Travelling at Christmas this year? You might as well make it memorable. Picture reindeer country in Lapland, or a festive European Christmas market filled with twinkling lights and the smell of mulled wine. Or do the opposite and celebrate somewhere warm, from Dubai and the Caribbean to a sunny Christmas in Sydney.
This guide brings together 14 nice places to visit for Christmas around the world, chosen for UK travellers. Whether you’re after snow, sparkle, or a complete escape from winter, you’ll find destination ideas and practical tips to help make this December feel truly special.
5 Winter Wonderland Destinations (Europe)
If you want nice places to visit for Christmas without committing to long-haul, Europe gives you the easiest win from the UK: short flight times (or an easy train trip), strong festive traditions, and cities that feel made for winter wandering.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna feels made for Christmas. In December, baroque buildings glow with lights, the air smells of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, and festive concerts run across the city. It’s best known for its mix of large, central Christmas markets and smaller ones set against historic backdrops.
Start at the main event: the Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square). You can browse stalls, stop for something warm, and step straight onto the Ice Dream skating area, where wide rinks and winding ice paths run through the nearby park.
For a quieter contrast, add one or two smaller markets—Schönbrunn Palace or Belvedere for their grand settings, or Spittelberg for a more local, neighbourhood feel. Between markets, Vienna’s café culture makes it easy to warm up with coffee and a slice of Sachertorte.
- Vibe: Elegant and classic. Think lit-up squares, imperial backdrops, and lots of places to warm up between stops.
- Travel time from the UK: Direct flights from London typically take around 2h 15m in the air.
- Best for: First-time Christmas market trips, couples who want a city break feel, and travellers who like music, history, and structured sightseeing with festive atmosphere built in.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most charming places for Christmas holiday in Europe, with cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and festive markets creating a storybook setting.
The Old Town Square Christmas Market puts stalls and seasonal food in front of landmark buildings, so you can do “market time” and sightseeing in the same loop, no extra planning needed.
For a change of pace, head to Wenceslas Square, which feels more open and modern, with wider streets and extra space to wander. In between, Prague is easy to explore on foot. Cross Charles Bridge early for quieter views, duck into a café to warm up, then carry on through the historic centre.
- Vibe: Storybook streets and open squares; compact, walkable, and very romantic “old city in winter”.
- Travel time from the UK: Direct flights from London to Prague (Heathrow–PRG) are typically about 2 hours.
- Best for: Short breaks, friend trips, and anyone who wants festive atmosphere plus big-ticket landmarks in one place.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is small enough to feel calm in December, but it still gives you a proper winter programme.
The city’s Winter Glow season is built around evenings, with a breathtaking 3.5 km light experience trail (this year’s new route is Machina Lumina), an outdoor ice rink, two beautiful Christmas markets, and a winter bar for easy warm-up stops between walks.
The historic centre is compact, so getting around on foot feels effortless. Spend your days wandering canals, squares, and museums, then use the light trail as your ready-made evening plan. It’s an easy pace, especially if you’re visiting for just a night or two.
- Vibe: Cosy and compact; canals, cobbles, and evening light displays built for a warm drink and a slow wander.
- Travel time from the UK: Train is straightforward: London → Brussels ~1h 53m, then Brussels → Bruges ~1h (plus connection time).
- Best for: Couples, photographers, and anyone who prefers a smaller base where you can walk almost everywhere.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg has a long-standing reputation as the “Capital of Christmas.” Its centrepiece is the Christkindelsmärik on Place Broglie, one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1570. With hundreds of stalls selling local crafts, festive food, and decorations, it sets the tone for a wider network of market squares spread across the city centre.
Two easy landmarks help anchor your visit: the illuminated Strasbourg Cathedral and the Great Christmas Tree on Place Kléber, which works as a natural meeting point between markets. From there, it’s easy to wander through the old town, dip in and out of different squares, and keep your days varied without travelling far.
- Vibe: Alsace storybook architecture with a strong Christmas identity: decorations, markets, and a whole-city seasonal programme.
- Travel time from the UK: About 1 hour 30 minutes by flight to Strasbourg, or roughly 6 hours by train from London with a transfer in Paris.
- Best for: Dedicated Christmas-market fans, travellers who like regional character, and anyone building a France trip around one “anchor” festive destination.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik gives you Christmas with a local twist: folklore, lights, and a city that stays lively even when the days are short. You can build an easy plan around the city’s organised seasonal highlights: the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður (near Reykjavik) with festive stalls and visits from the Icelandic Yule Lads, plus Christmas events dotted across the city.
In the centre, the Ingólfstorg ice rink is a simple way to anchor an evening. Skate for an hour, grab something warm, then keep walking through the lit-up streets. If you’re hoping for Northern Lights, you can also plan around Iceland’s official aurora forecast and cloud cover map, which helps you pick the clearest night to try.
- Vibe: Nordic and modern, with a strong local tradition running through the season, not just imported Christmas imagery.
- Travel time from the UK: Direct flights from London to Keflavík typically take about 3h 15m.
- Best for: Travellers who want Christmas plus winter landscapes, and anyone who likes a city base with “big nature” add-ons (and the option to chase aurora).
2 Magical Winter Escapes (Lapland & Nordics)
For those dreaming of a true snowy Christmas, the Lapland region and the Nordic countries offer some of the most enchanting winter escapes in the world. Picture snow-dusted forests, twinkling lights, and cozy cabins with roaring fires. This is where the classic Christmas fantasy comes to life.
