The Christmas season is the ideal time to go to new locations and make unforgettable holiday memories. This joyful season is characterized by cheer, goodwill, and a greater effort to make everyone feel special. Towns and towns all around the world decorate their most picturesque areas with lights and other decorations to make each location appear its best.
Christmas is also the greatest time of year to become serious about shopping, and open-air Christmas markets are not just a European institution. Christmas shoppers looking for presents for family, friends, and even oneself are presented with their wares by artists, craftsmen, and merchants of the unusual and extraordinary from Germany to New Mexico.
Our selection of the top locations to travel for Christmas has something for everyone, whether you're searching for a quiet holiday retreat or an eventful Christmas experience.
1. America, New York City
New York City is the place to be for a Christmas break that is out of this world. Every year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ushers in the holiday season, inspiring locals, businesses, and the city to decorate the streets and halls.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is adorned with tens of thousands of lights and ornaments, is the city's most recognizable holiday landmark. Today, it ranks among the world's most popular tourist destinations for photos. The skating rink that serves as the backdrop for many romantic Christmas scenes is just as significant a tradition as the tree itself. Visitors can visit Radio City Music Hall nearby and catch the Rockettes Christmas show.
The Rockefeller Center's shops are a terrific site to start seeing some of the city's most elaborate window displays because there are so many upscale retailers along Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Park Avenue. The displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry are among the most striking.
Visit St. Bartholomew's Church and St. Patrick's Cathedral while you're in the area. Only a few blocks away, in the opposite direction, is Times Square, where enormous screens and open streets are bustling with holiday imagery.
Another well-known location during the holidays is Bryant Park, which is home to the Bank of America Winter Village, which also features a skating rink and Christmas markets. Skates can be rented on-site, and admission to the rink is free. Some residential areas embrace the season to the fullest, and Brooklyn's Dyker Heights is so brilliantly decorated by its residents each year that tour buses are devoted to taking visitors there to see the lights.
2. Czech Republic: Prague
Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in the world at any time of the year, is particularly festive during the Christmas season as the old customs come to life. The city is best renowned for its exceptional Christmas markets (Vánocni trhy), which rank among the best in Europe. But, the city hosts neighborhood gatherings all year long, and the holiday spirit permeates every nook and cranny.
The Christmas markets in Prague are well-known for their magnitude and their extended season, which normally lasts from the final full week of November (before the American Thanksgiving holiday) through the first full week of January. The largest of the markets is set up in the Staré Msto (Old Town) square, which is guarded by a big tree that is illuminated every evening. Hundreds of stalls selling handcrafted goods including carved trinkets and toys, glass ornaments, apparel, and decorative things can be found in this market.
Many food sellers can be found at the market, making it the best location to go if you're looking for freshly cooked Czech specialties like spiced gingerbread (pernicky) and trdelnik, a sweet and nutty grilled pastry. By observing the carolers and performers scattered throughout the market, guests can stay warm since it's still rather chilly in Prague at this time of year.
Visitors who prefer less crowded areas and more affordable accommodations should postpone their trip until the first week of January, when the markets are still open but the majority of visitors have returned home. Together with the main market, smaller but no less entertaining marketplaces are set up in Wenceslas Square, the Stables Yard, and St. George's Square, all of which are found at Prague Castle.
3. Germany's Nuremberg
This massive celebration in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg raises the bar for Christmas markets in Germany and is packed with both shopping and family-friendly activities. This is one of Europe's oldest and best holiday markets, having been in operation since the 1500s.
The Hauptmarkt, a sizable area flanked by medieval structures like the Frauenkirche, a gorgeous and imposing Gothic cathedral, is where the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) is held. The Nuremberg Christkind, the angel that distributes gifts to children at Christmas, makes an appearance during the market's opening rituals, which are held on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent.
The 200 or so stalls that are set up here provide a huge selection of presents, including traditional Christmas items like hand-carved nutcrackers, hand-knit mittens, and a range of delicate ornaments.
Along with selling arts and crafts, there are also vendors selling specialty delicacies and traditional German holiday sweets. The most genuine Nürnberger Lebkuchen, a classic gingerbread that epitomizes the Christmas season, is made here, however you may also get it at other markets across Germany.
