The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Travel: Best Christmas Travel Destinations

The holiday season is prime time for rest and relaxation. After the craziness of holiday events and planning, you deserve to embrace the giving spirit by gifting yourself a holiday trip.

Traveling for the holidays has become a beloved tradition for many, offering an opportunity to escape the daily grind and immerse in (or escape) the joyous atmosphere of Christmas. If you’re looking to be inspired by the holiday spirit there are plenty of places to explore.

Keep reading for Christmas travel ideas and some of the best places to travel to get into the holiday spirit. It’s time to start planning your holiday trip, so grab a cup of hot cocoa, cozy up by the fireplace, and sort through some of the world’s most enchanting Christmas travel destinations.

What are the top Christmas travel destinations?

The magic of holiday spirit only comes for a small portion of the year and it’s always a mission to soak in enough of the warm fuzzies of the holiday season to make it through another year.

Walking through a city with dangling Christmas lights, gigantic Christmas trees, holiday music blasting, and charming bakeries serving fresh cookies sounds like the greatest trip of all time.

I know many people will think, well shouldn’t I travel somewhere warm? That’s truly up to you, but for the most enchanting Christmas experiences you should travel to:

Roaming in Rome

Our first stop on this Christmas travel adventure takes us to the city of Rome, Italy. While Rome is a loved destination year-round, it becomes an absolute wonderland during the holiday season.

The city is sprinkled with twinkling lights, and its charming streets come alive with festive markets and the scent of freshly baked bakery treats in the air.

One of the must-visit spots in Rome during Christmas is the Piazza Navona, where you’ll find a Christmas market known as “Mercato di Natale”. Here, you can shop for handcrafted gifts, indulge in traditional Italian holiday treats, and marvel at the stunning light displays.

Beyond the unique Christmas experiences, don’t forget to indulge in the traditional Rome sightseeing and tourism. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain and savor a slice of pizza or a bowl of pasta at a local restaurant to complete your Roman holiday experience.

A German Fairytale: Nuremberg

For those seeking a truly magical Christmas travel destination, book your ticket to Nuremberg, Germany. Known for its iconic Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market), Nuremberg transforms into a winter wonderland straight out of a snow globe.

The market has over 180 wooden stalls adorned with red-and-white striped roofs, selling everything from hand-carved ornaments to gingerbread cookies. These gifts are the perfect way to remember your trip and the holiday.

At the market, Christkind, a young girl, opens the market by reciting the official Christmas prologue. Sip on a mug of mulled wine, savor Nuremberg’s famous sausages, and immerse yourself in the festive cheer! DISCLAIMER: I do not own the footage in any TikTok shown. All credit goes to the original poster.

Nordic Magic in Reykjavik

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Reykjavik, Iceland, might just be your dream holiday travel destination. Iceland is often associated with unique landscapes and the Northern Lights, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also experience the cozy magic of the holiday season.

Reykjavik’s Christmas Village is a hub of festive activities, offering ice skating, Christmas markets, and traditional Icelandic yuletide treats.

Take a dip in one of the city’s geothermal pools while surrounded by snow-capped mountains—a truly unique way to spend your holiday and one you won’t forget for a very long time.

Northern Lights and Santa Claus in Lapland

For a Christmas travel experience like no other, consider venturing to the northernmost regions of Finland in Lapland. This wonderland is another opportunity to see the Northern Lights and is also famously known as the official residence of Santa Claus himself.

If you’re looking to get the entire winter wonderland Christmas trip experience, try staying in an igloo hotel. If you get lucky, you may even be able to see the Northern Lights right from your bed.

Rovaniemi offers a bunch of activities for holiday lovers. Visit Santa Claus Village, where you can meet the man in red, take a sleigh ride with reindeer, or embark on a once in a lifetime snowmobile safari through the snowy wilderness.

Lapland provides a fresh and unique way to take in the holidays.

A Traditional Christmas in London

There is something so beautiful about London during Christmas time. This is one of many perfect Christmas travel destinations for solo, friend, or family travel.

The lights, the snow, the Christmas trees. The joy of Christmas is all around. As someone who loves a good dessert, you should definitely try the donuts at the Christmas market or the many “state fair” snacks at the Winter Wonderland festival.

