What's the best place to visit around Christmas?

The best places to visit around Christmas in 2026 depend on whether you prefer festive, snowy scenes or warm escapes. Top choices include Vienna or Strasbourg for classic, magical markets, Rovaniemi (Lapland) for a snowy, Santa-focused trip, and London or Edinburgh for iconic, bustling celebrations.

Where's the best place to go around Christmas time?

The best place to spend Christmas depends on your preference for a snowy wonderland (like Lapland, Quebec City, or the Swiss Alps), classic festive markets (Germany's Nuremberg, Austria's Vienna, Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens), or a warm escape (Thailand, Canary Islands, Mexico), with major cities like New York, London, and Tokyo offering iconic decorations and events for any festive style. 

Where is the best place to travel around Christmas?

Best Places to Visit in the USA in December

1. Maui, Hawaii for a Cold Weather Escape. ...
2. Leavenworth, Washington for Bavarian Christmas Vibes. ...
3. Asheville, North Carolina for Christmas Decorations Galore. ...
4. Austin, Texas for Holiday Lights. ...
5. Savannah, Georgia for Hallmark Magic. ...
6. Park City, Utah for Snow.

What are the best places to visit around Christmas time?

Best Christmas Vacations

• Prague.
• Quebec City.
• Leavenworth.
• Tromsø
• Aspen.
• Lapland.
• New York City.
• Rome.

Where to holiday over Christmas for sun?

If you're looking for hot destinations for a winter holiday, consider Dubai, Thailand, Mexico, or South Africa. These places enjoy warm temperatures, sunny skies, and beautiful beaches—perfect for escaping the cold.

Top 10 Most Festive Places To Visit During Christmas | Holiday Travel Spot | The Passport Chronicles

What is the warmest country in Europe in December?

The Canary Islands consistently deliver the warmest December temperatures, often reaching 22–24°C. Cyprus and southern Turkey also offer excellent warmth, with temperatures around 17–19°C.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

15 Most Enchanting Christmas Towns Around the World

• Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)
• Leavenworth, Washington, USA.
• Colmar, France.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
• Strasbourg, France.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• McAdenville, North Carolina, USA ("Christmas Town USA")
• Bruges, Belgium.

Which country is best to visit in December?

• 1.1. Malaysia.
• 1.2. Thailand - one of the best countries to visit in December in Asia.
• 1.3. Maldives.
• 1.4. Vietnam - an amazing country to visit in December.
• 1.5. Bhutan.
• 1.6. Sri Lanka - among the great places to visit in December.
• 1.7. Japan.
• 1.8. India.

Where can I go abroad for Christmas?

Cyprus has over 320(!!) days of sunshine each year (rub it in why don't you), which makes it a 10/10 pick for a warm winter break. Tenerife is up there too, with year-round sun and plenty of restaurants open on Christmas Day, while Malta has a more traditional vibe with temperatures at the perfect in-between.

Where should I travel around Christmas?

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

• START A TRIP TO NORWAY. MORE NORWAY REVIEWS. ...
• START A TRIP TO SWITZERLAND. ...
• START A TRIP TO PANAMA. ...
• START A TRIP TO ENGLAND. ...
• START A YACHT CHARTER TRIP. ...
• START A TRIP TO SPAIN. ...
• START A TRIP TO MEXICO. ...
• START A TRIP TO BELIZE.

What is the closest warm country to the UK in December?

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria offers a sunny retreat from the UK's winter chill. The island is known for its beaches, scenic hiking trails and mild winter temperatures.

What is the cheapest country to go to in December?

• Cheap Asian countries to visit in December. 1.1. India. 1.2. Vietnam. 1.3. Laos. 1.4. Philippines. ...
• Cheap European countries to visit in December. 2.1. Romania. 2.2. Bulgaria. 2.3. Hungary. 2.4. ...
• Cheap African countries to visit in December. 3.1. Egypt. 3.2. Morocco. 3.3. Botswana. 3.4. ...
• Other affordable countries to visit in December.

Where is good for a short break in December?

For a December short break, consider festive European cities like Berlin, Vienna, or Prague for Christmas markets and winter charm, or head south to the Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Tenerife) for winter sun, while destinations like Phuket (Thailand), Goa (India), or Cebu (Philippines) offer warm beaches and culture in Southeast Asia and beyond. For US options, try New York for festive city vibes or Maui, Hawaii, for warm escapes.
 

Where's the best country to spend Christmas?

Top 5 destinations to spend Christmas

1. Copenhagen, Denmark. December is Copenhagen's coldest month but also its most beautiful. ...
2. Alsace, France. Alsace's mixture of history and serenity makes it a prime destination for more romantic travellers. ...
3. Hokkaido, Japan. ...
4. Aspen, Colorado, United States. ...
5. Coastal Queensland, Australia.

What is the most Christmassy city in Europe?

Berlin, Germany. It's official – Berlin takes first prize as the most festive city to celebrate the holidays in Europe.

Which city is most beautiful in Christmas?

10 most beautiful cities to visit during Christmas week

• 1/10. Vienna, Austria. ...
• 2/10. Prague, Czech Republic. ...
• 3/10. New York City, USA. ...
• 4/10. Strasbourg, France. ...
• 5/10. Rovaniemi, Finland (Lapland) ...
• 6/10. Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
• 7/10. Berlin, Germany. ...
• 8/10. Edinburgh, Scotland.

Where is the best Christmas experience in the world?

Take a look at the top Christmas attractions around the world:

• Say Hi to Santa himself in Finland.
• Carol around a gigantic tree in the USA.
• Toast to the 12 days of Christmas in Ireland.
• See a shimmering ship in Greece.
• Run away from Krampus in Austria.
• Feast on festive treats in Germany.

Where is hot and cheap in December in Europe?

• Lanzarote. Average highs in December: 22ºC. Average daily sunshine: 6 hours. ...
• Tenerife. Average highs in December: 22ºC. ...
• Cyprus. Average highs in December: 19ºC. ...
• Algarve. Average highs in December: 17ºC. ...
• Crete. Average highs in December: 17ºC. ...
• Morocco. Average highs in December: 20ºC. ...
• La Palma. Average highs in December: 22ºC.

Is Portugal hot in December?

In December, Portugal experiences mild winter weather with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). The weather can vary depending on the region, with coastal areas and southern regions being generally warmer than the northern parts of the country.

What is the hottest part of Spain in December?

Andalucia is the hottest part of Spain in winter. It's an ideal warm honeymoon destination in Europe for couples who choose to marry in winter. Between November and February, most of the places we mention here maintain a sunny outlook. Making it perfect for a beach holiday.