Christmas Vacation Ideas: 15 Unforgettable Destinations

Are you looking for the best Christmas vacation ideas around the world?

If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, I will share some of the best Christmas holiday destinations that you cannot miss!

Christmas is a special time for family vacations as you can spend quality time with your loved ones, enjoy delicious treats, and do fun winter activities.

Whether you are looking to plan a cute Christmas holiday in the mountains or a colorful city, I have a list of the best places to visit during Christmas.

From the winter wonderland to the busting European Christmas markets, this article will cover all the amazing places to celebrate the Christmas holidays this year.

So, are you ready to look at the best Christmas trips?

Here is my list of the best Christmas vacation ideas for family and friends!

Christmas Vacation Ideas: 15 Unforgettable Destinations

Rovaniemi, Finland

Have you always wanted to experience Christmas in a real-life winter wonderland?

If yes, one of the best places to visit during Christmas is Rovaniemi in Finland. 

Did you know this is Santa Claus’s official hometown? 

Yes, you heard me right! This is why this Finish town looks magical during the Christmas month with the snow-covered landscape, cozy log cabins, and the famous Santa Claus Village!

One of my favorite things about this Christmas destination is that you can meet Santa himself! 

Not only that, you can also send postcards from Santa’s official post office, and explore the magical Arctic Circle. 

Plus, a bonus is seeing the Northern Lights making your Christmas vacation even more memorable. 

So, if you are looking for the best Christmas vacation ideas consider a trip to Rovaniemi, Finland.

 Check Out: From Rovaniemi: Lapland Aurora Hunt with Barbeque

Check Out: Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village

Check Out: Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating

Strasbourg, France

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is one of the best Christmas getaways in Europe.

What I love about this city is that the Christmas markets here date back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest in Europe. 

I love the Christmas decorations over the town with beautifully decorated half-timbered houses and twinkling lights on the streets. 

If you are looking for the best Christmas trips, Strasbourg is a good choice.

You can indulge in festive activities here such as drinking warm mulled wine, shopping for handcrafted gifts, sampling local dishes, and more. 

Check Out: Full-Day Highlights of the Alsace Tour: from Strasbourg

Check Out: From Strasbourg: Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip

Reykjavik, Iceland

Another one of my top Christmas vacation ideas is Reykjavik in Iceland.

This is one of the best Christmas holiday destinations for anyone who wants a mix of natural beauty and festive cheer. 

You will find the city to be quite lively and vibrant during the holiday season with ice skating rinks, Christmas lights, and the amazing Christmas markets. 

Again, if watching Northern Lights has been on your bucket list, then this is one of the best places to do that. 

You can easily spend a few days here exploring ice caves, enjoying the geothermal hot springs, and chasing the Aurora Borealis.  

Trust me, if you are looking for a Christmas destination that’s both festive and unique, then Reykjavik is one of the top Christmas vacation ideas for you. 

Check Out: Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

Check Out: Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

Check Out: From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

Salzburg, Austria

One of my absolute favorite Christmas vacation ideas is the Salzburg in Austria.

This is one destination where you will feel like you are stepping into a Christmas card. 

The best part about this Austrian City is that it is beautifully decorated with Christmas spirit and the old town with its baroque architecture, provides a stunning festive feel during the winter. 

Moreover, the Christmas markets here are simply enchanting, where you can eat roasted chestnuts and drink mulled wine to your heart’s content. 

Of course, your visit to Salzburg during Christmas is incomplete without attending a classical concert or visiting the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, where the famous carol was first performed. 

If you want a truly festive feel with the music and the works, one of the best places to visit this Christmas is Salzburg, Austria. 

Check Out: Salzburg: Original Sound of Music Tour

Check Out: Salzburg: Mozart Concert at Mirabell Palace

Check Out: Salzburg: Midday Organ Concert

Best Places To Visit During Christmas: Quebec City, Canada

If you are looking for one of the best Christmas getaways in North America, then Quebec City is a good choice.

Not only do you get European vibes in North America but the entire city turns into a winter wonderland. 

The old town, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, is covered in snow, and Christmas lights adds a festive glow to the town.

But the main highlight is the German Christmas market where you can get handcrafted gifts, delicious food, and warm drinks. 

.

This is why I find Quebec City to be one of the best Christmas vacation ideas for families.

Check Out: Quebec City: Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour

Check Out: Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine: Whale Watching Boat Tour

Best Places To Go For Christmas: Edinburgh, Scotland

If Scotland has been on your travel list for a while, then one of the best places to visit this Christmas is Edinburgh.

The Scottish capital comes alive with festive lights, Christmas markets, and a giant Ferris wheel which offers stunning views of the city. 

I particularly love the Edinburgh Christmas Market, which is one of the best in the UK. Here, you can get traditional Scottish fare and some delightful handcrafted gifts. 

Trust me, one of the best Christmas vacations is exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh, with a warm drink in hand. You will feel as if you are living a Dickensian Christmas.

If you want to enjoy a Scottish vacation, then one of the best Christmas vacation ideas is to visit Edinburgh. 

Check Out: Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Check Out: Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Check Out: Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

Christmas Vacation Ideas: Grindelwald, Switzerland

I am sure most of you have heard about the magical Swiss village named Grindelwald that comes alive during the Christmas season.

This beautiful village in the Swiss Alps will offer you snow-covered mountains and lush forests. 

You can indulge in fun winter activities here such as skiing, snowboarding, and more. 

