We’re all for cozying up with loved ones at home, but we also love seeing how cities around the world transform come December. The best places to spend Christmas, in our book, run the gamut from European classics with storybook Christmas markets, to Asian cities with over-the-top light displays, and even merry mainstays right here in the U.S.
While the jollity may look a bit different in the midst of a pandemic (remember to always check local and regional restrictions before venturing anywhere), these global destinations keep the holiday cheer going year after year—and it’s never too soon to start planning for holiday seasons to come.
New York City, USA
For a larger-than-life Christmas getaway, New York City is the place to be. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the season every year, prompting residents, businesses, and the city to deck the halls and the streets with holiday cheer.
The city’s most iconic Christmas time landmark is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments. It has been a tradition since its first lighting in 1931 and is now one of the most photographed holiday landmarks in the world. As important a tradition as the tree itself is the skating rink below, the setting for many a romantic Christmas scene. Just around the corner, tourists can visit Radio City Music Hall and see the Rockettes Christmas show.
The shops within the Rockefeller Center are a great starting place for viewing some of the city’s most elaborate window scenes, with plenty of high-end stores along 5th Ave, Madison Ave, and Park Ave. Among the most impressive are displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry.
While in the neighborhood, be sure to visit St. Bartholomew’s Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Just a couple of blocks in the other direction is Times Square, where the giant screens and wide streets are alive with festive images.
Bryant Park is another famous landmark during the holidays, home to the Bank of America Winter Village, which also has a skating rink, as well as Christmas markets. The rink is free to enter, and skates can be rented on-site. Some residential neighborhoods also get in the holiday spirit to the extreme, and Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights residents decorate the neighborhood so beautifully each year that there are tour buses dedicated to seeing the lights.
Prague, Czech Republic
One of the world’s most beautiful cities any time of the year, Prague lights up with a warm holiday glow like no other European city as the old Christmas traditions come alive. The city is best known for its Christmas markets (Vánocni trhy), which are among the best in Europe, but community events are held throughout the city, and the spirit of the season is in every corner.
Prague’s Christmas markets are known for both their size and their long season, typically opening for the last full week of November (before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday) and operating through the first full week of January. The biggest of the markets sets up in the Old Town (Staré Město) square, presided over by a massive tree that is lit each evening. This market is home to hundreds of stalls filled with handcrafted items like carved trinkets and toys, glass ornaments, clothing, and decorative items.
The market is also home to plenty of food vendors, too, and this is the best place to find fresh-made Czech favorites like spiced gingerbread (pernicky) and trdelnik, a sweet and nutty grilled pastry. While Prague is quite chilly this time of year, tourists can keep warm with a variety of warm beverages while watching the carolers and performers throughout the market.
Travelers who prefer smaller crowds and less expensive lodgings can wait to visit in the first week of January, when the markets are still open but the bulk of the tourists have gone home. In addition to the main market, there are smaller but equally fun markets set up in Wenceslas Square, as well as the Stables Yard and St. George’s Square, which are both located at Prague Castle.
The markets are a great place to hear choruses of carolers, but the city’s old churches are also a wonderful place to visit at Christmas time. Within the dramatic setting of old Gothic cathedrals, tourists can enjoy concerts during Advent from the beginning of December through Christmas day. Perhaps the most picturesque Christmas concert venue of all is the stunning Klementinum, home to a stunning Baroque library.
Nuremberg, Germany
This huge event in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg sets the bar high for Germany’s Christmas markets, and is filled with not only shopping but activities for young and old. Operating since the 1500s, this is one of the oldest holiday markets and certainly one of the very best in Europe.
The Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) takes place in the Hauptmarkt, a huge square flanked by medieval buildings, including the 14th-century Frauenkirche, a stunning and imposing Gothic cathedral. The market’s opening ceremonies take place on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent, commencing with a visit from the Nuremberg Christkind, the angel who brings children gifts at Christmas.
Tourists will find a huge variety of gifts among the two hundred or so stalls that set up here, including classic Christmas staples like hand-carved nutcrackers, hand-knit mittens, and a myriad of fragile ornaments.
In addition to arts and crafts, there are vendors with artisanal foods, as well as traditional German Christmas treats. Although you will find it in other markets throughout Germany, this is the home of the most authentic Nürnberger Lebkuchen, a traditional gingerbread that embodies the Christmas season.
