As the winter chill sets in and the festive spirit starts to shine, the allure of exploring new destinations during the Christmas season grows ever stronger. Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas with snow-capped landscapes and cosy firesides or you’re seeking a vibrant city illuminated with festive lights, winter travel opens up a world of enchanted possibilities. In this feature, we’ll explore a variety of the most captivating destinations where the magic of the holiday season comes to life in spectacular fashion for a Christmas getaway. Pack your bags and get ready to be carried away to the most charming winter wonderland destinations, each providing a special fusion of tradition, excitement, and festive spirit.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Imagine travelling to one of the best Christmas holiday destinations, celebrating by the Northern Lights. Pure bliss. The possibility of witnessing this phenomenon increases significantly during the festivite period because the days are shorter. Furthermore, the night sky is also the perfect backdrop for nighttime festivities and enjoying the decorations, Christmas lights, and plethora of beautiful Christmas trees. Iceland also has a lot of snow – perfect for outdoor activities like sleigh rides, snowboarding and skiing.
Extra festivity: How about a a bit of hedonism by warming up in a hot spring after admiring the Northern Lights? Doesn’t get better than this.
Montréal, Canada
While most of Canada’s cold-averse locals flock south for winter, this chic city reveals its true personality with cosy French restaurants, upscale shopping (say hi, last-minute presents!), and opulent festivals. Le Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal is a Christmas highlight, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and festive activities. It’s a great market to find unique gifts and enjoy holiday treats.
Extra festivity: Welcome Christmas with midnight mass at Notre-Dame Basilica, arguably one of the most stunning churches in the world. (Celine Dion’s wedding was here, so you know it’s good).
Salzburg, Austria
Unsurprisingly, Salzburg’s renowned Christkindlmarkt is brimming with song, similar to when the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the setting for The Sound of Music. With origins in the fifteenth century, traditional wind music and sing-alongs are just as much a part of the celebrations as mulled wine and market stalls. We’re also fans of bauernkrapfen (fried pastries).
Extra festivity: The Christmas in Salzburg shop on Goldgasse, famous for its frilly ornaments (especially those hand-painted on eggshells), is literally a year-round celebration of Christmas. Take a few decorations home with you to savour the memories of your trip.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is typically more affordable than other European destinations, making it a great choice for best place to go for Christmas. The city is adorned with decoration, and paying a visit to Prague Castle or Charles Bridge with their spectacular displays will leave you in awe. These two sites are the most lit and decorated attractions during the festive season. And we can’t forget the food. Traditional Czech dishes such as fish soup, fried carp and sweet treats like trdelník (a swirl of dough usually topped with sugar and walnuts) are culinary delights.
Extra festivity: You can’t have Christmas without Christmas music. Go ahead to the Christmas concert in the church of St. Nicholas, an important monument both historically and culturally.
Tokyo, Japan
Every year, the city ups its game with its winter illuminations, with various districts vying to produce some genuinely amazing shows. Notable lighting features include the nearly ten-foot-tall snow globes at Tokyo Midtown, as well as the enormous Baccarat crystal chandelier at Yebisu Garden Place. Because they are so widely loved, the colourful lights are kept up well after Christmas, sometimes until January or February.
Extra festivity: Inspired by the blue grottos of the Mediterranean, the Blue Cavern (Ao no Dokutsu) in Shibuya is one of the most well-known illuminations.
Inari, Finland
While the majority of travellers head to Lapland around Christmas, we suggest heading north to the village of Inari. A 1.5-hour flight from Helsinki takes you to the picturesque Ivalo region, where you can find Inari, a genuine winter wonderland scattered with cosy hotels and restaurants. A winter holiday spent riding dog sledges, feeding reindeer, and searching for the Northern Lights is arguably the most classic.
Extra festivity: You can enjoy a private Northern Lights safari while sat in a heated sleigh with bubbly wine and watching the aurora dance. Not bad, right?
Park City, Utah, USA
Park City is well known for its fantastic skiing and snowboarding conditions, boasting two major ski resorts, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort. Both resorts are open during Christmas, weather permitting, and provide a variety of winter activities. A horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy scenery is one of the most enchanting Christmas time activities in Park City. This can be an enjoyable family outing or a romantic experience for couples. And there’s no shortage of cosy holiday-themed cafes to warm up in between runs.
Extra festivity: Take in the breathtaking spectacle during the customary Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade of ski instructors and locals skiing down the mountain while holding torches.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is home to the oldest of France’s Christmas markets, with a history spanning nearly 450 years. You will undoubtedly be kept busy with the dozen markets that you can check out. While there will be a tonne of mouthwatering treats available, many people decide to indulge in foie gras, the king of Alsatian delicacies and a French Christmas staple. Simply walking around this charming city with it’s charming buildings feels like you’re in a Christmas folkstale.
Extra festivity: The brilliant market sits beneath the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest surviving structure constructed entirely during the Middle Ages. How’s that for a photo op?
Bruges, Belgium
Europe’s best-preserved medieval city embodies enchantment all year-round, but during the holidays, the charm multiplies. Christmas in Bruges is like stepping into a medieval fairytale. Wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in the glistening lights, and sipping on Belgian hot chocolate in cafés make it challenging to imagine a more magical place. You can also indulge in seasonal treats such as gingerbread, speculaas (spiced biscuits), and warming glühwein (mulled wine).
Extra festivity: Explore the historic area of the city centre by following the Winter Glow light trail, which makes stops at ten installations, including a projection at Gruuthuse and lights at the Church of Our Lady Tower.
New York City, USA
It’s a classic, and it’s a must at least once in your life. NYC transforms into one of the most magical places in the world for Christmas, with snow, a great atmosphere, and plenty of activities for this long-awaited season. You can take part in the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Rockerfeller Center that has starred in countless legendary Christmas movies. Central Park is another must. It’s an obvious choice, but you won’t want to miss the ice skating – absolutely iconic. The department stores in NYC are a part of the festivity, they dress the stores up with grand decorations and the toy stores are a real treat for kids.
Extra festivity: Don’t miss The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a classic show featuring the legendary Rockettes with festive stories and exciting music.
In conclusion, the best places to spend Christmas in the world offer a magical tapestry of festive traditions, enchanting landscapes, and warm hospitality that capture the spirit of the season. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set out to explore one of these best places to spend Christmas for an unforgettable holiday experience. To book flights, visit our website.
