All around the world, there are some popular spots people tend to visit during the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re sick of spending Christmas at home with family and friends, then it’s certainly doable. In fact, there is an abundance of places that specialize in bringing some festive cheer to people.
Flying to a place that clearly adores Christmas is a great thing to do.
Whether you want to sip mulled wine while playing a Christmas-themed favorite like Christmas Carol Megaways slot or you’re keen on devouring some Christmas delights from another land while listening to some classic carols, there are some popular spots that people who spend the festive season away from home tend to rave about.
So, be it this year or in the coming years, let’s take a look at a selection of festive places to spend Christmas holiday from around the world.
13 Best Cities to Celebrate Christmas You’ll Never Forget
Source: Depositphotos.
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Kicking things off with a location that will definitely provide you with the cold weather you need to really feel like Christmas is coming, Reykjavik is a wonderful place to visit during the Christmas holidays.
From its eye-catching northern lights to the stories on Santa Claus that will surely get you in the mood for some Christmassy offerings, Reykjavik definitely won’t disappoint. Make sure you see the 13 Yule Lads, too.
Source: Depositphotos.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen in Denmark is a city you should consider visiting at anytime of the year anyway, but it comes to life even further during the festive period.
One of the world’s happiest countries for a reason, you certainly won’t struggle to get into the spirit of things when exploring this stunning location.
Tivoli Gardens is a must, Restaurant Vita is just one spot that will serve up Christmas delights, the decorations on show are gorgeous, and there are some sumptuous Christmas offerings to eat, such as crispy, succulent roast duck.
Overall, Copenhagen does Christmas extremely well.
Source: Depositphotos.
3. Zagreb, Croatia
If Christmas markets are your thing at this particular time of the year, then booking a trip to Zagreb should be a priority.
Croatia’s capital city has won numerous awards for its Christmas markets, with people being able to get through so many alluring opportunities in a city that clearly adores the various festivities that take place throughout it.
You can try authentic Croatian cuisine, enjoy some ice skating in locations like King Tomislav Square, and find some unique presents for your loved ones when you return for some celebrations in your homeland, be it some hand-carved wooden ornaments or some delectable delights.
Source: Depositphotos.
4. London, UK
We’ve already mentioned mulled wine, and there’s absolutely loads of it to try in London.
Alongside taking in the city’s rich history and its excellent nightlife, London certainly knows how to throw a Christmas party.
There are lively pubs to frequent, amazing Christmas lights on display that are hanging from historical buildings, and plenty of spots to enjoy some Christmas-themed afternoon tea.
Places like Somerset House are worth visiting, while Claridges is a luxurious hotel that is more than capable of looking after you. Also with a fair chance of snowing, London is a great city to keep calm and jingle all the way.
Source: Depositphotos.
5. Queenstown, New Zealand
For a completely different Christmas experience, head to Queenstown where you can celebrate the festive season in the height of summer. This breathtaking destination offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with its stunning lake and mountain backdrop.
Enjoy Christmas lunch on the beach, take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or indulge in some adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping or jet boating.
The town gets into the festive spirit with a giant Christmas tree in the center, while local restaurants serve up traditional Christmas feasts with a Kiwi twist – think fresh seafood and pavlova for dessert. A Christmas Day spent in shorts and sunglasses is certainly a memorable one!
Source: iStock.
6. Tokyo, Japan
While not traditionally a Christian country, Tokyo embraces Christmas with characteristic enthusiasm and a unique Japanese twist.
The city transforms into a winter wonderland with some of the most spectacular illuminations you'll ever see. Neighborhoods like Shibuya and Roppongi light up with millions of LED lights in elaborate displays that will take your breath away.
Christmas Eve is celebrated as a romantic holiday for couples, similar to Valentine's Day, with elegant dinner dates and gift exchanges.
Don't miss the Japanese Christmas cake tradition – a light sponge cake covered with whipped cream and strawberries. For a truly magical experience, visit Tokyo Disneyland during December when the entire park is decked out in festive decorations.
Source: Depositphotos.
7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Experience Christmas with a tropical flair in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro.
As summer hits full swing in December, you can celebrate the season on famous beaches like Copacabana or Ipanema. The Brazilians don't let the heat dampen their Christmas spirit – the city hosts the world's largest floating Christmas tree on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, standing at an impressive 85 meters tall and illuminated by over three million lights.
The unveiling ceremony is a spectacular event with fireworks and musical performances. Christmas dinner is typically served late on December 24th and features delicious Brazilian specialties like roast pork, chester (a type of poultry), rice with raisins, and plenty of chilled champagne.
The festive atmosphere combined with samba rhythms and beach parties creates an unforgettable Christmas celebration.
Source: Depositphotos.
8. Quebec City, Canada
For a European Christmas feel without crossing the Atlantic, Quebec City offers old-world charm with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture dusted with snow.
The Old Town transforms into something straight out of a Charles Dickens novel, with twinkling lights adorning centuries-old buildings. The German Christmas Market is a highlight, featuring wooden stalls selling handicrafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats.
Warm up with a traditional Quebecois réveillon feast on Christmas Eve, featuring tourtière (meat pie), ragout, and bûche de Noël (Yule log cake).
