If every Christmas movie has taught us one thing, it’s that the holiday season is meant for twinkling lights, cozy getaways, and maybe a little adventure. The smell of mulled wine, cozy fires crackling in the background, and that contagious holiday cheer floating through the air. It’s the season that makes everything feel special, and honestly, the perfect time to pack your bags and visit enchanting holiday vacation destinations.
Whether you’re dreaming of snowy chalets straight out of a Christmas movie, wandering through European markets with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, or swapping sweaters for swimsuits on a tropical beach, there’s a holiday getaway calling your name.
That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas vacation destinations around the world. It’s complete with insider tips on when to go, where to stay, and how to dodge those hectic holiday travel days. From snowy mountain towns to tropical escapes with lit-up palm trees, this list helps you plan a postcard-perfect Christmas vacation. Maybe it even becomes your new favorite holiday tradition.
20 Christmas Holiday Vacation Destinations
Before we dive into the best places to experience Christmas in Europe, the U.S., and beyond, let’s talk about one of the most important parts of travel planning: timing. Choosing when to travel can make all the difference. It helps you enjoy better prices, smaller crowds, more winter festivals, and the full magic of the season.
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When To Travel During Christmas
If you want all the cozy holiday vibes without the chaos, aim for early December (around the 1st–14th). Cities are already decked out in lights. Christmas markets are buzzing, and flights and hotels are (slightly) easier on your wallet. It’s the perfect window to enjoy the festivities before the peak-season crowds hit.
For those who live for the full-on Christmas spirit (parades, twinkling lights, and maybe even a little snow) plan to travel the week leading up to Christmas Day. Just be sure to book early, because that week fills up fast! (And keep in mind that many places shut down on Christmas Day itself, so plan ahead for meals and activities.)
Thinking of celebrating New Year’s somewhere special? The week between Christmas and New Year’s (December 27–January 2) has the best of both worlds: holiday charm meets fireworks and countdown parties. If you’d rather skip the crowds altogether, traveling just after New Year’s (around January 3–10) is your best bet for quieter destinations. The prices are cheaper, and a slower, more relaxing start to the year.
A few quick travel hacks: book flights at least 2–3 months in advance. At a minimum, fly midweek if you can, and set up fare alerts early. A little planning ahead goes a long way toward keeping your holiday trip merry, bright, and stress-free.
What Are The Busiest Travel Days During Christmas
If there’s one thing that can ruin a holiday trip, it’s traveling on the busiest days of the season. Knowing when not to travel can save you from long airport lines, traffic jams, and holiday stress.
In general, December 22nd and 23rd are the absolute peak travel days before Christmas. Everyone’s racing to get home or to their holiday getaway. Also, airports feel more like snow globe chaos than festive fun. If you can, try to travel a few days earlier (around December 18th–20th) for lighter crowds, cheaper flights, and a much calmer start to your trip.
After Christmas, December 26th is another travel frenzy, as people head home or off to New Year’s celebrations. Similarly, December 30th and January 2nd are major travel days for New Year’s plans and post-holiday returns. If you can swing it, aim for midweek travel (Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less hectic) and book those early morning flights to avoid delays.
The bottom line is plan ahead, stay flexible, and don’t let the busiest days steal your holiday cheer. Traveling smarter means more time for the fun stuff like festive cocktails, twinkle lights, and that first “we made it!” sigh of relief at your holiday vacation destinations.
Christmas Holiday Vacation Destinations
If you’re like me, you start daydreaming about where to spend Christmas the moment the first holiday ad airs. Whether you crave snowy escapes straight out of a Hallmark movie or palm tree Christmas lights, festive destinations await.
New York City, New York
Christmas in New York is pure main character energy, and a bit of a no-brainer. The city transforms into a real-life winter wonderland from late November through New Year’s, and honestly? It’s impossible not to get swept up in the festive chaos.
Picture this: holiday traditions like ice skating in Central Park with the skyline glittering around you. The Rockefeller Center tree glowing like something out of a movie. And Fifth Avenue decked out in holiday displays that are basically art installations. Don’t miss a spin through Bryant Park’s Winter Village or a cozy night catching The Nutcracker or the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (because yes, the Rockettes are that good).
And the Christmas shopping? Let’s just say your wallet might not thank you, but your suitcase definitely will. Between pop-up Christmas markets, hot chocolate stops, and twinkle lights on every corner, New York is a top holiday vacation destination. Whether it’s your first visit or fifth, the city somehow makes Christmas feel brand new every time.
