The festive season is the perfect time to explore magical destinations that come alive with lights, joy, and celebration. These 28 places to travel for the Christmas holidays offer travelers the chance to experience the true spirit of the season in different corners of the world. From snow-covered European cities to tropical beach getaways, these destinations promise unforgettable memories. Among the 28 places to travel for the Christmas holidays, travelers can stroll through sparkling Christmas markets, enjoy festive parades, and witness enchanting decorations.
Best Places to Visit in Christmas Holidays
Whether it’s sipping hot cocoa in Switzerland, watching fireworks in New York, or relaxing on the sunny shores of Thailand, each destination brings its own charm. These 28 places to travel for the Christmas holidays also offer cultural delights, from traditional cuisine to winter festivals. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers, these 28 places to visit over the Christmas holidays ensure that every visitor feels the magic of the season. In 2025, these 28 places to visit over the Christmas holidays will continue to captivate travelers with warmth, wonder, and celebration.
1. Seychelles
Although the Seychelles summer in December is undoubtedly warm with temperatures averaging 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Christmas is still in full swing in the East African country. The capital of Victoria is fully decorated with festive decorations, from the post office and the National History Museum to the Peace Park, with lights twinkling.
In addition to the annual lighting ceremony hosted by the mayor, vendors display ornaments, stocking stuffers and gifts of art to kick off the season. Other traditions include a Christmas tree competition, where participants test their imagination and create a tree made from recycled materials, and a Christmas pot roast lunch. For an intimate boutique with a swim-up pool located by the sea, consider Mango House Seychelles, a 41-key former residence that opened as a resort in 2021.
2. Singapore
This famous 24/7 city never lets up for a moment, and Christmas is no exception. To experience the joy of the Singapore holidays, head to the city’s shopping paradise, Orchard Road. Christmas trees, fireworks and festive decorations abound on this brightly lit street, and despite the absence of snow and reindeer, ol’ St. Nick will definitely feel like he’s home. Keep an eye out for the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay.
Of course, the gardens are decked out in lights and decked out with a variety of games, exhibits and shows, in an all-out splendor. If you’re looking to experience Singapore at its best, Marina Bay Sands is a resort to fit into your itinerary. The three-tower property is perhaps the city’s most iconic accommodation, with a casino, shopping mall and celebrity chef-helmeted dining.
3. Seoul
This year, Korea has taken a bigger place in our minds than ever, thanks to its box office and music chart successes. From K-pop extravaganza Demon Hunters to hit groups like Stray Kids and Enhyphen, from K-beauty products to blockbuster shows like Netflix’s Physical 100, Korean cultural exports are in full swing. For Christmas, consider heading to the country’s layered capital, Seoul, to spend the holidays.
Explore the bustling Christmas market at Gwanghwamun Square, skate under the twinkling lights at Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, or even attend a service at Myeongdong Cathedral, the country’s first brick-and-stone Gothic church. For a sparkling hotel with easy subway access in a historic neighborhood in the capital, consider the perennial Readers’ Choice Awards favorite, JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.
4. Montreal
Want to get fully immersed in the Christmas spirit? Powdery snow, toasty fireplaces, charming Christmas villages, and all? For New Englanders looking to get away for a while, Canada’s “City of a Hundred Steeples” has you covered. Montrealers don’t let a little snow get them down—you’ll find locals marching through the snow and even going skiing. When you’re done with your Christmas shopping at the Village de Noël and the Great Christmas Market, warm up with a hearty helping of hot cider and poutine. If you have room for dessert, don’t miss the maple taffy, a seasonal delicacy poured directly over a fresh dusting of snow. For an affordable stay within walking distance of the city center and several bus and train lines, stay at the hip Moxie Montreal Downtown, whose incredibly friendly staff will have a free welcome drink waiting for you at the bar.
