Christmas, the most anticipated time of the year, sparks dreams of enchanting getaways. Whether you imagine a snowy wonderland, a sun-kissed beach, or a culturally rich city adorned in festive lights, the perfect Christmas vacation is within reach. From the snowy peaks of Wyoming to the tropical shores of Saint Lucia and the fairytale charm of Bruges, discover the Best Places To Travel During Christmas and create unforgettable holiday memories.
Winter Wonderlands: Embrace the Snowy Christmas Spirit
For many, Christmas is synonymous with snow, and these destinations offer the quintessential winter holiday experience.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: A Snowy Mountain Christmas
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Jackson Hole, nestled in Wyoming’s majestic Tetons, transforms into a winter paradise, making it one of the best places for a Christmas family vacation. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a premier ski destination, hosts WinterFest in late December, brimming with festive activities. Imagine ice skating under twinkling lights, skiing with Santa himself, embarking on a holiday scavenger hunt, and cozying up for movie nights. The celebrations begin with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and culminate in a spectacular fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
Luxury and comfort await at slopeside lodges like Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa and the ski-in, ski-out Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Downtown Jackson offers holiday shopping amidst the iconic elk antler arches, beautifully illuminated for the season. For a unique winter adventure, venture to Granite Hot Springs Pool, accessible by snowmobile, fat bike, dog sled, or skis, and soak in the natural warmth surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.
Beaver Creek, Colorado: Ski Slopes and Festive Cheer
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Beaver Creek, Colorado, a charming ski village near Vail, provides another exceptional snowy Christmas destination. The village comes alive with holiday spirit, hosting an annual Christmas tree lighting and a variety of events like holiday movie nights and fun cookie-baking competitions for families.
For luxurious ski accommodations, The Osprey offers doorstep access to the chairlift and a heated outdoor pool. Alternatively, The Pines Lodge provides a more intimate setting with only 60 rooms, both offering convenient ski-in, ski-out access for avid skiers. Beaver Creek is perfect for those seeking an active and festive Christmas in the mountains.
Stowe, Vermont: Picture-Perfect New England Christmas
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Stowe, Vermont, a beloved ski destination in New England, is a quintessential Christmas getaway, particularly for those on the East Coast. Its proximity to major cities like Boston and Montreal makes it easily accessible for a magical white Christmas. The ski season typically begins in November, guaranteeing powdery slopes for Christmas skiers and snowboarders.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers stunning mountain vistas and ski-in, ski-out convenience, enhancing the winter wonderland experience. Stowe’s charming village and snowy landscapes create a truly picture-perfect Christmas setting.
City Celebrations: Urban Christmas Magic
For those who prefer cityscapes to snowy slopes, these urban destinations offer unique and vibrant Christmas experiences.
New York City, New York: The Iconic Christmas in the City
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Experiencing Christmas in New York City is truly unparalleled. The city’s energy amplifies during the holidays, with dazzling light displays and festive cheer at every turn. Iconic sights like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a towering symbol of the season, and the equally enchanting tree at Washington Square Park are must-sees. Saks Fifth Avenue’s spectacular LED light show and Macy’s Herald Square’s animated window displays add to the city’s festive spectacle.
Indulge in hot chocolate while browsing German-style Christmas markets for unique gifts and immerse yourself in the tradition of the Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular. NYC is also a fantastic Christmas destination for singles, with a vibrant city life that continues throughout the holidays, offering packed movie theaters, bustling restaurants and bars, Broadway shows, Alvin Ailey dance performances, and The Nutcracker ballet at Lincoln Center.
Bruges, Belgium: European Christmas Market Charm
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Bruges, Belgium, is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Western Europe, making it a top choice for a European Christmas getaway. The main market in Markt Square is a festive hub with wooden chalets selling handcrafted ornaments, delectable waffles, and cozy woolly socks. The surrounding storefronts are charmingly adorned with holiday decorations, and Belgian hot chocolate vendors offer a taste of rich, comforting indulgence. A smaller, equally festive market can be found in Simon Stevinplein Square.
