As the holidays approach, cities around the globe shift into festive mode—from snowy market towns to sunlit beaches and spectacular light shows. Below are 28 standout places to spend Christmas, each with what makes it special, a single memorable experience, and a recommended place to stay.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why: Though Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7, December fills Tbilisi with warm lights, street markets, and carols.
One thing: The Liberty Monument’s cascading light show feels like a giant urban Christmas tree.
Stay: Stamba Hotel for stylish, book-filled rooms and cozy-chic vibes.
2. Sydney, Australia
Why: A summer Christmas with monthlong events, big trees, and glittering displays across the city.
One thing: Walk beneath the Strand Arcade lights and Pitt Street Mall’s Canopy of Light.
Stay: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for rooftop pool relaxation and festive dining.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why: Beachside holiday energy, lively outdoor celebrations, and Brazil’s dramatic nativity displays.
One thing: The massive floating Christmas tree on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.
Stay: Fasano Ipanema for ocean views and an infinity pool.
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why: A 45-day festive season with colorful lights, folk music, midnight masses, and coquito.
One thing: Old San Juan’s illumination around Plaza de Armas.
Stay: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel for oceanfront luxury and a soothing hammam.
5. Zagreb, Croatia
Why: Advent markets, ice skating, and live nativity scenes give the historic center a fairy-tale feel.
One thing: Hand-carved wooden toys from Hrvatsko Zagorje, a cherished local craft.
Stay: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel for Art Deco elegance.
6. Gdańsk, Poland
Why: A port-city Christmas fair with Advent windows, whimsical attractions, and old-town charm.
One thing: The two-level carousel that rises above the market for great views.
Stay: Craft Beer Central Hotel Gdańsk with an in-house brewery.
7. Reykjavík, Iceland
Why: Long winter nights, glittering lights, and the chance to see the northern lights.
One thing: The 13 Yule Lads—playful Icelandic holiday characters who appear in local lore.
Stay: The Reykjavík Edition for modern Icelandic design and snug touches.
8. Cologne, Germany
Why: Classic German Christmas markets, mulled wine, and the cathedral-lit Rhine waterfront.
One thing: Panoramic views from the KölnTriangle observation deck.
Stay: Cologne Marriott Hotel within easy walking distance of the Cathedral.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why: Hygge-centric festivities at Tivoli Gardens, cozy markets, and twinkling attractions.
One thing: Traditional roast duck dinners at intimate Danish restaurants.
Stay: Hotel Sanders for refined Danish comfort.
10. Kennebunkport, Maine, USA
Why: New England charm and an 11-day Christmas Prelude full of local traditions.
One thing: Santa’s dramatic arrival by lobster boat.
Stay: White Barn Inn for fireside luxury.
11. Edinburgh, Scotland
Why: Lively markets, whisky bars, ice skating, and proximity to Hogmanay New Year events.
One thing: Festive lunches with castle views at Edinburgh Castle.
Stay: The Balmoral for iconic Old Town panoramas.
12. Bruges, Belgium
Why: A medieval setting warmed by cobbled lanes, lights, and excellent hot chocolate.
One thing: The Winter Glow trail that illuminates historic sites.
Stay: Grand Hotel Casselbergh near the Markt.
13. Medellín, Colombia
Why: The Alumbrados light festival blankets the city in millions of LEDs for dazzling nights.
One thing: Starting the evening with coffee at Pergamino Café before seeing the displays.
Stay: Click Clack Hotel in El Poblado for vibrant design and indoor/outdoor lobbies.
14. London, UK
Why: Timeless holiday atmosphere—decorated streets, skating rinks, festive shopping, and cozy pubs.
One thing: Ice skating in Somerset House’s elegant 18th-century courtyard.
Stay: Claridge’s for classic, luxurious London celebrations.
15. Málaga, Spain
Why: Andalusian light displays along Calle Larios, lively nativity scenes, and free concerts.
One thing: Verdiales music and flamenco performances on December 28.
Stay: Finca Cortesin for sumptuous design and seaside pools.
16. Park City, Utah, USA
Why: Top-tier skiing plus festive activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling.
One thing: The North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad with hot cocoa and Mrs. Claus.
Stay: Washington School House near a lit Main Street.
17. Cape Town, South Africa
Why: Southern Hemisphere summer Christmas—beaches, outdoor markets, and warm daytime weather.
One thing: A visit to Boulders Beach to see African penguins.
Stay: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa with dramatic ocean views.
18. Dublin, Ireland
Why: Pub culture, carols, markets, and Grafton Street’s twinkling decorations.
One thing: The Moving Crib mechanical nativity in St. Martin Apostolate’s basement.
Stay: The Westbury for festive afternoon tea and city-center location.
19. New York City, USA
Why: Iconic holiday moments—Rockefeller ice rink, department-store windows, and neighborhood light displays.
One thing: Over-the-top decorations in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
Stay: The Plaza for timeless New York holiday glamour.
20. Paris, France
Why: Champs-Élysées lights, pop-up markets, ice rinks, and rich hot chocolate.
One thing: The elaborate tree and window displays at Galeries Lafayette.
Stay: Hôtel Lutetia on the Left Bank for Art Deco style and seasonal menus.
21. Prague, Czech Republic
Why: Old Town and Wenceslas Square markets set against Gothic architecture with mulled wine and pastries.
One thing: Svařák, Czech mulled wine, served 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 snow-dusted Old Town like a European village.
One thing: The Château Frontenac’s toboggan run at Au 1884 for a fun descent.
Stay: Auberge Saint-Antoine for fireside warmth and thoughtful holiday packages.
23. Rome, Italy
Why: Sacred holiday traditions in the heart of Catholicism with luminous streets and historic sites.
One thing: Midnight Mass in ancient settings such as the Pantheon.
Stay: Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese for rooftop dinners and seasonal tours.
24. Salzburg, Austria
Why: Picture-postcard town with a historic Christkindlmarkt, live music, and baked specialties.
One thing: Shops selling hand-painted ornaments and traditional souvenirs.
Stay: Hotel Goldener Hirsch steps from the market.
25. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Why: Festivities starting December 12 with religious events, parades, fireworks, and Las Posadas processions.
One thing: Daily Posadas (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: A compact Old Town turned into a winter wonderland with projections, a festive Christmas train, and markets.
One thing: Creative main-tree installations tied to city celebrations.
Stay: Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius for central access and warm service.
27. Strasbourg, France
Why: One of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric Christmas markets clustered beneath the cathedral.
One thing: The market under Strasbourg Cathedral—an unforgettable photographic backdrop.
Stay: Hôtel Les Haras in a converted stable for historic comfort.
28. Taipei, Taiwan
Why: Bold, large-scale light displays and events—Christmasland in Banqiao turns districts into luminous playgrounds.
One thing: Fuzhong Business District’s Christmasland with magic forests and themed light parks.
Stay: Mandarin Oriental for decadent decor and extensive dining.
Whether you prefer snowy markets and carols, warm beaches and outdoor festivals, or extravagant light shows, these destinations offer a diverse range of holiday experiences and suggested places to stay. This guide has been updated since its original publish date.