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Related: NYC Christmas Markets You Can’t Miss This Holiday Season
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Paris, France
If there’s one city that knows how to do Christmas with style, it’s Paris. The holidays here feel straight out of a storybook, romantic, elegant, and a little sparkly in Parisian style. Streets glow with twinkling lights, café windows fog from steaming cups of vin chaud, and the city feels alive.
Start your evening strolling down the Champs-Élysées, where shimmering lights stretch as far as the eye can see. Then, peek into the elaborate holiday window displays at Galeries Lafayette—they’re practically an art form. Also, don’t miss the Christmas markets around Montmartre and Notre-Dame, where you can shop for handmade gifts. Sip hot chocolate and maybe grab a few macarons for the walk home.
Paris during Christmas is pure romance. Whether you’re twirling under the Eiffel Tower, sharing a pastry in a candlelit café, or catching a glimpse of the city glittering from the Seine, it’s the kind of trip that feels both festive and timeless. The City of Light? During the holidays, it’s the City of Christmas lights. Paris is one of the most enchanting holiday vacation destinations for the season.
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London, United Kingdom
London during Christmas feels like stepping into a holiday movie, with snowflakes and carolers in the distance. The city glows with festive spirit every December, from sparkling lights on Oxford and Regent Streets to cozy markets.
Spend an afternoon skating at the Somerset House ice rink, sipping mulled wine by the Thames, or enjoying afternoon tea at a grand hotel. Catch a West End holiday show, stroll Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, and wander Covent Garden’s cobblestone streets under twinkling lights. With old-world charm, modern festivities, and crisp London air, it’s one of the dreamiest cities for the season.
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Chicago, Illinois
Chicago brings all the big-city sparkle with just the right amount of cozy Midwestern charm. Every corner of the city comes alive for the holidays. The Magnificent Mile glows with lights, and the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza gives serious European vibes with its wooden stalls, ornaments, and warm pretzels.
Bundle up and grab a hot chocolate for a stroll along the Riverwalk, or go ice skating in Millennium Park. Then, catch a festive performance of The Nutcracker. When the snow starts to fall, duck into a classic steakhouse or rooftop bar for glittering city views.
Chicago during Christmas feels festive, familiar, and full of cheer making it one of the top holiday vacation destinations for the season.
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Related: Tips For Traveling During Holidays
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Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City might just be the definition of Christmas charm. With cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and snow-dusted architecture, it feels like a European holiday village in North America. The Old Town is pure magic, decked in twinkling lights and garlands. The German Christmas Market fills the air with mulled wine and roasted nuts.
Bundle up for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow, then warm up in a candlelit bistro.
Enjoy poutine and hot chocolate while soaking in the festive markets, street musicians, and postcard-perfect setting. Quebec City delivers Hallmark vibes in real life, without the cheesy plot twist.
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Vatican City
If you’re looking for a truly meaningful and awe-inspiring Christmas experience, Vatican City is unmatched. Here, the holiday season takes on a deeply spiritual tone, centered around St. Peter’s Basilica, where Midnight Mass with the Pope draws visitors from around the world. Standing in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by glowing lights and an incredible life-sized nativity scene, feels humbling and unforgettable.
Whether attending a service, exploring the Vatican Museums, or soaking in the atmosphere, Christmas in Vatican City is unforgettable. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending tradition, reflection, and wonder that stays with you long after you leave.
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Breckenridge, Colorado
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas straight out of a snow globe, Breckenridge is calling your name. This Colorado Rockies mountain town has snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling Main Street lights, and a cozy, small-town holiday charm. Whether skiing, sipping hot cocoa, or visiting the Lighting of Breckenridge festival, the town feels like a winter celebration.
Between the ski runs, the après-ski scene, and the scenic gondola rides, Breck has the perfect mix of adventure and coziness. Plus, its Victorian-era downtown gives serious Hallmark vibes. Think friendly locals, craft breweries, and mountains glowing in the background. Christmas in Breckenridge makes it one of the ultimate holiday vacation destinations for a festive winter getaway.
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Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets.
It turns the historic old town into a glowing wonderland of wooden stalls, fairy lights, and the scent of roasted nuts, mulled wine, and gingerbread.
You can sip glühwein (my personal favorite!), shop for handmade ornaments, and sample traditional treats like Nuremberg sausages or lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread). The setting, with its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets, makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas postcard.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the classic European Christmas, Nuremberg is one of the ultimate holiday vacation destinations. Every corner sparkles, every street smells delicious, and the festive energy is contagious. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Christmas markets became such a beloved tradition in the first place.
