Christmas travel hits different. Last year, I watched the northern lights dance over Finland’s glass igloos while snow silently blanketed the forest around me. Lying there under a blanket, sipping hot chocolate, and watching nature’s light show, I realized some travel moments feel almost too magical to be real. And that’s exactly what Christmas does to places.
From seeing Prague’s Old Town Square sparkle with thousands of lights (while holding the best mulled wine I’ve ever tasted) to watching reindeer wander through snowy streets in Norway’s Tromsø, these are the most beautiful places in December that feel straight out of a fairytale. Let me share my 12 favorite spots that prove why Christmas might just be the most incredible time to explore our world!
Unmissable Places to Visit at Christmas
Visiting Christmas destinations? Wander through the fairy-tale streets of Bruges, Belgium, bask in the warm holiday vibes of Tulum, Mexico, experience the festive charm of Salzburg, Austria, or enjoy the dazzling illuminations in Tokyo, Japan. Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland, a tropical escape, or a cultural holiday, Christmas offers magical experiences around the world!
1. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges honestly doesn’t mess around when it comes to Christmas magic. This year’s Winter Glow runs from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, which means you’ve got way more time than most European markets to experience this fairytale city.
The main action happens at Grote Markt, where they set up an ice rink right next to that massive 83-meter belfry. The market’s open daily from 10-11 AM to 10-11 PM (until 11 PM on weekends), and honestly, the evening hours are when things get really magical. I’ve spent way too many nights here sipping hot chocolate while watching people wobble around the ice rink.
What’s cool is that Belgian markets stay open through the entire holiday period, unlike Germany where everything shuts down before Christmas Eve. The Aurora Light Trail is totally worth doing – it’s a 2.5-kilometer walk through the city with 10 unique light installations that use the canal reflections perfectly. Plus, there’s this new Winter Bar Vorst at Lake Minnewater that actually focuses on sustainable local food.
For treats, don’t go to the touristy waffle stands. Hit up De Ijsbeer’s food truck at the market – they make the fluffiest Belgian waffles I’ve ever had. Belgian waffle will cost you around €4-6, and glühwein runs €3-5. Trust me, it’s worth every euro when you’re warming up after walking those cobblestones for hours.
- Read next: Last-Minute Travel Gift Ideas
2. Tulum, Mexico
Trading snow for sand might sound weird for Christmas, but Tulum in December is actually perfect. You’re looking at temps in the low 80s (around 27°C) with only about 3 inches of rain the whole month – basically ideal beach weather while everyone back home is freezing.
There’s a Christmas Market right next to the Palacio Municipal Square that runs until around December 17th, selling crafts from all over Mexico. It’s way more authentic than the touristy stuff you’ll find on the beach road. The real magic happens when local restaurants like La Zebra put on their Christmas-themed events with traditional Mexican holiday dishes mixed with fresh seafood.
What I love about Tulum Christmas is how they blend traditions. You’ll see Las Posadas processions in downtown while beach clubs throw parties with DJs spinning under palm trees wrapped in fairy lights. The water stays at a perfect 81°F (27°C), so you can actually swim on Christmas Day – try explaining that to your family back home!
Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido cost 120 MXN for both (around $7 USD), and some cenotes even host candlelit swimming events during the holidays. I did this last year and floating in underground caves with twinkling lights above was honestly one of the most surreal Christmas experiences I’ve had. Book accommodations way in advance though – this is peak season and prices get crazy expensive.
3. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg doesn’t just do Christmas – it practically invented the perfect European Christmas market experience. The historic Christkindlmarkt runs from November 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, making it one of the world’s oldest Advent markets with roots going back to the 15th century.
The main market at Dom- and Residenzplatz is where you want to spend most of your time. It’s open Monday-Thursday 10 AM-8:30 PM, Friday 10 AM-9 PM, Saturday 9 AM-9 PM, and Sunday 9 AM-8:30 PM. Those special star-shaped lights they string above the market stalls honestly make the whole place look like a movie set. Plus, Mozart’s birthplace is right around the corner, so you’re basically getting a music history lesson with your glühwein.
Try the Kaiserschmarrn – these rum-soaked pancake pieces with roasted plums are way better than any dessert you’ll find at other markets. And definitely grab a Bosna (basically a bratwurst sandwich with curry ketchup) from one of the market stalls. It sounds weird but it’s perfect winter comfort food.
There are actually several Christmas markets around the city, including one at Mirabell Palace and another up at Hellbrunn Palace. I always hit the Adventsingen concerts – they happen weekends at St. Andrä Church and feature traditional Alpine music that’ll give you chills (the good kind). The whole city feels like it’s been designed specifically for Christmas, especially when it snows.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
- Read next: Breathtaking European Destinations to Visit
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo during Christmas is completely insane in the best possible way. Forget everything you think you know about holiday decorations – Japan takes illuminations to a whole different level. Most displays run from November through February, with some events lasting until May.
