Top 20 Christmas Destinations for 2024 | Click Travel Tips
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The 20 Best Christmas Holiday Destinations [2024]
Lapland beckons with twinkling lights and the promise of snowy adventures, where every moment feels like stepping into a...
Mar 2, 2024
Jay Allsopp
There are few things more magical in this world than a Christmas holiday. While the actual process of travelling around Christmas can be somewhat nightmarish, once you reach your destination, you’re in for a week or two of pure joy thanks to the celebrations around the holiday season. Of course, that depends entirely on where you go. Some places are more determined to celebrate Christmas and the holidays in style than others are, after all. Some of the best Christmas holiday destinations in the world are fairly obvious places that you might guess at if you were compiling your own list, while others are out-of-the-way gems that far too few people visit, making them excellent for those who prefer fewer tourists. Let’s take a look at the 20 best Christmas holiday destinations you can visit during the most wonderful time of the year!
1. New York City, USA
Chance of Snow: Moderate to high
Average Temperatures: 3°C to 9°C
Cost: Expensive
Christmas Fact: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is an iconic event.
If you’ve seen Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, you’ll know just how magical a holiday destination New York City can be around Christmastime. Of course, if you didn’t like that movie, don’t worry - it’s a lot better in real life!
The dizzying, dazzling urban metropolis of New York City comes alive during December. You’re likely to see beautiful Christmas decorations, as well as the magical Winter Village, where you’ll find lots of local goods on sale and an ice rink that will give you your very own “movie moment.”
Since New York City can get pretty cold during the winter months, there’s also a good chance that you’ll see some snow. If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is probably the best place to go to get one.
Whether it’s mouthwatering local winter delicacies, handmade crafts, or just the atmosphere of a city soaking up the Christmas spirit you’re after, New York City will provide in spades.
Pro Tip: Make sure to book your trip ahead of time, as many hotels and local accommodations are booked up entirely around the Christmas period.
2. Birmingham, UK
Chance of Snow: Low to moderate
Average Temperatures: 3°C to 7°C
Cost: Medium
Christmas Fact: The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is one of the largest outside of Germany and Austria.
Don’t sleep on Birmingham, as the kids say. While this might not seem like one of the most obvious Christmas holiday destinations, it actually has some of the best celebrations of the holiday season you’re likely to find.
The main attraction when it comes to Christmas in Birmingham is the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which draws thousands to its stalls every year. Despite a somewhat gloomy 2023, with its council declaring bankruptcy, the market rolled into town and delighted Brummies (and tourists!) with its selection of goods and delicious food.
Wander a little further up towards the cathedral, and you’ll find more independent stalls selling everything from sweet treats to hot drinks and local crafts. The Christmas lights in Birmingham are a joy to behold, and you might even spot a Wild in Art trail, which the city sometimes hosts around the holiday season.
Pro Tip: These trails give you the chance to explore the centre of Birmingham and spot beautifully decorated statues, so they’re not to be missed.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Chance of Snow: High
Average Temperatures: -2°C to 4°C
Cost: Expensive
Christmas Fact: Iceland has 13 "Yule Lads," mischievous characters who visit children during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
As one of the most perennially underrated capital cities in the world, Reykjavik deserves more love, especially around Christmastime. The city transforms into an even more beautiful version of itself.
Reykjavik plays host to Christmas markets galore during the holiday season, giving you the opportunity to buy delicious hot and cold food, local produce, and much more.
You’ll also find plenty to do in Reykjavik even if you’re not a fan of the markets. Take a walk through the city streets and enjoy its lights, or enjoy a skating session at an ice rink.
Famously, Reykjavik is one of the best places to view the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. If you’ve never seen this shimmering spectacle, why not set aside some time this Christmas to go see it?
Iceland may be dark for most of the day during winter, but that just makes it feel even more magical when the holidays roll around. Consider Reykjavik for your next Christmas jaunt!
4. Lapland, Finland
Chance of Snow: Very high
Average Temperatures: -16°C to -3°C
Cost: Expensive
Christmas Fact: Lapland is considered the home of Santa Claus, with a Santa Claus Village open year-round.