The festive atmosphere is made even more special by the ornate and brightly lit two-tiered carousel that delights both children and adults. Part of the kinderweihnnacht (Children’s Market), it is the centerpiece of a special section made just for kids, which also has a kiddie train and craft stations where kids can make their own gifts. There is also a kid’s cultural program that includes events for English-speaking kids.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City’s picturesque Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec) is the perfect setting for an idyllic white Christmas. Evergreens and twinkling lights cheerfully adorn window sills and rooflines, and a generous dusting of snow makes it just a bit brighter on an evening stroll through the narrow streets. Each December, this historic part of the city is transformed into a Christmas village dotted with nativity scenes and cheerful decorations.
Despite the city’s French Heritage, Old Quebec hosts a traditional German Christmas Market, with almost 100 vendors selling handmade gifts, artisanal specialty foods, and lots of goodies to keep you full and warm, from Bratwurst to gingerbread. The market is also full of free entertainment, including carolers and street performances. There is plenty for kids, too, including a visit from Santa and a Kindermarkt, the children’s market that has activities and interactive entertainment.
Those who are looking for a little old-fashioned adventure can visit the Château Frontenac, a beautiful historic hotel that overlooks the city. In addition to its stunning Christmas decorations, the hotel has a toboggan run that allows the wooden sleds to reach over 70 kilometers per hour. If you can take your eyes off the path ahead, there are excellent views of the city below from the track. There is also ice-skating at the Place D’Youville, and snowshoeing and skiing at Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna hosts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, popular for their size, variety, quality, and picturesque settings in front of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Tourists visiting Vienna at Christmas will bring home plenty of stunning photos in addition to the fine handcrafted gifts and warm memories.
Rathauspark is home to the best family Christmas market, occupying the square in front of the Rathaus (City Hall). The façade of the Gothic building is lit with shimmering lights, and a giant 30-meter evergreen stands in the square looking over the bustling festivities below. In addition to the many vendors offering handmade gifts, food, and warm beverages, there is also a skating rink and a carousel. There are also areas set up for younger visitors to try their hand at making traditional crafts to bring home as gifts.
The area around Karlskirche is known for its living nativity scene and local crafts vendors, while the market at Maria-Theresien-Platz is set up to look like a small village with “cabins” for each. The market at the foot of Belvedere Palace is small but unforgettably beautiful. All the markets feature live music, from small bands of carolers to larger choruses and performances. Vienna’s many fine churches also host regular choral performances throughout the season
Stowe, Vermont, USA
If you are craving a picturesque New England white Christmas, the cozy town of Stowe is the ideal place to savor some down time at the holidays. This small Vermont town puts every effort into decorating Main Street with festive window dressings, holiday lights, and fresh evergreen boughs galore. This holiday spirit just enhances the already photogenic town, which is home to a spired white church and a lovely covered bridge.
Throughout the Christmas season, there are special activities planned for all ages, including visits with a jolly Santa and even public caroling. The downtown area is a lovely place to wander, with several local eateries to sample, shops to peruse, and galleries to admire. Visitors can also have a more active holiday at Stowe Mountain Resort, one of the best ski resorts on the East Coast. The resort at Mt. Mansfield offers not only downhill skiing but also cross-country, snowshoeing, tubing, and ice-skating.
Couples looking for an adults-only romantic Christmas getaway in Stowe will love the Stone Hill Inn, a luxury B&B that offers a fresh-cooked three-course breakfast every day and services including in-room massage.
Families and those looking for a more down-to-earth B&B experience will love the Brass Lantern Inn, which is housed in a brick farmhouse that was built in 1810. Both lodgings offer in-room fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and the idyllic setting for a traditional New England Christmas.
Tbilis, Georgia
Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi is gradually becoming one of the most visited destinations for the winter season. This is especially evident during the Christmas period, when the illuminated and fabulously decorated Tbilisi, with a magical festive atmosphere, provides the convivial mood for every visitor of the city. Countless little lights and richly decorated Christmas trees are lining up the sidewalks.
The Christmas markets are held almost in every corner of the capital city, where local entrepreneurs and start-ups sell their handicraft items and souvenirs, Christmas treats, street food, Georgian candies and mulled wine. Set up on First Republic Square, near Rustaveli Avenue, the location hosts visitors of all ages for theatre shows, music performances, puppet theatre, open-air movie-show, gorgeous Christmas tree, Wood huts, decorated with colourful bright lights, etc.…The annual Christmas events usually last throughout December.
On Christmas morning (January 7), thousands of people participate in traditional Christmas march called Alilo, where different churches walk through the streets of Tbilisi, collecting food and sweets, which are later distributed to the people in need and orphanages.
Taos, New Mexico, USA
New Mexico is certainly not the first place that typically comes to mind when you think of a Christmas holiday getaway, but it is the unique setting that makes Christmas in Taos so very special. A celebration of the diverse blend of cultural heritage within Taos, holiday activities here combine the traditions of all with classic Christmas staples like Santa Claus and hot cocoa by the fire.
