If you’re anything like me, you live for the Christmas season. There’s just something magical about twinkling lights, festive songs on repeat, and all the cozy holiday vibes. While I’ll never say no to staying home by the fire with a mug of homemade hot cocoa, sometimes the travel bug hits. Suddenly, all I want is to explore new places to travel during Christmas – somewhere new and exciting.
Now I know what you’re thinking… holiday travel means outrageous prices. (And yes, I’ve seen those flight prices climb higher than Santa’s sleigh.) But good news: celebrating Christmas away from home doesn’t have to drain your bank account.
There are actually some amazing, budget-friendly winter destinations that are perfect for soaking up the holiday spirit. There’s a place for everyone, whether you’re dreaming of a snowy white Christmas escape or chasing that warm winter sun.
To help you decide what your dream destination is, I’m breaking down my favorite affordable places to travel during Christmas. I’ll also be sharing a few money-saving tips I swear by, so you don’t have to spend your entire holiday budget on a plane ticket. Let’s get planning!
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10 Affordable Places to Travel During Christmas
I know most people wait until January and February to book winter vacations—totally understandable with those sky-high holiday prices. But here’s the thing: it is possible to find budget-friendly places to travel during Christmas, even in peak season.
If you’re dreaming of a holiday getaway without spending a small fortune, you’re in the right spot. I’m sharing my favorite affordable destinations to visit in December, because yes, you can travel over Christmas and still stick to your budget.
Should You Travel for Christmas?
Let’s be real, visiting places to travel during Christmas isn’t exactly the most relaxing experience. Airports are packed, trains are crowded, and the baggage claim situation? Chaotic. But if you’re willing to brave the hustle, it can be so worth it. The magic you’ll find in some of these destinations truly is next level. And, best of all, you can do it without spending a ton.
Here’s why I love traveling during the holiday season:
- You get to experience unique holiday traditions
- The winter scenery is seriously dreamy
- You’ll make memories that last way longer than a new sweater
- You can escape the usual holiday stress
- Or trade in snow for sunshine and soak up somewhere warm
Bottom line? Christmas travel might take a little extra effort, but the payoff is pure magic.
Where Are Affordable Places to Spend Christmas?
Budapest, Hungary
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping straight into a Christmas card, Budapest is one of the top places to travel during Christmas. And the best part? You can do it all without the luxury price tag. Come December, Hungary’s capital sparkles under thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and the air smells like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine (my favorite!). The Christmas markets are magical, especially the one on Vörösmarty Square, where you’ll find handmade ornaments, cozy food stalls, and live music.
But Budapest isn’t just about the markets. Warm up in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, Széchenyi Spa, as you soak outside, snowflakes falling all around. For fairytale views, climb up to Fisherman’s Bastion and take in the snow-dusted rooftops across the Danube.
Budapest is still one of the most affordable capitals in Europe. You’ll find elegant architecture, riverside cafés, and even romantic river cruises for a fraction of the cost in Vienna or Paris. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate in a cozy café or ice skating in the city center, Budapest has that perfect mix of magic, romance, and affordability.
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Photos Courtesy of budapestchristmas.com
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg seriously feels like a Hallmark movie come to life. Tucked right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this town transforms into a glowing winter wonderland every December. I’m talking millions of twinkling lights, cozy cabins, and all the small-town holiday charm you could ever want.
You can wander along the Winter Magic Lights on the Parkway. Or, pick up unique handmade gifts from the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. You can even book a snug little cabin with dreamy mountain views. And you can do it all without blowing your budget. We brought the dogs for a cabin getaway a few years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite trips we’ve taken!
If you’re into outdoor activities, you’ll love that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a few minutes away. Snowy trails, frozen waterfalls, and those misty mountain views? It’s a complete peaceful holiday reset. And if you want a little thrill, head to Ober Mountain for skiing, snowboarding, or just some fun in the snow.
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Photos Courtesy of gatlinburg.com
Prague, Czech Republic
If you ever wanted to feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life snowglobe, Prague is one of the best places to travel during Christmas. Between the cobblestone streets, fairytale towers, and twinkle lights reflecting off the Vltava River, the city basically invented holiday magic.
The Christmas markets here are unreal. The big one in Old Town Square is straight out of a postcard. But don’t skip the smaller, cozier markets in Malá Strana or Wenclas Square—they’re just as special! Grab a cup of hot mulled wine (yes, please) and try a fresh trdelník (a warm, sugary chimney pastry). Do this all while you soak in the sound of carolers singing under a giant tree framed by the most beautiful architecture.
Prague is super budget-friendly compared to other European cities. Getting around is easy thanks to their trams and public transport, too. And the cafés here are so cozy, perfect for warming up with a bowl of goulash after a day of exploring.
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Photos Courtesy of prague.eu
Innsbruck, Austria
Tucked between snow-dusted mountain peaks, Innsbruck seriously looks like a Christmas movie come to life. This little Austrian gem glows in December with cozy market stalls, fresh alpine air, and that festive buzz that feels magical. If you’re dreaming of a classic European Christmas without the luxury price tag of spots like Zurich or St. Moritz, this is your place.
