40 Best Places To Go For Christmas In 2023

There may be “no place like home for the holidays,” but what if you could spend Christmas somewhere lovely and covered in snow instead? There is nothing more amazing than traveling somewhere new during the most delightful time of the year, from well-known winter family holiday spots to charming communities that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the United States this year to help you spread the most holiday cheer.

Best Places To Go For Christmas

#1. Maldives

Look no further than the Maldives if your concept of the ideal Christmas vacation includes wonderful weather. The Maldives is rated high when considering the best places to go for Christmas vacation because of the opulent hotels and stunning landscape. When you’re not tanning on white-sand beaches or swimming with tropical fish, relax with a spa treatment in an overwater house. In order to get you in the holiday spirit, a number of Maldivian resorts hold Santa meet & greets, Christmas food markets, and other events in December. Additionally, several provide all-inclusive holiday packages to help you get the most out of your vacation.

# 2. Salzburg

Spend your Christmas break in Salzburg, Austria, for a holiday that is rich in tradition. Every December, townspeople dress in horned masks, pelts, and bells. Thus, pursue onlookers through the Old Town, imitating the legendary creature Krampus’ method of frightening misbehaving kids. Additionally, the city has an annual Christmas market. This makes people see Salzburg as one of the the best places to go for Christmas. visitors may buy gifts, toys, and special foods like mulled wine and sausages. Save some time for a day trip to Bergdorf, close by, where “Silent Night” was originally played if you prefer listening to Christmas songs.

#3. Jerusalem

Visit Jerusalem this Christmas for a trip you won’t forget. The Holy Land is a popular pilgrimage site; reserve your lodging early because it gets very busy around the holidays. The busy nature is because multitudes see it as one of the best places to go for Christmas. A visit to Santa’s House, a cheerful destination with a cookie kitchen. A toy workshop and a mailing station can help families get into the holiday spirit too and they are all found in this holyland. Then, visit Jerusalem’s well-known Western Wall or travel to nearby Bethlehem for Midnight Mass in Manger Square. Pack modest clothing; for visiting Jerusalem’s sacred sites, garments that cover your knees and elbows are appropriate.

#4. Oahu, Honolulu

Oahu has places to go for Christmas and also feed the eye. December ushers in Oahu’s busiest travel season. The month is still a fantastic time to come due to the abundance of Christmas events, the pleasant weather, and the fantastic whale viewing chances. To get convenient access to the entertaining holiday window displays in Chinatown, base yourself in Honolulu. Don’t forget to attend the month-long Honolulu City Lights celebration at Honolulu Hale. It includes everything from a parade to a tree-lighting ceremony. To guarantee availability, make sure you reserve your hotel reservation months in advance.

#5. Park City

Even the most glum-like tourists will cheer up thanks to the holiday singalong performances at Park City, Utah’s renowned Egyptian Theatre. Onboard the North Pole Express, a 90-minute journey that includes hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies, you can celebrate the start of the holiday season. Then, enjoy tubing at Woodward Park City or take a professionally-piloted trip down an Olympic bobsled course. Save some time for Santa’s journey into Town Lift Plaza in Historic Park City, one of the community’s most enduring traditions.

#6. Woodstock, Vermont

In search of that traditional New England holiday charm? The picturesque historic village of Woodstock, which each year holds the well-known holiday event known as Wassail Weekend (think carriage rides, dazzling lights, adorned homes, and more! ), will make you feel as though you have stepped into a Hallmark Christmas card

#7. Cape Town

Go caroling, partake in a Christmas feast, or visit one of the many Christmas markets; other must-dos include taking a stroll through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Keep in mind that when December rolls around, local students will be off of school and vacationers from all over the world will be visiting.

#8. Charleston, South Carolina

Daytime temperatures in December in Charleston, South Carolina, are in the 50s and 60s, allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy the outdoor Holiday Festival of Lights and Christmas-themed walking tours through the historic district. The weather makes it the best place for Christmas because their are no restrictions.

#9. Iceland

Despite the fact that Icelanders don’t believe in Santa Claus (the 13 Yule Lads are the ones who give gifts to good children), their nation’s capital is brimming with holiday cheer every December. Travelers with a sense of adventure might enjoy a festive lunch of fermented skate, a fish dish with an especially strong aroma that fills the air on Christmas Eve. Other must-do activities include watching the captivating northern lights and ice skating in the colorful Ingólfstorg Square.

#10. Edinburgh, Scotland

The center of Scotland’s capital city is transformed into a holiday celebration every year for six weeks. Visitors can discover amusement park-style rides like roller coasters and carousels that the whole family may enjoy in addition to markets, lights, and enormous Advent calendars. St. Andrew Square is a must-see for ice skaters: here, guests can don a pair of skates and cruise around the square’s spectacular oval ice rink. You should also visit Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas tree maze at the West Princes Street Gardens during the holiday season.

