Places to go for Christmas
Best places to go for Christmas around the world (fairs, events & unique places to enjoy)
The holidays are always fun to enjoy at the end of the year, exploring the best places to visit for Christmas is a wonderful way to see how the Christmas season is celebrated at many locations around the world that celebrate the end of year holiday.
Christmas destinations celebrations are special for each place that celebrates the holiday spirit with fabulous local events, celebrations and traditions that offer a unique perspective and way to celebrate Christmas in that region. We share the best of these places with travel journalists and bloggers that share their favorite places to visit during the Christmas season.
These are the best of where you should go for holiday cheer and a different take from around the world.
Christmas destinations in the Americas
Christmas in Banff, Canada
Christmas in Banff becomes a winter wonderland with thick snow and below-zero temperatures. The park sees fewer crowds due to frigid weather and challenging road conditions.
However, if you’re willing to brave the cold, the Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise provide luxury accommodations at better pricing than summertime. Although expensive, both decorate their hotels with Christmas trees and twinkling lights.
Staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel puts you closer to the Banff Christmas Market in downtown Banff. With over 100 vendors, you can browse for gifts while sipping hot drinks.
Fairly new to Banff, their “In Search of Christmas Spirit” provides an outdoor event that allows visitors to follow a storybook path through the Cascade of Time Garden. The enchanted trail features illuminated sculptures, which highlight the creatures of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Winter allows for unique activities like ice climbing, ice skating, and dog sledding. You’ll be steps away from the frozen lake if you stay at the Chateau Lake Louise.
Lake Louise usually opens to ice skating in mid-December, and travelers can rent skates, snow shoes, snowboards, and skiing equipment inside the hotel. Consider a romantic sleigh ride around the lake to make your Christmas extra special.
The hotel builds an ice bar on the lake which has become a big hit with visitors. So, after a cold day of activities, warm up with mulled wine or a “Flake it ‘till you make it” cocktail (apple cider with rye).
Contributed by Karen from Forever Karen
Check out this Christmas in Banff celebration
Christmas in Quebec City
Think snowy cobblestone streets, a fully decorated castle, a traditional German Christmas market and a unique ice hotel. This is what Quebec City has to offer at Christmas time.
With its European vibe and architecture, Old Quebec City is the perfect place to experience the winter wonderland. The Petit Champlain quarter is the heart of Old Quebec City and it’s where the magic of Christmas happens. The rue Petit Champlain is known as one of the top 10 most beautiful streets in the world, especially during the winter time. Children will love seeing Santa Claus at Parc Félix-Leclerc.
The Place Royal also shows off with a big Christmas tree facing the famous Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. Then, in the Jardins de l’Hôtel de Ville, you can shop for last minute Christmas gifts at the German Christmas Market. Don’t forget to taste a specialty hot wine (muller wine) or a caribou drink (which is a mix of maple syrup, red wine and Canadian whiskey).
From the Christmas Market, only a few steps separate you from the iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac where they display wonderful Christmas decorations. It’s a great hotel to splurge on Christmas night. Plus, on the Dufferin Terrace, at the foot of the Château, you can do the Au 1608 toboggan run. It’s fun for the entire family.
If you are staying in Quebec City over the New Year’s celebration week, try to visit the Ice Castle. It’s a one in a kind experience and the only ice hotel in North America. But the opening is planned after the New Year.
For skiers, there are a few ski resorts within an hours away from Old Quebec City where you can enjoy beautiful evening skiing.
Christmas in New York City
New York is easily one of the best Christmas destinations to visit. With bustling Christmas Markets, Ice Skating Rinks, and endless decorations, your options are endless for getting into the Christmas Spirit.
Most people are familiar with Rockefeller Center where you can see the famous tree and Ice skating rink. This is one of the many great things to do on Christmas Day in NYC. Rockefeller Center is certainly a quintessential thing to do, but New York offers so much more Christmas activities to do!
New York has an insane amount of Christmas decorations throughout the City. Some of the best decorations to check out include the Hudson Yards (Vessel and The Edge), The Saks 5th Ave Lightshow, Radio City decorations, and the Dyker Heights, Brooklyn decorations.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Decorations are one of the more unique things you can do when visiting New York. These Million dollar (plus) homes go all out with their Christmas lights, one trying to outdo the next!
