Best places to visit for Christmas

What comes to your mind when you think of Christmas? Giant Christmas trees decorated with twinkling lights, mittens and woolens keeping you warm, buying presents, family reunions and celebration. But Christmas is also the perfect time to take a holiday and make memories. Some people love the snowy mountains and fairy-tale towns, while others prefer sunny beaches and warm weather. No matter what you like, there are plenty of options to make your Christmas holiday special.

If you are looking for the best places to visit during Christmas or wondering about fun Christmas holiday destinations, this list will help you. From glowing Christmas markets in Europe to tropical islands and big city lights, these are the best Christmas destinations to explore this festive season.

Also read: Best Countries To Visit In December – Flying Squirrel Holidays

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Best for a classic winter wonderland experience
Best for magical Christmas markets
Best for big city Christmas lights and festivities
Best for tropical and warm Christmas escapes
Best for unique and cultural Christmas celebrations
Christmas is an ideal time for luxury travel
Why choose Flying Squirrel Holidays for your Christmas adventure

Best for a classic winter wonderland experience

Snow, bright lights, and the warm holiday feeling are the only things that make many travellers deem Christmas perfect. If you are dreaming of the best places to visit for Christmas where you can enjoy skiing, snowy villages and hot chocolate by the fire, then a winter wonderland is perfect for you. The following are some of the best Christmas destinations in the world where you can enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

Jackson Hole is one of the best places to visit for Christmas if you love snow and adventure. In December, the town turns into a true winter wonderland with fresh snow on the mountains and cozy wooden lodges. You can ski, snowboard or even have a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge.

Highlight: The Christmas lights in the town square are enchanting, and people assemble in this area during festive occasions and have warm meals during holidays. It’s one of the best vacation spots during Christmas for people who want both fun and festive cheer.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is a picture-perfect mountain village and one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe. The Matterhorn peaks are snow-covered in December making the views breathtaking. The village is a car-free area that makes it quiet and beautiful with its blinking Christmas lights and warm chalets make it look ethereal. You can explore Christmas markets, taste Swiss chocolates and enjoy world-class skiing.

Highlight: Midnight Mass in the village’s old churches, surrounded by snow and candlelight, makes Christmas here unforgettable. Many travellers say Zermatt is one of the best places to travel during Christmas if you want a magical mix of nature, tradition and festive joy.

Lapland, Finland

Lapland is where the magic of Christmas truly comes alive. During December, you can visit the land of husky and reindeer sleighs in Rovaniemi. According to the people of Finland, this is the official hometown of Santa Claus where you can meet him and send off letters from his post office.

Highlight: Along with an interaction with Santa Claus in his home, club the Northern Lights experience and you will surely have a dream-come-true holiday. Thanks to the snowy scenery, the reindeer, the lights and the sounds around, you might just feel like you have landed up on a Christmas card. Just heavenly!

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Best for magical Christmas markets

One of the best parts of the holiday season is walking through a Christmas market. The combination of fresh cake and cookies aroma, carols and twinkling lights make the entire place magical. If you are looking for the best places to visit during Christmas where you can enjoy shopping, local food and festive decorations, then Christmas markets are a must. These towns and cities in Europe are some of the best Christmas destinations because their markets turn December into a fairy-tale experience.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is among the best European destinations to visit during Christmas since its markets feel straight out of a fairy tale. During the days of December, the Rathausplatz, which is famous for Christmas markets and open-air concerts, turns into a light-illuminated village with music and the aroma of sweet pastry. Here the Christmas market has stalls with hand-made ornaments, toys and local treats.

Highlight: Families can walk through sparkling decorations, drink warm mulled wine and listen to carol singers. The entire mood is cheerful and dreamy, therefore Vienna is one of the amusing xmas holiday destinations one can choose for Christmas market festivities.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Old Town Square becomes a magical wonderland during December. It is one of the best places to visit for Christmas because the market has bright lights, wooden stalls and the smell of fresh pastries. There is a very big Christmas tree illuminating the centre, choirs singing Christmas songs and people having warm food and beverages.

Highlight: Christmas choirs perform traditional songs daily, making the market atmosphere warm and joyful. Most tourists claim that Prague is among the top holiday destinations during Christmas due to its beauty, tradition and holiday spirit.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges feels like a living Christmas card in December. It is an excellent destination to visit during Christmas, when you feel like witnessing the magic of Christmas markets in a small and cozy town.