Roppongi Hills is probably the most famous spot. Keyakizaka Avenue gets decked out with 800,000 LED lights in white and blue, and that view with Tokyo Tower in the background is absolutely perfect for Instagram. The Marunouchi Illumination near Tokyo Station covers about 220 trees and gives you that European Christmas vibe in the middle of Tokyo.
But honestly, Tokyo Mega Illumination at Oi Racecourse is where it gets really wild. It’s themed around time travel through Japanese history, and you can literally take photos with miniature ponies while surrounded by millions of lights. Plus, there’s matcha tiramisu, which is exactly as amazing as it sounds.
The weirdest and best Japanese Christmas tradition? KFC on Christmas Eve. I’m not joking – it’s such a big deal you need to order weeks in advance. Tokyo Midtown and Shibuya also go all out with their rainbow tunnel displays and blue cave illuminations. The whole city basically becomes a futuristic Christmas wonderland that makes Western decorations look pretty boring by comparison.
- Read next: Unique Airbnbs in Tokyo
5. Sydney, Australia
Christmas in Sydney will completely mess with your head, but in the best way possible. You’re looking at temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C) while everyone else is bundling up. It’s summer Christmas taken to the extreme.
Bondi Beach on December 25th is legendary. Thousands of people show up in Santa hats and swimwear – it’s like a massive beach party with Christmas carols playing. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge get these incredible light projections that are best viewed from a harbor cruise. I did this a few years ago and watching the lights reflect off the water while sipping champagne was pretty much perfect.
Carols in the Domain is where locals bring picnic blankets and hang out in the Royal Botanic Gardens for outdoor concerts. It’s such a trip singing “Let It Snow” while you’re literally applying sunscreen. The Christmas markets at Martin Place have over 110,000 LED lights on a massive tree, plus you can ice skate (artificial ice, obviously) in 85-degree weather.
What’s cool is how Aussies have completely embraced the summer Christmas thing. Beach picnics, outdoor barbecues, and swimming on Christmas Day are totally normal. I remember being completely confused the first time I experienced this, but honestly, there’s something really relaxing about Christmas without all the stress of cold weather and heavy clothes.
6. New York City, USA
NYC at Christmas is exactly like every holiday movie you’ve ever seen, except somehow even better in person. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree gets lit the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving, and that whole area basically becomes Christmas central for the next month.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes is touristy as hell, but honestly, it’s worth doing at least once. Saks Fifth Avenue does this light show on their entire building facade that literally stops traffic – the synchronized music and lights are pretty incredible. I’ve stood there freezing for 20 minutes just watching it repeat.
Central Park when it’s snow-covered is magical, especially if you can grab a horse-drawn carriage ride. Yeah, it’s expensive and touristy, but floating through snow-dusted paths while the city sparkles around you is pretty unforgettable. Bryant Park has a great holiday market and free ice skating (though you’ll pay for skate rental).
The Serendipity 3 hot chocolate is legendary – thick enough to eat with a spoon and perfect after walking around in the cold for hours. Window shopping along Fifth Avenue is free entertainment, and the department store displays are honestly works of art. Just dress warmly because December in NYC can be brutally cold, but that’s kind of part of the charm.
- Read next: Things to Do in New York City at Night
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in winter looks like someone designed a city specifically for Christmas cards. The Old Town Square Christmas market has been running since medieval times, and walking through it while snow falls on those Gothic buildings is pretty much peak European Christmas.
The market stalls overflow with handcrafted Czech Christmas crafts and trdelník (sugar-coated pastry spirals) that smell amazing from blocks away. Don’t let anyone tell you trdelník isn’t traditional – it’s been around forever and it’s perfect winter comfort food. Svařák (Czech mulled wine) is way stronger than German glühwein, so pace yourself.
Charles Bridge at night with Christmas lights reflecting in the Vltava River is probably one of the most romantic spots in Europe. I’ve seen couples get engaged here, which honestly makes sense because the whole scene is incredibly picturesque. Prague Castle also gets lit up beautifully during the holidays.
The puppet shows retelling Christmas stories are surprisingly entertaining, even if you don’t speak Czech. Local cafés serve goulash and beef svíčková that’ll warm you up perfectly after walking around in the cold. Czech beer is ridiculously cheap and good – perfect for warming up between market stalls. Just be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, because everyone knows Prague is magical at Christmas.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik offers the most unique Christmas experience you’ll find anywhere. We’re talking 19 hours of darkness, which sounds terrible but actually means way more chances to see the Northern Lights dancing above the city.
The Christmas Village in nearby Hafnarfjörður is where you’ll meet Iceland’s thirteen Yule Lads (their version of Santa). Each one has a different personality and shows up on different days leading to Christmas – it’s way more interesting than just one fat guy in a red suit. The local Christmas markets sell traditional Icelandic crafts and laufabrauð (leaf bread) that’s incredibly intricate.
Blue Lagoon during winter is surreal. You’re soaking in 100°F (38°C) geothermal water while snow falls on your head and the Northern Lights potentially dance overhead. Book way in advance because everyone wants to do this. Reykjavik Zoo has Christmas activities with native Icelandic animals that kids love.