A Christmas visit wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Christmas Markets at the Winter Village in Bryant Square. They have one of the only free ice skating rinks (if you have your own skates) dozens of food vendors, a Christmas tree lighting, and shops to enjoy.
If you have seen the Christmas movie Home Alone 2, the Plaza Hotel is no stranger to you. Located near Rockefeller Center and Central Park, this is a great place to stay.
Suggested by Sam Opp from Find Love and Travel
Christmas in NYC
Christmas in Leavenworth
If you’re looking to explore a town straight out of a Hallmark movie, look no further than Christmas in Leavenworth. This tiny village, nestled in the towering Cascade Mountains of Washington state, has a downtown full of Bavarian-style buildings, including everything from the gas station to the Starbucks. Given its omnipresent alpine style, it feels like something that you’d expect to see in the Alps, as opposed to the Pacific Northwest.
While Leavenworth always feels like a fairytale town, Christmas is an especially magical time of year. Starting the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas, Leavenworth explodes with holiday cheer, with its downtown area covered with over half a million Christmas lights. Even more, you can expect to see carolers strolling the streets, chestnuts roasting over open fires, and even an appearance or two from Santa Claus.
It’s more likely than not you’ll experience a white and chilly Christmas while you’re here, so grab a mug of gluhwein to warm up or, alternatively, duck into the Nutcracker Museum, with a dizzying 7,000 nutcrackers from across the ages on display.
Once you’ve explored the downtown, consider making the Bavarian Lodge your homebase, with an outdoor hot tub where you can take in your charming surroundings and the snow-capped Cascades towering above.
Jessica with Uprooted Traveler
Gorgeous Christmas experience in Leavenworth below
Washington DC
Washington, D.C. is an underrated but magical Christmas destination, with many exciting activities to do both indoors and out. The city really gets into the Christmas spirit with lights and decorations all over town, including a huge holiday tree on the Capitol lawn. It’s a wonderful time of year to walk around and enjoy all the iconic buildings, especially if you are lucky enough to see it under a dusting of snow. Enjoy the Holiday Boat Parade when beautifully decorated boats sail down the Washington Channel, plus live music and fireworks.
December is a perfect time to go ice skating at one of D.C.’s beautiful outdoor ice rinks, like the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden rink, the Washington Harbour rink, or The Wharf rink. D.C. also boasts great Christmas markets where you can find wonderful gifts and delicious treats. Check out the D.C. Downtown Holiday Market or the German-style Christkindlmarkt at the Heurich House Museum. All are welcome to get into the Christmas spirit by attending a Christmas music concert at the National Cathedral, including several performances of Handel’s Messiah. If you get cold from your various outdoor activities, warm up at one of the many fantastic museums D.C. offers, like the Smithsonian, the National Portrait Gallery, or the Botanic Garden. If you want to stay in the heart of D.C., Hotel Lombardy is a classy hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue with comfortable amenities and easy access to all your activities.
Megan with Virginia Travel Tips
Check out these gorgeous Christmas tips of places in DC to visit below
St. Augustine for Christmas
Head to the coast during the festival to see the St. Augustine lighthouse illumination, where the lighthouse, keeper’s house, and the surrounding grounds are decked out with lights, garlands, ornaments, and themed Christmas trees. On the water, visitors can witness the “Regatta of Lights”. This holiday tradition takes place on the second Saturday of December each year, where decorated boats in all sizes line up in the bay to compete for holiday décor awards such as most colorful and best theme.
St. Augustine is a town steeped in history with major Spanish influences. Recreating a Spanish tradition, historic Florida militia and the National Shrine at the Mission Nombre de Dios join together for “Una Noche de Navidad”, A Night of Christmas. This 16th century Spanish procession commemorates the search Mary and Joseph undertook for a safe place to stay before the birth of Jesus and is held in December at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.
Erwin with Super Simple Salty Life
A Las Vegas Christmas
While Las Vegas may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about Christmas, it actually offers a unique and exciting holiday experience. Known for its glitzy casinos and vibrant nightlife, this desert oasis also boasts festive light displays, seasonal shows, and holiday-themed attractions.
