Looking for the best places to travel during Christmas? Whether you want snowy wonderlands, sunny escapes, cozy small towns, or lively cities, this guide has you covered. Discover top Christmas holiday destinations for a holiday to remember. If you’re planning your trip, consider using BookMyTrip AU for convenient booking options.
Inshorts
Europe’s Christmas markets in cities like Munich and Prague offer magical holiday experiences with festive treats.
Lapland and Reykjavik provide snowy Christmas settings with unique winter activities.
Sydney and Cape Town are perfect warm-weather destinations for Christmas celebrations.
Rome and Vatican City offer rich cultural and religious Christmas traditions.
Bruges and Kennebunkport provide cozy small-town Christmas charm.
New York City and London become vibrant festive cities with iconic decorations.
Orlando is ideal for family-friendly Christmas fun and events.
Enchanting European Christmas Markets
Spending Christmas in Europe is special, with old traditions coming alive in busy Christmas markets. These markets are full of charm, twinkling Christmas decorations, and a festive feeling.
From handmade crafts to tasty treats like mulled wine, European Christmas markets offer a feast for the senses and a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Here are some of the most magical Christmas travel destinations in Europe.
Munich, Germany
Munich’s Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is a must-see during Christmas. Dating back to the 14th century, this market is famous for its mulled wine and traditional Bavarian crafts.
Walking through the busy market, you’ll find many handmade goods, festive foods, and unique decorations that show what a Bavarian Christmas is like.
Prague, Czechia
Prague’s Christmas markets are a hidden treasure for those wanting to enjoy the festive season without spending too much. These markets have a cheerful atmosphere with local products that show the rich culture and traditions of Czechia.
As you walk through Prague’s charming old town streets, you’ll feel the holiday spirit and the lively energy of this beautiful city, with sights like the Prague Castle adding to the magic.
Magical Winter Wonderland Destinations
For those dreaming of a white Christmas, winter wonderland destinations offer the perfect setting. From the stunning views of Lapland to the amazing Northern Lights in Reykjavik, these places provide a magical holiday experience.
Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a snowy Christmas.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is the top place for a magical Christmas. Located within the Arctic Circle, you can meet Santa Claus, ride reindeer, and enjoy winter sports like husky sledding and snowmobiling. One highlight is seeing the Northern Lights on a private tour.
With snow-covered lands and festive activities, Lapland is truly a winter wonderland and a great destination for holiday travel.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is great for those wanting to see the Northern Lights in winter. The city is full of festive lights and decorations. From darker streets at night, you can watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky for an unforgettable Christmas.
Reykjavik’s natural beauty and festive mood make it a perfect holiday getaway.
Festive City Escapes
City breaks at Christmas mix bright decorations, festive events, and famous sights. From New York’s busy streets to London’s historic charm, these cities become festive wonderlands that attract thousands of visitors.
Here are some of the best cities to spend Christmas.
New York City, USA
New York City comes alive at Christmas. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center and nearby ice rinks is a classic New York holiday activity.
Fifth Avenue becomes a holiday shopping hotspot with amazing decorations and displays, perfect for Christmas shopping. New York’s festive mood and famous decorations make it a top Christmas travel destination.
London, England, UK
London turns into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with sparkling lights and beautiful window displays. The Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square is a symbol of the city’s festive spirit and a must-see.
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor ice skating at Somerset House and visit lively pubs and decorated Georgian houses that add to London’s Christmas charm. A top tip is to explore the local restaurants offering festive menus to fully experience the holiday spirit.
Warm Weather Christmas Getaways
If you want to escape the cold, warm weather Christmas getaways offer sunny alternatives. From Australia’s beaches to the vibrant city of Cape Town, these places provide a great setting for a festive holiday under the sun.
Here are some top warm weather Christmas destinations.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a lively city with a unique Christmas experience in summer. Visitors can enjoy beach celebrations and see many Christmas lights at places like Strand Arcade and Pitt Street Mall. With temperatures from 26°C to 18°C and low humidity, Sydney offers great festive weather.
A nice day trip from Sydney is a ferry ride to Watson’s Bay for lovely views.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers a special festive experience with outdoor Christmas movie screenings. Celebrating Christmas here means enjoying warm weather and activities like budget safaris to see the Big 5 animals.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a recommended place to stay for a luxurious holiday in Cape Town.
Unique Cultural Christmas Celebrations
For those wanting a unique cultural experience, some places offer colorful and traditional Christmas celebrations. From midnight mass in Vatican City to the lively Las Posadas festival in Mexico, these places connect you to the holiday’s cultural and religious roots.
Rome & Vatican City, Italy
Rome and Vatican City offer a special Christmas with rich history and religious meaning. Highlights include:
Attending midnight mass in Vatican City, a beloved tradition
Enjoying hymns in the Pantheon
Drinking mulled wine at Christmas markets in Rome to add to the festive mood.
With temperatures from 13°C to 4°C, be sure to dress warmly when visiting Rome in December.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende is known for its colorful Christmas celebrations. The Las Posadas festival, from December 16 to 24, honors Mary and Joseph’s journey with parades, nativity scenes, and church services.
The festive mood and rich traditions make San Miguel de Allende a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas.
Cozy Small Town Christmases
Small towns often offer a cozy and charming Christmas with festive decorations and special events. From Bruges’s medieval charm to Kennebunkport’s lobster-themed attractions, these towns provide a warm holiday feeling.
Here are some of the coziest small towns to spend Christmas.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a beautiful town known for its medieval charm and cobblestone streets. Visitors enjoy shimmering lights and Belgian hot chocolate while walking the streets.
Bruges’s Christmas market offers frites and mulled wine, adding to the festive mood.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a charming small town with unique lobster-themed Christmas attractions. The main event at the Christmas Prelude is a tree made of lobster traps.
In a fun twist, Santa arrives at the Christmas Prelude on a lobster boat, showing the town’s maritime culture.
Family-Friendly Christmas Destinations
Finding the right Christmas spot for families means places with fun activities, festive events, and attractions that make holidays special. From theme parks to bright city lights, these destinations are great for families.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a lively city during Christmas, with many family-friendly activities all year and festive events in full swing. Disney World decorates parks and offers themed attractions, making it magical for families.
Universal Studios also has special Christmas celebrations and events, so there’s fun for everyone.
Book to Find Cheap Flights and Holiday Packages
Planning your Christmas trip ideas early can help you find the best Christmas travel deals and make your travelling cheaper. Booking holiday packages can save money and ensure a smooth holiday getaway. For easy and reliable bookings, check out BookMyTrip AU to secure your flights and accommodations with confidence. Book to find cheap flights and enjoy great savings on your holiday travel.
Whether you want to head overseas or enjoy a local culture experience, these Christmas vacation ideas offer something for every traveller.
Summary
From Europe’s Christmas markets to snowy winter wonderlands, warm beach holidays, unique cultural celebrations, cozy small towns, and family-friendly spots, Christmas 2025 has something for everyone.
Whether you want to enjoy holiday cheer, explore new cultures, or relax on a sunny beach, these destinations are perfect for a memorable Christmas. Imagine spending the most wonderful time of the year in these magical places. Pack your bags and get ready for a Christmas to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Munich and Prague have magical Christmas markets with unique charm that make the holiday season special.
Lapland, Finland, and Reykjavik, Iceland, offer beautiful snowy Christmas experiences.
Sydney, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa, are great places for a warm and festive Christmas.
Yes! Rome and San Miguel de Allende have colorful Christmas traditions that reflect their cultures.
Orlando, Florida, has fun activities and festive events for families.