Enhance your Bruges experience with a stay at the luxurious Hotel Van Cleef, offering suites overlooking the picturesque canals. Bruges embodies the fairytale charm of a European Christmas.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Castle Lights and Hogmanay Festivities
Edinburgh, Scotland, shines during the Christmas season, with Edinburgh Castle as its illuminated centerpiece. The annual Castle of Light event projects breathtaking displays onto the castle walls, featuring everything from mythical dragons to vibrant floral scenes.
Festive afternoon tea at The Dome, a stately Georgian tea room decked in seasonal finery, is a must-do. Explore Christmas markets while sipping mulled wine and enjoy ice skating on George Street. For a truly unique experience, extend your stay to New Year’s Eve and partake in Hogmanay, Scotland’s grand end-of-year celebration, featuring torchlight processions, concerts, and lively parties.
Washington, D.C.: Patriotic Holiday Spirit
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Washington, D.C., offers a blend of patriotic spirit and holiday cheer, making it an excellent and often budget-friendly Christmas destination. Visit the National Christmas Tree, ice skate at Washington Harbour, and enjoy choral concerts at the National Cathedral. Many holiday events in D.C. are free, allowing for an affordable Christmas city break.
Escape the cold in renowned Smithsonian museums, admire the holiday lights at the National Zoo, or stroll along the National Mall with a warm drink. For accommodation, Riggs, a top-rated hotel, offers a luxurious stay in the heart of the city.
London, England: A Magical and Festive City
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London at Christmastime is truly magical. Glittering lights adorn the city, festive Christmas markets offer cider and treats, themed pop-up bars add to the holiday fun, and ice skating rinks pop up across the city, from Hyde Park to Greenwich.
London boasts numerous festive hotels, but The Lanesborough stands out with its extravagant holiday decorations and a unique “Christmas in Residence” program for fully decked-out rooms. London offers a classic and enchanting Christmas city experience.
Salzburg, Austria: A Sound of Music Christmas
Salzburg, Austria, effortlessly embodies the holiday spirit. Christmas markets, the aroma of warm glühwein, medieval castles, and even a Christmas museum create a uniquely festive atmosphere. As Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music,” Salzburg is steeped in cultural charm.
Ice skate at Mozartplatz, surrounded by the city’s musical heritage, and take in panoramic views of the snow-capped Alps from Hohensalzburg Fortress. For luxury accommodation, Hotel Goldener Hirsch, located in Old Town, provides an opulent and historic stay. Salzburg is perfect for a culturally rich and traditionally festive Christmas in Europe.
Quebec City, Canada: European Charm Closer to Home
Quebec City, with its European ambiance, offers a unique Christmas experience without crossing the Atlantic, especially for those in the Northeastern U.S. The city’s French-Canadian culture celebrates Christmas with Franco-German-style markets, ice skating at Place D’Youville, and charming shopping in Old Quebec, which transforms into a winter wonderland.
For a classic Quebecois experience, ride the Au 1884 toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace, near the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Quebec City provides a charming and accessible European-style Christmas.
Warm Weather Escapes: Sun, Sand, and Holiday Cheer
For those seeking to escape the winter chill, these warm-weather destinations offer a different kind of Christmas magic.
Saint Lucia, Caribbean: Tropical Beach Bliss
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If your ideal white Christmas involves powdery sand instead of snow, Saint Lucia in the Caribbean is the perfect escape. Luxurious resorts like Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, offer full holiday programs with Santa visits, traditional Christmas meals, and New Year’s Eve beach parties. Saint Lucia is ideal for both families and couples, especially with adults-only options like Jade Mountain, offering stunning views of the iconic Piton mountains.
Spend your days lounging on pristine beaches, swimming in turquoise waters, snorkeling, and kayaking between the island’s dramatic peaks. Saint Lucia provides a luxurious and sun-soaked Christmas getaway.
Florida Keys, USA: Beachside Holiday Road Trip
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The Florida Keys, with their pleasantly warm December weather, are an excellent U.S. beach destination for a Christmas escape. Start your holiday with a scenic road trip through the Keys to Key West, enjoying island hopping along the way. For a secluded stay away from the holiday crowds, consider Sunset Key Cottages, a private island resort accessible by ferry, offering serenity near Key West’s attractions.
The Florida Keys offer a relaxed and warm beach Christmas within the United States.