The elaborate and brilliantly lit two-tiered carousel that thrills both youngsters and adults adds even more particular touches to the festive ambiance. It is the focal point of an area particularly for kids that also includes a kiddie train and craft stations where youngsters can make their own gifts as part of the Kinderweihnnacht (Children's Market). Also, there is a children's cultural program including activities for English-speaking children.
4. Canada's Quebec City
The gorgeous Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec) district of Quebec City is the ideal location for a dreamy white Christmas. An evening stroll through the congested streets is made a little bit lighter by the evergreens and dazzling lights that merrily adorn the window sills and rooflines, and by the ample dusting of snow that covers the ground. This historical area of the city is transformed into a Christmas town every December, complete with nativity scenes and cheery accents.
In spite of the city's French heritage, Old Quebec presents a classic German Christmas market with up to 100 merchants selling handcrafted items, artisanal speciality foods, and enough of delicacies to keep you warm and satisfied, from Bratwurst to gingerbread. There is a ton of free entertainment available throughout the market, like as street performers and carolers. There is a lot to do for kids as well, such as a Santa visit and the Kindermarkt, a market for kids with games and other interactive entertainment.
Visit the Château Frontenac, a stunning ancient hotel with a view of the city, if you're seeking a little bit of traditional adventure. The hotel features spectacular Christmas decorations as well as a toboggan slope that enables the wooden sleds to travel at over 70 kph. There are fantastic views of the city below from the track, if you can take your eyes off the road in front of you. The Place D'Youville offers ice skating, while Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix offers skiing and snowshoeing.
5. Austria's Vienna
Because of their size, diversity, quality, and gorgeous locations in front of the city's most iconic buildings, Vienna is home to some of the best Christmas markets in all of Europe. Visitors to Vienna during the holiday season will return home with not just exquisite handcrafted presents but also a ton of beautiful photographs.
The best family Christmas market may be found in Rathauspark, which is located in the area in front of the Rathaus (City Hall). A 30-meter-tall evergreen sits in the square, looking over the frantic activities below, while shimmering lights cover the Gothic building's exterior. There are numerous merchants selling handcrafted items, snacks, and hot drinks, but there are also a skating rink and a carousel. Younger guests can also use the sections made up for them to try their hand at creating traditional crafts to take home as gifts.
The market at Maria-Theresien-Platz is designed to resemble a little hamlet with "cabins" for each seller, while the area around Karlskirche is well renowned for its living nativity scene and regional crafts exhibitors. Although modest, the market at the base of Belvedere Palace is breathtakingly gorgeous.
Live music is played at every market, ranging from smaller groups of carolers to huge choruses and shows. Also, during the season, Vienna's numerous beautiful cathedrals feature frequent choral performances.
6. Stowe, USA (Vermont)
The welcoming village of Stowe is the perfect destination to enjoy some downtime during the holidays if you're yearning for a lovely New England snowy Christmas. This small Vermont town goes to great lengths to adorn Main Street with holiday lights, dazzling window decorations, and several fresh evergreen boughs. The town, which has a beautiful covered bridge and a white church with spires, is already picturesque, but this festive cheer only makes it more so.
There are special events scheduled for all ages over the Christmas season, including encounters with a jolly Santa and even public caroling. The downtown area is a great spot to explore, with a variety of regional restaurants, shops, and art galleries. At Stowe Mountain Resort, one of the top ski areas on the East Coast, visitors may also enjoy a more active vacation. In addition to downhill skiing, Mt. Mansfield's resort offers cross-country, snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating.
The Stone Hill Inn is a luxurious B&B that provides a daily fresh-cooked three-course breakfast as well as services like in-room massages for couples searching for an adults-only, romantic Christmas weekend in Stowe.
The Brass Lantern Inn, which is located in an 1810 brick farmhouse, is perfect for families and guests seeking a more laid-back B&B experience. These hotels have Jacuzzi spas, fireplaces, and the perfect atmosphere for a classic New England Christmas.
7. Colombia's Medellin
The Festival of Christmas Lights in Medellin makes the city the top Christmas attraction in Colombia. The parks and shopping areas come alive with magnificent light displays and events during the entire month of December, including caroling and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.
Also, there is a ton of shopping to be done as well as an endless supply of arepas and buuelos (sweet fried pastries) to keep you going until the show starts.
