Top Christmas Destinations 2026 Where to Celebrate the Holidays

Best Places to Spend Christmas This Year 

After 15 years of bouncing between holiday destinations—freezing in German market crowds one year, sweating through a beach Christmas the next—I’ve learned something simple: the best Christmas trips happen when you stop trying to recreate the same holiday you’ve had a hundred times.

Want the classic, twinkly, “is this a movie set?” feeling? Go to Prague or Vienna. Want fireworks and music instead of mittens? Rio or Sydney will happily flip the script. And if you’re craving real winter—quiet snow, reindeer, and a sky that occasionally turns neon—Lapland is the closest thing to stepping inside a storybook.

Just one thing: if you’re traveling this Christmas, book flights sooner rather than later. Holiday prices don’t “calm down” out of kindness.

1. New York City, USA 

New York at Christmas is loud, crowded, and honestly… kind of perfect. The city turns into one big holiday postcard: lights everywhere, people rushing around with shopping bags, street carts smelling like roasted nuts, and that cold air that makes hot chocolate taste ten times better.

What to See and Do in New York 

• Rockefeller Center tree + ice rink: The tree is still the main character. The rink underneath is chaotic in the most New York way—half magic, half “watch your elbows.”
• Fifth Avenue window displays: Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s—every year it’s a new theme and a new crowd stopping dead in the sidewalk to stare.
• Bryant Park Winter Village: This one’s my favorite because it’s festive without feeling like a tourist stampede. Lots of stalls, good snacks, and a rink that’s fun even if you’re not graceful.
• Radio City Christmas Spectacular: It’s a classic for a reason. You leave smiling whether you meant to or not.

Where to Stay in New York 

• The Plaza Hotel Iconic, especially in December.
• Lotte New York Palace Super convenient for Rockefeller, with a lobby that goes all-in on holiday decor.
• The Ritz-Carlton Central Park: Great if you want a calmer hotel after the city chaos.

Dining Recommendations in New York 

• Rolf’s German Restaurant: Completely over-the-top Christmas decor. Book ahead.
• Serra by Birreria (Eataly Flatiron rooftop): Cozy, seasonal, and a great warm-up spot after walking too much.

Why Visit New York in Christmas 

Because New York does Christmas with zero subtlety. It’s bright, busy, and strangely energizing—like the city’s running on cinnamon and adrenaline.

2. Vienna, Austria 

Vienna in December is a full-on mood: elegant buildings, warm lights, markets that smell like cinnamon, and classical music drifting out of places that look like palaces (because they basically are).

What to See and Do in Vienna, Austria 

• Christmas markets: Rathausplatz gets the big crowds, but the smaller ones have a calmer charm. Either way, expect mugs of glühwein and stalls full of ornaments you’ll convince yourself you “need.”
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Pop in even if you’re not doing a concert—just standing under that architecture feels like a reset.
• Schönbrunn Palace market: Gorgeous setting, good food, and the kind of lights that make the cold feel worth it.
• Holiday concerts: Vienna takes music seriously. December is a great time to lean into it.

Where to Stay in Vienna, Austria 

• Hotel Sacher Old-school Vienna luxury, plus the cake downstairs is dangerous.
• Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna Great location and a spa that feels like salvation after market-hopping.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Comfortable, central, easy for walking.

Dining Recommendations in Vienna, Austria 

• Café Central The perfect place to thaw out with coffee and pastries.
• Figlmüller Famous schnitzel. Reserve early or prepare to wait.
• Steirereck If you want one “big dinner” that you’ll talk about later.

Why Visit Vienna in Christmas 

Vienna gives you the classic European Christmas vibe without trying too hard. It’s polished, festive, and quietly magical.

3. Tokyo, Japan 

Tokyo at Christmas is a fun clash of styles: ultra-modern light shows, shopping streets going wild, and markets that feel like Europe dropped into Japan for the month.

What to See and Do in Tokyo, Japan 

• Illuminations (Tokyo Midtown / Roppongi Hills): The lights are ridiculous—in the best way.
• Shibuya + Omotesando: If you like shopping, this is your playground. Shibuya is chaos; Omotesando is classy chaos.
• Hibiya Christmas Market: That “German market” vibe, but with Tokyo energy. It’s a cool mash-up.
• Odaiba waterfront lights: Great views, good photos, calmer pace.

Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan 

• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo in Roppongi is all about those epic views of Tokyo Tower - Views for days.
• Park Hyatt Tokyo Quiet, sleek, and still iconic.
• Aman Tokyo If you want serenity in a city that never stops moving.

Dining Recommendations in Tokyo, Japan 

• Ginza Ukai-Tei in posh Ginza flips teppanyaki into holiday magic with top-shelf Wagyu and seafood specials - Teppanyaki done properly—food and show.
• Kichisen in Shinjuku Kaiseki that feels like art.
• Bills Omotesando Easy, stylish brunch when you need a break from heavier meals.

Why Visit Tokyo in Christmas  

Tokyo makes Christmas feel new. Not traditional, not sentimental—just bright, modern, and weirdly joyful.

4. Quebec City, Canada 

Quebec City in December feels like Europe without the transatlantic flight. Old stone streets, snow, warm lights, and that cozy French-Canadian charm that’s hard to fake.

What to See and Do in Quebec City, Canada 

• Old Quebec Christmas Market: Classic stalls, warm drinks, handmade gifts—easy to lose an afternoon here.
• Petit Champlain: The prettiest streets for slow wandering and shopping.
• Toboggan slide at Dufferin Terrace: Silly, fast, and way more fun than it sounds.
• Skating + Château Frontenac views: It’s a winter postcard, but real.

Where to Stay in Quebec City, Canada 

• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac The obvious pick, and worth it if you can swing it.
• Auberge Saint-Antoine in the Old Port mixes boutique charm with comfy digs in a historic shell - Boutique, warm, beautifully done.
• Hotel Clarendon Central and classic.

Dining Recommendations in Quebec City, Canada 

• Aux Anciens Canadiens: Traditional Quebec food in a historic setting.
• Le Saint-Amour: A great “special dinner” spot.
• Chez Muffy: Cozy, local, and consistently good.

Why Visit Quebec City in Christmas 

It’s festive without being exhausting. You get the Christmas charm, but you can still breathe.

5. Sydney, Australia 

If you want to trade coats for swimsuits, Sydney is the ultimate “Christmas but make it summer” destination. Beach energy, outdoor events, and the harbor looking like it’s dressed up for a party.

What to See and Do in Sydney, Australia 

• Bondi Beach Christmas Day: Absolute madness. In the best way.
• Harbor at night: Ferry rides are the cheap win. Cruises are the splurge win.
• The Rocks markets: Great for gifts, snacks, and easy wandering.
• Carols in the Domain: Big crowd, big energy, surprisingly wholesome.

Where to Stay in Sydney, Australia 

• Park Hyatt Sydney: Opera House views that don’t feel real.
• The Langham: Classic comfort near The Rocks.
• QT Sydney: Fun, bold, and central.

Dining Recommendations in Sydney, Australia 

• Bennelong Eating inside the Opera House is a flex.
• Aria Beautiful food with harbor views.
• Icebergs at Bondi Lunch with waves below you. Hard to beat.

Why Visit Sydney in Christmas  

Because it’s Christmas without the cold. And once you’ve done a beach holiday with festive lights and warm nights, snowy December can feel… a little harsh.

6. Lapland, Finland 

Lapland is Christmas turned up to maximum. Snow everywhere. Reindeer. Huskies. Santa. And if the sky cooperates, the Northern Lights doing their thing like a private show.

What to See and Do in Lapland, Finland 

• Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi): Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s still fun.
• Reindeer sleigh rides: Quiet, slow, peaceful—almost meditative.
• Husky sledding: Loud, fast, and pure adrenaline.
• Northern Lights hunting: Part planning, part luck, fully unforgettable.
• SnowHotel / ice restaurants: You don’t need to sleep in ice, but visiting is worth it.

Where to Stay in Lapland, Finland 

• Kakslauttanen The classic aurora setup.
• Santa Claus Holiday Village cabins are cozy wooden nests right by the Village gate - fireplace, kitchenette, holiday lights strung outside. Perfect for families; we baked gingerbread at 11 p.m. because the sun never fully set.
• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel Modern, stylish, and built for winter views.

Dining Recommendations in Lapland, Finland 

• Restaurant Nili Local food, warm atmosphere, very “Lapland.”
• Rakas at Arctic TreeHouse More refined Nordic dining.
• The Ice Restaurant inside SnowHotel is dinner theater - Mostly for the experience—and the ice glasses.