You knew this was going to be on the list, didn’t you? Lapland, in Finland, is one of the most Christmassy places you’re likely to find, largely because it’s often considered to be the home of Santa Claus himself.
Naturally, that means there are several places in the region where you can find ornate Christmas grottos to meet Santa, as well as his array of beautiful reindeer. He’s got magical powers, so he can be in several places at once!
Lapland is also a beautiful snowy paradise. You’ll find warming log cabins where you can enjoy local refreshments, as well as beautiful nature and hiking trails to explore.
Finland is well-known for its saunas, and Lapland has more than its fair share. There’s something curiously addictive about sitting in a hot room and sweating it out while the snow falls around you.
Pro Tip: This isn’t a uniquely Finnish experience, but it’s certainly something everyone should try at least once in Lapland.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Chance of Snow: Low to moderate
Average Temperatures: 1°C to 7°C
Cost: Medium to expensive
Christmas Fact: Edinburgh's Christmas markets and festivities are spread across the city, offering a unique historical backdrop.
Many people who aren’t from Scotland have a misconception that Glasgow is the country’s capital. That’s not the case; Edinburgh is actually the capital of Scotland, and if you’ve ever been during Christmas, you’ll know the city earns that title and then some.
Edinburgh has gorgeous Christmas markets to wander around, offering lots of wintry goods for you to peruse. This is an ideal destination if you’re looking for unique gifts this holiday season.
There’s also a massive big wheel that lets you take in not only the markets below you but also the city as a whole. If you’ve never seen Edinburgh from an aerial perspective, this Christmas is the perfect time to rectify that.
Being in Scotland, you’ll also be able to enjoy local whisky blends. There’s nothing quite like a whisky to warm yourself when the temperatures drop during the holiday period.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Chance of Snow: None
Average Temperatures: 20°C to 31°C
Cost: Medium
Christmas Fact: Despite not being a Christian country, Bangkok is known for its elaborate Christmas decorations, especially in shopping malls.
Bangkok is a great place to go if you’re someone who doesn’t like the way everything grinds to a halt when Christmas rolls around. The country is predominantly Buddhist, which means that Christmas isn’t a public holiday.
If you’ve ever wanted to browse the shops and see what you can get on Christmas Day, Bangkok is definitely the place to go. However, if you’re a humbug about Christmas in general, we wouldn’t recommend this destination.
The many shopping centres, walkways, and buildings of Bangkok get decorated in Christmas finery for the holiday season. It’s truly something to behold; Bangkok can easily rival some of the most Christmassy cities in the world for sheer beauty.
Whether you want to stroll around Christmas villages, take in dazzling light arrangements, or grab some local food while Christmas music plays, Bangkok is the perfect destination for anyone who truly loves Christmas.
Pro Tip: This is also the ideal place to go if you want to celebrate New Year’s, as Bangkok often holds events for the occasion.
7. Bruges, Belgium
Chance of Snow: Low
Average Temperatures: 3°C to 7°C
Cost: Medium to expensive
Christmas Fact: Bruges' Christmas market is set in the historic Market Square, adding to the medieval city's charm.
If you want to step away from the hustle and bustle of Belgium’s capital Brussels but still want to maintain some of that Christmas city cheer, we’d heartily recommend Bruges.
It’s a beautiful town with picturesque vistas; seriously, just try spending a few hours in Bruges without taking any pictures, and you’ll see that it’s virtually impossible.
Around Christmastime, the decorations and markets make Bruges look like a picture postcard town from a Christmas movie. The Christmas markets sell a great variety of local goodies, both edible and non-edible.
You can also just walk the town’s streets and soak in its atmosphere without needing to immerse yourself in festive cheer.
Pro Tip: Bruges is beautiful all year round, but it truly comes to life during the holiday season. Be sure to book ahead, as this city gets busy around Christmas.
8. Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Chance of Snow: Low
Average Temperatures: 4°C to 8°C
Cost: Medium to expensive
Christmas Fact: Dublin's "12 Days of Christmas Market" is a popular event, reflecting the famous Christmas song.
If you want to honour the legacy of The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York,” then travelling to Dublin for the Christmas period is a great idea. You’ll find traditional Irish bars and a wealth of other Christmas activities to enjoy.