The main draw is the nightly light and water performances, which are located along the Medellin River at several locations. Intricate water fountains are decorated with colorful lights, and the entire production is choreographed to music. Early in December, after the first water display and ceremonial lighting, fireworks light up the night sky in celebration.
8. California's Solvang,
Because of its distinctive Danish hamlet, Solvang, which is 34 miles from Santa Barbara, is known as "Little Denmark." You'll think you're in Europe rather than the United States in Solvang, which has a windmill and authentic Danish pastries. When the entire town transforms into a winter paradise in December, this is never more apparent.
Late November marks the start of the Julefest Christmas Festival, which continues through January 1st. There are many things to do there, especially enjoyable family events. Youngsters will appreciate going to Santa's Village where they can play in real snow, meet the big guy, and even pet some of his farm animals. They may also participate in the search for the hidden nisse, a mischievous figure from Scandinavian folklore that resembles a gnome.
The majority of the events take place in Solvang Park and Copenhagen Road, including the season-opening Julefest Parade. A nativity play, a tour of holiday foods, candlelight tours, and a unique Christmas farmers market every Saturday in December are additional attractions.
9. Wyoming's Jackson Hole
For your Christmas break, Jackson Hole is the ideal location if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding. One of the best ski resorts in the country is located there, and when the town transforms into a winter wonderland, visitors of all ages will have no shortage of ways to enjoy the snow.
Lassi Pensikkala Travel Influencer 👋 Travel World: Have you considered these 10 magical Christmas vacation spots? https://t.co/gWXEvN3Aae @RoughGuides @BBCREAD FOR FREE #amerexperience #traveltuesday #ttot pic.twitter.com/SpGlQXGhbT
— Searching Tours Tickets & Activities? Tour Insider (@Nr1AmerTours) December 7, 2022
The season begins with a tree lighting in the Town Square, where the recognizable Elk Antler Arch is located. In addition to the lights, the park comes alive with entertainment, merchants offering hot cocoa and treats, and of course, daily visits from Santa Claus. All ages will enjoy shopping at the Holiday Art Market, and couples will want to take a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge.
Even if you don't intend to go skiing, be sure to visit the Jackson Hole Ski Resort on Christmas Eve to meet Santa or return the following day to ski the kiddie slope in honor of a successful night of delivery.
Don't miss the torchlight parade down the mountain if you're in town for the new year. The resort also offers family-friendly holiday activities throughout the season.
10. Hawaii's Honolulu
Thank you very much! What better way to celebrate Christmas than on a Honolulu beach, surrounded by warm white sand rather than snow, and under the shade of palm trees?
The city is beautifully decorated, and there is a jam-packed calendar of events. The Waikiki Holiday Parade, which concludes with a lighting ceremony on Main Street in downtown Honolulu, ushers in the holiday season in late November. Extensive decorations may also be found inside the lobbies of the major hotels and resorts, all of which gladly welcome viewers, for those who don't want to drive into town from Waikiki.
The 34-foot-tall Christmas tree at the Royal Hawaiian Center, which also sets out time each week for Santa to come greet and take pictures with children, is one of the biggest local attractions.
A 50-foot Santa Claus can be found at the Ala Moana Center, and 2.5 million LEDs at Aloha Stadium are perfect for people who enjoy drive-through light shows.
11. Lapland, Finland's Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is a year-round favorite travel destination in Finland and the epitome of a winter paradise that can make even the grumpiest person feel festive.
Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is where Mr. Santa Claus has his official residence. It should come as no surprise that Christmas-themed events are the most well-liked in Rovaniemi. The Santa Claus Express, a double-decker train that provides a pleasant overnight journey to this small hamlet on the borders of the Arctic Circle, should be your first stop on your vacation journey from Helsinki.
Your trip to St. Nick in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi should include the opportunity to enjoy freshly baked cookies produced by Mrs. Claus, mail your wish list to Santa, and observe the elves scurrying to prepare for delivery night.
Of course, you can also take a picture with the cheery old elf and take a selfie next to the marker for the "boundary" of the Arctic Circle.
Visits to nearby reindeer farms, sleigh rides drawn by reindeer, and excursions to see the ornate structures and sculptures in SnowVillage are among more must-do activities.