5. Finnish Lapland
With all the logistical hustle and bustle and messages that crowd our daily lives, sometimes a truly rejuvenating escape is all we need to end the year in peace. Finnish Lapland feels like stepping into the mysterious and joyful world of a snow globe. There’s a chance to meet the real Santa Claus at Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village, and animal lovers can join dog-sledding tours and reindeer safaris. Wherever you stay at night, be sure to look up. In addition to the twinkling Christmas lights, you might even see the otherworldly Northern Lights. Get some real relaxation in a fully-furnished hotel, which features a hot tub and a prime location on Lake Narvajärvi.
6. Lake Tahoe
From picturesque mountain villages to luxurious lakeside retreats, the area surrounding Lake Tahoe is an ideal place for a winter getaway, with snow-capped views as far as the eye can see. On the south side of the lake, a holiday tree lighting will take place on Friday, November 28 at Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe, featuring a 65-foot-tall tree.
One of the best ways to kick off the season in Tahoe is to attend this year’s Winter Lights Festival, which will be held December 12 and 13. Start by browsing through handcrafted gifts, savoring homemade food, and enjoying a sleigh ride through the region’s storybook scenery, bathed in sparkling light displays. Unparalleled mountain views and a full-service spa await guests at The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, where you can truly relax.
7. Villa Roma, Catskills, New York
Want to celebrate a white Christmas in the Catskills? Villa Roma is one of your top choices. Located just outside of Calicoon, New York, and east of the Delaware River, this all-inclusive family-oriented resort has plenty of winter activities to keep you and your family entertained.
These include: three slopes for skiing and snowboarding, two snow tubing runs, a ski school for beginners, and a ski chalet for a little while, complete with hot drinks by a roaring fire. Keep an eye on the resort’s events calendar—the property decorates for the holiday-filled fall and winter seasons and offers special deals and packages for families so kids can celebrate in style and comfort.
8. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado
There’s nothing more fun in the world than a snowy white Christmas in the Rocky Mountains. A blanket of snow is almost guaranteed, and families can enjoy sleigh rides, skiing, snowshoeing and scenic tours at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, an eco-luxe resort and spa spread across 6,500 acres in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Ice skating under the lights, cozying up to a fire under the stars, breakfast with Santa, Christmas karaoke and holiday treats all await.
9. Montezuma Deer Valley, Park City, Utah
The festivities at the perennial ski resort favorite (and newly renovated!) Montezuma Deer Valley begin over the long Thanksgiving weekend and include ornament decorating, a holiday market, gingerbread house displays and the 11th annual tree lighting ceremony on November 30. In December, there will be a Candy Land-inspired experience as well as a red mailbox where guests can send their letters to Santa on his way to the North Pole.
The resort’s annual ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ event returns on Christmas Eve, when a three-course prix-fixe dinner will be served (reservations recommended). On Christmas Day, a daytime buffet and an evening dinner will round out the festive seasonal experience – until the New Year’s festivities begin.
10. North Pole, New York
Get closer to home to the North Pole – in the Adirondacks. The village of North Pole, New York, lives up to its name (their tagline is “Santa’s home away from home”) and transforms into a holiday wonderland every year. The tiny village is a veritable theme park, packed with attractions: visit Santa’s Blacksmith Shop, where magical reindeer shoes are made; the popular Reindeer Barn (with live reindeer); stop by St. Nicholas Chapel for a moment of quiet contemplation; and meet Santa at his home to meet the man himself.
11. North Pole, Alaska
If you're looking to head further north than New York's North Pole, are you curious about Alaska's North Pole? Like New York, this small town of about 2,700 people in Alaska - about 1,700 miles south of the actual North Pole - relies not only on its name but also on its icy winter atmosphere. Even if it's sunny in July, it keeps its Christmas decorations up year-round.
But when it snows, this place takes you to the Arctic and you can visit the Santa Claus House (a store selling holiday ornaments and toys), many holiday markets, and Santa's Letters and Gifts, where you can get personalized notes from Santa - and even "Good Girls and Boys Certificates", making it one of the best Christmas vacation ideas for young families.
