The Best Holiday Destinations for Christmas

Christmas decorations in Zagreb, Croatia. Hrvoje Bakovic/Shutterstock

Christmas is the one season that is never boring when revelers change things up a bit. A new holiday menu, a spanking new tablecloth, the latest tree decorations, or even the location can make each season memorable. And given the pandemic experience, traveling to embrace the season’s beauty seems necessary now.

People around the world celebrate Christmas in diverse and rewarding ways. Some cultures draw upon age-long traditions, while others embrace modern festivities in glittering lights and seemingly endless gifts, music, and fireworks.

So for those looking to spruce up their holiday this year, here is a selection of Christmas vacation destinations to evoke the spirit of joy and goodness and wishes of “peace on earth, and mercy mild.”

A street and church illuminated for Christmas in Zurich, Switzerland. Judith Linine/Shutterstock

Switzerland for an Unforgettable December

With miles of wooded hills in the shadows of the mighty Alps and crystalline lakes reflecting the winter skies, Switzerland is a delightful December wonderland draped in a soft blanket of pristine snow.

Take the country’s beautiful capital, for example. Sitting at the foot of Lake Zurich and divided in two by the sparking Limmat River, Bern is a sprawling village rather than a city. A walk down the cobbled streets at Christmas leaves first-time holiday revelers spellbound: Christmas markets, the stunning lights in Bahnhofstrasse, and the world-famous Singing Christmas Tree in Werdmühleplatz top a list of yuletide wonders to experience.

A Christmas market in Zurich, Switzerland. Victoria Kurylo/Shutterstock

Zurich offers a Christmas vacation like no other place for children of all ages. Where else could the kiddies meet Santa Claus and his helper Schmutzli in the Käferberg forest?

Saint Nicholas stays busy driving the Märlitram Children’s Tram through the city accompanied by two angels who tell Christmas stories to passengers. Other fantastic Christmas holiday attractions in Zurich include:

• The Illuminarium in the inner courtyard of the Landesmuseum.
• The Christmas Pyramid outside Stadelhofen Railway Station.
• Kerzenziehen in Bürkliplatz Zurich (since 1969).
• The Circus Conelli and the Swiss Salto Circus shows.

The list of events for this year is endless. Still, holiday vacationers will also want to try ice skating, fondue, and glühwein at the Panorama-Terrasse Uetliberg at the Uto Kulm.

If you prefer romantic Christmas markets, visit the Old City of Bern, the historic center of Huttwil, Gruyères, and Lake Lugano for an underwater nativity scene visible only at night.

Switzerland is picturesque and romantic, albeit pricier than other Christmas destinations. However, Switzerland is ideal for a December holiday with Christmas shopping, skiing, and fondue.

Letters to Santa go to Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa in Finnish Lapland. GRAFstock/Shutterstock

Finland, for Christmas Every Day

Located in Finland’s northernmost province of Lapland, Rovaniemi may be the most beautiful place to celebrate Christmas. Since Rovaniemi is just north of the Arctic Circle, Santa and his reindeer are right at home. You can visit the hometown of the jolly gift-bringer every day of the year to see SantaPark, the Santa Claus Office, and Santa Claus’s main post office in Santa’s Village.

According to the locals, the original home of Santa Claus is somewhere in mysterious Korvatunturi (“Ear Fell”) in the outback of Finnish Lapland. However, since this is a secret only known to very few, Santa chose Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, as his official home.

For decades, thousands of visitors have ventured to the quaint little town to take in the famous Northern Lights, toboggan or husky-drawn sleigh rides, reindeer rides, snowmobile tours, and to frolic in an unimaginable snowy wonderland.

And there’s much more to do in Rovaniemi besides Christmas fun. You can visit the town every season:

• See the midnight sun in June and July.
• Watch the Northern Lights from August to April.
• Admire the blue twilight of the polar night from November to January.
• Go leaf peeping in September.
• Try the Lappish cuisine: Fresh fish, root vegetables, game, reindeer, and berries abound in restaurants and local markets.
• Marvel at the local architecture, which raised the town from the ashes of World War II like a phoenix.

Croatia for an Inexpensive Christmas Vacation

Holiday lights in Split, Croatia. Stjepan Tafra/Shutterstock

You can safely bet on Croatia for a Christmas vacation that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. Also, flights to Zagreb and Split are more affordable than those to other countries on the Adriatic Sea.

Both cities are home to huge Christmas celebrations, with giant Christmas markets and a plethora of things to do and see. Plus, Croatians know how to party at Christmas and New Year’s Eve: They have clubs, live concerts, and events for all ages.

And come hungry: Several stalls at the Christmas markets sell seasonal street food and specialties, like fritule (donuts), Poljički soparnik (thin, crispy pies filled with swiss chard, onions, and garlic), and other traditional foods and drinks including teas, hot cocktails, and mulled wine.

Both cities have rich cultural treasures, museums, landmarks, and a mix of modern and old architecture, and are surrounded by spectacular nature. You can take tours, walks in nature, go city sightseeing, and shop until you drop. In addition, you may like to explore other Croatian gems like Rijeka and Zadar, which also host joyous and colorful Christmas celebrations.

Jamaica for Christmas Beach Holidays

Thinking of Christmas in a warm locale? Jamaica is a good option. Millenius/Shutterstock

For a sunny Christmas destination, Jamaica ticks all the boxes. It has white sands stretching for miles, caressed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, and stunning exotic landscapes where you can spend a romantic, warm Christmas.

The Jamaicans adorn their towns with festive chili pepper lights, decorate Christmas trees, and place red poinsettias everywhere. Then, they prepare for Christmas celebrations with special menus and carols jingling around.

You will want to sample Christmas table stars like curried goat, roast beef, rice with gungo peas (pigeon peas), and sorrel wine. Don’t miss the famous Christmas black cake made with local fruit that’s been soaked in Jamaican rum for weeks.

Of course, you must go shopping at the Grand Market in any major Jamaican town on Christmas Eve for souvenirs, clothing, and local Christmas treats.

You may also have the chance to catch a Junkanoo street parade with colorful masks and costumes. The traditional festival takes place on many islands across the English-speaking Caribbean on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.

A Junkanoo Parade celebration in Nassau, The Bahamas. Montez Kerr/Shutterstock

Naturally, many other countries are warm enough for a Christmas at the beach. Here are some ideas for where to go:

• The tropical Turks and Caicos Islands in the Lucayan Archipelago.
• Antigua for its beautiful nature and Christmas traditions rooted in the island’s European and African heritage.
• The Bahamas for endless white beaches and island hopping.
• Curaçao for a Christmas fair on the beach.

These exotic destinations are excellent alternatives to more popular (and colder) destinations like New York, Vienna, Prague, and Tokyo.