Continue reading to find out more about...
- 1. Copenhagen is one of the best Christmas destinations
- 2. Dublin, Ireland
- 3. Salzburg, Austria
- 4. Nuremberg, Germany
- 5. New York, USA
- 6. Berlin, Germany
- 7. Rome, Italy
- 8. Lapland, Finland
- 9. Edinburgh, Scotland
- 10. Montreal, Canada
- 11. Hong Kong celebrates Christmas
- 12. Washington DC, USA
- 13. Boston for an old fashioned US Christmas
- 14. Cologne, Germany
- 15. Prague, Czech Republic
- 16. Reykjavík, Iceland
- 17. Dresden, Germany
- 18. Bruges, Belgium
- 19. New Orleans, USA
- 20. Aspen Colorado, USA
Looking for inspiration on Christmas destinations? We can help, with our list of the 20 top Christmas places. Some have snow, almost all have glitter and Christmas spirit is guaranteed. Take a look.
1. Copenhagen is one of the best Christmas destinations
Dropdown contentPick Copenhagen Dropdown content for Christmas. The affordable and friendly capital of Denmark Dropdown content has a glittering city centre and it's easy to get around. If you want full festive fantasy, book tickets in advance for Tivoli Gardens. It's one of the world's oldest amusement parks and magical at Christmas.
Copenhagen is famous for its castles, which take on a special magical charm at Christmas time. Among the most famous are Kronborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle.
Where to stay in Copenhagen:
Tivoli Gardens is one of Denmark's top Christmas destinations © Vlad Andrei Nica/Shutterstock
2. Dublin, Ireland
Find Christmas craic in Dublin Dropdown content during December. The streets feel festive, there are ice rinks and carol singers at St. Patrick's Cathedral. And when you want to get cosy, Temple Bar Dropdown content pubs have you covered. If that sounds like fun, stay at Castle Hotel near Temple Bar.
What also makes Dublin one of the best christmas destination is the 12 pubs of Christmas. It's a world-famous competition challenging groups of friends to visit 12 pubs by the end of the night. Needless to say, only the most resilient participants make it to the end.
Where to stay in Dublin:
Dublin is especially Christmassy in December © David Soanes/Shutterstock
3. Salzburg, Austria
Experience the festive and very Austrian Dropdown content city of Salzburg Dropdown content. Its famous Baroque architecture looks even lovelier with a snowy mountain backdrop. And it's the birthplace of Mozart so expect a lot of music wherever you go.
It's also home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe which is awash with charming traditions and smells like warm gingerbread. If you want to put that to the test, take a Tour of Salzburg Christmas markets with local guides.
Where to stay in Salzburg:
Christmas Market in the old town of Salzburg © Izabela23/Shutterstock
4. Nuremberg, Germany
Go Christmas shopping at the famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg Dropdown content. You'll find over 180 market stalls set on Hauptmarkt selling everything from toys to gingerbread. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous Lebkuchen (german gingerbread) was invented in Franconia in the 13th century. Head for the Lebkuchen-Schmidt stand at the Christkindlesmarkt to sample the authentic Lebkuchen.
Where to stay in Nuremberg:
Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg as night falls © Sean Nel/Shutterstock
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5. New York, USA
New York City Dropdown content rules Christmas from the outrageously famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to its dazzling store windows and awesome ice rinks.
One of the recent additions to New York's Christmas atmosphere is the New York Botanical Garden Glow. After dark, you can enjoy a stroll along the mile-and-a-half-long route decorated with all kinds of light installations. Dance performances, ice carving demonstrations and other seasonal activities are also on the agenda.
Where to stay in New York:
Decorations in New York City one of the world's best Christmas destinations © Anastasios71/Shutterstock
6. Berlin, Germany
Berlin Dropdown content has over 50 neighbourhood Christmas markets, so it's a bit of a festive legend. It's also worth visiting for iconic museums, great nightlife and festive experiences.
From mid-November to the first half of January, the Berlin Botanical Gardens invites you to enjoy a night stroll among the illuminated gardens. During the festive season there are golden glowing arches, glittering penguin statues and twinkling lights streaming from the trees. Book your visit in advance, tickets sell out very quickly and don't forget to bring your camera to take the perfect festive photo.
Where to stay in Berlin:
Christmas market, French church and konzerthaus in Berlin, Germany © S.Borisov/Shutterstock
7. Rome, Italy
Rome Dropdown content mixes up its festive traditions across the entire city. So you have art collections, museums and monuments combined with Christmassy Italian food and culture. Plus, there's the Vatican Dropdown content Midnight Mass. So why not have a look around on a private Christmas tour with local guides?
Colosseum decorated for Christmas in Rome, Italy © Bucchi Francesco/Shutterstock
Where to stay in Rome:
8. Lapland, Finland
Visit Santa in Finnish Lapland Dropdown content at the legendary Santa Claus Village just outside festive Rovaniemi Dropdown content. It's a kid's Christmas fantasy, and children do love it. But it's also designed to enchant adults. Plus, there's a chance of Northern Lights in December.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. All Tailor Made Trips Dropdown content can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Italy expert.