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Strasbourg, France
If you’re looking for a city that lives and breathes Christmas, Strasbourg is the one. Often called the “Capital of Christmas,” this charming town has hosted its world-famous Christkindelsmärik since 1570. The Old Town transforms into a glowing maze of wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and holiday music along cobblestone streets.
Everywhere you turn, you’ll find gingerbread, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handmade ornaments that make perfect souvenirs. Between half-timbered houses, the towering Christmas tree in Place Kléber, and the scent of cinnamon, Strasbourg feels like a fairytale. It’s one of Europe’s best spots for a cozy, romantic Christmas getaway full of tradition, charm, and sparkle.
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Lapland, Finland
Lapland is basically the North Pole brought to life, and it is at the very top of my winter travel bucket list! If you’ve ever wanted to experience a true winter wonderland, this is it. Home to Santa Claus Village, actual reindeer, and endless Arctic wilderness blanketed in snow. Spend your days husky sledding, snowmobiling, or gliding across frozen lakes, then curl up in a cozy cabin or glass igloo.
December in Lapland feels like stepping inside a Christmas storybook. The snow glows pink under the polar sun, the air smells crisp and clean, and the locals know how to make winter feel warm. It’s family-friendly, romantic, and completely unforgettable. It’s the kind of trip you’ll talk about forever. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate by a roaring fire or meeting Santa himself, Lapland is a top holiday vacation destination for Christmas magic.
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Leavenworth, Washington
If you’ve ever wished you could teleport into a snow globe, Leavenworth is pretty much the next best thing. This Bavarian-style mountain town in the Cascades goes all in on Christmas. We’re talking twinkling lights on every rooftop, a massive tree lighting festival, and even carolers wandering the streets in costume. With its alpine-style buildings and snowy backdrop, it feels like you’ve flown straight to Europe, minus the jet lag.
Pop into the Gingerbread Factory for treats, browse local boutiques for ornaments, and enjoy mulled wine at cozy taverns. Whether for light displays, sleigh rides, or the charming holiday vibe, Leavenworth delivers pure Christmas cheer.
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Banff, Canada
Banff is the kind of winter destination that looks too good to be real, with snow-dusted mountains, frozen lakes that sparkle under the sun, and cozy lodges that practically beg you to curl up with hot cocoa. The Banff Christmas Market brings all the festive feels, and the downtown area glows with lights strung between alpine-style shops and restaurants.
Spend your days skiing or snowshoeing in Banff National Park, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow, or soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs as snowflakes fall around you. It’s part adventure, part relaxation, and 100% breathtaking. Banff is one of the most stunning holiday vacation destinations, perfect for fresh air, mountain views, and cozy lodge nights by the fire.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Prague feels like it was made for Christmas. The city’s fairy-tale skyline with baroque architecture, Gothic spires, and cobblestone lanes looks enchanting under a dusting of snow. The Old Town Square Christmas Market is one of Europe’s best, with wooden stalls, handmade ornaments, chimney cakes, and mulled wine.
Don’t miss the massive Christmas tree glowing in front of the Astronomical Clock, it’s easily one of the most photogenic holiday backdrops you’ll find anywhere in Europe. Wander across the Charles Bridge as the city lights twinkle on the Vltava River, and you’ll see why Prague feels straight out of a holiday postcard. Between the architecture, history, and cozy charm, it’s the perfect destination for couples, photographers, or anyone chasing that storybook European Christmas vibe.
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Photos Courtesy of prague.eu
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
If you want small-town charm with big holiday spirit, Bethlehem absolutely delivers. Known as “Christmas City, USA,” this Pennsylvania town embraces the season with twinkling lights, Moravian stars, and horse-drawn carriage rides. The Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is one of the best U.S. Christmas markets, with handmade crafts, local treats, and festive performances.
The atmosphere here is warm and welcoming, with cozy cafés, charming shops, and that unmistakable feeling of hometown cheer. Whether you’re strolling through the historic Moravian district or sipping hot cider at the market, Bethlehem is a charming holiday vacation destination for Christmas.
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Vienna, Austria
If there’s one city that knows how to do Christmas with pure elegance, it’s Vienna. Picture glittering palaces, the smell of roasted chestnuts, and the sound of live orchestras filling the winter air. The city’s Christkindlmarkt in front of the Rathaus (City Hall) is legendary with rows of charming wooden stalls selling ornaments, handmade crafts, and warm mugs of mulled wine.