At the Winter Wonderland festival, you can enjoy rides, shows, snacks, Santaland, and tons of other fun attractions. It’s the perfect destination to surround yourself with the spirit of Christmas and activities.

If you’re someone who enjoys walking around and window shopping (maybe even buying a few things), London has many shops that put together elaborate Christmas window displays. The TikToks below can give you an idea of what you’re in for including activities.

Old World Charm in Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that effortlessly combines old-world charm with a festive spirit. The historic Gothic and Baroque churches become even more enchanting when covered in snow.

You can spend the day walking through the Christmas markets in the Old Town Square and try traditional Czech pastry treats, buy handmade gifts, and enjoy the beautiful city. Don’t forget to warm up with a glass of mulled wine as you admire the city’s holiday decorations.

Tropical Paradise in Hawaii

If you’re looking to escape the winter chill and celebrate Christmas in a tropical paradise, Hawaii is the place for you. The Aloha State knows how to celebrate the holidays with a unique island twist.

The Honolulu City Lights event is a highlight for both locals and visitors. Embrace the island spirit by attending a luau, feasting on fresh seafood, enjoy aquatic activities such as snorkeling, and maybe take a hike or two during your Christmas vacation in Hawaii.

Just because it’s cold somewhere else doesn’t mean you need to be bundled up. You may as well take your vacation somewhere warm to give yourself a break from the winter weather.

Interested in travel? Check out these posts:

1. Beat The Crowds: The Best Time of Year to Travel to Greece
2. 8 Activities to Bring on a Flight to Greece

A Scandinavian Delight in Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden, is another beautiful Christmas travel destination. The city’s picturesque islands are adorned with Christmas lights, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

Visit the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), where the narrow cobblestone streets are decorated with festive decor. Stockholm’s Christmas markets offer handcrafted gifts, seasonal foods like saffron buns and gingerbread cookies, and, of course, the chance to meet the Swedish version of Santa Claus, known as Jultomten.

The Big Apple’s Christmas Extravaganza

No list of holiday travel destinations would be complete without mentioning New York City. The Big Apple goes all out for most holiday celebrations and Christmas is no exception. Not to mention, it’s a destination that has been immortalized in countless holiday movies and TV specials.

Take a stroll through Central Park, marvel at the dazzling Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and glide across the ice at the iconic Wollman Rink.

The city’s department stores go all out on the window displays making walking from one place to the next an exciting experience. You can also catch a festive Broadway show or the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world-famous Rockettes.

Enchanted Wonders of Vienna

Vienna, Austria, is another European gem that comes alive during the holiday season. The city is known for its architecture, classical music heritage, and a rich history that adds an extra layer of magic to its Christmas celebrations.

Vienna’s Christmas markets, or Christkindlmärkte, are scattered throughout the city. The one at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) is particularly stunning, with its ice skating rink and a giant Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights.

Enjoy a cup of Vienna’s famous hot chocolate and savor traditional Austrian pastries while enjoying the holiday spirit surrounding you.

Southern Charm in Charleston

If you prefer a warm and cozy Christmas destination with a touch of Southern hospitality, Charleston, South Carolina, is a delightful choice. This historic city exudes charm year-round, but during the holidays, it is extra special.

Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Historic District, and marvel at the antebellum homes’ holiday decorations. The annual Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is a must-visit if you’re hoping to see millions of twinkling lights, festive displays, and a train ride through the enchanted forest.

When it comes to holiday travel, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. The best vacation is the one that fits your needs and during the holidays, there’s so many unique experiences to explore.

From the enchanting markets of Nuremberg to the tropical bliss of Hawaii, there is a Christmas travel destination to suit every taste and style. Whether you prefer the classic charm of European cities or the warmth of a Pina Colada, these Christmas travel ideas should set you on the path of solidifying your holiday trip plans.

So, this holiday season, consider packing your bags and make the journey to one of these incredible holiday travel destinations. Create cherished memories, experience the magic of Christmas around the globe, and let the spirit of the season fill your heart with joy.

After all, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by exploring the world and discovering the unique ways in which different cultures celebrate this special time of year.

Share your favorite holiday travel destinations in the comments below!