The season of twinkling lights, decorated tall trees and a joyful atmosphere is almost here and we are all excited. The most popular way of rounding up the year is going on a Christmas vacation where you get to cool off and rejuvenate.
Here are the top 20 places to visit for Christmas in 2023.
Number 20. Germany
Christmas in Germany is just the perfect way to round up a crazy year and we all agree that 2023 has been something else, right? What could then beat spending the festive season in a country that is all shades of spectacular during Christmas? There are twinkling lights everywhere and dazzling Christmas markets everywhere and trust me, you wouldn’t wanna miss it for any reason! You can find the best Christmas markets in Munich – of course, Cologne and Dresden. Munich goes a step further by having an enormous Christmas tree that blinks with thousands of fairy lights. And the food in Germany? You’ll suffer from overfeeding or is that even something to “suffer” from?
Number 19. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
If you want a Christmas destination that has it all, then you should come here. Steamboat springs feel just right and I’ll tell you why. You get to snowboard and snowmobile. Do you even know how fun that could be?
But hey, that was just an appetiser. Know what the main fun is?
You get to see Santa ride a horse! Have you ever seen something like that? I already see my answer in your eyes. Surely not!
You can also visit the big man at his workshop during the steamboat festival and if you are particularly adventurous, you can go for a spin with one of his sleighs.
Number 18. Fredericksburg, Texas
A festive, German-themed holiday experience might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Texas, but the town of Fredericksburg, located in the Hill Country, offers just that. The Marktplatz, Fredericksburg’s central square, is lit up with stunning lights during the Nights of Lights event and features a towering 26-foot-tall traditional German Christmas pyramid. There’s also ice skating, a Christmas Wine Affair wine-tasting tour, and plenty of shopping at the town’s more than 100 boutiques and shops.
Number 17. Kennebunkport, Maine
How many Hallmark Christmas movies have this small town as the setting? Not one and certainly not two, if you check very well. That should tell you that Kennebunkport is the real deal. With a population of about 3,700 people, it is something spectacular during Christmas. Tree lighting, fireworks displays, seashore holiday trolley rides and whatnot.
You will fall so in love with the city that you’d never want to leave. Yes, it has that effect at times but always remember that you have a job to get back to!
Number 16. Austria
A very “traditional” Christmas experience awaits you in Austria. There are the sweet treats, lovely carols and booming Christmas markets but there is something else – special actually, about Austria. I can see curiosity written all over your face. Isn’t that what killed the cat?
Well, I’ll not tease you any longer. Austria has 2 unique Christmas traditions and that is St Nicholas and Krampus Day, celebrated on the 5th and 6th days of December. Krampus is a scary creature that makes Christmas look like Halloween and on these 2 days, people wear nightmarish costumes. It is a thrilling experience, for real but that is if you do not allow yourself to be a sissy.
Number 15. Charleston, South Carolina
If you are a picture freak, then you cannot lay claim to having snapped the best pictures if you’ve not been to Charleston. I mean, the Instagrammable content is crazy! During the festive season, this place plays host to several parades. There are several food and wine events you could attend too and Santa Saturdays at the South Carolina Aquarium. Lots of churches and Cathedrals too, in case you want some time to recover from the unreal beauty of Charleston.
Number 14. Copenhagen, Denmark
For an unforgettable Christmas, Copenhagen is the place to go. There are seasonal food stalls which come to life during the joyful festivities but they do not outshine the fairy lights and Christmas trees for sure. The city has a lot of iconic buildings and a canal where tourists can take boat rides.
What else makes Copenhagen alluring?
The Frederiksberg Gardens where you can go ice skating, the beautiful merry-go-rounds, the classic mulled wine and the cosy fuzzy feeling that comes with Christmas!
Number 13. Missoula, Montana
If you’re someone who thinks Christmas just isn’t Christmas without snow, you’ll love visiting Missoula, Montana, where the average annual snowfall is 40 inches! The Snowbowl ski resort in the Lolo National Forest offers plenty of fun, family-friendly activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and sightseeing. Throughout December, there are also plenty of holiday-themed events, including the unique TubaChristmas event, where 100 tubas play Christmas music.
Number 12. Lapland, Finland
Did you know that Rovaniemi in Lapland is known to be the hometown of Santa Claus? So tell me, where could be a more perfect Christmas destination than the big, red man’s hometown?
Lapland is located in an untouched wilderness, a region that transforms into fantastic scenery in winter and trust me, it’s just as fantastic in other aspects. Christmas in Lapland means you get to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledging and the warm atmosphere of Santa Clause’s village.
The best attraction however, the one that will leave your mouth agape is the Northern Lights. I’ll leave you to find out just how mesmerising it is by yourself.
Number 11. Dublin
It has everything a traveller could desire: fascinating history, delicious food, beautiful architecture, intriguing stories, and of course, plenty of pubs! As the country’s capital, Dublin is a global city with something for every type of tourist, from casual pub crawlers to history lovers. With its fine cobblestone streets, magnificent castles, and iconic churches, it’s easy to see why Dublin is so often a favourite among visitors.
Highly recommended for a Christmas vacation.
Number 10. Prague, Czech Republic.
This is one of the most beautiful European cities and choosing it as your Christmas vacation location means one thing; you have good taste!
It is not just about its beauty. It is about the intimidating Gothic Church towers, the sight of the Danube River under the lights and the adorable Christmas carols that will take you to heaven and back. Just kidding about the heaven part but you will enjoy Prague!
