As the holidays roll around, cities and regions worldwide transform into festive wonderlands — from classic European markets to sunny Southern Hemisphere beaches and cozy small-town traditions. Below are 28 top destinations to celebrate Christmas, with what makes each special, one standout experience, and a recommended place to stay.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why: Georgian Christmas is officially January 7, but December fills the city with lights, markets, and carols.
One thing: The Liberty Monument’s cascading light show acts like a giant city tree.
Stay: Stamba Hotel for cozy-chic rooms and vintage-book-filled spaces.
2. Sydney, Australia
Why: Summer celebrations with monthlong “Sydney Christmas” events, huge trees, and spectacular light displays.
One thing: Walk under the Strand Arcade lights or Pitt Street Mall’s Canopy of Light.
Stay: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for rooftop pool lounging and festive lunches.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why: Warm beachside Christmas with lively outdoor life and Brazil’s huge nativity-scene festival.
One thing: The floating Christmas tree in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.
Stay: Fasano Hotel on Ipanema for an ocean-view infinity pool.
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why: A 45-day holiday season with decorations, folk music, midnight masses, and coquito.
One thing: Colorful Old San Juan lights around Plaza de Armas.
Stay: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel for ocean views and a luxurious hammam spa.
5. Zagreb, Croatia
Why: Advent in Zagreb offers traditional markets, ice skating, and live nativity scenes amid historic streets.
One thing: Hand-carved wooden toys from Hrvatsko Zagorje, a UNESCO-recognized tradition.
Stay: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel for Art Deco elegance.
6. Gdańsk, Poland
Why: A storybook port city hosting a monthlong Christmas Fair with Advent windows and whimsical attractions.
One thing: The two-floor Gdańsk carousel for panoramic market views.
Stay: Craft Beer Central Hotel Gdańsk with an in-house brewery.
7. Reykjavík, Iceland
Why: Glittering bulbs and long winter nights—often topped by northern lights and playful local folklore.
One thing: The 13 Yule Lads, Iceland’s mischievous holiday characters.
Stay: The Reykjavík Edition for Icelandic design touches and cozy details.
8. Cologne, Germany
Why: Classic German Christmas-market atmosphere, drawing millions to stalls, mulled wine, and cathedral views.
One thing: Views from the KölnTriangle observation deck across the Rhine.
Stay: Cologne Marriott Hotel — a short walk from the Cathedral.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why: Hygge-forward festivities at Tivoli Gardens, Alpine-style markets, and twinkling rides.
One thing: Traditional andesteg (roast duck) at cozy restaurants.
Stay: Hotel Sanders for Danish comfort and style.
10. Kennebunkport, Maine, USA
Why: New England charm in an 11-day Christmas Prelude with quirky local traditions.
One thing: Santa’s arrival by lobster boat.
Stay: White Barn Inn for luxe, fireside holiday ambiance.
11. Edinburgh, Scotland
Why: Whisky, expansive Christmas markets, ice skating, and proximity to Hogmanay New Year celebrations.
One thing: Christmas lunches at Edinburgh Castle.
Stay: The Balmoral for iconic Old Town and castle views.
12. Bruges, Belgium
Why: A medieval city warmed by cobbles, lights, and excellent Belgian hot chocolate.
One thing: The Winter Glow light trail through historic sites.
Stay: Grand Hotel Casselbergh steps from the Markt.
13. Medellín, Colombia
Why: The Alumbrados light festival turns the city into a dazzling nighttime spectacle with millions of LED lights.
One thing: Morning coffee at Pergamino Café before exploring the displays.
Stay: Click Clack Hotel in leafy El Poblado with indoor/outdoor lobby spaces.
14. London, UK
Why: Timeless festive charm—decorated townhouses, seasonal pubs, skating rinks, and holiday shopping.
One thing: Ice skating in Somerset House’s 18th-century courtyard.
Stay: Claridge’s for a classic, luxury London Christmas.