Dublin hosts a Christmas market that runs for just a couple of weeks, so make sure to book early! An array of Christmas lights make Dublin a gorgeous city to visit during the festive period.
The castle also gets transformed into a winter wonderland, and you can wander its grounds free of charge, so you don’t need to worry about emptying your wallet to enjoy Christmas in Dublin.
9. Sydney, Australia
Chance of Snow: None
Average Temperatures: 18°C to 26°C
Cost: Expensive
Christmas Fact: Christmas in Sydney is celebrated during the summer, with beach gatherings and barbecues being common festive activities.
If you absolutely loathe the cold weather during Christmas, then head to Sydney, Australia, which usually enjoys much warmer weather during the festive period.
If you’re used to chillier climes, watching sunbathers drink in the rays while wearing Santa hats can be a surreal experience, but you’ll quickly get used to it.
Sydney still loves Christmas, and the city gets dolled up with Christmas lights, beautiful decorations, and ice-skating rinks, giving you the chance to enjoy a traditional Christmas without the obligation to freeze.
Christmas in Sydney also involves a glorious marketplace where you can buy delicious local food, artisan crafts, and fashion that will give you something unique to talk about when you return home.
Pro Tip: If you’ve ever found yourself sitting at home and grumbling while trying to stay warm by the fire during Christmas, consider spending this Christmas in Sydney.
10. Nuremberg, Germany
Chance of Snow: Moderate
Average Temperatures: -1°C to 4°C
Cost: Medium
Christmas Fact: Nuremberg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world, dating back to the 16th century.
It doesn’t get much more festive than Germany, and Nuremberg is one of the most picturesque cities in the country when it comes to Christmas festivities. The city’s Christmas market, or Christkindlesmarkt, is one of the world’s oldest festive markets.
You’ll find a host of wooden stalls, each selling something delightfully different. Whether you want traditional German fare like almond cookies or gingerbread or prefer local crafts and artisan decorations, Nuremberg is the perfect place for Christmas treats.
It’s not just the markets; Nuremberg is also home to fascinating local tours that will tell you all about the history of this famous city, as well as live events to enjoy while you digest those almond cookies.
Pro Tip: Be aware that you might struggle to book accommodation if you don’t get in early, as this city gets busy during the holiday season.
11. Paris, France
Chance of Snow: Low
Average Temperatures: 3°C to 8°C
Cost: Expensive
Christmas Fact: The Champs-Élysées is famously lit with thousands of lights and decorations, creating a stunning Christmas ambiance.
Paris is arguably the cultural capital of Europe, and it stands to reason that Christmas would be magical there. Wherever you go in Paris, you’re likely to see gorgeous light displays, chances to buy local Christmas goodies, or ice skating rinks to get you in the holiday mood.
Many hotels and restaurants deck themselves out in Christmas garb for the holidays, allowing you to immerse yourself in a French Christmas the likes of which must be seen to be believed.
Make sure to check out the Champs Élysées, where you’ll see hundreds of thousands of lights adorning the streets, making Paris light up like its very own giant Christmas tree.
Pro Tip: When you see the Paris Christmas lights set against the backdrop of the darkening sky during December, you’ll realize that there’s no more magical sight than that.
12. London, UK
Chance of Snow: Low
Average Temperatures: 4°C to 8°C
Cost: Expensive
Christmas Fact: London's Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland, a massive festive event with rides, markets, and shows.
London is arguably just as good as Birmingham when it comes to Christmas sights and sounds. If you’ve ever been to London, you can imagine the capital lit up by glorious Christmas light displays and flanked by massive trees.
Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and carol concerts abound during the Christmas period. Whether you prefer something flashy or a more traditional celebration, you’ll find it here.
If you decide to stay in London for New Year’s celebrations, you’ll also find amazing firework displays and beautiful cruises to enjoy, allowing you to experience this city as it rings in a new year.
Pro Tip: London is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the world, so don’t miss out!
13. Budapest, Hungary
Chance of Snow: Moderate
Average Temperatures: -1°C to 4°C
Cost: Medium
Christmas Fact: Budapest's Christmas markets are known for their thermal baths, where visitors can relax in warm waters amidst the cold weather.
