historic significance present a uniquely genuine vacation expertise.
Best Christmas Vacations in Europe
6. Basel, Switzerland
Basel was one in every of our favourite cities in Switzerland, with many issues to see and do. From unimaginable structure to world-class museums, Basel has all of it. Read extra: 20 Reasons to Fall in Love with Basel, Switzerland
If you go to Basel throughout the holidays, seize a sizzling chocolate and stroll round the magnificent Holiday Bazaar at Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz. Barfüsserplatz is the largest of the three, with 140 retailers in adorned small chalets promoting Christmas items and seasonal delights below the twinkling lights.
The Münsterplatz holds round 40 stalls in a bigger space, making navigating simpler. You may also take pleasure in the wonderful sights of the Rhine River and the Gothic Basel Minster. The smallest Basel Christmas Market Is the Claraplatz in Kleinbasel. The Foyer Theatre of Basel opens its doorways to its day by day day by day manufacturing of the Advent calendar. Read extra at 24 Fantastic Things to Do in Basel, Switzerland
7. Nuremberg, Germany
The Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Germany, are a must-see for anybody celebrating the vacation season. Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg’s Hauptmark (the metropolis’s most important sq.) is one in every of the oldest and most well-known in the world. The sq. lights up with twinkling lights and options greater than 180 stalls promoting conventional handmade presents, meals, and drinks.
This interactive tour will get you into the festive spirit as you do enjoyable challenges to resolve puzzles whereas studying enjoyable info about Christmas in Nuremberg. It’s all performed at your personal tempo utilizing an app.
Visiting Nuremberg seems like a fairytale with its timber properties and medieval structure. Nuremberg has a wealthy historical past and tradition, and there are a lot of issues to see and do all 12 months spherical. During Christmas, you’ll be able to go to a few of the metropolis’s prime points of interest, similar to the Nuremberg Castle and the Toy Museum. (The good museum for the holidays.)
Nuremberg is a superb place to expertise a conventional German Christmas.
8. Rome and Vatican City
For a very distinctive Christmas expertise, think about celebrating the vacation in Rome, Italy. Not many cities can compete with the historical past and fantastic thing about Rome, and there are many festive occasions and actions to take pleasure in.
The Vatican City shows an elaborate Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square yearly, and the Pope addresses the public at midday on Christmas Day. Many folks go to Rome to attend Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. The Christmas season in the Vatican is lengthy, beginning on December eighth and persevering with to January sixth.
Seeing the crowded Vatican at Christmas may be troublesome, so we propose reserving beforehand. This extremely rated tour features a tour, a Christmas meal, and the Christmas Eve midnight mass.
The Christmas Market in Piazza Navona is a well-liked vacation spot for vacation purchasing, with stalls promoting presents, decorations, and festive treats. Even the Colosseum will get into the spirit with a big tree standing proudly beside the historic Amphitheatre.
A singular Christmas celebration in Rome is the lavish Christmas brunch yearly at the Rome Cavalieri, and The Rome Opera typically hosts particular Christmas-themed live shows and performances. Read extra: 23 of the Best Things to Do in Rome, Italy
9. London
Christmas lights in London are a sight to behold, with the metropolis’s well-known landmarks and streets adorned with colourful shows.
Some must-see places embrace Oxford Street Christmas lights, Regent Street Christmas lights, and Christmas in Covent Garden. There are quite a few festive occasions and actions, similar to ice skating at Somerset House or the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.
London additionally has a number of festive markets, together with the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, the Christmas market at Winterville, Camden, and the Winter Festival at the Southbank Centre. Read extra: 22 of the Top Things to Do in London, England
Christmas continues in London with cultural occasions, together with the Christmas pantomime at the Old Vic Theatre, the Carols by Candlelight at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and the Christmas live performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Royal Albert Hall has been the house of Christmas in London for 150 years!
10. Paris
If you’re searching for a chic Christmas vacation spot, think about spending the Christmas vacation in Paris, France. The metropolis is understood for its romantic ambiance and delightful vacation lights, and there are quite a few festive occasions to take pleasure in, similar to the markets at Champs-Elysees and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
This Paris Christmas highlights Tour in a classic automobile is one in every of the most unusual methods to see Paris. We have performed a classic Citroën convertible tour of Paris, which is a lot enjoyable. I’d suppose it’s even higher at Christmas. At Christmas, you may be wrapped in blankets as your non-public driver takes you to view the Christmas lights from Place Vendôme to Champs Elysées, Pont Alexandre III, and the Louvre.