One can start off their Christmas adventure in Las Vegas by visiting the spectacular Ethel M Chocolates factory and cactus garden. This family-owned chocolate company puts on a stunning holiday lights display, with over half a million twinkling lights adorning the cacti and desert plants.
Another must-see is the Mirage Hotel’s seasonal “Santa’s Wonderland” exhibit, featuring photos with Santa, a toy workshop, and even real reindeer. For some outdoor fun, head to Downtown Las Vegas for the Fremont Street Experience, where you’ll find live music, light shows on the massive overhead screen, and a festive holiday market.
The Bellagio also features a great Christmas exhibit in their botanical garden. You an easily pair a visit to the gardens with the famous Bellagio fountain display. You can also go ice skating right on the strip in Las Vegas in the winter.
When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options for all budgets. The luxurious Bellagio and Venetian hotels offer holiday-themed decor and attractions, while more budget-friendly options include the Plaza Hotel & Casino and the Golden Nugget.
So, whether you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional Christmas festivities or just want to add some extra sparkle to your holiday vacation, consider spending it in Las Vegas.
Candice, CS Ginger
Check out more of these Christmas gems in Las Vegas
Silverton, Oregon
Silverton is the premier Christmas destination of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This charming town is the place where Oregonians go for fun. Silverton is the gateway to Silver Falls State Park, the home of the Oregon Gardens, and a culture hub of the Willamette Valley.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park has gained international fame for its incredible beauty. Experience this wonder first-hand on the Trail of Ten Falls. The trail guides you through a series of incredible cascades rushing through beautiful forested hills.
Oregon enjoys mild, wet winters. That means that the “Crown Jewel of Oregon’s State Parks” is still worth visiting even at Christmas time. The Park’s comfortable facilities and accommodations can make for even greater convenience and comfort.
The Oregon Gardens
The Oregon Gardens may be the state’s most loved arboretum. The botanical wonderland features beautiful spaces, ancient oaks, a fantastic children’s garden, and the Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright. The luxurious Oregon Gardens Resort hosts the annual Silverton Christmas Market.
Cuisine & Culture in Christmas Town
Silverton is a “best of both” kind of place. The town has a small town feel with big city culture. Silverton’s location gives you the best of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Range. You can start your day hiking and end your day wine tasting or enjoying dinner at one of the city’s three breweries. Be sure to mail your list to Santa at the mailbox located in Silverton’s Town Square Park.
Christmas time in Hawaii
If you are looking for a warm weather destination to visit in the USA then Hawaii and visiting Honolulu is a fantastic option. Warm weather, friendly crowds and fun Christmas events and cheer here on the islands is always a popular option. Oahu and visiting Honolulu is a great destination with many Christmas offerings from Xmas parades, Xmas lights all around the city and the many resorts sharing Xmas events, fun gatherings and Xmas themed schedules like the lighting of Aloha House downtown, Christmas fairs and markets that are held in many public venues and fun events that help to usher in the holiday cheer. One of the most popular is the Mele Kalikimaka GIft Fair in Kapolei.
You can enjoy many of these events that are typically free and open for the public to enjoy or have a nominal fee depending on the organizer or tourism group or resort that is offering this as a Christmas celebration.
The large Christmas parade happens at Honolulu typically on the second weekend of the December is the Oahu Christmas Parade at Kalakaua Street in Waikiki. There is a smaller parade that also happens in Waikiki at Fort De Russy beach park closer to Christmas day.
For a fantastic stay in Waikiki for the holidays, consider staying at the Royal Hawaiian at Waikiki Beach for some winter fun and enjoying a stay right on the beach at Waikiki.
Noel with This Hawaii LIfe
Christmas in Hawaii Celebrations
Spend Christmas in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia is known for being one of the best places to visit for Christmas in the South. The Historic District looks particularly beautiful when the squares are decorated with greenery and all the gas lanterns are wrapped in festive red ribbons.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist offers one of the most spectacular Christmas displays in the city. Volunteers set up an elaborate nativity scene in the sanctuary and fill the church with thousands of red poinsettias. There’s not an empty pew in the building when the Savannah Philharmonic performs Handel’s Messiah!
The Holiday Boat Parade is another popular event. Locals love to gather along the riverfront to see boats aglow with cheerful holiday lights. The Holiday Tour of Homes is an annual event that allows visitors to peek inside some of Savannah’s most beautiful mansions while they’re all decked out for the season.