12. The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
Set on 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness, The Resort at Paws Up offers plenty to do during the holidays—horseback and wagon rides, gingerbread house-building contests, cookie decorating, visits with Santa, and plenty of outdoor fun like dogsledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. It’s delightfully exhausting to think about. It’s a great destination year-round, especially if you like your Montana country luxuries: There are plenty of pamperings on outdoor trips, like elegant picnic lunches on rafting trips and massages after bike rides. But it’s a no-frills get-together: The staff is friendly and chatty, and the decor is all animal-skin rugs and cowboy portraits.
13. Fort Collins, Colorado
Old Town Fort Collins comes alive for the holidays, with thousands of twinkling lights and a free ice-skating rink (skate rentals are free, too). The city’s event calendar is already packed with locals’ favorite festivities: a holiday concert, caroling, and even a December weekend artist’s market featuring unique wall art, jewelry, and home decor—all of which make great gifts.
The downtown area is set to host a holiday lighting ceremony on November 1, with the launch of a low-energy LED light display that will illuminate 22 block-faces of the neighborhood (and the lights will stay on until Valentine’s Day).
14. Chicago, Illinois
There are few places to celebrate Christmas better than the Windy City. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape is a mile-long trail where the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of lights. Head to the lights at Morton Arboretum and walk the two-mile paved trail amidst interactive lighting effects. Don’t miss the 30th anniversary of ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, where you’ll see musical light shows, live ice sculptures, and train and carousel rides.
At Swissôtel Chicago, the Santa Suite is available to meet the family in person this year with the Your Newest Holiday Tradition package, which transforms the 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite into Santa’s Chicago holiday home for seasonal activities. The package offers personalized visits with Santa as well as sweets and treats, including a hot chocolate bar.
15. The Peabody, Memphis
Spend the most joyous time of year at the “Grand Hotel of the South.” Located in the heart of Peabody Blues City, you can’t go wrong with a merry Tennessee Christmas here. Start Christmas Day with the hotel’s famous brunch and celebrate making the list with unlimited hot chocolate offered by their Home for the Holidays package.
As a general rule of thumb for staying at this Memphis institution, you can’t miss the Peabody Duck March, but you should especially attend one on Christmas Day, when the mallard fountain is specially decorated with a bouquet filled with poinsettias and illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights in the lobby.
16. Middleton Lodge, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for a stay in a charming countryside setting like something out of a Hallmark movie, look no further than Middleton Lodge in Yorkshire. Spend the night in rooms set in the estate’s old dairy, original orchard and walled garden. Come on Christmas Eve and warm yourself by the fire while sipping afternoon tea with mulled wine in the Coach House restaurant.
Then on Christmas Day, indulge in a typical North Yorkshire lunch of salted duck eggs, roast pork belly with all the trimmings and fig pudding. And if you still feel like getting active after exploring the 200-acre park, there’s a heated pool with a lounge area.
17. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle was built in the 1920s, and this grand Italian Renaissance hotel is breathtakingly luxurious, as its canopied sofas, domed ceilings and golden chandeliers attest. Plus, the friendly front desk staff display a genteel demeanor befitting the palatial setting. Now, imagine all this with the ornate energy of the holiday season.
The Fairmont welcomes its guests with a beautifully decorated tree and all manner of festive decorations lining the halls. And if the cold starts to bite, head to the hotel pool: it's enclosed by a glass solarium, meaning the water stays at a balmy 83 degrees and you can soak up the winter sun for a while on your lap at the same time.
19. Fife Arms, Brymer, United Kingdom
The Fife Arms may seem unremarkable at first—the hotel is a classic Highland hunting lodge turned hostelry, rugged and stone-like. But once you cross its mahogany threshold, you’ll immediately be embraced by the cozy warmth of the place, a feeling that’s only enhanced by the holiday cheer.