One of the highlights is the candlelight evening walk through the village, which feels like a scene out of a Christmas movie. 

If you want adventure and relaxation, one of the best places to visit during Christmas is Grindelwald.

Check Out: Grindelwald Gondola Ride to Mount First

Check Out: Grindelwald: Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket

Check Out: Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk

Best Christmas Vacations: Lapland, Sweden

Are you looking for the best Christmas trips?

Don’t miss out on visiting the Swedish Laplands for a magical Christmas. 

Kiruna is one of the best places to visit during Christmas. You can meet the Samon people, the indigenous people of the region to learn about their unique traditions. 

Don’t forget to stay in The Icehotel, in Jukkasjärvi, where you can sleep in rooms carved entirely from ice and snow. 

You can also catch the stunning Northern Lights, making it the ultimate Christmas destination for most travelers!  

Check Out: Swedish Lapland: Snowmobile safari

Best Christmas Vacations: Tallinn, Estonia

For a fairytale-like Christmas experience, Tallinn is perfect for you! 

The medieval old town a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, and you will find festive stalls lining the cobblestone streets here. 

But my favorite is the Tallinn Christmas Market. It is one of the most charming markets in Europe with a giant Christmas tree, traditional Estonian food, and handcrafted gifts. 

Honestly, with the city’s medieval architecture and the Christmas decor, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. 

So, if you are looking for a traditional Christmas this winter, one of the best Christmas trips is to Tallinn.

Check Out: Tallinn: Old Town Walking Tour

Check Out: Tallinn: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Check Out: Tallinn: Estonian Food, Drinks and History Tour

Best Christmas Vacation Destinations: Prague, Czech Republic

Have you ever visited Prague during Christmas?

If not, consider this my recommendation for one of the top Christmas vacation ideas this year.

The old town square of Prague is home to one of Europe’s the most famous Christmas markets.

You can witness a towering Christmas tree, nativity scenes, and plenty of festive stalls. 

The entire city looks magical with the Christmas decorations and the historic architecture. 

You can also indulge in the unique tradition of ‘Christmas Carp’ in Prague which locals buy alive from street vendors to be eaten on Christmas Eve. 

Prague is one of Europe’s most charming cities, and becomes more so during Christmas.

Check Out: From Prague: Tour to Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland

Check Out: Prague: Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks

Christmas Vacation Ideas: Kyoto, Japan

Are you looking for a unique Christmas destination this year?

Well, then, Kyoto is one of the best Christmas holiday destinations for you! 

Although Christmas is not a traditional holiday here, the Japanese have embraced it and celebrate it with their uniqueness. 

In Kyoto, temples and shrines are beautifully illuminated, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.

The city’s famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is especially stunning during the holiday season, with special light-up events adding to the magic. 

So, if you want to experience Japanese culture while peacefully celebrating Christmas, then Kyoto is a good choice! 

Check Out: Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House

Check Out: Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour

Check Out: Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Best Christmas Travel Destinations: Bruges, Belgium

If you’re looking for a Christmas spot off the beaten path, Bruges in Belgium is perfect!

This medieval city feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, especially when decked out for the holidays. 

Imagine strolling along cobblestone streets, with canals and historic buildings lit with twinkling lights.

Plus, you get the best Belgian food in the Christmas Market here! From Belgian waffles to hot chocolates, there are plenty of festive things to do.

If you are looking for a romantic Christmas vacation, Bruges in Belgium is right up your alley!

Check Out: Bruges: Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour

Check Out: Bruges: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip

\Check Out: Bruges: Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting

Best Christmas Getaways: Budapest, Hungary

One of the best Christmas vacations you cannot miss is to Budapest, Hungary. 

You can explore the Christmas markets here, especially the one in Vörösmarty Square, considered the best in Europe. 

You can get a wide range of traditional Hungarian food, handmade crafts, and festive drinks.

What I love about Christmas in Budapest is that you can also enjoy the thermal baths here which can be quite welcoming and relaxing in the cold winter air. 

So, if you are looking for the best Christmas vacation ideas, Budapest is one of the top ones to consider! 

Check Out: Budapest: City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

Check Out: Budapest: Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco

Check Out: Budapest: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras

Ideas For Christmas Vacations: Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown New Zealand offers a unique and warm Christmas experience. 

This place is perfect as Christmas falls during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

You can enjoy not only amazing landscapes but warm weather as well. Plus, there are loads of activities such as hiking, skydiving, bungee jumping, and more.

That’s not all, the town is beautifully decorated for Christmas, so you can still enjoy the festive spirit. 

If you want warm weather during your Christmas celebrations, Queenstown is one of the best Christmas vacation ideas to consider! 

Check Out: Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak w/ Gourmet BBQ

Check Out: Queenstown: Tandem Paragliding Experience

Check Out: Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours

New York City, USA

Of course, when discussing the best Christmas vacation ideas for families, how can I not mention the iconic Big Apple? 

From the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to the magical window displays on Fifth Avenue, New York City embodies the festive spirit!

You can go ice skating in Central Park, catch a Radio City Christmas Spectacular performance, or walk through the city streets with a hot chocolate.

If you are looking for the best Christmas holiday destinations in the USA, then New York City is one of the best cities to visit! 

Check Out: NYC: Downtown and Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

Check Out: NYC: Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets

Check Out: New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Christmas Vacation Ideas Packing List

No matter how you will be traveling, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. It would not take up much space at all. 

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.