The Old Town Christmas Market? Spectacular. Picture wandering through cobblestone streets under the famous Golden Roof, sipping hot glühwein, and listening to brass bands as snowflakes fall. And if you’re up for some adventure, hop on a cable car to nearby ski resorts like Nordkette or Patscherkofel.
Once you’re ready to warm up, head into one of Innsbruck’s cozy cafés or traditional taverns. Think goulash soup, apple strudel, and all the comforting mountain food your heart could want.
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Photos Courtesy of innsbruck.info
Lake Placid, New York
If your dream Christmas looks like snowy mountains, frozen lakes, and hot cocoa by the fire, Lake Placid is one of the best places to travel during Christmas. Tucked away in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, this charming little town serves up all the holiday magic.
Visiting in December means walking through a real-life snow globe. Main Street twinkles with lights, and every shop window is decked out in garlands and wreaths. And my favorite part? The smell of hot cider follows you wherever you go. You can lace up your skates and glide around the Olympic Speed Skating Oval, go sledding or snowshoeing along Mirror Lake, or hit the slopes at Whiteface Mountain. (It’s one of the most affordable ski spots in the Northeast!)
Don’t miss the Holiday Village Stroll or visiting Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas village and theme park. Want to warm up somewhere cozy? Plan a wine tasting at one of the many tasting rooms in the area and find your next favorite bottle.
Lake Placid gives you that old-school Christmas feeling: simple, joyful, and full of heart. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family trip, it’s a budget-friendly winter escape that feels truly unbeatable.
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Related: Ultimate Christmas Bucket List
Photos Courtesy of lakeplacid.com
Mont-Tremblant, Québec
Craving a Christmas-in-the-Alps vibe without crossing the Atlantic (and for half the price)? Head to Mont-Tremblant. Tucked into Quebec’s Laurentians, this storybook village blends European charm with Canadian warmth.
In December, the pedestrian village glows. Snow blankets cobblestone lanes, chalet-style buildings pop with color, and carolers sing in French while families sip hot chocolate by outdoor fire pits. It’s cozy, festive, and basically feels like a Christmas song come to life.
Skiers are spoiled at Mont-Tremblant Resort. You’ll find 100+ trails for every level, plus tubing, dog-sledding (hello, bucket-list), and snowshoeing if you’re not skiing. After the slopes, book a spa session or duck into a rustic tavern for poutine and mulled wine.
What sets Mont-Tremblant apart is the balance. It’s equal parts adventure and romance, without the sky-high price tag of other ski destinations. Whether you’re carving down the snowy run or strolling hand-in-hand through twinkle-lit streets, this place delivers the kind of Christmas magic you won’t forget.
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Photos Courtesy of officialmonttremblant.com and blogue.tremblant.ca
St. Augustine, Florida
If you’d rather swap snow for sunshine but still want that cozy holiday magic, St. Augustine is the perfect pick. As the oldest city in the U.S., it blends centuries of history with small-town charm. And in December, it practically glows during its world-famous Nights of Lights festival.
From mid-November through January, more than three million white lights illuminate the historic district. Cobblestone streets, palm trees, and Spanish Colonial buildings shimmer in a golden glow. It creates one of the most romantic holiday scenes in the country. Stroll the waterfront, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the lit streets, or hop on a boat tour to see the lights reflect over Matanzas Bay.
By day, explore Castillo de San Marcos, browse the city’s charming boutiques, or unwind on beaches like Anastasia State Park. With temperatures in the 60s and 70s, it’s the ideal winter escape for anyone craving warmth and wanderlust. St. Augustine proves you don’t need snow to feel the magic of the season!
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Photos Courtesy of floridashistoriccoast.com
Whitefish, Montana
Dreaming of a classic small-town Christmas wrapped in snow and mountain charm? Whitefish, Montana, is the answer. Nestled at the edge of Glacier National Park, this cozy alpine town delivers everything you want from a winter escape. Think powdery slopes, twinkling lights, and that warm, welcoming feel—without the luxury price tag of bigger ski resorts.
Downtown Whitefish is the kind of place where holidays feel alive. Garland-draped lampposts line the streets. Shop windows glow with festive displays. And the scent of pine and cocoa fills the crisp mountain air. Spend your days skiing or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort, where lift tickets and rentals are some of the most affordable in the Rockies. Not into skiing? Go snowshoeing, take a sleigh ride, or take a private tour through the snowy wilderness.
When night falls, the town sparkles. Cozy restaurants, craft breweries, and live music bring everyone together, especially during Whitefish’s Christmas Stroll. Experience carolers, horse-drawn wagons, and sweet holiday treats.
Whitefish is the kind of place where Christmas magic feels real—simple, heartwarming, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain beauty.