#11. Rio De Janeiro

This Christmas, travel to Rio to enjoy the sun, visit the exotic rainforests, and see the city’s famous landmarks. Because The Marvelous City is in the Southern Hemisphere, you can expect temperatures in the 80s in December, which is ideal for spending time on its renowned expanses of sand. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional Christmas, check out the Festival de Presépios, where you can see the biggest life-size nativity scene in the world, or head to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to see the biggest floating Christmas tree.

#12. Munich, Germany

The third-largest city in Germany and also one of the considerable places for Christmas, it is set against the beautiful background of the Bavarian Alps, comes alive with holiday cheer in December. Enjoy the chilly weather by taking a stroll around Marienplatz before warming up at Munich’s annual Christmas market with a steamy glass of mulled wine. Board the ChristkindlTram, a vintage tram that transports passengers through some of Munich’s most stunning attractions, for a simple and joyful way to experience the city. A day excursion to the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as the model for the Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, should definitely be planned.

#15. New York City

Is there a time of year more recognizable than Christmas in New York? Before admiring the lovely Christmas window store displays along Fifth Avenue, you should undoubtedly see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza (where you can also ice skate!). The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is a must-see!

#16. Vail, Colorado

Visit the Colorado ski resort of Vail for the ideal winter break; you can’t go wrong considering Vail as one of the places to go for Christmas. Spend the ideal snowy season, skiing before wandering through Vail Village’s picturesque winter paradise. Visit the Kris Kringle Market and take in the grand tree lighting ceremony there.

#17. Stockbridge, Massachusetts

During the holiday season, Stockbridge recreates the 1967 Norman Rockwell painting that featured this Massachusetts hamlet (“Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas”), complete with lined-up antique cars. The yearly event also includes tours of historical properties, a holiday performance, and other activities.

#18. North Pole, Alaska

Every child has fantasized about traveling to the North Pole to see Santa Claus, and it turns out that you can! In this charming Alaskan hamlet, you may visit the “Santa Claus House,” where you can also stroll down Santa Claus Lane, witness real reindeer, and be amazed by the biggest Santa statue in the world. What could be a more enjoyable way to observe Christmas?

#19. Hershey, Pennsylvania

Christmas celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a ton of chocolate, right? The entire family will have a great time celebrating the holidays at Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane, where you can go on holiday attractions, see Santa (and his reindeer! ), and take in the more than 5 million lights that are used to decorate the exciting chocolate theme park.hershey,pennsylvania is indeed a place that need to be experienced.

#20. Oahu, Hawaii

A tropical Hawaiian Christmas may be just what you’re looking for if you’d prefer to spend this year somewhere warm and sunny rather than a winter wonderland. On the island of Oahu, especially on board, the Waikiki Holiday Lights Trolley tour and the yearly Honolulu City Lights festival, you’ll find plenty of holiday pleasure without the cold.

#21. McAdenville, North Carolina

The fact that McAdenville is dubbed “Christmas Town USA” makes it the ideal holiday vacation spot. The little hamlet changes into a sparkling wonderland every winter, enticing thousands of tourists each year with its Christmas decorations and lights.

#22. Aspen, Colorado

This lovely ski resort town is known as a haven for adventurers and ski bunnies, but it also hosts a number of Christmas events throughout the holiday season, such as an annual tree lighting, the action-packed “12 Days of Aspen” festival, and holiday performances (such as The Nutcracker) at the Opera House.

#23. Louisiana’s New Orleans

New Orleans may come to mind first when you think of Mardi Gras, but the Crescent City also goes all out for the holidays. Check out Celebration in the Oaks, one of the country’s most beautiful holiday lights festivals, after taking in the city’s eye-catching light displays and bonfires.

#24. Taos, New Mexico

Taos, which every year puts a special New Mexican spin on holiday customs, is a must-visit destination for those looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Yuletide in Taos, an annual celebration of the holiday season in the ski resort town includes holiday markets, bonfires, and other extraordinarily joyous activities.

# 25. Branson, Missouri

Along with the enormous spectacle known as An Old Time Christmas in Silver Dollar City, there are numerous light displays. The Polar Express, where you and your children can see the Chris Van Allsburg classic come to life, may be our favorite Branson holiday activity.

#26. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a fantastic vacation destination throughout the year, but the holidays, when the city goes all out for the Christmas celebrations, are especially magical (and still warm!). Think about Charleston, South Carolina as the best place for Christmas this year. This year, the Holiday Festival of Lights may be viewed from a moving vehicle before you meander around the streets to shop, eat, and take in the sights of the city’s historic houses decorated for the holiday.

#27. Finland’s Lapland

Few places are as famously Christmassy as Rovaniemi, which serves as both Santa Claus’ official home town and the capital of Lapland. Rovaniemi isn’t just about Santa, though. Once you’ve had a chance to see Santa Claus Village and ride a reindeer around town, make sure to sweat out your stress in a joyful sauna, which is a Finnish holiday custom.