Where to stay in Lapland:
Snowman in Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland © Roman Babakin/Shutterstock
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Dropdown content does festive atmosphere from its atmospheric Old Town Dropdown content to the Georgian New Town Dropdown content. Edinburgh Castle looks magical, there are colourful Christmas markets and the New Year street party is one of the biggest in Europe. Book in for the season at Grassmarket Hotel.
Where to stay in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Christmas markets in Princes Gardens © Ulmus Media/Shutterstock
10. Montreal, Canada
Christmas is magical in Montreal Dropdown content. It's the second largest city in Canada Dropdown content and has everything from skiing on Mont Tremblant to the Vieux Port ice rink. Enjoy Christmas festivals and explore Old Montreal. Then meet ghosts of Christmas past on a haunted walking tour.
Where to stay in Montreal:
Place d'Armes at Christmas, Montreal, Quebec, Canada © Pinkcandy/Shutterstock
11. Hong Kong celebrates Christmas
Hong Kong Dropdown content is the most extraordinary city and it dazzles at Christmas. Look forward to illuminated skyscrapers, bedecked shop fronts and Christmas music everywhere. If you want even more glitter, try Happy Hour with a light show at Sky100 Observatory.
Where to stay in Hong Kong:
Glittering Hong Kong lights up for Christmas © Shutterstock
12. Washington DC, USA
Washington DC Dropdown content is a Christmas capital packed with heart warming traditions. Don't miss the illuminated Pathway of Peace with its 56 Christmas trees. Wrap up warm against the freezing weather to go exploring. And stay central at CitizenM Washington DC Capitol.
Where to stay in Washington DC:
White House at Christmas in Washington DC, United States © Orhan Cam/Shutterstock
13. Boston for an old fashioned US Christmas
Boston Dropdown content is an Old World US Christmas from gas lamplit streets on historic Beacon Hill to huge Christmas trees and enchanting Quincy Market.
Where to stay in Boston:
Enjoy old and new Christmas traditions in Boston Massachusetts, USA © Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/Shutterstock
14. Cologne, Germany
Experience Cologne Dropdown content for eight Christmas markets and the Rhine Dropdown content riverbank markets. Quaint Glühwein stalls contrast with impressive urban architecture here and you'll find lovely festive traditions. Spread some cheer on a Christmas market and Kolsch Beer tour.
Where to stay in Cologne:
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market , Germany © picturetom/Shutterstock
15. Prague, Czech Republic
Festive Prague Dropdown content looks spectacular at Christmas. How could it not with architecture spanning over 600 years, medieval streets, wooded hills and the lovely River Vitava with its many romantic bridges? Immerse in the atmosphere at Old Prague Hotel.
Where to stay in Prague:
Christmas in Oldtown square (czech: Staromestske namesti) Prague, Czech Republic © Jiri Foltyn/Shutterstock
16. Reykjavík, Iceland
Warm to Iceland Dropdown content at Christmas. It's where to discover 13 Icelandic Santas known as Yule Lads. The weather's snowy and there's a good chance of Northern Lights. Plus charming Reykjavik Dropdown content is great fun, so stay there at Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel.
Where to stay in Reykjavík:
Snowy Christmas in Reykjavik, Iceland © John Speargod/Shutterstock
17. Dresden, Germany
Visit Dresden Dropdown content for sweet traditions like the Stollen cake parade. The enchanting River Elbe setting enhances Christmas markets. And if you want to see historic Frauenkirche at its finest, take a night tour of Dresden Dropdown contentwith friendly local guides. For more on Dresden take a look at Is Saxony home to the best German Christmas markets? Dropdown content
Where to stay in Dresden:
Christmas market in Dresden, Germany © LianeM/Shutterstock
18. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges Dropdown content medieval town centre was made for Christmas. It's awash with chocolatiers and charming Christmas markets. The canals are wintery and atmospheric and you can hear the traditional carillon in Bruges Belfry. Soak it all up at Hotel Ter Brughe.
Where to stay in Bruges:
Christmas decorations light up Bruges' Old Market Square © kavalenkau/Shutterstock
19. New Orleans, USA
New Orleans Dropdown content does full-on Christmas with riverboat carol cruises, festive street cars and dazzling decorations. The city's historic quarters are at their most atmospheric and it's the perfect time of year to take a haunted cemetery tour.
Where to stay in New Orleans:
Christmas lights in the French Quarter of New Orleans © Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
20. Aspen Colorado, USA
Spend white Christmas in the Colorado mountain town of Aspen Dropdown content. One of the world's most famous ski resort it's all about alpine lodges, cosy restaurants and festive atmosphere. Indulge yourself with a stay at The Gant.
Where to stay in Aspen Colorado:
White Christmas in Aspen, Colorado © The World in HDR/Shutterstock
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