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Photos Courtesy of explorewhitefish.com
Santorini, Greece
When most people think of Santorini, they picture golden sunsets, whitewashed rooftops, and busy summer crowds. But visiting in the off-season is a completely different kind of magic. I went in October and loved seeing the island without the chaos. The pace is slower, the locals are more relaxed, and the views? Just as stunning.
By Christmas, Santorini gets even quieter, turning into a peaceful, romantic hideaway. The whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira glow under soft winter light, and the caldera views are every bit as breathtaking as they are in July. Only this time, you’ll have them almost entirely to yourself.
Sure, it might be too chilly for swimming, but there’s still plenty to do. Wander through the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, hike the scenic trail between Oia and Fira, sip local wine at a cliffside taverna, and watch the sunset in blissful silence. No crowds, no rush, just that effortless Santorini beauty.
Plus, Santorini at Christmas feels calm, romantic, and refreshingly affordable. It’s the perfect chance to experience one of the world’s most iconic islands in its most peaceful, authentic form.
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Photos Courtesy of visitsantorini.co.uk
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas might not be the first place that comes to mind for a Christmas getaway, but hear me out. It’s one of the most unexpectedly festive (and affordable!) spots to visit during the holidays. The Strip shines year-round, but in December it transforms into a full-on winter wonderland. You’ll find holiday shows, ice skating, and over-the-top decor that would make even Santa do a double-take.
Because Christmas falls between busy business-travel periods, hotel rates and flight prices surprisingly tend to drop. What’s this mean, exactly? You can score serious deals on luxury sales. Think four-star resort vibes for half the usual price.
Start at the Bellagio Conservatory, where thousands of flowers, ornaments, and twinkling lights come together in one of the city’s most stunning Christmas displays. Then head to Enchant Christmas Village, a giant light maze and holiday market that feels like movie magic. For a cozier vibe, check out Downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street’s canopy of lights and local performers bring a nostalgic holiday charm.
Whether you’re catching a festive show, indulging in a holiday buffet, or just soaking in the flow of a million lights, Las Vegas proves that Christmas in the desert can be just as magical as snow.
Wondering what you should bring to Vegas? Check out my “Las Vegas Packing List” next.
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Photos Courtesy of vegas.com
How to Travel Cheap Over the Holidays
Travel before or after peak dates.
Traveling on a budget at Christmas all comes down to timing. The most expensive days to fly are usually December 22-26 and December 29-January 2, when demand (and prices) skyrocket. If you can, plan your trip a few days before or after those peak dates you’ll often find much better deals.
When it’s time to head home, try flying midweek instead of on the weekend. Those Tuesday or Wednesday flights can save you hundreds compared to Saturday or Sunday returns.
I always use Google Flights and Skyscanner to hunt down the best fares. Their price trackers and calendar views make it super easy to spot the cheapest travel days.
Be flexible with your destination.
Saving money on your Christmas trip might mean skipping that big bucket list city and choosing somewhere just as beautiful. It might just have a slightly different vibe, but you’ll still find what you’re looking for. Think Budapest instead of Vienna or Prague instead of Paris.
Look for destinations that fly a little under the radar. The ones you don’t usually see on every “Top Christmas Trips” list often end up being the most memorable. They’re less crowded, more affordable, and still full of festive charm.
Choose alternative accommodations.
When you’re traveling on a budget during this time of year, skip the big hotel chains and go local instead. Bed and breakfasts, boutique guesthouses, or family-run Airbnbs not only save you money but also give you a more authentic feel for the destination.
And if you’re feeling adventurous? Try a home exchange and live out your The Holiday movie moment—cozy cottage, twinkle lights, and all.
Eat like a local and avoid touristy restaurants.
I get it, it’s so easy to stick to the touristy areas when you’re somewhere new. But if you wander a little farther and find where the locals actually eat? You’ll save a ton and have a way better experience.
Skip the overpriced restaurants and try street food stalls, family-run cafés, or cozy taverns packed with locals. Not only will your wallet thank you, but chances are, you’ll end up tasting some of the best food in the city.
Use credit card points, miles, and cashback when possible.
If you travel often, getting a travel credit card is a total game-changer. The points and miles you earn from everyday purchases can turn into major savings. Think free flights, discounted hotels, and upgrades that make your trip feel extra special.
There’s nothing quite like booking a flight with points and realizing it’s basically free. So, whenever you can, take advantage of miles and loyalty programs to shave a few dollar signs off your Christmas getaway.
Plan a Christmas getaway without blowing your holiday budget!
Let’s be honest, Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year to travel. But that doesn’t mean every destination will break the bank. There are plenty of under-the-radar places to travel during Christmas that stay surprisingly affordable this time of year. From historic European cities to mountain towns near national parks to vibrant, unexpected getaways, you can absolutely plan a festive trip on a budget.
Want more holiday travel ideas? Check out my posts on “Things to Do in Indianapolis for the Holidays” and my “Carmel Christkindlmarkt Preview” for some cozy inspiration.
If you want to follow along with my travels in real time, come hang out on Instagram @sierrainthecity!