Highlight: The Market Square is lit up and there is an ice-skating rink, as well as stalls with Belgian chocolates, waffles and handmade gifts. Christmas lights are shining on the canals around the city, which brings magic to it. This kind of warm and festive atmosphere makes Bruges one of the best Christmas-holiday destinations for people who cherish charm and tradition.

If you are looking for the best place to celebrate Christmas, let us take it up here. Flights, itinerary and accommodation, we will take care of everything, you just relax and enjoy your trip!

Best for big city Christmas lights & festivities

If you are fond of big lights, busy streets and big parties, then great cities of the world are one of the best places to be during Christmas. These cities look surreal decked up in festive lights and you could stand and marvel at the Christmas tree decorations. From ice-skating under the stars to watching Christmas shows, big cities make the festive season unforgettable. Here are three of the best Christmas destinations for lights and celebrations.

New York City, USA

New York is among the best places to be during Christmas. The huge tree at Rockefeller center, the ice rink adjacent to it and the lights on Fifth Avenue gives everything an enchanting touch.

Highlight: During December, you may visit Radio City Christmas Spectacular, attend the holiday markets, or just check out the window displays. Churches host candlelight services and gospel concerts that bring out the true Christmas spirit. New York is a destination that is popular among many travellers, as it embraces the holiday spirit in a large-scale and captivating manner.

London, UK

London is a leading place in the list of Christmas destinations for those people who admire lights and traditions. Oxford Street and Regent Street are lit up with thousands of lights and the winter wonderland in Hyde Park has rides, programs and markets. You can also sing carols in Trafalgar Square or skate in the ice rink of Somerset House.

Highlight: Traditional pantomime theatre shows are a holiday favorite, giving families a special way to celebrate Christmas. London is the best place since it is a combination of history, fun and festivity within the city centre.

Paris, France

Paris is the city of lights and more are added during the festive season in December. It is a perfect Christmas getaway for romance and celebration. Gifts, sweets and hot chocolate are sold in the city-wide markets which adds to the charm.

Highlight: The Champs-Élysées shines with dazzling lights, while the Eiffel Tower sparkles even brighter than usual. Paris is one of the best countries to visit during Christmas for couples and families who want a festive holiday in a dreamy setting.

Must read: Discover The Magic Of Christmas In Kolkata – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Best for tropical & warm Christmas escapes

The Christmas holiday season is not only about snow. Many tourists seek destinations with warm weather and beaches. The tropical locations offer an alternative type of vacation complete with outdoor adventure, leisure and seaside festivities. Here are three of the best Christmas destinations if you want a sunny holiday in December.

St. Lucia, Caribbean

St. Lucia is one of the best places to travel during Christmas for beach and nature lovers. The island has golden sand, crystal blue water and the famous Piton Mountains. There are lantern competitions, dazzling fireworks and there is a tradition of local people going from home to home singing carols and doing Bamboolay dances accompanied by drums and folk music. Christmas in resorts and towns is celebrated with music, barbeque and local events.

Highlight: Families can enjoy water sports, couples can have a great time at luxury resorts, and everyone can experience Caribbean hospitality during Christmas. St. Lucia is often called one of the best vacation spots during Christmas as it combines Christmas spirit and tropical beauty.

Maldives

The Maldives is a leading Christmas holiday destination as a luxury retreat. White beaches, private water villas, and coral reefs make it a peaceful place to celebrate the holidays. Resorts prepare Christmas dinners, have fireworks, and special events for guests.

Highlight: Christmas in Maldives turns out to be quite different as instead of a snowman, sand sculptures are created, bright lanterns are lit and Santa makes a grand entry on a sea plane or a jet ski. It is indeed one of the best countries to visit at Christmas for couples and families, who want warm weather and a relaxing break.

Orlando, Florida (USA)

Orlando is among the most recommended places to visit with the family during Christmas. Orlando is a perfect holiday destination during Christmas holidays as it has fun attractions and holiday celebrations.

Highlight: The city’s theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Studios, celebrate with lights, parades and festive shows. For travellers looking for energy and excitement, it is also one of the best vacation spots during Christmas.

You will enjoy this read: Islands In Zanzibar: Marine Magic And Luxury Redefined! – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Best for unique & cultural Christmas celebrations

For travelers who value local customs and culture, the most appropriate destinations to visit during Christmas tend to be a combination of history and food with Christmas customs. These places will demonstrate the ways Christmas is celebrated by people in various parts of the world, which are extraordinary and unforgettable. Here are three of the best Christmas destinations for unique and memorable celebrations.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is one of the best places to visit during Christmas if you want lively traditions and colourful festivals. The city celebrates with “Las Posadas,” a nine-day event filled with parades, music and street parties.