For the adventurous, try ice skating at Place D'Youville or tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier. The French-Canadian traditions, complete with midnight mass in ornate cathedrals, create a deeply authentic Christmas experience.
Source: Depositphotos.
9. Sydney, Australia
Celebrate Christmas in true Aussie style with a barbecue on the beach in Sydney.
The contrast of traditional Christmas festivities in summer weather creates a unique and laid-back holiday experience. The city's centerpiece is the massive Christmas tree at Martin Place, while the stunning light display on the Sydney Town Hall draws crowds every evening.
On Christmas Day, join locals at Bondi Beach for a festive picnic or barbecue, complete with seafood platters, pavlova, and cold beer.
Don't miss Carols in the Domain, Australia's largest free Christmas concert, where thousands gather with candles to sing along to favorite carols under the stars.
The iconic Sydney Harbour provides a gorgeous backdrop for evening festivities, with boats decorated in Christmas lights cruising past the Opera House.
Source: Depositphotos.
10. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This colonial gem in central Mexico offers one of the most colorful and vibrant Christmas celebrations you'll ever experience.
The festive season kicks off on December 12th with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and continues through January 6th with Las Posadas processions.
These nightly candlelit parades recreate Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, ending with communal feasts featuring hot chocolate, tamales, and ponche (a warm fruit punch). The town's cobblestone streets and baroque architecture are adorned with piñatas and colorful paper lanterns.
The main plaza comes alive with mariachi bands, dancers in traditional costumes, and street vendors selling seasonal treats like buñuelos (fried dough with cinnamon sugar).
Christmas Eve is celebrated with midnight mass at the stunning neo-Gothic Parroquia church, followed by a late-night feast and fireworks that light up the night sky.
Source: Depositphotos.
11. Cape Town, South Africa
Christmas in Cape Town offers a delightful mix of European traditions and African flair during the height of summer. The city decorates its streets and shopping centers with festive lights, while locals often celebrate with outdoor activities.
Table Mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the festivities, and you can even take a cable car ride to the top for breathtaking views of the decorated city below.
The city is famous for its penguin colonies at Boulders Beach – making for a truly unique Christmas photo opportunity!
Christmas dinner might feature a traditional “braai” (barbecue) with local specialties like sosaties (kebabs), boerewors (sausage), and malva pudding for dessert.
The waterfront area buzzes with holiday markets, carol singers, and festive entertainment, while the beaches fill with families celebrating under the warm African sun.
Source: Depositphotos.
12. Dubai, UAE
For an opulent Christmas experience, Dubai pulls out all the stops with its characteristic extravagance. Despite being in a Muslim country, the city embraces the festive season with spectacular decorations throughout its famous malls and hotels.
The Madinat Jumeirah hosts a magnificent Christmas market complete with an artificial snow zone, while the Dubai Mall boasts one of the world's tallest Christmas trees.
For a surreal experience, spend Christmas morning skiing on real snow at Ski Dubai, then head to the beach in the afternoon for a swim in the warm Arabian Gulf.
The contrast of traditional Christmas elements against the backdrop of desert landscapes and futuristic architecture creates a truly one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
Source: Depositphotos.
13. Antigua, Guatemala
This UNESCO World Heritage city offers one of the most beautiful and authentic Christmas celebrations in Latin America.
The colonial streets come alive with processions featuring elaborate nativity scenes, while the smell of tamales and ponche de frutas (fruit punch) fills the air. The main plaza transforms with market stalls selling handcrafted decorations, textiles, and religious artifacts.
Antigua's Christmas traditions blend Spanish colonial influence with indigenous Mayan elements, creating unique customs like the burning of the devil ceremony on December 7th, where neighborhoods gather to burn effigies representing negative energies.
Christmas Eve features the stunning “Noche Buena” celebrations with breathtaking fireworks displays illuminating the volcanic backdrop.
The vibrant colors of traditional festivities against the backdrop of preserved 16th-century architecture create a magical Christmas setting unlike any other.
Source: iStock.
Conclusion
Whether you're dreaming of a white Christmas in the snowy landscapes of Reykjavik and Quebec City, or seeking sunshine on the beaches of Sydney and Rio de Janeiro, there truly is a perfect Christmas destination for every type of traveler.
The festive season takes on remarkable diversity across the globe, from the fairy-tale Christmas markets of Zagreb and Copenhagen to the dazzling light displays of Tokyo and Dubai.
What makes these destinations special isn't just their physical beauty or seasonal decorations, but the unique cultural traditions they offer.
Experience the 13 Yule Lads in Iceland, join romantic Christmas Eve celebrations in Japan, witness floating Christmas trees in Brazil, or participate in Las Posadas processions through the colorful streets of San Miguel de Allende. Each location provides its own distinctive flavor of Christmas magic, blending local customs with universal festive cheer.
For those seeking to break away from their usual holiday routines, these global destinations demonstrate how Christmas is celebrated with equal enthusiasm but wonderful variety across different cultures and climates.
Whether you're savoring mulled wine in London's historic pubs or enjoying a summer barbecue on Bondi Beach, these destinations promise Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.
The world truly offers an extraordinary tapestry of festive experiences—all you need to do is choose which magical corner to explore this holiday season.
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