Budapest is a wonderful place to visit at Christmas if you’re not a fan of the cold. While the city can get pretty chilly, hopping into one of Budapest’s hot spring baths will rejuvenate your body and mind.
The traditional Christmas markets open in mid-November and usually run until the end of December. If you’ve been disappointed by the abrupt way that some Christmas markets end, this is the city for you.
If you want to soak up local culture, take a tour down the river Danube, where you’ll find cruises offering a glimpse of Budapest’s history and folklore.
Pro Tip: Budapest also offers live entertainment around the Christmas period, so check ahead for what’s playing, as demand can get wild.
14. Salzburg, Austria
Chance of Snow: Moderate to high
Average Temperatures: -3°C to 4°C
Cost: Medium to expensive
Christmas Fact: Salzburg is the birthplace of the Christmas carol "Silent Night."
Salzburg offers plenty of wonderful Christmas events, including markets, concerts, and more. The Christmas market is almost as famous as Nuremberg’s, bringing delicious aromas as you draw closer to the stalls adorned with glorious lights.
Salzburg transforms during the Christmas period, becoming a truly Christmassy city. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the Krampus parades, featuring a mischievous Christmas figure alongside Percht, an Alpine goddess from Austria’s folklore traditions.
Considering Salzburg is the city where “Silent Night” was originally composed, there’s a lot more going on here than the traditionally sleepy Christmas that song might imply!
Other attractions in Salzburg include live music, Christmas-themed exhibitions, and plenty of winter wonders you’ll discover if you wander around the city.
15. Stockholm, Sweden
Chance of Snow: Moderate
Average Temperatures: -3°C to 2°C
Cost: Expensive
Christmas Fact: Stockholm's Christmas markets are known for their Swedish Christmas sweets and mulled wine, called glögg.
Stockholm begins its Christmas celebrations around early to mid-November, when you’ll notice the Christmas lights going up around the city. Walking around the centre of Stockholm treats you to a glorious light show.
One of Stockholm’s most iconic Christmas moments is the holiday display at the department store NK, which features an elaborate Christmas-themed window display that changes each year.
Stockholm also hosts a Christmas market full of local goods, and you can find plenty of restaurants and bars serving seasonal variants of their usual fare.
Pro Tip: Book ahead, as Christmas makes the Swedish capital hugely popular.
16. Prague, Czech Republic
Chance of Snow: Moderate
Average Temperatures: -2°C to 4°C
Cost: Medium
Christmas Fact: Prague's Christmas markets are renowned for their beautiful setting in the Old Town Square, under the watchful eyes of the Astronomical Clock.
Prague gets into the Christmas spirit enthusiastically, making it a special place to spend the holidays. The city’s quaint, archaic streets and gorgeous skyline lend it a retro atmosphere.
The Christmas market rolls into the Old Town for December, providing a chance to hunt for local delicacies and crafts. Make sure to spend some time browsing the markets, as you might find that perfect bargain!
Prague offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy its architecture with well-lit strolls through both main streets and back alleys. You’re likely to find wonderful local restaurants serving delicious traditional fare and Christmas-themed variants.
Pro Tip: For a particularly special sight, stroll along the Vltava River as the sun begins to go down. The magic of the lights shimmering atop the water is truly something to behold.
17. Rome, Italy
Chance of Snow: Low
Average Temperatures: 4°C to 13°C
Cost: Medium to expensive
Christmas Fact: Rome hosts a grand Christmas Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, which is a major event for the Catholic Church.
Rome offers a more traditional type of Christmas where the religious origins of the holiday are fully on display. Thanks to its proximity to Vatican City, you’ll find many opportunities to hear traditional Christmas hymns and carols sung by talented performers.
Even if you’re not big on the religious aspect of Christmas, Rome has plenty to do. The stalls
About the Author
Jay Allsopp
Hi there! My name is James and I am the creator of ClickTravelTips. Launched in 2012, ClickTravelTips was designed to provide travel tips, editorials and guides. Since, the website has continued to grow, providing interesting travel content from individuals who consider travel to be one of their passions. In my spare-time I enjoy to travel and blog about it, especially in Wales.
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