Between grand architecture, cozy cafés with Sachertorte and hot chocolate, and festive waltz music, Vienna feels like a holiday snow globe. Stroll through the Schönbrunn Palace market, ice skate at City Hall Park, or soak in the twinkling lights and romance.
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Park City, Utah
For a mix of mountain adventure and cozy Christmas charm, Park City absolutely nails it. This ski town turns into a winter wonderland every December, with Main Street decked out in holiday lights and snowflakes drifting down like something straight out of a movie.
You can hit the slopes at Park City Mountain Resort, warm up with après-ski drinks by the fire, or explore the local shops and galleries downtown. There’s even a Torchlight Parade on Christmas Eve that lights up the night sky. Between the skiing, small-town charm, and festive atmosphere, Park City is perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants a little adventure mixed with their holiday cheer.
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Key West, Florida
If snow boots and parkas aren’t your thing, swap them for sandals and sunshine at winter sun destinations like Key West. This tropical island gives Christmas a colorful twist making the ideal spot for beach holidays. Think palm trees wrapped in lights, boat parades instead of sleigh rides, and holiday cocktails served with ocean views.
Duval Street buzzes with live music and festive decorations, and you’ll even spot Santa in board shorts making appearances around town. The Lighted Boat Parade is a must-see, with yachts and sailboats decked out in full holiday sparkle. For a laid-back, quirky, and totally unforgettable Christmas, Key West is a top holiday vacation destination.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas at Christmas? Absolute holiday overload in the best way possible. The city transforms into a glittering wonderland with over-the-top decorations, festive shows, and more holiday lights than you could ever count. The Bellagio Conservatory goes full Christmas mode with elaborate floral displays, while The Cosmopolitan sets up an ice rink with views over the Strip (yes, you can actually skate in Vegas!).
Catch a holiday concert, see a festive Cirque du Soleil show, or just stroll beneath millions of twinkling lights on the Strip. It’s warm(ish), walkable, and packed with nonstop entertainment. Vegas proves that you don’t need snow for a Christmas that sparkles.
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Vail, Colorado
Vail is the definition of a dreamy white Christmas. This luxe mountain town has everything you could want for a winter getaway with world-class skiing, storybook chalets, and festive lights strung across its alpine village. Stroll through Vail Village, grab a hot cocoa by the fire, and watch snowflakes fall outside cozy restaurants that look straight out of a European ski resort.
Whether you’re there to hit the slopes or just soak up the atmosphere, Vail is one of the ultimate holiday vacation destinations for snowy retreats. Between the soft snow, charming shops, and après-ski scene, it’s the kind of place where you’ll happily trade crowded malls for mountain mornings.
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Santa Claus, Indiana
Yes, Santa Claus, Indiana is real, and it’s every bit as festive as you’d hope. This small Midwestern town takes Christmas seriously, with streets named “Candy Cane Lane” and “Mistletoe Drive,” and attractions that keep the holiday spirit alive all season long.
Visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, a holiday-themed amusement park, explore Santa’s Candy Castle, or drop a letter at the town’s post office with Santa’s very own mailbox. It’s wholesome, family-friendly fun that feels straight out of a Christmas movie. Whether you have kids in tow or just want to embrace your inner child, Santa Claus, Indiana is pure holiday joy.
Santa Claus, Indiana is just one of many amazing holiday vacation destinations. From snow-dusted mountain peaks to cozy Christmas markets or tropical beaches, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Bright city lights, storybook European streets, and the charm of small-town America all offer their own unique Christmas magic.
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Photos courtesy of townofsantaclaus.com
The truth is, Christmas travel doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right destination and a little planning, it can be one of the most unforgettable trips of the year. So whether you’re looking for a bucket-list adventure or just a cozy, joy-filled escape, these holiday vacation destinations are sure to make your holiday season unforgettable.
Ready to start dreaming up your next trip? Check out my post on dream vacation destinations for even more inspiration on where to go next, whether it’s for Christmas or your next big getaway. Also, check out my tips on How To Pack For Winter Travel.
And as always, if you love following along on my travels, be sure to join me over on Instagram @sierrainthecity where I share behind-the-scenes tips, travel moments, and plenty of holiday wanderlust all season long.
Related: Affordable Places to Travel During Christmas
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