Twinkling lights, towering trees, and a joyful atmosphere are what excite us about Christmas. The festive season marks the end of the year, as well as the time for jubilant holidays. Are you thinking about traveling for Christmas this year? Well, we have a list of the 12 best Christmas destinations worldwide for you to visit. Whether you want to get lost in brilliant Christmas markets or celebrate the merry season on a sunkissed beach, these places lead to an unforgettable holiday.
Best Christmas Destinations Worldwide – Summary
- Germany
- Austria
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Lapland, Finland
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- London, the UK
- New York City, USA
- Solvang, California, USA
- Bogota, Colombia
- Sydney, Australia
- Tokyo, Japan
Germany
Set your foot into a country that turns spectacular during the joyful season. Christmas is celebrated massively in Germany – twinkling lights and spectacular attractions included. Thus, the country is famous for its Christmas markets. The dazzling and heartwarming Christmas markets have been a huge part of Germany for centuries. They are the real deal when it comes to Christmas in Germany. So, prepare yourself to get lost in the jubilant crowd and sip some delicious mulled wine.
Where to find Christmas markets in Germany? – you might ask. Well, major cities and small towns in Germany have their own Christmas markets. However, the best ones are in Cologne, Munich, and Dresden. Cologne’s Christmas market is set in front of the elegant Cologne Cathedral, creating a wonderful scene. Munich boasts an enormous Christmas tree with thousands of fairy lights, also delightful Bavarian cuisine. Dresden houses Striezelmarkt, the biggest Christmas market in Germany, which is popular for its fairytale-like stalls and gigantic Christmas tree. Therefore, Germany is one of the best places to go for Christmas this year.
Austria
Christmas means glimmering markets, cheerful carols, and sweet treats in Austria. Yes, it does celebrate a ‘traditional’ Christmas. However, there are unique traditions and folklore that you won’t find anywhere else. Get ready to greet Krampus, a nightmarish creature that makes Christmas look like Halloween. People wear scary costumes on December 5th and 6th to celebrate St.Nicholas and Krampus Day. It is a thrilling scene you can see in Austria, counting down to Christmas.
There are so many things to do in Austria at Christmas. Every city or region in the country has its own way of celebrating the joyful season. Vienna is packed with gorgeous Christmas markets, offering the country’s special winter treats such as toffee apples and brakatoffel. Tirol beckons you to witness its Krampus parade and adorable nativity scenes. Salzburg will steal your heart with its romantic winter scene and one-of-a-kind folk shows. Therefore, Austria is one of the best places to visit for Christmas.
Copenhagen, Denmark
This heartfelt Danish city welcomes visitors to celebrate an unforgettable holiday. Copenhagen lights up with fairy lights, Christmas trees, and seasonal food stalls during the joyful season. The city’s iconic storybook buildings are cloaked with sparkling white snow, creating a lovely scene. The canals glow with warm lights, taking tourists and locals on festive boat rides. Visiting Copenhagen during Christmas means being ready to experience julehygge – Christmas ‘coziness’!
Some of the unmissable things to do in Copenhagen during Christmas are ice skating and strolling around the Tivoli Gardens. Glide your way through the icy rinks of the Frederiksberg Gardens. It is the locals’ beloved ice skating spot. Thus, Tivoli Gardens makes Christmas special with its jubilant markets and fairs. Marvel at the market’s fairytale village-like setting, hop on the beautiful merry-go-round, and have some classic gløgg to chase the cold away.
Lapland, Finland
Set in an untouched wilderness, Lapland offers an unbelievable Christmas experience. The spectacular region turns into a winter wonderland as December comes. Endless snowy terrains, alluring pine forests, and fascinating Northern Lights harmonize to create a magical scene. Besides that, the city of Rovaniemi is known as the hometown of Santa Claus. Well, sounds like a perfect place to go for Christmas, right?
Christmas in Lapland means a mix of outdoor activities and classic celebrations. Savor the cheerful Christmas atmosphere in Santa Claus Village. Heartwarming winter dishes, dazzling Christmas trees, and adorable presents hide inside the log cabins. Also, get the chance to greet friendly Santa Claus. Besides that, make sure to try outdoor activities such as dog sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling. You can also go out on a freezing winter night to see the dazzling Northern Lights.
Prague, Czech Republic
Spending Christmas in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities? Well, it will be unforgettable! Prepare yourself to get lost in magical Prague. Baroque-style buildings line the streets, Gothic church towers capture everyone’s attention, and the Danube River gleams under the warm lights. Moreover, Christmas markets and winter special offers light up the city during the joyful season. Therefore, Prague is one of the best Christmas destinations in the world.
