8 Stunning Christmas Holiday Destinations Around The World
While some choose to spend the Christmas break at home with the family, there are some travel lovers out there who use the opportunity to venture to the far ends of the world. Whether you prefer snow-covered landscapes, bustling city festivities, or serene tropical getaways, there’s a perfect Christmas destination for everyone. Here’s our list of places around the world to visit to take you from icy outdoor adventures to quaint city breaks.
Colmar, France
Go for: Stunning Christmas markets with an old-world charm
If you’re looking for a fairytale getaway, Colmar will not disappoint. Expect picturesque medieval charm, with its quaint cobblestoned paths beautifully lit up for the season. Colmar has a variety of Christmas markets to visit which sell everything from handcrafted jewellery and woodcarvings to knitted sweaters and homemade Christmas sweets. The street decorations and shop windows are all stunning, and make the perfect photo-ops. Wander through Petite Venise, a neighbourhood adorned with lights and ornaments, and savour local Alsatian delicacies like mulled wine and kugelhopf, a classic French cake.
Where to stay: A gorgeous choice is the 4-star Hôtel Le Colombier which makes an ideal starting point to explore the rest of the city.
Cologne, Germany
Go for: Ice skating, choirs and churches
Cologne is synonymous with traditional Christmas markets, and the city’s iconic Cologne Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop for holiday festivities. Stroll through the markets, sip glühwein (mulled wine), and browse handcrafted ornaments. Don’t miss the Heinzelmännchen market, themed after local folklore, and the breathtaking ice rink in Heumarkt. Snack on bratwurst and waffles as you are serenaded by gospel choirs and bands. Every year, the Christmas market at the Cathedral hosts a range of free events great for kids and adults with everything from face painting and decorating to concerts and dance performances – there’s something for everyone in the family.
Where to stay: The Cologne Marriott Hotel is conveniently located in the city centre, so you’re close to all the touristy spots like the Musical Dome and City Museum of Cologne.
London, UK
Go for: The festive displays across London’s bars, shops, restaurants and hotels
We might be biased, but London really does turn into a winter wonderland come Christmas, with dazzling lights, iconic markets, and festive events. Explore Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for its rides, ice rink, and Bavarian-style markets, or wander along Oxford Street under a canopy of glittering lights. Go ice skating at the super festive Battersea Power Station or book yourself a festive afternoon tea at any of London’s luxe hotels and restaurants. Don’t miss the enchanting Christmas Carol performances at historic venues like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Royal Albert Hall.
Where to stay: We love The Lanesborough‘s gorgeous festive decorations, and the hotel looks stunning as usual this year. Located just a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park, its central location gives you easy access to the best of London’s festive calendar. For the best festive deals for the season, read our guide here.
Lapland, Finland
Go for: To meet Santa Claus (age no bar)
There’s no place more quintessentially “Christmas” than Lapland. Nestled in the far north of Finland, this magical winter wonderland is the official home of Santa Claus. Visitors can meet Santa at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, cross the Arctic Circle, and even ride in reindeer-drawn sleighs through snow-covered forests. But Lapland offers more than just Santa sightings; it’s also one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. Picture this: you’re snug inside a glass igloo or a cosy log cabin, watching the sky dance with colours as snow gently falls outside. For those who enjoy winter activities, there’s skiing, snowboarding, husky sledding and snowshoeing. If you’re a fan of winter activities and want to immerse yourself in some grand old Christmas spirit, Lapland is where the magic happens.
Where to stay: Book a room at the Javri Lodge, Saariselka – a rustic, adults-only hotel in the small village of Saariselkä, which lies in the far north of Finland, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Go for: Adventures in the snow
If you’re looking for a snowy adventure this Christmas, Switzerland makes the perfect choice. Ski or snowboard with views of the Matterhorn, enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner in a chalet-style restaurant or take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway for spectacular Alpine scenery. Explore glaciers, set off on snowy hikes and then warm up over some fondue at your hotel in the evenings – this one’s a picture-perfect winter escape.
Where to stay: For fairytale views of the snow-capped mountains, stay at the Mont Cervin Palace, and choose between chalet or Alpine-style rooms (there are also family apartments available).
Sydney, Australia
Go for: A sunny Christmas
Fun fact: Most of The Handbook team is spending Christmas in Sydney this year so it’s no-brainer that this is going on the list. For those who prefer warm weather during the holidays, Sydney offers a glorious sunny twist on Christmas. With beaches like Bondi and Coogee perfect for festive picnics and surfing, Sydney embraces a traditionally laid-back vibe for the festive season but it also offers some dazzling light displays and carols by candlelight. Visit the Sydney Opera House for their “Big Christmas Spectacular” (40 dancers, a live orchestra, and a choir delivering your Christmas favourites).
Where to stay: Stay at Hotel Palisade for iconic views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. The hotel is also hosting a pretty fabulous New Year’s Eve shindig which gives you front-row seats to Sydney Harbour’s fireworks.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Go for: Street parties and festive island vibes
In San Juan, Christmas is a joyous and lively celebration that blends tropical vibes with deep-rooted traditions. Parrandas (Christmas caroling with a party twist) fill the streets with music, while the city’s plazas and churches host festive events. Feast on lechón (roast pork) and coquito (a coconut-based holiday drink) as you soak in the warm island spirit.
Where to stay: Nestled amidst the vibrant streets and colourful facades of San Juan, Alma is a lovely hotel which echoes the architecture of the city, with stunning arched windows, chandeliers, and art created by local talent. Get the balcony suites which overlook the city’s iconic Plaza Colon for a fabulous view.
Goa, India
Go for: Christmas on the beach and Indian Christmas sweets
Swap snow for sandy beaches in Goa, where Christmas is celebrated with a vibrant blend of Indian and Portuguese traditions. Churches and streets are adorned with festive lights, and the aroma of freshly baked bebinca (a Goan dessert) fills the air. Attend midnight mass at the iconic Basilica of Bom Jesus or dance the night away at a beachside Christmas party – there’ll be plenty to choose from.
Where to stay: Located 20 minutes from the Goa Dabolim International Airport, Alila Diwa is a lush hotel surrounded by emerald palms and paddy fields. Comfortably away from the crowds, the hotel offers private terraces and balconies with pool, garden or paddy field views.