12. Barcelona, Spain,
The Christmas season in Barcelona lasts a relatively long time, from the final week of November to the first week of January. Despite the abundance of Christmas lights and shopping, one of Barcelona's pleasures is that the city's Christmas customs are still closely tied to their religious roots.
Yet you don't have to be religious to enjoy the wide range of activities held in the city's several ancient cathedrals and churches. Choral performances and special services are held all throughout the city in the awe-inspiring backdrop of Barcelona's famous structures, notably the Gothic Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia and the UNSECO-listed Basilica de la Sagrada Famlia (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia).
Explore the Barri Gtic (Gothic Quarter), where you'll find more churches, lots of music, and festive treats, for a true sense of the ambiance of the ancient world. In keeping with European custom, Barcelona includes a number of sizable Christmas markets as well as a wide range of fun activities for kids and families, including ice skating at La Farga.
13. Italian city of Rome
Rome, a beautiful city all year round, is especially lovely during the Christmas season. One of Rome's most beautiful Christmas decorations is the Colosseum's tree, albeit it isn't quite as large as the one at Rockefeller Center. Other historic landmarks are also done out, highlighting and showcasing their grandeur.
The Vatican City, which is ablaze with lights and music to commemorate the birth of Jesus, must be visited on a holiday visit to Rome. If you're there on Christmas Eve, you can go to St. Peter's Basilica for mass or you can wait until Christmas Day to see the Pope personally give the sermon. A lot of Rome's churches and cathedrals have spectacular life-size nativity scenes in and around them.
Visit the local Christmas markets while you're there and indulge in some of the best seasonal sweets the area has to offer, like panettone, torrone, and pandoro.
14. Auckland, New Zealand,
Although though Christmas in Auckland falls during the summer, there are still a ton of holiday activities available to people of all ages.
Beginning with Smith & Caughey's window displays on Queen Street, decorations start to appear in earnest in early November. Later in the month, the department store opens the family-favorite Santa's Enchanted Forest, where young children can meet Santa and see the elves hard at work getting ready for the big night.
Downtown Auckland establishments, including businesses and even government structures, join in the holiday cheer with daily light displays from December 1 through Christmas Eve. The neighborhood becomes crowded with food stands, gift shops, live music, and cheer.
Treat yourself to a special tour and dinner in the Shire, which is close to Auckland, if you're a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien. Here, you can tromp in the hobbits' furry footsteps and then eat a traditional Christmas feast in Middle World.
15. Taos, New Mexico, United States
Although New Mexico is probably not the first spot that comes to mind when considering a Christmas vacation destination, Taos' distinctive backdrop is what makes Christmas there so memorable. Holiday events in Taos combine the customs of various cultures with traditional Christmas elements like Santa Claus and hot cocoa by the fire. This is a celebration of the city's rich diversity of cultural heritage.
The first Friday night in December is traditionally when Taos Plaza lights up for the holiday season. Following the lighting, families can enjoy holiday carols, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as limitless cookies and hot chocolate.
The Lighting of Ledoux, a sort of street fair held on Taos' historic Ledoux Street, takes place the night after. Participants gather around roaring fires and local businesses and galleries stay open late. Later in the month, Bonfires on Bent Street maintains the festive atmosphere with additional bonfires, farolitos (luminarias), dancing, caroling, and a ton of food.
At the Holiday Fiesta, which is held by the Millicent Rogers Museum, kids also get their own Christmas season start. For more photo opportunities with Santa, there are also craft projects, face painting, and kid-friendly performances.
The community center also conducts kids' craft nights where they may make gifts to take home for family members. Twirl Play and Exploration Space both host a kids' night where Santa comes his elves and lots of goodies.
Fans of music won't want to miss the Taos Chamber Music Group's performances. The Return to Russia Christmas Concerts, which take place at the Harwood Museum of Art, celebrate the history of the Russian community in Taos.
Beginning with a procession in Taos Pueblo, Christmas Eve has its own unique set of festive activities. The Procession of the Virgin is lit by bonfires and signaled by rifle salutes inside the setting of the 1,000-year-old native structures.
All of the nearby ski resorts also host torchlight parades, which are breathtaking to see as skiers descend the slopes carrying bright flares. The biggest of these is Taos Ski Valley, which is also home to a Christmas Eve party and is regarded as one of New Mexico's top ski resorts.