The Bahamas: Sunny Oasis and Island Hopping
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The Bahamas, a short flight from the East Coast, are a popular choice for a sunny Christmas getaway. Mid-December marks the start of the high season, with warm temperatures averaging in the 80s, a welcome contrast to colder climates.
From large resort complexes like Baha Mar to intimate private island resorts like Kamalame Cay, the Bahamas offer diverse accommodation options for every preference. Enjoy sun-soaked beaches and island hopping during your Christmas vacation in this tropical paradise.
The Maldives: Luxury in the Tropics
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For ultimate luxury and tropical warmth, the Maldives are an idyllic Christmas destination. Winter is the dry season, with daily highs in the mid-80s, perfect for a beach holiday. The Maldives’ 27 atolls are home to some of the best all-inclusive Christmas resorts, including Meeru Maldives, Constance Moofushi, and Lily Beach.
Swap snow boots for sandals and indulge in a luxurious beach Christmas in this breathtaking island paradise.
Unique and Charming Christmas Destinations
For a Christmas experience off the beaten path, consider these unique and charming locales.
Highlands, North Carolina: Hallmark Movie Christmas Town
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Highlands, North Carolina, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offers a charming small-town Christmas atmosphere reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Throughout December, Main Street storefronts are decorated for a festive competition, and you can vote for your favorite display. Visit Santa in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
Cozy accommodations await at Old Edwards Inn and Spa and Half-Mile Farm, both favorites among Travel + Leisure readers, offering holiday decorations and Christmas cheer. Highlands provides a quaint and heartwarming Christmas experience.
Solvang, California: Danish Christmas in the Valley
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Solvang, California, a Danish-founded town in the Santa Ynez Valley, offers a European Christmas feel with warmer temperatures. Solvang hosts Julefest, a month-long Christmas celebration with outdoor events and festive decorations. Stay at The Landsby or The Winston, two of Solvang’s cozy boutique hotels, for a charming Christmassy stay.
Experience a unique Danish-inspired Christmas in sunny California.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Southwestern Holiday Traditions
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Santa Fe, New Mexico, celebrated for its culture and beauty, offers a unique Southwestern Christmas experience. Holiday events throughout December include the Santa Fe Botanical Garden’s La Luz de Las Noches light display and Christmas concerts at the Loretto Chapel. Ski Santa Fe, a short drive away, offers winter sports.
For special accommodations, consider Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, offering festive meals and s’mores, or La Fonda on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Santa Fe provides a culturally rich and visually stunning Christmas destination.
Rovaniemi, Finland: Santa Claus’ Hometown
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Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is arguably the most Christmassy place on Earth. Home to Santa Claus Village and SantaPark, you can meet Santa and his reindeer in a snowy Arctic landscape. Winter is also the best time to witness the magical Northern Lights.
Igloo hotels in the area offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the aurora borealis from the warmth of your room. Rovaniemi is the ultimate Christmas destination for believers of all ages.
Bavaria, Germany: Medieval Towns and Krampus Tales
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Bavaria, in southern Germany, offers a picturesque Christmas holiday. Begin in Munich, exploring traditional German Christkindlmarkts with mulled wine. Venture to medieval towns like Rothenburg for quintessential Christmas charm, or hit the slopes in the Alps for skiing. Be aware of the local folklore and the spooky Krampus, adding a unique twist to your Bavarian Christmas.
Bavaria provides a blend of traditional German Christmas markets, stunning scenery, and unique cultural experiences.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Summer Christmas Fiesta
Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers a unique summer Christmas celebration in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy outdoor asado feasts and fireworks under sunny skies, with temperatures in the comfortable 70s and 80s Fahrenheit.
Embrace the warm weather with cocktails and picnics in Plaza Intendente Alvear, sample pan dulce, admire decorations in Galerías Pacífico, or escape to nearby beaches. Buenos Aires provides a vibrant and warm Christmas experience, different from the traditional winter holidays.
Conclusion: Choose Your Perfect Christmas Getaway
From snowy mountains to sun-kissed beaches and culturally rich cities, the best places to travel during Christmas offer diverse and unforgettable holiday experiences. Whether you seek a classic winter wonderland, a vibrant urban celebration, a warm tropical escape, or a unique cultural adventure, your perfect Christmas destination awaits. Start planning your holiday trip and create cherished memories in one of these exceptional Christmas locations.