You have the Christmas markets to explore too and oh, how much I love them. You can grab Perníčky (spicy gingerbread, smoked klobasa sausage and purchase some Christmas-themed souvenirs. Top, top place!
Number 9. Reykjavik, Iceland
What do you want for Christmas? Somewhere spectacular and festive, right? You should be booking a trip to Iceland if that is the case because that place ticks all the boxes for a perfect Christmas location.
Its capital city, Reykjavik, is where everything happens.
Reykjavik is home to the story of the 13 Yuletide Lads, Santa-like trolls who love giving children gifts. At the Yule Town Christmas Market, children can trade their shoes for small gifts from the trolls. The adults can enjoy delightful Christmas treats, such as leaf bread, pepper cookies, and jolakaka cake. If you want to quench your thirst, then the Malt og appelsin, a sweet soda malt drink is sure to help out. Make sure you don’t miss the dancing Northern Lights display too!
Number 8. London, United Kingdom
London is mint for Christmas, yeah? The markets are wicked, and the Yule celebrations are bangin’. A bit of gløgg will warm yer cockles, and a gobful of mince pies will set you right. You’ll be chuffed to bits!
Alright, cut, cut. Let’s snap out of it but I hope you got the message. London is big. Big and spectacular. There are large fairgrounds, streets lined with twinkling trees and beautiful decorations and Christmas carols and jingles blasting from every angle, helping you get into the Christmas groove.
But you know what? The highlight of Christmas in London is the Winter Wonderland. It is a festival that transforms Hyde Park into a bevvy of dazzling lights, enchanting decorations and so many other fantastic sights.
Want more things to do in London while on vacation? Skate along the ice rinks or visit Trafalgar Square to see the iconic Christmas tree of the city.
London is one of the best Christmas locations, innit?
Number 7. Zurich
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, Zurich is the place to be. Whether you’re interested in Christmas markets or carolling, you’ll have an amazing time for sure. The city is home to four main Christmas markets, including Europe’s largest market at the main train station. But the most unique experience in Zurich during the holiday season is the singing Christmas tree. Surrounded by a giant tree, singers in tiers entertain the crowd with Christmas carols. Sounds fun, right?
Number 6. Paris
Bonjour Mon Ami! Well, I hope you forgive me but that is the only French phrase I know. There’s one more thing I know and that is that Christmas in Paris is delightful!
The French capital city lights up with decorations, and there’s a festive vibe when it’s Christmas. You can enjoy ice skating, shop at the Christmas markets, and enjoy delicious holiday treats. The magic of Paris during Christmas is certainly something else.
Number 5. New York City, USA
Several movies have tried to portray NYC’s brilliant Christmas atmosphere but trust me, they have never done justice to it! When it comes to Christmas, there is no place like the immaculate New York City!
What sets it apart? I could go on and on and on but for starters, the famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre. The stalls at Bryant Park add to its argument for a place on the list of best Christmas locations and the Dyker Heights lights just seal the argument.
There are lots of activities to enjoy in NYC. You could do food hunting at the Chelsea Market, book a ticket to a Christmas special Broadway show or just grab some special holiday coffee from the city’s numerous cafes.
Number 4. Solvang, California, USA.
The USA isn’t done with giving us Christmas destinations. This time, it is Solvang that we head to. With one of the most laid-back atmospheres, this adorable California ln village is a secret gem. Well, no longer a secret now that I’ve told you, if you give it enough thought.
Solvang has one incredible feature. It is a mix of the US and Denmark! Yes, it has Danish-style architecture, timber houses and windmills which all serve to provide a nice scenery. Winter does a lot of good too as it is during this period the streets smell like straight-out-of-the-oven bread and the streets twinkle with Christmas lights.
Visiting Solvang means you get to experience the incredible Julefest, try some delicious Danish food and do a lot of other things.
Visit Solvang for Christmas. This is not a request.
Number 3. Bogota, Colombia
It is not Christmas without a trip to Bogota, the capital of Colombia. Are you kidding me? Nothing beats the neverending parties thrown in Bogota throughout December. I mean, you’d think Jesus was born all over again!
Christmas in Bogota is the real deal and their distinctive Latin American culture adds to the flavour. Plus the tasty Colombian treats and the booming holiday markets.
Hol up hol up. You’ve picked up your own to add it to your travel bucket list but also add these activities.
I wouldn’t want to hear that you had a boring Bogotá vacation!
Number 2. Sydney, Australia
I know you started thinking about the Opera House at the mention of Sydney. Caught you!
Not so fast.
Sydney, especially during Christmas, is more than just the Opera House.
Do you want a little beach experience during Christmas? Head to Sydney! Several golden sand beaches will get you squealing! There are exciting Christmas festivals to enjoy in Sydney too where you either get to down some berry cocktails or drown yourself in sparkling wine. I wouldn’t want to see you drown though.
The Christmas markets are a thing of joy too. With its elaborate decorations, very adorable mascots and fairy lights that twinkle the hardest at night, it just completes the whole Christmas experience.
Number 1. Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Come unto Disneyland, oh ye that are kid-laden and you shall have a fun time.
Look, we both know the kids have been on your neck to take them there so why not do it this Christmas? It will wow you more than you think.
There are hundreds of trees (I’m talking about 60-foot tall trees!) and wreaths throughout the park. There is also the magic of the Magic Kingdom (sounds corny right?)to enjoy and a lot of other Christmas-specific activities. Your kids can also hop on rides under the Christmas lights or grab cookies and grab chocolate.
Whichever way, Disneyland will leave you with unforgettable memories