Christmas is that magical time when the world transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland—or does it? Not everyone wants to cozy up by a fireplace in sub-zero temperatures, bundled in so many layers that they resemble the Michelin Man. Some of us prefer a little more sunshine, a dash of culture, and maybe even a swim in the ocean.
Wherever the Christmas fever takes you, you’ll likely find some sort of holiday cheer. Knowing where to find the grove plays a huge role in Christmas well-spent. Here’s our list of the best places to visit this Christmas—because the holidays are what you make of them, not what your thermostat says.
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Spending Christmas in Jackson Hole offers an unforgettable holiday experience. For families, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the place to be. It’s located in the stunning Tetons and is the perfect destination for those eager to hit the slopes. The resort also hosts several events like WinterFest. This festival takes place in late December and is packed with festive activities including ice skating, skiing with Santa, a scavenger hunt, and a cozy movie night.
The celebration begins with a Christmas tree lighting and concludes with a dazzling fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. For the perfect photo-op, head to the iconic elk antler arches. The spot is beautifully illuminated for the season, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
New York City
New York City is one of the most revered Christmas destinations on the planet. The city lights shine brightly year-round, but holiday lights add to the magic. You’ll hardly have to look for activities or entertainment with all the famous displays across the city. Check out the enormous tree at Rockefeller Center and the smaller but still dazzling tree at Washington Square Park.
The LED-lit Saks Fifth Avenue facade and the animated window displays at Macy’s Herald Square also add a little charm to the holidays. You can sip hot chocolate while you shop for last-minute gifts at German-style Christmas markets. Also, partake in the age-old tradition of watching the Radio City Rockettes perform their annual Christmas Spectacular on a holiday vacation in NYC.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is another beautiful city that comes alive in the holiday season. It’s like stepping into a holiday fairy tale. The city boasts two of the best Christmas markets in Western Europe, with the main event taking place in the charming Markt Square. This magical setting is filled with stands and wooden chalets offering everything from handmade ornaments to delicious waffles and cozy woolly socks.
The colorful storefronts around the square are adorned with festive decorations, and you can indulge in some of the best Belgian hot chocolate from local confectioneries. There’s also a smaller market in Simon Stevinplein Square that adds to the seasonal charm.
St. Lucia
If you want to swap snow for powdery white sands, consider going to Saint Lucia. This stunning Caribbean island is a wonderful winter escape with beautiful patches of sand. For families, the luxurious Sugar Beach typically offers a full lineup of holiday activities such as visits from Santa, a traditional family Christmas meal, and a New Year’s Eve beach bash.
While Saint Lucia is fun for kids, it’s also one of the best Christmas vacations for couples, especially with a room at the adults-only Jade Mountain. It’s the only hotel with a straight-on view of volcanoes Gros Piton and Petit Piton.
Salzburg, Austria
Spending Christmas in Salzburg offers a perfect blend of festive markets, local cuisine, and rich history. The city’s Christmas markets are a highlight, including the historic Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Located in the heart of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the market features traditional stalls set against the stunning backdrop of onion-domed churches.
Another must-see is the Hohensalzburg Fortress Market in Cathedral Square, dating back to the 15th century and offering picturesque views of the fortress. For a truly enchanting experience, visit the Hellbrunner Adventzauber at Hellbrunn Palace, known for its scenic setting and family-friendly attractions.
When it comes to dining, Gasthof Goldgasse provides an upscale atmosphere, serving seasonal specialties like fried chicken in a copper pot and roasted duck with dumplings. Salzburg also holds special significance as the birthplace of “Silent Night” and offers traditional folk dances and songs during the holiday season.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a magical place to spend Christmas, offering a festive atmosphere with markets, lights, and a variety of events and activities. The Edinburgh Christmas Market, one of the UK’s largest, is set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and features rides, live entertainment, food, and drink, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
At St Andrew Square Winter Garden, visitors can enjoy the Santa Letter Writing Station, the Kindness Tree, Santa Stories. Edinburgh Castle also offers the enchanting Castle of Light illuminations and a delightful Christmas afternoon tea.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh invites visitors to experience the Winter Light Trail Evenings, while George Street is the place for ice skating. At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, carol singing around the Christmas tree brings a sense of community, and St Giles Cathedral hosts candlelit classical concerts.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Spending Christmas in Rovaniemi is like stepping into a holiday dream. Located on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is home to the famous Santa Claus Village, a magical destination adorned with sparkling lights, festive ornaments, and towering Christmas trees. Visitors can explore the village for free and enjoy free parking, making it an easy and delightful stop.
Nearby, Santa Park offers an enchanting underground experience with an Elf School, Ice Room, Santa Post Office, Santa Train, and live Elf shows. Strolling through the Old Town is a treat with its picturesque streets lined with traditional wooden houses, all decked out in Christmas lights.
For a true winter adventure, husky rides through the snow provide an unforgettable experience. Meeting Santa at the local Christmas markets adds a personal touch to the festivities, and admiring the majestic reindeer is a must. Finally, visitors can gather for a festive dinner, sharing holiday cheer with fellow travelers.
Conclusion
Whether you want to bundle up in cozy layers, sip hot drinks by the fire, or toast marshmallows on a beach, there’s a perfect Christmas destination for you. No matter where you go, just remember: it’s not about the snow on the ground; it’s about the warmth in your heart—and, of course, that well-timed Christmas carol sing-along.