Some of the most well-known shows are on the Champs-Elysées, the Place Vendôme, and the Place des Abbesses. Read extra: 3 Days in Paris
Similar to New York, Many of Paris’s department shops and boutiques have elaborate Christmas window shows, and there are quite a few skating rinks round city, together with the rink at the Eiffel Tower and the rink at Hôtel de Ville
The Opéra Garnier and the Salle Pleyel host particular Christmas-themed live shows and performances. The vacation markets Marché de Noël des Champs-Elysées and the Marché de Noël du Trocadéro are well-liked and supply a variety of presents, decorations, and festive treats. Check out 21 Best Paris Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
Where to Stay: Read our full information Where To Stay In Paris – Best Neighborhoods and Hotels
11. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland, is one in every of our favorite cities. While it’s well-known for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, have you ever considered it for a Christmas getaway? The capital of Ireland is understood for its festive ambiance throughout the vacation season, with occasions like the Dublin Christmas Market and the Winter Wonderland at St. Stephen’s Green. Read extra about Dublin at 34 of the Best Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting Dublin throughout the holidays permits guests to expertise a conventional Irish Christmas with occasions like the St. Stephen’s Day Parade and the tree lighting in the metropolis middle. The Christmas lights of Grafton Street are magical; seize a sizzling toddy with Irish Whiskey to heat up in the chilly winter months.
Dublin embraces Christmas with a number of vacation markets, together with the Dublin Flea Christmas Market. With markets, lights, and decorations all through the metropolis. It’s a good time to go to and expertise the vacation spirit. See our picks for the place to remain in Dublin
12. Prague
For a Christmas vacation spot with a contact of historical past, think about spending the vacation in Prague, Czechia. The metropolis is understood for its quite a few occasions and actions for having fun with the holidays, similar to visiting the Christmas Market at Prague Castle and Old Town Square or attending Midnight Mass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market robotically makes me hum the Christmas Carol, “Good King Wenceslas.” Wenceslas was, in spite of everything, the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic. 20 of The Best Things to do in Prague, Czechia
Some of the most well-known Christmas mild shows are on the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Prague is house to a number of live performance venues, together with the Rudolfinum, the Estates Theatre, and the Municipal House, which host particular Christmas-themed live shows and performances.
There are even many Christmas-themed excursions obtainable in Prague, together with this highly-rated tour. Take a stroll via Christmas-decorated Prague whilst you style Czech vacation specialties via the Old Town and Lesser Town.
Experience the magical ambiance of Prague’s Christmastime decorations and stalls. Follow a neighborhood information as you stroll via Old Town and Lesser Town markets on a guided journey. You’ll go to 5 Christmas places whereas tasting conventional Czech vacation specialties similar to Czech Christmas soup and mulled wine.
13. Vienna, Austria
We have loved Vienna’s well-known Christmas markets and might attest they’re unimaginable. The capital of Austria is understood for its elaborate vacation markets, which provide all kinds of presents, decorations, and festive treats.
Christmas Market at the City Hall and the Christmas Market at the Belvedere Palace are the two most important markets to go to. These markets supply an opportunity to buy distinctive presents and pattern native foods and drinks. Our favorite foods and drinks are big pretzels and mulled wine. Yum!
Vienna is understood for its wealthy musical custom, being the house of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, and there are a lot of Christmas live shows held in the metropolis throughout the vacation season that includes classical music and choirs. During Christmas, you’ll be able to go to a few of the metropolis’s prime points of interest, similar to the Vienna State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Read extra: The 24 Best Things to do in Vienna, Austria
14. Zurich, Switzerland
The metropolis of Zurich is understood for its lovely markets, which provide an array of festive presents and scrumptious meals. The Christmas Market at the Lindenhof and the Christmas Market at Bellevue Square are two of the hottest purchasing markets. Read extra at The Perfect 3 Days in Zurich, Switzerland
Weihnachtsdorf, in Sechseläutenplatz in entrance of the Opera House, is one in every of the greatest Christmas markets in Zurich, the place you’ll be able to seize some mulled wine and do some last-minute purchasing. It’s open from November Twenty third-December Twenty third. Zurich is understood for its glorious transportation, and through the holidays, Marlitram is a Christmas-themed tram pushed by Santa Claus.
After visiting its many markets, go ice skating in Zurich, there are a lot of rinks round city. And make sure to order a style of Glühwein, a sizzling crimson wine blended with cinnamon, orange, and cloves. And nothing says the holidays greater than having fun with a sizzling cheese fondu adopted by a chocolate fondu dessert earlier than heading out to Bahnhofstrasse to see the singing Christmas tree.
