10 Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World
10 Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World
As the holiday season approaches, one question is on everyone’s mind: Where is the best place to celebrate Christmas? There’s no better time to use up your remaining vacation days, as many cities around the world transform into magical winter wonderlands, complete with festive markets, spectacular light displays, and plenty of mulled wine to keep you cozy all season long.
Whether you’re looking for that traditional Christmas experience or one that is a little unique, there’s a place for every type of traveler. Classic European cities like Salzburg and Cologne are perfectly suited to those who like charming Christmas markets and white streets, whereas cities like Chicago and New York offer their unique holiday celebrations. For someone who wants warmer climates and enjoys spending Christmas on a beach, there are sunny destinations.
All cities have their unique take on the holiday season, yet each promises a festive and memorable experience. From Bruges to Zagreb, here are some of the best places around the world to spend Christmas this year.
1.Cologne, Germany
Why we go: Nothing embodies old-world yuletide charm like a Christmas market, and nobody takes Christmas markets more seriously than Germany. It’s not surprising, then, that Cologne’s festivities draw some four million visitors each winter—but you still need to see them in person to believe it.
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 Cologne Marriott Hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral, and its spacious rooms are perfect for resting up between market visits.
2.Kennebunkport, Maine
Why we go: Every December, this tiny Maine town bursts with holiday cheer during its annual Christmas Prelude, an 11-day bash that’s about as New England as it gets. (Spoiler alert: One of the main attractions is a tree made of lobster traps.) And the lobster rolls at The Clam Shack—considered to be some of the best rolls in Maine—will make you forget about gingerbread and sugar plums altogether.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Santa Claus’s arrival at the Christmas Prelude on a lobster boat is (obviously) the star attraction.
Stay here:White Barn Inn epitomizes New England luxury all year round, but just wait until you see it over the holidays. This year’s seasonal offerings include Christmas cookies and eggnog by the fire, special Christmas feasts at the White Barn Inn Restaurant, and afternoon tea attended by Santa Claus himself.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
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.
4.Reykjavik, Iceland
Why we go:Reykjavik 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 Iceland’s equivalent to Santa Claus in local folklore (and have actually been around a lot longer than St. Nick).
Stay here:The Reykjavík Edition is a relative newcomer filled with Icelandic touches, from the black lava rock in the lobby to the bed throws from local wool company Ístex.
5.Santa Fe, New Mexico
Why we go:Santa Fe’s already beautiful plaza becomes downright magical with the addition of Christmas lights—but the holiday spirit doesn’t stop there. The city also offers midnight mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi and seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market. Even when Christmas is officially over, you can keep busy at Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe—both just an easy drive away.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Don’t miss the annual Canyon Road Farolito Walk, a Christmas Eve event where you can stroll past hundreds of farolitos (paper bags filled with sand and topped with a votive candle) lining the streets and walls of the adobe buildings.
Stay here: You’ll find Bishop’s Lodge on our 2022 Hot List for good reason—it has a tangible warmth to it, with wood-burning kiva fireplaces and hammered bronze tubs adorning the rooms.
6. 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.
7.Copenhagen, Denmark
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. Things are even jollier at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, where antique amusement park rides decorated with lights are surrounded by yet another adorable, alpine village-style Christmas market selling gifts and snacks. The park has also been known to deck out its 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: Never mind hygge—Hotel Sanders takes Danish comfort and contentment to new heights.
8.San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why we go:Puerto Rico prides itself on having the world’s longest holiday season, stretching a whopping 45 days from the end of November through to the middle of January. That means you have even more time to enjoy the island’s festive decorations, folk music, midnight mass services, and coquito—a coconut-based drink that puts eggnog to shame.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Stroll around Old San Juan to see Christmas lights strung up on colorful buildings, with some of the best displays near the central Plaza de Armas.
Why we go:Dubai does Christmas the same way Dubai does nearly everything—in true, over-the-top fashion. Catch the tree lightings happening around town, including the ones at Towers Rotana, Fairmont The Palm, and The Irish Village, and then watch 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 Mall is an air-conditioned winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink and indoor ski slopes at Ski Dubai.
Stay here:Jumeirah Al Naseem earns high marks for its posh rooms, easy beach access, and superior dining and spa options.
10.Medellin, Colombia
Why we go: It may be known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” but Medellín celebrates the winter holiday season pretty damn well. The Colombian city puts Christmas into overdrive with its annual Alumbrados, a festival of lights that began back in 1967 and features massive displays made of around 27 million LED lights.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Start each morning with a cup of coffee and an almond croissant at Pergamino Café.
Stay here: You’ll love the leafy Poblado location and indoor/outdoor lobby at the Click Clack Hotel.