Best Places to Travel during Christmas

Best Places to Travel during Christmas

Certain individuals envision their ideal Christmas vacation amidst a snowy mountain landscape, relishing the winter ambiance by a crackling fire. Meanwhile, others opt for a beach escape, seeking to distance themselves from cold climates. Wherever you decide to celebrate the “most wonderful time of year,” various versions of holiday cheer await.

Explore the top destinations for Christmas this year, spanning from the sun-drenched shores of Saint Lucia to the enchanting Solvang, California, and even to Finnish Lapland, home to Santa Claus himself.

 

New York City

There’s truly nothing like Christmas in New York City. The city lights shine brightly year-round, but holiday lights add to the magic. You’ll hardly have to look for activities or entertainment with all the famous displays: the enormous tree at Rockefeller Center and the smaller but still dazzling tree at Washington Square Park, the LED-lit Saks Fifth Avenue facade, and the animated window displays at Macy’s Herald Square, to name a few.

Bruges, Belgium

The Bruges Christmas Market is one of the best in Europe. This enchanting event takes over the Markt, the square at the heart of the city, with stands and wooden chalets selling everything from handmade Christmas ornaments to waffles and woolly socks. Elevate your stay with a suite overlooking the picturesque canal at the luxurious and historic Hotel Van Cleef.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Another place to experience the holidays on the ski slopes is Beaver Creek, Colorado, about 12 miles over the road from bustling Vail. This picturesque ski village typically sees festive activities for the whole family, from an annual Christmas tree lighting to changing events like holiday movie nights and cookie-baking competitions.

Saint Lucia

The luxurious Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, typically offers a full lineup of holiday activities such as visits from Santa, a traditional family Christmas meal, and a New Year’s Eve beach bash. Of course, you can also spend your days lounging on the stunning beach between St. Lucia’s iconic peaks, the Pitons, or enjoying the resort’s regular amenities and activities, including a pool, spa, dive facility, and kayak rentals.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an idyllic ski destination perched in the beautiful Tetons of Wyoming. Late December here is packed with holiday programming that typically includes ice skating, skiing with Santa, and caroling. The festivities usually kick off with a Christmas tree lighting and end with fireworks on New Year’s Eve. There are several stunning slopeside lodges to choose from, including the luxurious Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa and the ski-in, ski-out Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.

Highlands, North Carolina

Throughout December, you’ll find storefronts along and around Main Street decorated with wintry displays. The city runs a competition, so cast your vote on which you think is the best. Visit with Santa in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on any Saturday in December leading up to the big day. Old Edwards Inn and Spa and Half-Mile Farm offer cozy accommodations with a side of holiday decorations and Christmas cheer.

Salzburg, Austria

As you probably know, the city is the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of “The Sound of Music,” a movie that seemingly plays on repeat over the holidays. Ice skate around a statue of the iconic composer at Mozartplatz and soak in stunning views of the snow-capped Alps on the south-facing terrace of the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Solvang, California

The small city in Santa Ynez Valley was founded by a group of Danes in the early 1900s. They created this adorable community, now known for its Danish businesses and architecture. Solvang typically hosts Julefest, a month-long village celebration complete with outdoor gatherings and holiday decorations.

Stowe, Vermont

A popular ski destination among East Coasters and one of the most picture-perfect places to go for Christmas, Stowe is within driving distance of several major northeastern cities. The ski season typically starts in November, so this is an ideal place to hit the slopes if you’re looking for a white, powder-filled Christmas. Stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak for beautiful mountain views and ski-in, ski-out access.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, arguably the city’s most recognizable landmark, glows over the holiday season. The annual Castle of Light event began in 2019 and draws crowds with spectacular displays projected onto the exterior walls of the 12th-century stronghold. Other holiday must-dos include the festive afternoon tea at Dome, where the stately Georgian Tea Room is enhanced with seasonal decorations.

Washington, D.C.

See the National Christmas Tree, ice skate at Washington Harbour, and sing along with a choral concert at the National Cathedral this December. Washington, D.C., hosts an array of holiday happenings throughout the season, and many of them are free, so go ahead and spend some extra money Christmas shopping. When it comes to accommodations, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown can hardly be beat.

Florida Keys

 

With pleasantly warm December weather, the Florida Keys are an ideal escape for those looking to spend the holidays in a U.S. beach destination. Mid-December is the start of the high season here, so consider staying away from the crowds at the secluded Sunset Key Cottages, a 27-acre private island resort accessible by ferry.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a great place to visit any time of the year. Loved for its culture, food, and picturesque setting, the city typically hosts a number of holiday events throughout December. Annual highlights include the Santa Fe Botanical Garden’s Glow light display and Christmas concerts inside the impressive Loretto Chapel leading up to December 25.

Buenos Aires

Christmas is a summer holiday in the Southern Hemisphere, and Buenos Aires celebrates it with outdoor asado feasts and fireworks. High temperatures in December range from the upper 70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit, which means Papá Noel sometimes wears a tank top. The sunny weather is perfect for sipping cocktails and picnicking on the Plaza Intendente Alvear.

London

There’s just something especially magical about London at Christmastime. Between the glittering lights, cider-slinging holiday markets, themed pop-up bars, and ice skating rinks from Hyde Park to the Queen’s House in Greenwich, the city really comes alive for the holiday season. Stay at The Lanesborough for a truly festive experience.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Why not spend the holidays in Santa Claus’ hometown? Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is home to Santa Claus Village and SantaPark, where you’ll find the man himself and his reindeer sidekicks. During the winter, the arctic landscape is covered by a thick blanket of pretty snow.

The Maldives

If you’d rather wear sandals than snowshoes, the Maldives might be the ideal place for you to spend Christmas. Winter is the dry season, when the weather here is at its best. Daily highs average in the mid-80s Fahrenheit — perfect for a holiday beach getaway.

Bavaria, Germany

Spend your Christmas holidays in this picturesque region in southern Germany. Start your adventure in Munich, where you can sip mulled wine as you stroll through a genuine German Christkindlmarkt. Wherever you go, beware of the spooky Krampus, a frightening Christmas beast of local folklore.

Quebec City

Quebec City is about as European as it gets outside of Europe itself. The predominantly French-speaking Québécois celebrate the season with German-style markets, ice skating at Place D’Youville, and shopping in Old Quebec, transformed into a dreamy scene. The slide runs right past Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a castlelike hotel where you can stop for soup or coffee to escape the cold.

The Bahamas

A brief flight south for those on the East Coast, The Bahamas stands out as a favored destination among travelers desiring sunshine and sandy beaches over the holidays. The high season kicks off in mid-December, likely due to the appealing daily highs in the 80s, offering a refreshing escape from the chilly temperatures experienced in many parts of the U.S. With a diverse selection of accommodations, ranging from expansive resort complexes like Baha Mar, offering an abundance of amenities, to the more intimate settings of private island resorts such as the renowned Kamalame Cay – a favorite among readers of TMP – The Bahamas presents an ideal setting for your perfect Christmas getaway in this radiant haven.