Festivities kick off with the tree lighting ceremony in Taos Plaza, typically held the first Friday night of December. After the lighting, families can enjoy yuletide caroling and visits from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, along with endless cookies and hot chocolate.
The following night is the Lighting of Ledoux, a street fair of sorts held on Taos’ historic Ledoux Street. Local shops and galleries are open late, and participants congregate around warm fires. Later in the month, Bonfires on Bent Street keeps the holiday spirit warm with more bonfires, farolitos (luminarias), and dancing, as well as caroling and lots of food.
Kids get their own Christmas season kickoff, too, at the Holiday Fiesta, hosted by the Millicent Rogers Museum. Santa visits again for photo ops, and there are craft activities, face painting, and performances for young audiences.
Twirl Play and Discovery Space also host a kids’ night, when Santa brings his elves and lots of goodies, and the community center also hosts kids’ craft nights, where they can make gifts to bring home for family members.
Music lovers will not want to miss performances by the Taos Chamber Music Group. Held at the Harwood Museum of Art, the Return to Russia Holiday Concerts highlight the heritage of the Russian community in Taos.
Christmas Eve has its own set of special events, starting with a procession at Taos Pueblo. Within the setting of the thousand-year-old native buildings, the Procession of the Virgin is lit by bonfires and announced by rifle salutes.
There are also torchlight parades held at all of the local ski resorts, a stunning sight as skiers descend the trails with colorful flares. The largest of these is Taos Ski Valley, considered one of the best ski resorts in New Mexico, which also hosts a Christmas Eve party.
Bruges, Belgium
Why we go: Europe’s best-preserved medieval city oozes charm year-round, but especially during the holidays. It’s hard to imagine a place more magical as you wander the cobblestone streets, admire the shimmering lights, and warm up with mugs of Belgian hot chocolate in cafés.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Follow the Winter Glow light trail with stops at 10 installations through the historic part of the city center, including lights at the Church of Our Lady Tower and a projection at Gruuthuse.
Stay here: Grand Hotel Casselbergh (steps away from the Markt) has inviting touches like exposed wooden beams in the rooms, a lobby bar with a fireplace, and a wellness center located in a 16th-century cellar.
Tokyo
Why we go: The city turns the voltage up each year with its winter illuminations, with different districts competing to create some truly sensational displays. Standout illumination sites include the almost 10-foot-tall snow globes with falling snow at Tokyo Midtown and a massive Baccarat crystal chandelier at Yebisu Garden Place. The bright lights are so popular, they stay up well past Christmas day—often through January or February.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: One of the most famous illuminations is the Blue Cavern (Ao no Dokutsu) in Shibuya, which is inspired by the blue grottos of the Mediterranean.
Stay here: Aman Tokyo, a Gold List winner, has a two-story spa and deep furo soaking tubs in each room.
Quebec City, Canada
Why we go: Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America, and its colonial French architecture gives it an unmistakably European feel. The cobbled streets of the Old Town are packed with quaint shops and delicious bistros, all merrily decorated for the holidays.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Au 1884 toboggan run by Château Frontenac (open from mid-December to mid-March) is one of the city’s oldest traditions—and quite the thrill. Zoom down icy tracks overlooking the city on a wooden sled reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
Stay here: You can’t go wrong with Auberge Saint-Antoine and its lobby fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and a Christmas package that includes a five-course dinner and a personal visit from Santa in your room.
Salzburg, Austria
Why we go: It’s not surprise that the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City that served as the backdrop for The Sound of Music also fills its famed Christkindlmarkt with song. With roots dating back to the 15th century, sing-alongs and traditional wind music are as much a part of the festivities as the mulled wine and market stands. We’re not mad about the bauernkrapfen (fried pastries), either.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: It’s literally Christmas all year round at the Christmas in Salzburg shop on Goldgasse, known for its frilly ornaments (especially those hand painted on eggshells).
Stay here: Hotel Goldener Hirsch—fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation—is just steps away from Christkindlmarkt (although we’d be fine staying in these rooms all day).
Dublin
Why we go: If your idea of Christmas merriment includes an authentic Irish pub crawl (we get it), then Dublin is your place. There’s no better way to warm up on a cold Christmas night than with some black pudding and a few pints—and trust us, this city has enough cozy bars to last you through New Year’s. But the Irish capital isn’t just about drinking, of course. Holiday offerings include Christmas markets, decked-out shops on Grafton Street, and tree lighting ceremonies galore.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: For 64 years, The Moving Crib in St. Martin Apostolate’s basement has been charming families with its mechanical figures depicting scenes like Noah’s Ark.