What I love about Iceland Christmas is how they’ve kept their own traditions. The Yule Lads each have specific mischievous behaviors (one steals sausages, another slams doors), and kids leave shoes in their windows for 13 nights. If you’ve been good, you get treats. If not, you get potatoes. It’s honestly way more entertaining than traditional Christmas stories. Plus, the whole country feels like a winter wonderland with geysers and glaciers as your backdrop.
9. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is where Christmas dreams come to life, and I’m not even exaggerating. This is literally where Santa lives according to Finnish tradition, and they’ve built an entire industry around making that feel real.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is open year-round, but December is when everything gets magical. You can send mail from Santa’s official post office, meet reindeer (yes, real ones), and actually sit down with Santa for a chat. The husky sled rides through snow-covered forests are incredible – these dogs were born to run and they love every second of it.
Glass igloos are probably the coolest accommodation on earth. You’re lying in a warm bed while watching the Northern Lights through a clear ceiling. It’s expensive (around €400-500 per night), but honestly, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book these a year in advance because everyone wants to do it.
Reindeer safaris let you meet Rudolph’s actual cousins while learning about Sami culture. The aurora borealis appears about 200 nights a year here, so your chances are pretty good. Traditional Lapland food includes poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer) and karjalanpiirakka (rice pasties) – hearty stuff perfect for cold weather.
What makes Lapland special is how they’ve maintained the magic without making it completely commercial. Sure, there are tourist attractions, but you’re also experiencing real Arctic culture and some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth. Just pack serious winter gear – we’re talking -20°F (-29°C) temperatures.
10. Mauritius
Mauritius gives you Christmas with zero guilt about escaping winter. We’re talking 80°F (27°C) temperatures, Indian Ocean breezes, and palm trees decorated with twinkling lights – it’s as perfect as it sounds.
Local Christmas traditions blend French, British, and Mauritian cultures in really interesting ways. Christmas Eve dinner often includes vindaye (pickled fish) and gato pima (sweet potato cake), along with traditional roasted turkey. Beach resorts put on special Christmas feasts with local rum cocktails that are dangerously good.
Séga music (the local traditional music) gets Christmas makeovers that are actually really fun. Local markets sell handcrafted seashell ornaments and colorful textiles that make great gifts. Grand Baie and Flic en Flac beaches have Christmas-themed events where you can literally swim with tropical fish on Christmas morning.
Snorkeling or diving on Christmas Day is incredible – the coral reefs are at their best visibility in December. Catamaran cruises often have holiday-themed trips where you can spot dolphins while sipping champagne. The sunsets are absolutely ridiculous – those postcard-perfect pink and orange skies actually exist.
What’s great about Mauritius Christmas is you get both relaxation and culture. You can spend the morning on pristine beaches, then explore Port Louis markets for local crafts, then end the day with a beachside barbecue under the stars. It’s Christmas without any of the stress or cold weather.
11. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg calls itself the “Christmas Capital of Europe” and honestly, they’ve earned that title. The Christkindelsmärik has been running since 1570, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world.
The market sprawls across the entire city center, with those iconic half-timbered houses creating the perfect backdrop. Cathedral Square hosts the main action, with the massive gothic cathedral towering over everything. The nativity scene inside is incredible – detailed wooden figures that have been crafted by local artisans.
Bredele (traditional Christmas cookies) come in dozens of flavors and make perfect gifts. Vin chaud (mulled wine) here is spicier than German glühwein and served in ceramic mugs you can keep. Foie gras and choucroute (sauerkraut) are local specialties that are perfect for cold December weather.
Boat rides along the Ill River during the evening give you amazing views of all the Christmas lights reflecting in the water. The illuminated cathedral looks incredible from the water. Petite France district gets decorated beautifully and is way less crowded than the main market areas.
What makes Strasbourg special is how authentic it feels. This isn’t a tourist creation – it’s a real tradition that locals have maintained for over 450 years. The Alsatian culture blends French and German influences perfectly, and you can feel that history in every market stall and every cup of vin chaud.
- Read next: Iconic Attractions in Alsace, France
12. Vienna, Austria
Vienna saves the best for last. This city does Christmas with imperial grandeur that no other place can match. The Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace offers imperial flair in front of the festive illumination, while the Rathausplatz market in front of City Hall is pure magic.
Viennese Christmas concerts happen throughout December in venues like the Musikverein and Staatsoper. You can hear Mozart and Strauss performed in the same halls where they premiered centuries ago. It’s expensive but worth every euro for the experience.
Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel are perfect with a cup of Einspänner (coffee with whipped cream) after walking around in the cold. The Naschmarkt has special Christmas stalls selling Austrian delicacies and handmade crafts.
Horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow-covered streets feel like time travel. The Belvedere Palace Christmas village is particularly romantic – locals call it the most beautiful of all Vienna’s markets. Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle (flaming punch) are served in beautiful ceramic mugs.
What sets Vienna apart is the sheer elegance. This isn’t just a Christmas market – it’s Christmas performed in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The architecture, music, food, and traditions combine to create something that feels both historic and magical. Every snowflake feels like it was placed intentionally to complete the perfect scene.