#28. New Orleans, U.S.A

With its bonfires on the banks of the Mississippi and beautifully redecorated streetcars, as well as its vibrant carol performances and glam AF hotel lobby decorations, New Orleans is a great place to celebrate an unorthodox Christmas. It is also slightly warmer than much of the rest of the continental US at this time of year, with daily highs of around 17C.

#29. Nuremburg, Germany

One of the oldest, biggest, and nicest places to visit for christmas is Weihnachtsmarkts in Germany located in Nuremburg. These marketplaces are well-known across the world. A miniature city of wooden shops filled with candy canes, delicious lebkuchen, and handcrafted ornaments is filled with the aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine.

#30. Tokyo, Japan

Japan doesn’t truly celebrate Christmas, with no official holiday and business as usual, but that is also part of its allure. The nation is conveniently cut off from the worldwide Christmas frenzy, but there are still a ton of holiday-themed sights and activities to enjoy, from Tokyo’s stunning winter illuminations to the long-standing Japanese custom of eating KFC on Christmas.

#31. Sydney, Australia

Looking for a place that celebrates Christmas with style but isn’t so, um, chilly? Your best option is probably Australia, which is great for a Christmas barbecue. Despite having balmy average high temperatures of 25C, Sydney has all the Christmas decorations, ice skating, and holiday lights of a typical Christmas-celebrating metropolis. Before you pass judgment, try a Christmas dinner cooked on a seaside barbecue. why not think of Sydney as the best place to go for Christmas?

#32. Caracas, Venezuela

Think you’ve got a sweet ride when it comes to attending church over the Christmas season (if that’s your thing, that is)? Look at the residents of Caracas. In order to allow churchgoers to rollerblade to mass, highways in Venezuela’s capital are closed from December 16 to 24 before 8 a.m. Rollerbladers frequently dress up like Santa Claus… Is there anything cooler than that?

#33. Marrrakech, Morroco

Since so few people in Marrakech celebrate Christmas, it’s the ideal place to escape the usual holiday spirit. The Moroccan city also doesn’t become quite as hot in December as it does in the summer (highs of 20C without becoming too cold at night), making it even more enjoyable to explore its medina, souks, mosques, and riads.

#34. Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria, is the best place to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit,an unforgettable wholly joyous experience. Whether you’re watching Krampuses(a sort of grotesque Austrian anti-Santa—roam the streets), eating toffee apples at one of the city’s many Christmas markets, or just admiring the incredibly beautiful street decorations.

#35. Greenland

In Greenland, the holiday season is most renowned for its cuisine, particularly its daring and adventurous dishes. Specifically, kiviak (a type of fermented seabird) and mattak (basically a strip of whale hide). Both are considered delicacies by the locals, but for the rest of us, they’re perhaps a little more, eh, stomach-testing.

#36. Phuket, Thailand

Yes, you can have the perfect Christmas in Phuket if you really want to. If you’re interested, the island hosts many carol concerts and holiday meals. The largest island in Thailand has long been a favorite vacation spot, but what are the greatest things to do in Phuket? We’re happy you asked, to be honest.Now that we have a good reason, we can talk about Phuket’s history, culture, amazing natural attractions, and unrivaled dining scene. In a region of the world where exceptional resorts are hard to come by, Phuket is a 24/7 destination with unlimited entertainment and some of the top resorts. Let’s explore the top Phuket activities.

#37. Prague, Czech Republic

At any season of the year, Prague is one of Europe’s most breathtakingly beautiful places for christmas, with its magnificent gothic churches and winding baroque streets.The main draws are the markets, which occupy popular locations like Prague Castle and Wenceslas Square and sell regional delicacies like medovina (honey wine), ryb polévka (traditional fish soup), and pernky (spicy gingerbread).prague,czech republic is one unique and special site to behold during the festive period.

#38. South Africa’s Cape Town

The climate is exactly the opposite of the freezing north, which makes the southern hemisphere beautiful in December. Cape Town has a completely different Chrimbo mood with its lengthy days of continuous sunshine and temperature.

#39. Singapore

Christmas in Singapore has a distinct New Year’s Eve vibe to it. Thanks to the celebration on Christmas Eve on the city’s main drag, Orchard Road, which includes fireworks and a countdown. The city’s light shows, however, are the most renowned. Singapore certainly understands how to put on a spellbinding electrical show, as evidence by the Christmas Wonderland in the Gardens by the Bay and the light displays at Vivo city.

#40. Colmar, France

Colmar, a town from the thirteenth century in the Alsace area of eastern France.one of the beautiful places for christmas,resembles gingerbread even in the height of summer. How about a festive market with personality, some stylish Christmas lights, and a light sprinkling of snow? You live in one of the most idyllic Christmas destinations in the entire globe.

Conclusion

Christmas is a unique season and deserves unique places for its celebration. You can’t go wrong with the above-listed destinations. Explore with family and friends and then happily and joyfully launch into a new year.

References

Goodhousekeeping
CNTraveler