Stay here: The Westbury becomes even more luxurious during the holidays, with prime views overlooking the lights of Grafton Street during afternoon tea.
Cape Town
Why we go: If you’re looking to escape winter during Christmas, you can’t do much better than Cape Town—it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, after all. You can even visit one (or several) of the South African city’s holiday markets without having to wear a coat and scarf.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: They’re not quite like Santa’s elves, but the estimated 2,000 to 3,000 African penguins at Boulders Beach—where you can get close enough to take portrait-mode photos of them—are sure to warm your heart just the same.
Stay here: The light and breezy rooms sitting above the Atlantic Ocean at Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa are the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Inari, Finland
Why we go: While most tourists flock to the Lapland city of Rovaniemi come Christmas, we suggest heading even further north (like, within reach of the Arctic Ocean north) to the village of Inari. Located in the heart of the scenic Ivalo region—reachable via a 1.5-hour flight from Helsinki—Inari is a pure winter wonderland dotted with hotels and restaurants that keep things nice and cozy. It’s hard to imagine a more authentic winter holiday than one spent riding dog sleds, feeding reindeer, and chasing the Northern Lights.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: A private Northern Lights safari will have you sitting in a heated sleigh and sipping sparkling wine while waiting for the aurora to dance. (Rough life, huh?)
Stay here: Finnish Lapland is known for its glass-igloo accommodations, and you can’t do much better than the in-house winter activities and cozy, panoramic cabins at Aurora Village. (Heated windows ensure the snow doesn’t cover your view.) Plus, daily reindeer feedings are available.
Taipei, Taiwan
Why we go: Christmas isn’t a public holiday in Taipei, but it’s easily one of the best places to spend Christmas, as the city celebrates with incredible lights displays and festive attractions and events. During the weeks between mid-November and the New Year, pretty much the entire Banqiao District transforms into Christmasland—which is exactly what it sounds like. We’re talking massive Christmas trees, rides, concerts, and markets selling local goods.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Don’t miss the Christmasland section over in the Fuzhong Business district, with a magic forest and Boshou light park.
Stay here: Our readers love the Mandarin Oriental for its decadent decor and wide range of food options.
Copenhagen
Why we go: According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the world’s happiest countries, making it a great place to spend the holidays. In Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, antique amusement park rides decorated with lights are surrounded by yet another adorable, alpine-village style Christmas market selling gifts and snacks. They’ve also been known to deck out their tree with Swarovski crystals.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Book a table at Restaurant Vita for some andesteg, a traditional Danish holiday dish of crispy, succulent roast duck served with prunes and apples.
Stay here: Hotel Sanders is practically perfect, with fireplaces in the apartment suites.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Why we go: Reykjavík shines on the streets and in the sky in December. Strings of glinting Christmas bulbs illuminate the city during its very long nights, and on the clearest evenings, the Northern Lights can be seen from the city’s darker streets and parks.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The 13 Yule Lads, a group of holiday trolls you’ll see about town, are—in local folklore—Iceland’s equivalent to Santa Claus (and have actually been around a lot longer than St. Nick).
Stay here: Hotel Borg, the city’s oldest and most elegant hotel, still reigns supreme.
Dubai, UAE
Why we go: Dubai does Christmas the same way Dubai does nearly everything—in true, over-the-top fashion. Don’t miss the tree lightings happening around town, including the ones at Towers Rotana, Fairmont The Palm, and The Irish Village, and then catch the jolly ol’ St. Nicks making a run for it at the Santa Run. And since no visit to Dubai is complete without several shopping sprees, set aside time to stock up on goodies at one of the city’s Christmas markets.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Dubai’s malls transform into festive enclaves, with some of the chicest decorations at the WAFI Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
Stay here: Jumeirah Al Naseem (opened in 2016) earns high marks for its posh rooms and easy beach access—and its penthouses, just debuted this year.
London
Why we go: Christmas in London has timeless appeal—chalk it up to the decorated Georgian townhouses, lively pubs, and a dash of Dickensian charm. Our step-by-step guide to spending the holidays in London covers the perfect place for afternoon tea, a steak to tuck into after a day spent gift shopping, and a martini to sip on Christmas Eve—and that’s just for starters.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: One of the most magical experiences is gliding around the frozen 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House, a sprawling neoclassical building off the Strand.
Stay here: Claridge’s—because there’s no better place to ring in Christmas than in one of the best hotels on the planet.
Cologne, Germany
Why we go: Nothing embodies old-world yuletide charm like the Christmas market, and nobody takes Christmas markets more seriously than the Germans, with Cologne’s drawing four million visitors each winter.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Take in the merry sights from the observation deck of KölnTriangle, the tower directly opposite the Cathedral on the Rhine.