Savannah’s German-style Christmas Market is a unique place to shop for local souvenirs or purchase Christmas gifts, and Broughton Street is known as the city’s main shopping area. The entire length of the street is draped with twinkle lights and wreaths during the holidays, and many of the stores create elaborate seasonal window displays. The official city tree is also located on Broughton Street.
Spend a Christmas holiday in Helen, GA
Nashville, TN
One of the best Christmas destinations in the United States is Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is centrally located, with a great international airport that services almost 600 flights each day. This means there will be plenty of flights to choose from, and most destinations in the country are within a 3 hour flight.
For the music lovers, spend your Christmas holiday at the Grand Ole Opry or the famous Ryman Auditorium for some Christmas music shows. Both venues offer a variety of shows during the holiday season. For a super authentic experience, get tickets to a show at the Bluebird Cafe instead. It’s a tiny venue that is wildly famous for hosting stars before they get famous.
The best thing to do in Nashville during Christmas is taking a visit to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The property is massive with two indoor atriums decorated from floor to ceiling, and the outdoor spaces have numerous holiday activities for kids and adults. Spend a few hours enjoying the activities and lights, listening to Christmas music and drinking hot cocoa.
Nashville is known for its holiday themed pop-up bars, so visit as many as you can to enjoy their intricately designed decor, and delicious themed drinks to go along with them. The themes change each year, but the popularity remains the same so make sure you make reservations in advance or get there very early! Book a room at the Bobby Hotel, which features one of the best holiday pop-up bars on the roof, complete with igloos, bonfires, spiked cocoa and an ice rink!
Christmas destinations in Europe
Visit Luxembourg at Christmas
Don’t be fooled by the small size of Luxembourg: this little country goes big at Christmas!
The Luxembourg Christmas Markets, are excellent, dotted around Luxembourg City like sparkly pockets of light. The flagship market is Wantermaart at Place De La Constitution, which has a fairground ride and lots of great gifting and eating options. There’s also an ice rink at Kinnekswiss Park, a kid’s event at Cour De L‘Ancien Athenee and adult-friendly locations (read plenty of vin chaud on tap) at Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart at Place d’Armes and Niklosmaart at Place De Paris. In addition to markets, there are lots of Christmas illuminations all over the city. And if you want to experience a few of the festive sites on the same evening, that’s made easier by all public transport in Luxembourg being free!
For comforting winter food, there’s plenty available in the markets, including sausages, cheeseburgers, crepes, chips, and Gromperekichelcher – delicious potato pancakes. If you prefer to eat out, try some Luxembourgish cuisine, such as kniddelen, dumplings served with a buttery sauce and bacon, or salmon. To accompany dinner, how about a glass of Crémant de Luxembourg, the only Crémant available outside of France.
While the markets will keep you feeling cheery at night, in the daytime, explore the historic city, with its fairytale-like Grund district that lies along the Alzette river, overlooked by Bock fortress, which dates back a thousand years.
And after all the festive fun, stay somewhere comfortable but conveniently located, such as the Park Inn at Radisson, between the city centre and the station, and near the Place De Paris Christmas Market.
Prague at Christmas time
Prague’s Christmas markets have become known far and wide because there’s hardly anything that could make Prague more magical than all the warm Christmas lights and festive atmosphere.
To experience the vibe fully, check out the most special Christmas markets – the oldest and the biggest one at the Old Town Square, the most intimate one at Prague Castle, and a cheery neighborhood market at the Náměstí míru Square.
If you’re in Prague on the night of Dec 5th, you’re likely to come across strange characters roaming the streets. They’re angels, devils, and St. Nicholas. On that day, the country celebrates St. Nicholas Day, which is a special day for children. You may witness a few performances around town where kids sing songs or recite poems and then receive a package with snacks and sweets from St. Nicholas.
Those who enjoy ice-skating can do so right in Prague’s Old Town – locate the Ovocný trh Square, put on some rented skates, and on to the ice you go!
Prague’s parks are beyond beautiful when everything’s covered with snow. If you stroll through the Riegrovy sady park, you’ll see kids sledding down the main hill, with the view of Prague Castle in the distance. More adventurous souls can simply grab a plastic bag, sit on it, and join the children going downhill.
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