15. Brussels, Belgium
The Christmas markets in Brussels, Belgium, are one other must-see vacation spot for anybody celebrating the vacation season. When we walked into the sq. of Brussels for the first time, we gasped at its magnificence. It had the fame of being one in every of the prettiest in Europe. Put in Christmas lights and vacation decorations, that are much more lovely.
The Winter Wonders is held yearly in the metropolis’s Grand Place from November to January 1. It options greater than 200 stalls promoting conventional presents, meals, and drink. A big tree at the Grand Palace and a sound and lightweight present.
Make positive to maintain an eye fixed out for the winter pop-up that takes place round the metropolis. There are loads of ice rinks for ice skating round city with decorations and toys, together with the Bois de la Cambre skating. Brass bands, choirs at St. Catherines Square, and lightweight Christmas parades happen all through the vacation season.
16. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is such a stupendous metropolis and a stupendous place so as to add to your Christmas trip checklist, with a number of festive occasions and actions to take pleasure in. Its vacation markets are a few of the greatest. Europe has countless markets serving sizzling cocoa and mulled wine to maintain you heat as you store! We as soon as took a complete River Cruise of Europe devoted to seeing the prime Christmas Markets round Europe! Read extra at: Visit Estonia
Tallinn’s prime markets embrace the Tallinn Christmas Market in Town Hall Square and the Christmas Market at the Rotermann Quarter. Stroll via the romantic historic Old Town to return in time.
Several vacation live shows are held in Tallinn throughout the vacation season that includes native and worldwide performers. Tallinn has a number of out of doors ice skating ice rinks open throughout the winter months, together with the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds ice rink and the Freedom Square ice rink.
17. Lapland, Finland
Why wouldn’t you rejoice the holidays in the land of the North Pole and Santa? The Finnish area of Lapland is called the “official home of Santa Claus,” it’s a well-liked vacation spot for these seeking to expertise a conventional Christmas.
Lapland, Finland, is a magical vacation spot for Christmas, with its snowy landscapes and abundance of vacation cheer. Visitors can take pleasure in reindeer sleigh rides, snowboarding, and canine sledding.
But nothing says Christmas greater than seeing Santa himself in Rovaniemi’s Santa’s Village. Santa spends his downtime 354 days of the 12 months at Santa Claus Village, spreading the message of affection, goodwill, and the Christmas Spirit throughout the globe.
And, who wants Christmas lights when you will have the Northern lights twinkling in the sky and you’ll take part in conventional Finnish Christmas celebrations similar to lighting the Christmas peace candle.?
18. Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital of Copenhagen, Denmark, is understood for its lovely vacation shows and markets, which provide an array of festive presents, decorations, and scrumptious treats. Copenhagen is already a magical metropolis; at Christmas, it actually is a spot of vacation spirit.
At Christmas, Tivoli Gardens transforms right into a winter wonderland with Christmas two million vacation lights and projected Christmas photos. This enchanting amusement park is enjoyable for the entire household. Santa and his reindeer seem, and the glowing tree lights up the calm waters of Tivoli Lake. Read extra: Tivoli Gardens – Copenhagen’s Enchanting Amusement Park and Pleasure Garden
One of the extra distinctive issues to do in Copenhagen is ice swimming at one in every of its out of doors swimming pools. The Danes are hearty and luxuriate in their chilly dips in pure, clear waters. Read extra: How to Visit Copenhagen Like a True Dane
19. Sydney, Australia
If you desire a tropical Christmas, head to Sydney, Australia. Christmas in Sydney is a novel expertise, with heat climate and delightful seashores.
The metropolis is understood for its lovely seashores and festive occasions, together with the Sydney Festival and the Sydney Harbour Yacht Race. There can be the fortieth annual Carols in the Domain live performance by Woolworths, the place Australia’s largest stars placed on a Christmas live performance. Plus, its New Year’s celebrations are second to none.
Visitors can take pleasure in Christmas dinners at a few of the metropolis’s prime eating places or spend the day at the iconic Bondi Beach. Now that’s a Christmas I can get behind.
20. Tokyo, Japan
Despite not being a conventional vacation in Japan, Christmas has not too long ago develop into more and more well-liked. Tokyo at Christmas is understood for its elaborate vacation shows, mild reveals, and festive purchasing districts.
