So, what are the best Christmas holiday destinations? With winter festivals, spectacular light displays, and mulled wine to last you all year, some of the world’s top cities become real wonderlands over Christmas. This makes it the perfect time to spend your remaining vacation days. Christmas vacation possibilities exist for all kinds of people since so many areas are bustling with activity.
The Best Christmas Holiday Destinations
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting Edinburgh at the winter solstice is an excuse in and of itself, but the city has much more to offer than just whiskey. Additionally, you may go ice skating at St. Andrew Square, ski in Pentland Hills Regional Park, or peruse the expansive holiday market at East Princes St. Gardens.
After Christmas, Scots would gather for the three-day Hogmanay Festival to welcome in the new year with live music, fireworks, and dancing. Not to mention, Edinburgh Castle is famous for hosting Christmas meals, so don’t forget to eat there.
2. Best Christmas holiday destinations: Sri Lanka
In Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s picturesque tea heartland, you may spend Christmas Day partaking in a unique tea plantation experience while donning a traditional, hand-stitched silk saree dress—a keepsake you can cherish forever. On Christmas Day, after a hearty Christmas lunch, you will have high tea in the picturesque grounds of the Grand Hotel, which dates back to the colonial period.
Visit the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, marvel at the majestic temples, explore the intriguing caverns at Dambulla, hunt for wild animals at Yala National Park, and learn about the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a city that offers everything: world-class restaurants, interesting museums, beaches, wineries, and game reserves within a few hours’ drive. The average temperature is 20°C in December, making it a prime time to visit. A visit to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, which is an hour’s drive from the city center, is sure to put you in the party mood.
Alternately, take in the yearly carol music while picnicking on the grounds of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Better still, you won’t have jet lag upon returning to work, and there’s hardly any time difference, so calling loved ones on Christmas Day is easy. All in all, Cape Town, South Africa, is among the best Christmas holiday destinations for families and adventure lovers.
4. Dominican Republic
How do 29C highs sound if sunbathing is a top priority for you over the holiday season? By the way, did you know that the Dominican Republic has an astounding eight hours of sunlight every day? How cool is that? This island in the Caribbean is more than simply a place to relax and unwind. Safari rides and whale watching in the wild are just two of the many exciting activities available.
Dominicans are huge admirers of the holiday season, so you can put your fears of missing out on the festivities to rest. Indulge in delectable meals such as roast pig and pudim navideno (also known as Christmas pudding) throughout the festive season (October to January), while singing and dancing the night away at exciting street celebrations.
5. La Palma
La Palma is considered one of the best Christmas holiday destinations for many reasons. Consider a Canary Island Christmas if you’d want something a little more personal. If you’re looking for a more sedate Canary Island to celebrate in, La Palma is a great choice since it’s one of the most reserved members of the club. In contrast to the typically mild 7°C in the UK, the island experiences sweltering 22°C in December.
If you want to get into the Christmas mood to the fullest, we suggest going to Franceses when the island is celebrating. Located on the northwest coast of the island, this little town puts on an annual nativity scene with life-size replicas of the Holy Family, the Magi, and Joseph.
6. Bethlehem, West Bank
Bethlehem is the most impressive venue to celebrate Christmas, as it is the site of Jesus’ birth. It is a great destination for a family trip during the holiday season. Among the top spots to spend the holidays is here. Tourists might feel a beautiful rush of energy just thinking about the Christmas festivities in Manger Square and the Old City.
One way to liven up Christmas is to go to St. Catherine’s Church for the midnight service of Bethlehem.
7. Best Christmas holiday destinations: New York City, USA
Several movies have already shown how big of a deal Christmas is in New York State. 8. A little snowfall, some awful muzak, and Christmas lights transform the city into a place to celebrate one of the world’s greatest Christmases.
People ice skate under the Rockefeller Center’s tallest Christmas tree, which is a sight to see. There is a fantastic storefront window display that showcases products in the ideal manner.
8. The Vatican, Italy
The beautiful Vatican City is without a doubt among the best Christmas holiday destinations. Although it maintains its allure throughout the year, December is when it really shines. You may find roasted clichés on every corner, which adds new rhythms and fascinating images to the city.
Many people go to Vatican City on Christmas Eve to attend Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, making it an unforgettable experience for them. Consider making a trip to Vatican City, one of the most popular Christmas locations in the world, to make your Christmas Eve even more memorable.
9. Salzburg, Austria
Spend your Christmas in Salzburg if you like to stroll through snow-covered streets, sing along to the songs, and peruse the festive market. There are a lot of famous markets in Salzburg, another fantastic Austrian city. Christmas shoppers go from all over the globe to see this place.
10. Costa Rica
Many travelers consider Costa Rica to be one of the top Christmas holiday destinations. From December through April, during the dry season, you may enjoy a vacation basking in the sun. Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with its plethora of tropical flowers, nativity scenes, and rich cypress branch wreaths.
Let the fiestas and street celebrations take you to a tropical paradise of celebration that lasts long into January, and after the magical midnight service on Christmas Eve, enjoy the flavor of rum punch!
11. Enjoy Christmas in Cyprus
Cyprus is a popular destination for Christmas celebrations. The 20°C temperatures in December are wonderful, and there are an incredible 340 sunny days. On December 24th, neighborhood youngsters will spread joy with songs, kicking off twelve lovely days of Christmas cheer.
January 6th is the big finale, and it’s a lavish feast. Plus, pomegranates are abundant, so you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Pomegranates are a delightful addition to any house since they are both delicious and a sign of good fortune.
12. Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands off the coast of northwest Africa. They have a rich cultural history, beautiful scenery, and great sailing conditions. From Lanzarote’s lunar landscape to La Gomera’s verdant woodlands, each island has its own unique personality. Because of its mild Christmas weather, it is one of the most visited warm-weather locations by those seeking sunlight during the winter holidays.
Sailing aficionados may enjoy the islands’ consistent trade winds while exploring their pristine seas, hidden coves, and picturesque coastal villages. Envision yourself basking in the Spanish Christmas atmosphere while eating turrón and other traditional holiday goodies on a beach in the sunshine.