On Christmas Eve, arrive at Brymer before attending the Cairngorm Reindeer Parade. Head back to the lodge to roast chestnuts and decorate the tree. Then, on Christmas Day, listen to the King’s Speech in the Drawing Room after a hearty breakfast and four-course lunch. The Fife Arms has long been known as the social heart of its Scottish village, and especially around the holidays, it’s easy to see why.
20. Denver, Colorado
Uncover the magic of the holidays in Denver with millions of twinkling lights and special events. Stroll around the lights at the Denver Zoo with the family, or enjoy a fun day of shopping and ice skating. The annual Denver Christkindl Market, a traditional European holiday market in Denver Civic Center Park, returns this winter. Merrymakers can enjoy authentic glühwein (mulled spiced wine), Bavarian-style beer, European coffee, or hot chocolate while savoring the season, while also shopping for unique artisan gifts and holiday treats. For a new take on Denver, book a room at Gravity House, located in the city’s coolest neighborhood.
21. Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Red Lion Inn in idyllic Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is transformed into a charming festive scene, echoing Norman Rockwell’s famous 1967 painting Home for Christmas. The hotel is decorated with dozens of live Christmas trees, wreaths, kissing balls (super-sized mistletoe), poinsettias, hundreds of yards of garland and handmade wreaths made from recycled materials. For most of December, pianists and harpists will play holiday favorites in the hotel lobby. The Inn’s iconic front porch, which has been remodeled for the season, will be home to a performance by holiday carolers.
Nearby Naumkeag, a multi-story country estate dating back to the Gilded Age, hosts the Winterlights event, which sparkles with thousands of twinkling, artistically designed holiday lights. Just minutes away is Nightwood at the Mount – home of Edith Wharton – a sound and light experience that transforms the property into a magnificent winter wonderland throughout the holiday season. Don't miss Hancock Shaker Village, where a pop-up market featuring local artisans runs throughout the holiday season.
22. The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania
Located just ninety miles from New York City, this destination spa resort in northeastern Pennsylvania has a private lake, plenty of opportunities to pamper yourself in its expansive spa, and over 500 forested acres that can catch and wear the season's snowfall like the most beautiful mink coats. In addition to traditional seasonal festivities (caroling, evergreen lighting, etc.), along with the usual activities like biking and hiking, The Lodge also offers great off-the-beaten-track lessons like birding and archery. Naturally, its spa and salon facilities are ready to welcome you anytime for rest and relaxation.
23. Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver is a real-life embodiment of a beautiful holiday scene - everything is covered in snow and twinkling lights. For all kinds of fun, the resort is offering a variety of festive celebrations and experiences. For something a little different, check out their Holiday Glow Party at the Cove, a DJ-ed dance party in the resort's pool area featuring wearable glow sticks and other twinkling gear. For a more classic affair, try a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the wintery, powder-white glades on the property.
On Christmas Day, all Sunriver accommodations will have buffets and dinners, but if you need to hit the road again after your holiday meal, the resort is selling holiday food. But if you have some time, you can have brunch with Santa.
25. Woodstock, Vermont
The Woodstock Inn & Resort has decked out the halls for the season, with the main lobby looking like a Vermont holiday postcard: a nine-foot wooden fireplace adorned with thick velvet ribbons, two giant ornate wreaths, and a main evergreen tree grown on the property.
In fact, the resort prides itself on creating decorations from natural materials like dried flowers grown in the organic Kelly Way Garden and wood-harvested vines, evergreens, birch branches, pinecones, and dogwood. The resort also has a life-size gingerbread house in the main lobby, surrounded by trees and poinsettias for a winter wonderland.
Head to the nearby Billings Farm & Museum to take a photo in front of the 12-foot Christmas tree. The holidays are celebrated throughout December with candle-dipping and Victorian-style ornament making. At the property, the Learning Kitchen hosts cooking demonstrations of rugelach and gingerbread ornaments, and the Dairy Bar sells hot drinks and cider donuts. Families can also take part in sleigh rides on offer.
26. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, nestled sweetly on the slopes of Colorado between Beaver Creek and Avon, is a stunning wonderland for all winter sports enthusiasts. The resort offers ski-in and ski-out facilities, an in-house outfitter and ticket office, a dedicated ski concierge and – for anyone inspired by the snowy landscape to start learning – access to a ski and snowboard school.
The holidays are a real treat at the property: Traditionally, the Ritz-Carlton rings in the season with a tree lighting ceremony right after Thanksgiving and even more festive events in December, including the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, as well as their 16 Days of Wonder events, which include holiday crafts, ornament making, snow globes, letters to Santa, holiday cookies, and guided snowshoe adventures.
27. The Plaza Hotel, New York City
This majestic hotel first opened its doors in 1902 and, more than a century later, remains one of Manhattan’s most iconic buildings. If you’ve ever seen Home Alone 2, you’ll recognize The Plaza as the hotel where young Kevin McCallister, lost in New York, luxuriates in a luxurious suite for the holidays. Fittingly, the hotel has a “Home Alone 2: Fun in New York” experience package, offered year-round, that lets guests recreate memorable moments from the movie.
It includes a limousine ride around the city to landmarks like Central Park and Radio City Music Hall, a large cheese pizza (to be eaten in the limo, naturally), and a Home Alone sundae tailored to Kevin’s tastes (specifically: 16 scoops of assorted ice creams, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&Ms, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce). If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas, there’s also a “Seasons for All” package that includes a seven-foot-tall decorated Balsam Hill tree placed right in your suite.
28. Gleneagles Hotel
A grand estate set in the middle of the bucolic Scottish countryside, Gleneagles was a star when it first opened in 1924 and soon became renowned as the best place to stay for sport and relaxation in the greater Bonnie Land. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to show off their skills on the winding paths and ice-skating rink, but those looking for a slower-paced Christmas have plenty of time to spend time like me in the award-winning spa.
Between the outdoor thermal pool, two indoor pools and 20 treatment rooms, this dopamine-inducing menu has more than enough to chase away even the worst of the winter blues. There’s even a rumour that St. Nick and his reindeer pay a special visit to the hotel’s little ones every year.
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FAQ – 28 Places to Travel During the Christmas Holidays
Question 1: What are the most popular destinations among the 28 places to travel during the Christmas holidays?
Some of the most popular destinations include New York City, London, Paris, Vienna, and Prague for their festive lights, Christmas markets, and festive atmosphere.
Question 2: Are there any warm destinations among the 28 places to travel during the Christmas holidays?
Yes, several tropical and warm-weather destinations, such as Bali, Dubai, and the Maldives, are included among the 28 places to travel during the Christmas holidays, which are perfect for travelers who prefer sun to snow.
Question 3: What kinds of activities can travelers enjoy during the Christmas holidays?
Visitors can enjoy activities such as ice skating, attending Christmas concerts, exploring festive markets, tasting seasonal foods, and attending local holiday events in the 28 places to travel during the Christmas holidays.
Question 4: When is the best time to plan a trip for the Christmas holidays?
It is best to plan at least 2-3 months in advance to get the best deals on flights and accommodation for the 28 places to visit during the Christmas holidays, as this is one of the busiest travel seasons.
Question 5: Why should travelers visit the 28 places to visit during the Christmas holidays?
The 28 places to visit during the Christmas holidays offer a mix of fun, culture and natural beauty, making them ideal for creating lasting holiday memories with loved ones.
Note: These 28 places to visit during the Christmas holidays offer the perfect blend of festive cheer, cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer a snowy winter wonderland or a sunny tropical escape, these destinations ensure that travelers can celebrate the season in a unique and memorable way. Exploring these 28 places to visit during the Christmas holidays offers unforgettable experiences, from twinkling lights and Christmas markets to local traditions and seasonal delicacies.