15. Málaga, Spain
Why: Andalusian lights along Calle Larios, nativity scenes, markets, and free concerts.
One thing: Verdiales music festival and regional flamenco dance performances on December 28.
Stay: Finca Cortesin for sumptuous design and pools.
16. Park City, Utah, USA
Why: World-class skiing plus festive activities like dog sledding and snowmobile adventures.
One thing: The North Pole Express train at Heber Valley Railroad with hot cocoa and Mrs. Claus.
Stay: Washington School House near lit Main Street.
17. Cape Town, South Africa
Why: Summer Christmas on beaches, outdoor markets, and balmy days in the Southern Hemisphere.
One thing: Visit Boulders Beach to see African penguins up close.
Stay: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa with ocean-facing rooms.
18. Dublin, Ireland
Why: Cozy pub culture, carols, markets, and decorated Grafton Street—perfect for pub crawls and traditional cheer.
One thing: The Moving Crib mechanical nativity in St. Martin Apostolate’s basement.
Stay: The Westbury for views over Grafton Street and festive tea.
19. New York City, USA
Why: Iconic holiday experiences—Rockefeller Center skating, holiday window displays, and neighborhood light shows.
One thing: The over-the-top decorations in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights.
Stay: The Plaza for classic New York Christmas glamour.
20. Paris, France
Why: Champs-Élysées light installations, pop-up markets, ice rinks, and indulgent hot chocolate.
One thing: The spectacular Galeries Lafayette tree and window displays.
Stay: Hôtel Lutetia on the Left Bank for Art Deco luxury and holiday menus.
21. Prague, Czech Republic
Why: Monthlong markets in Old Town and Wenceslas squares with mulled wine, pastries, and Gothic backdrops.
One thing: Svařák (Czech mulled wine) from market stalls.
Stay: Aria Hotel near Prague Castle with music-themed suites.
22. Quebec City, Canada
Why: Colonial French charm, cobbled streets, and a very European-feeling Old Town blanketed in snow.
One thing: The Au 1884 toboggan run by Château Frontenac for a thrilling ride.
Stay: Auberge Saint‑Antoine for fireside warmth and holiday packages.
23. Rome, Italy
Why: Sacred, tradition-rich Christmas in the seat of Catholicism with luminous streets and historic sites.
One thing: Midnight Mass at the Pantheon with hymns in an ancient setting.
Stay: Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese for rooftop dinners and festive tours.
24. Salzburg, Austria
Why: A Sound of Music–scenic Old City with historic Christkindlmarkt, live music, and baked specialties.
One thing: Christmas-in-Salzburg shops with hand-painted ornaments and frilly decorations.
Stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch steps from the market.
25. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Why: Festivities beginning December 12 with solemn religious events, parades, fireworks, and spirited Las Posadas reenactments.
One thing: Daily Posadas processions (Dec 16–24) culminating in carols, food, and piñatas.
Stay: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende for spa amenities and rooftop views.
26. Vilnius, Lithuania
Why: Old Town becomes a winter wonderland with a Christmas train, 3D nativity projections, and festive markets.
One thing: Imaginative main Christmas tree installations tied to city celebrations.
Stay: Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius for proximity to events and warm hospitality.
27. Strasbourg, France
Why: Home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets and a cluster of markets beneath the cathedral.
One thing: The market beneath Strasbourg Cathedral for unforgettable photo opportunities.
Stay: Hôtel Les Haras in historic former stables for elegant comfort.
28. Taipei, Taiwan
Why: Large-scale light displays and events—especially Christmasland in Banqiao—turn districts into festive amusement zones.
One thing: The Fuzhong Business District’s Christmasland with magic forests and light parks.
Stay: Mandarin Oriental for decadent decor and extensive dining options.
This list highlights diverse ways to celebrate—whether you want snowy markets and carols, tropical beaches and sunshine, or extravagant light festivals. Each city offers its own traditions, signature experiences, and a recommended base for a festive stay.
This gallery has been updated since its original publish date.