Several vacation occasions embrace the Christmas Illuminations at Roppongi Hills, the Tokyo Disney Resort’s Christmas occasion, and the Christmas Eve Countdown at Shibuya Crossing. See extra of Tokyo: The Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
The purchasing districts of Ginza, Shibuya, and Omotesando are alive with vacation festivities with a variety of presents, decorations, and festive treats. From Christmas to New Year, Japan likes to rejoice the holidays.
21. Beijing, China
Our first go to to Beijing was in December, and we have been shocked by what number of Christmas shows we noticed. We noticed Christmas celebrated all through our travels in China. Department shops are adorned with lights and shows and embrace the Christmas cheer.
You’ll be shocked simply how “Christmassy” China may be. Shopping malls have Christmas timber, and purchasing streets are adorned with Christmas lights.
Bird’s Nest Stadium (Beijing’s Olympic Stadium) transforms right into a winter wonderland with the annual Ice and Snow Festival, Christmas Bazaars, and markets. Even the hutongs have Christmas festivals. Read extra: 24 of the Best Things to do in Beijing, China
22. Mexico
Felize Navidad from Mexico. That’s what we have been singing throughout our Christmas trip in Mexico. We first celebrated Christmas overseas on a vacation journey to the Riviera Maya. Someone introduced a mini adorned Christmas tree to the seaside, and all of us sat round it on seaside chairs.
Mexico is aware of the right way to make Christmas getaways really feel like the good vacation trip with loads of festivals, fireworks, and pinatas. It is a festive season. There are processions by candlelight in metropolis streets, and households put out Nativity Scenes. I’ll admit that we spent it on the resort, however years later, we traveled round Mexico and loved festivities on the town.
Families rejoice the nights recreating when Mary and Joseph seek for lodging, making a procession going from one posada (Spanish Inn) to the subsequent.
Christmas Getaways in Canada
23. Quebec City, Canada
We are keen on celebrating Christmas in Canada. We have the snow, now we have the lights, and now we have the reindeer. Quebec is the most enchanting place to rejoice Christmas in Canada. The outdated metropolis seems like an enthralling city, as proven in a Hallmark film. This Christmas Magic tour takes you round to see the websites of the outdated metropolis with a information adorned in genuine native costume.
Quebec City’s old-world appeal with horse-drawn carriage rides via its cobblestone streets is made for Christmas. Stroll via the historic Old Town, which is particularly lovely throughout the vacation season, as its historic buildings are adorned with festive decorations.
The Quebec City Christmas Market is held in the Old Port of Quebec City and options over 100 chalets providing native crafts, meals, and drinks. We have personally skated at the out of doors ice rinks in Quebec and counsel lacing up at Place D’Youville ice rink at the Old City Wall or the Plains of Abraham skating rink alongside the St. Lawrence River.
Read extra: The 27 Best Things to Do in Quebec City
24. Toronto
Celebrating Christmas in Toronto is getting higher with every year! At the coronary heart of the metropolis, Nathan Phillips Square is the epicenter of Christmas celebrations with its picturesque out of doors ice-skating rink, making a postcard-perfect winter scene. The Distillery District is reworked into a conventional European-style Christmas Market, full with artisanal crafts, festive meals, and energetic music, encapsulating the joyous spirit of the holidays.
Toronto is house to the authentic historic Christmas Parade, a century-old occasion that includes vibrant floats and Santa Claus himself. The Christmas purchasing scene is superb, from the tallest Christmas tree in North America at the Eaton Centre to the upscale boutiques in Yorkville and the historic St. Lawrence Market. Read extra: Best Christmas Events in Toronto: A Festive Guide 2023
25. Banff
You can take pleasure in one in every of the greatest Christmas Getaways in Banff for a white Christmas. This ski city makes you’re feeling like you might be in a Hallmark film. From a few of the greatest snowboarding in North America to sleigh rides, Banff’s picturesque, quaint village makes it one in every of the greatest Christmas getaways in Canada.
Ski bunnies will love their alternative of three ski hills from Lake Louise to the ski-in ski-out entry of Sunshine Village. There is cross-country snowboarding and the Banff Christmas market at the Warner Stables. Banff is conveniently situated in Banff National Park, the place you’ll be able to take part in all the wonderful out of doors winter actions.
There are many extra locations round the world to rejoice Christmas. Regardless of your faith, Christmas is a magical time worldwide. It’s enjoyable to take a look at vacation shows and lights and see how others rejoice them. If you go away for Christmas subsequent 12 months, the place would you go?