Stay here: The Hyatt Regency Cologne has great views of the Cologne Cathedral, plus a seven-course menu at Glashaus Restaurant on Christmas Eve.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Why we go: Vilnius becomes a true winter wonderland in December, with a Christmas train that weaves through Old Town, 3D nativity stories projected onto buildings, and Christmas markets in the city’s squares.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The headline-making Christmas trees. Past spectacles have included an 88 foot tall tree with 6,000 branches that looked like a chess queen piece.
Stay here: The warm and inviting Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius is as close to all the Christmas delights as you can get.
Strasbourg, France
Why we go: Strasbourg is home to the oldest of France’s Christmas markets, dating back nearly 450 years. There are 12 in total to check out, which is sure to keep you busy. Pro tip: Though the markets will be full of delicious goodies, many choose to indulge in the king of Alsatian delicacies, foie gras, which is also a French Christmas tradition.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The superlative market sits beneath the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest surviving structure built entirely in the Middle Ages.
Stay here: We’re huge fans of the impossibly luxurious Hôtel Les Haras, installed in Louis XV’s historic stables in Strasbourg.
Edinburgh
Why we go: Warming up with whisky is reason enough to visit, but Edinburgh‘s seasonal offerings extend far past booze. There’s also the sprawling holiday market at East Princes St. Gardens, skiing at Pentland Hills Regional Park, and ice skating at St Andrew Square. Traditionally the Christmas season is followed by the Hogmanay Festival—a three-day bacchanal celebrating the New Year, with outdoor concerts, fireworks, and dancing Scots.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Dine at Edinburgh Castle, which is known to host Christmas lunches (yes, really).
Stay here: If it’s views you’re after, you can’t do much better than The Balmoral, which overlooks the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Rome
Why we go: The streets around Rome will be festively alight, sure, but the home to the seat of Catholicism is an excellent option for folks seeking a more sacrosanct Christmas experience.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Hear hymns echoing off the walls of the 1,900-year-old architectural marvel during midnight mass at the Pantheon (December 24 into the 25th).
Stay here: The immaculate Hotel de Russie, with its peaceful spa and secret garden, has the best aperitivos in the city.
Hong Kong
Why we go: Hong Kong’s yuletide urban offerings rival that of NYC’s, with holiday markets, window displays, and concerts galore (they even have a Santa Con). Then there are the lights. The Symphony of Lights show—held nightly at 8 p.m.—will leave you breathless thanks to an extravagantly choreographed neon show displayed across more than 40 of the city’s iconic skyscrapers, along Victoria Harbor.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Experience the Symphony of Lights during a harbor-front dinner cruise.
Stay here: As if the Ritz-Carlton wasn’t swanky enough, the hotel hosts Christmas parties, dinners, and afternoon teas all season.
Montreal
Why we go: Love the idea of a European holiday but hate the idea of a transatlantic flight? Enter Montreal. With most of the cold-averse tourists flocking south for the winter, Canada’s chicest city reveals its true personality with cozy French restaurants, high-end shopping (hello, last-minute presents), and over-the-top festivals.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Celebrate Christmas with mass at Notre-Dame Basilica, arguably one of the most gorgeous churches in the world. (Celine Dion got married here, so you know it’s good.) Note that the Basilica does charge admission for the service, so make sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Stay here: Located a block away from both Notre-Dame Basilica and the Nutcracker Market at Palais des Congrès, Hotel Place d’Armes is as convenient as it is aesthetically pleasing.
Sydney
Why we go: You haven’t seen Christmas lights until you’ve seen Sydney’s Christmas lights. Plus, the holiday season lasts an entire month here (take that, 12 days of Christmas) with “Sydney Christmas.” The aptly-named festival features the city’s largest Christmas Tree at Martin Place.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Wonder at the 3,500 twinkling lights at the Strand Arcade or the 85,000 twinkling LEDs at the incredible Pitt Street Mall Canopy of Light.
Stay here: Celebrate with a Christmas Day lunch followed by a nap by the rooftop pool (remember, it’s summertime down under) at the 2017-launched Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Gdańsk, Poland
Why we go: When the holidays roll around, the warm and cozy feel of this storybook port city goes into overdrive, especially at the month-long Christmas Fair. Highlights include advent windows, a magical snow globe, a sleigh ride flight simulator, and a speaking elk.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Take a break from the food and drink booths to ride the two-floor Gdańsk carousel.
Stay here: Standing next to the railway station, the Craft Beer Central Hotel Gdańsk lets you continue the merriment into the night at the in-house brewery.