Why Visit Lapland, Finland in Christmas 

If you want the Christmas you imagined as a kid, Lapland is it. Cold? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.

7. London, England 

London in December is lights, markets, pubs, and that cozy feeling you get when it’s cold outside and warm inside. It’s busy, but it’s charming in a very British way.

What to See and Do in London, England 

• Oxford & Regent Street lights: A nightly walk that never gets old.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Loud, crowded, fun. Go knowing what it is.
• Somerset House rink: Most “postcard” skating spot in the city.
• Christmas at Kew: The best calmer option—beautiful light trails and space to breathe.

Where to Stay in London, England 

• The Savoy Classic, central, festive.
• Claridge’s Famous Christmas tree every year.
• The Langham, Great location and genuinely comfortable.

Dining Recommendations in London, England 

• Sketch: A whole experience, especially at Christmas.
• Rules: Old-school London, proper holiday food.
• Fortnum & Mason Tea Salon: If you want one fancy afternoon tea.

Why Visit London, England in Christmas 

London does Christmas with charm and just enough chaos to keep it exciting.

8. Paris, France 

Paris in December is romantic in a way that’s almost unfair. Lights along the streets, café windows fogged up from hot drinks, and the city looking like it’s posing for photos on purpose.

What to See and Do in Paris, France 

• Champs-Élysées lights: Crowded, yes. Still worth seeing once.
• Galeries Lafayette tree + windows: The annual Christmas showstopper.
• Hôtel de Ville ice rink: Fun, festive, and very Paris.
• Hot chocolate mission: Angelina and Ladurée are classics for a reason.

Where to Stay in Paris, France 

• The Ritz Paris Pure luxury.
• Le Meurice Elegant and central.
• Shangri-La Paris Eiffel Tower views that ruin other hotels.

Dining Recommendations in Paris, France 

• Le Train Bleu Dramatic, historic, and perfect for a holiday meal.
• Angelina Hot chocolate so thick it’s basically dessert.
• Les Ombres Eiffel Tower dining with a view.

Why Visit Paris, France in Christmas 

Because Paris doesn’t “do Christmas.” It romances you with it.

9. Prague, Czech Republic 

Prague at Christmas looks like a snow globe that somehow stayed real. Cobblestones, castles, markets, foggy mornings—everything feels cinematic.

What to See and Do in Prague, Czech Republic 

• Old Town Square market: Go early if you hate crowds.
• Prague Castle at night: Absolute magic.
• Wenceslas Square market: More local energy, less tourist crush.
• Charles Bridge at sunrise: Quiet, misty, unforgettable.

Where to Stay in Prague, Czech Republic 

• Four Seasons Prague River views and comfort.
• Hotel U Prince Right in the square—zero commute to the market.
• Aria Hotel Quiet, stylish, great location.

Dining Recommendations in Prague, Czech Republic

• Café Savoy Gorgeous interior and perfect winter food.
• Terasa U Prince Rooftop views over the market.
• Mlýnec Modern Czech food with a river setting.

Why Visit Prague, Czech Republic in Christmas

Because it’s the fairytale Christmas destination that actually lives up to the hype.

10. Rome, Italy 

Rome at Christmas feels ancient and alive at the same time—nativity scenes, church bells, holiday lights draped over ruins, and enough sweets to destroy all self-control.

What to See and Do in Rome, Italy

• St. Peter’s Square + nativity scene: Goosebumps territory at dusk.
• Piazza Navona market: Loud, playful, and very Roman.
• Pantheon mass: Quiet and unforgettable.
• Trastevere at night: Christmas lights + narrow streets = instant vibe.

Where to Stay in Rome, Italy

• Hotel Eden Elegant and close to the action.
• Hassler Roma The Spanish Steps option—iconic.
• Hotel de Russie Luxury with a hidden garden feel.

Dining Recommendations in Rome, Italy

• Aroma at Palazzo Manfredi Big splurge with Colosseum views.
• Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere is Casual, classic, and wildly popular.
• Imàgo Rooftop romance and fine dining.

Why Visit Rome, Italy in Christmas

Because Rome doesn’t feel like a theme. It feels like a tradition that never stopped.