Spend your time exploring Prague’s Christmas markets. Hunt for adorable Christmas-themed souvenirs and have a bite on some Czech winter specialties. Perníčky (spicy gingerbread) and smoked klobasa sausage will spoil your taste buds. Also, sip on medovina, a well-loved honey wine. Moreover, you can enjoy Christmas carols in Prague’s Old Town or visit the famous Prague Castle for its winter scene.
Reykjavik, Iceland
It is no surprise that Iceland comes out as one of the best Christmas destinations in the world. Festive, quirky, and spectacular – those are what describe Christmas in Iceland. Head to Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, where Christmas is celebrated like nowhere else.
Reykjavik brings the tale of the 13 Yuletide Lads, Santa-like trolls who love giving gifts to children, alive. Yule Town Christmas Market welcomes children to receive small gifts from the trolls by exchanging their shoes. The adults can savor delightful Christmas treats, such as leafbread, pepper cookies, and jolakaka cake. Gulp down some malt og appelsin, an Iceland classic sweet soda malt drink. Also, get ready to enjoy a magical scene of the dancing Northern Lights, adding to Reykjavik’s festive spirit.
London, the UK
Big and magical – that is what Christmas looks like in London. Talk about everything spectacular, from gigantic Christmas trees to sprawling fairgrounds. London feels as festive as ever. The streets are lined with twinkling fir trees and eye-catching decorations. Christmas carols and cheerful jingles boost up the cheerful atmosphere. Therefore, London is one of the best Christmas destinations in the world.
One of the highlights of London’s Christmas is the Winter Wonderland. This festival turns Hyde Park into a magical land comprising dazzling decorations, enchanting light shows, and luscious stalls. You can skate along a sparkling ice rink, hop on crazy rides, and try out some British winter delights. Additionally, stop by Trafalgar Square to see the city’s iconic Christmas tree.
New York City, USA
Christmas in New York City is immaculate – and we all know it! NYC’s romantic and brilliant Christmas ambiance has been portrayed in many Hollywood movies. So, seeing it for yourself is a great idea. From the extraordinary Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center to the feisty stalls at Bryant Park, everything is festive in NYC. For that reason, nothing can replace New York City’s position as one of the best Christmas destinations in the world.
There is no shortage of things to do in New York City during Christmas. You can start the day by grabbing some holiday special coffee and sweets in one of the city’s cafes. Then, book a ticket to watch a Christmas special Broadway show. You can also hunt for food in Chelsea Market or experience the snow-cloaked Central Park. As the sun goes down, NYC becomes more beautiful. Marvel at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or Dyker Heights’ lights.
Solvang, California, USA
Are you looking for a laidback yet festive place for a Christmas vacation in the USA? Also, a place that is somehow a hidden gem? Solvang is the answer! This adorable village in California brings Denmark to the US. The Danish-styled architecture, timber houses, and pretty windmills create a picturesque scene. Moreover, it becomes more beautiful as winter approaches. Stroll through streets twinkling with Christmas lights and smelling like freshly baked pastries. In a nutshell, Solvang is simply dreamy.
Visiting Solvang during Christmastime means festivals and celebrations. Get ready to witness the impressive Julefest, in which you can see impressive parades, a tree-lighting ceremony, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Moreover, get the chance to try out some Danish delicacies, like aebleskiver pancakes and pastries. Therefore, Solvang is one of the best Christmas destinations in the US, even the world.
Bogota, Colombia
Are you looking for a warm Christmas destination? Then, Bogota is for you to visit! Experience a one-of-a-kind Christmas in the capital of Colombia. The city’s streets are bursting with elaborate Christmas lights and decorations, creating a wonderful scene. Bogota throws a neverending party throughout December with its abundance of festivals and celebrations. Thus, Christmas in Bogota becomes more special with distinctive Latin American culture.
When visiting Bogota, make sure to see the Ruta Navideña or Christmas Route. It features dazzling light shows and fantastic parades. Moreover, Bogota holds holiday markets for both tourists and locals to enjoy. Make sure to try out some Colombian Christmas treats when visiting the market, such as natilla custard flan and bunuelos dough balls. Unique and unbelievably festive, Bogota is one of the best Christmas destinations in the world.
Sydney, Australia
Are you dreaming of celebrating Christmas at the beach? Well, Sydney has that in store! Tucked in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia enjoys a sizzling summer in December. You can find magical holiday markets and exciting Christmas festivals in Sydney. However, instead of mulled wine, you can find yourself sipping some berry cocktails or sparkling wine. Instead of snow-covered landscapes, you will get golden sand beaches. Sounds like an interesting way to celebrate Christmas, right?
One of the main deals of Christmas in Sydney is the Christmas markets. The markets bring the joyful season to Sydney with its elaborate decorations, adorable mascots, and themed stalls. At night, the markets twinkle with fairy lights. Visiting the markets equals shopping and eating. You can find local Australian products, ranging from clothes to handmade decorations. Additionally, try out some pavlova and trifle. Besides that, you can also go for a Christmas barbeque.