Highlight: It is also one of the best vacation destinations during Christmas for cultural celebrations as churches and plazas are decked up in lights and there are nativity displays everywhere. For travellers looking for authentic traditions, Mexico City is definitely the place to choose.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is one of the most surprising places to go to during Christmas. Although Christmas is not a conventional holiday in Japan, the city is full of glittering lights, modern decorations and local peculiarities. Streets and shopping districts glow with decorations, and many families enjoy festive meals such as the famous Christmas fried chicken tradition.

Highlight: The Shibuya’s Blue Cave, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and the Christmas markets of Sapporo or the snow festival there are a must check out. Tokyo is one of the best places to travel during Christmas if you want a mix of modern city life and seasonal cheer. You can enjoy snow and serene temples in colder places like Kyoto or Hokkaido. Many travellers consider it one of the most exciting Christmas holiday destinations for its unique take on Christmas.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is among the most preferred European destinations in terms of culture, cuisine and Christmas spirit. The Christmas markets of the city are full of homemade gifts and traditional candies. The streets and squares are beautifully illuminated and tastefully decorated.

Highlight: The unusual tradition of the Caga Tio wooden log, which makes people laugh, is part of the Christmas tradition. The locals come together to celebrate and listen to music. It is ideal for travellers who enjoy both history and festive energy.

Christmas is an ideal time for luxury travel

The festive season is perfect for travellers who want comfort, style and unforgettable experiences. Many of the places you visit for Christmas, also offer world-class luxury options. Here’s why Christmas is one of the best times to enjoy high-end travel:

Exclusive resorts and hotels – December is the time when luxury resorts worldwide offer special holiday packages with fine dining, personal events, and holiday activities such as water villas, ski chalets and so on in the Maldives and Zermatt, etc.
Extra winter activities – In destinations such as Lapland and Jackson Hole, the luxury traveler can take on a special sleigh ride, guided Northern Lights tours, or spa retreats.
Tropical escapes with style – Warm-weather xmas holiday destinations such as St. Lucia or the Maldives provide beachfront villas, private cruises and gourmet Christmas dinners by the sea.
Big city glamour– It is even brighter in the cities of New York, London, and Paris during the month of December. VIP experiences in terms of shows, fine dining, and exclusive shopping can be enjoyed by travelers.

Also read: Luxury Resorts In India That Redefine Opulence – Flying Squirrel Holidays

Why choose Flying Squirrel Holidays for your Christmas adventure

It may be daunting when planning a holiday over the festive season with all these best Christmas destinations in mind. We keep it simple, stress-free and curate it your way at Flying Squirrel Holidays.

When you book with us, you get:

Professional advice: Our staff know which spots to visit during Christmas all over the world and will assist in picking which one suits your aspirations.
Customized itineraries: Each family, couple or individual traveller is unique. We prepare the travel plans that suit you, your budget, time and interests.
End-to-end support: Not only flights and hotels but activities and festive experiences: We take all the planning off your hands so that you can start making memories.
Reliable travel agent: You can depend on our expertise to tailor your perfect Christmas holiday.

We will plan your Christmas holiday for you. Just call us at +91 33 4052 5777 0r log on to www.flyingsquirrelholidays.com

FAQs

1. How early should I book my Christmas holiday trip?
It is best to book at least 3–6 months in advance. The best Christmas destinations such as Lapland, New York or the Maldives, often sell out quickly during December. Early booking also helps you get better prices on flights and hotels.

2. Are Christmas holiday destinations more expensive in December?
Yes, December is the peak travel season. Many of the best vacation spots at Christmas have higher prices due to demand. However, you can still save money by booking early, choosing flexible dates, or exploring lesser-known xmas holiday destinations.

3. Are Christmas markets worth visiting for tourists?
Yes. Cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Bruges are among the best places to travel during Christmas because of their festive markets. They offer food, handmade gifts, and cultural experiences that make the season feel magical.

4. What is the best way to experience local culture during Christmas travel?

Choosing destinations like Mexico City, Tokyo, or Barcelona allows you to join traditional events, food festivals and local customs. These are some of the best places to travel during Christmas if you want cultural experiences beyond the usual lights and markets.