Rovaniemi, Lapland (Finland)
Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle and is best known as the hometown of Santa Claus. In December, it becomes a true winter destination, with deep snow, reindeer and husky safaris, small festive markets, and regular opportunities to spot the Northern Lights.
The main Christmas focus is Santa Claus Village, where you can cross the Arctic Circle and experience a classic Lapland-style Christmas in one place. To add context beyond the festive side, Arktikum is worth visiting. It covers Arctic nature, local culture, and the history of life in the far north, and works well as a daytime indoor stop.
- Vibe: Arctic, outdoors-first. Snow activities and dark skies sit alongside a very Christmas-forward core experience.
- Travel time from the UK: Direct (non-stop) flights from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi are listed at about 3h 35m (seasonal schedules vary).
- Best for: Families with young children, multi-generational trips, and anyone who wants a Christmas-focused itinerary without having to invent the plan from scratch.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø works well as a Christmas base because it’s a proper Arctic city, not just a remote outpost. You can chase the Northern Lights, but you also have plenty to do when the weather doesn’t play along, from dog sledding and snowmobiling to Sami cultural experiences.
For a standout city view, take Fjellheisen up to the viewpoint above Tromsø for wide views across the city, fjords, and surrounding mountains. During the day, museums like the Arctic Cathedral, Polar Museum, and Polaria give you easy indoor options, while evenings stay open for aurora watching when the skies clear.
- Vibe: An Arctic city with real momentum: gateway to unforgettable excursions under the aurora borealis, yet grounded by lively restaurants and museums for off-hours.
- Travel time from the UK: Direct flights from London (LGW) to Tromsø typically take about 3h 30m.
- Best for: Northern Lights-first travellers, active couples, and friends who want a winter trip that feels adventurous but still manageable.
2 North American Christmas Magic
If you’re open to going further afield, North America offers some of the most recognisable and high-energy places to go for Christmas. Cities and resort towns here build full experiences around the season, from ice skating and live shows to snowy mountain escapes.
New York City, USA
New York in December runs on big-city energy: skyscrapers lit up early, steam rising from subway grates, and whole blocks dressed for the season.
Midtown is the classic starting point. You can skate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center beneath the Christmas tree, then wander a few avenues over to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, which combines an outdoor rink with a pop-up market of small shops.
If you want that “only-in-New-York” evening plan, the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City is the most famous ticket in town. And for a simple, self-guided festive walk, follow the department-store window displays up and down Fifth Avenue. Those streets are built for a slow stroll and people-watching.
- Vibes: Fast, bright, walkable (and busy), with lots to do indoors and out.
- Travel time from the UK: Around 7h 45m–8h non-stop from London to JFK (varies by airport/route).
- Best for: First-timers who want iconic Christmas scenes, couples who like late nights, and families who’ll build the trip around shows + skating.
Aspen/Vail, Colorado, USA
For a Christmas that feels properly wintry, Colorado’s mountain towns deliver the full alpine setup: snow, gondolas, and villages built for wandering in boots. Aspen Snowmass is known for ski days, but it’s not just about runs. You’ll also find tubing, alpine coasters, and winter experiences like snowcat dinners.
Vail has a purpose-built resort village feel, with lights strung through the streets and a calendar of seasonal events. If you want an evening activity that isn’t another bar, look for things like the Vail Ice Skating Spectacular at Dobson Arena, plus the holiday tree lighting and parade events that typically run through the season.
- Vibes: Mountain resort, outdoors-first, early mornings and cosy evenings.
- Travel time from the UK: London to Denver is about 10h 05m non-stop, then you’ll continue by car or a short domestic hop. Denver to Vail is often ~2 to 2.5 hours by road in good conditions.
- Best for: Skiers/snowboarders, groups splitting time between slopes and village restaurants, and travellers who want a “proper winter” trip.
3 Warm Christmas Escapes (Beat UK Winter!)
Not everyone wants snow and scarves in December. If your idea of Christmas includes sunshine, outdoor dinners, and lighter evenings, there are plenty of warm-weather Christmas holiday destinations that still feel magical.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a warm-weather Christmas with a high-gloss backdrop: skyline views, late sunsets, and evenings that suit outdoor plans. December is also when the city leans into seasonal pop-ups and big, walk-through attractions. Global Village is the obvious one, with pavilions, food stalls, shows, and rides set up as a winter season event.
For daytime variety, you can go from desert to “snow” in a single trip. Desert safaris typically bundle things like camel rides and quad-bike options, while Ski Dubai gives you indoor slopes and a snow park inside Mall of the Emirates.
- Vibes: Warm evenings, modern city breaks, lots of organised activities.
- Travel time from the UK: Around 7h 30m non-stop from London Heathrow to Dubai (DXB).
- Best for: Couples and friends who want winter sun with city comforts, plus families who like “activity-led” days.
Maldives
The Maldives is the opposite of a packed December itinerary. Think small islands, shallow lagoons, and indulgent days built around the water.
It’s a strong choice when you want your Christmas to feel quiet: snorkelling off the beach, boat trips, and long lunches that turn into sunset. Diving and snorkelling are a core part of the experience, and the country promotes specific atolls and sites for that.
Many resorts also host special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, with gourmet dining and local entertainment.
- Vibes: Slow, beach-and-water focused, minimal “city” distractions.
- Travel time from the UK: Around 10h 35m non-stop from London Heathrow to Malé (MLE), then an onward transfer to your island.
- Best for: Honeymoons, couples who want privacy, and anyone who wants a low-noise reset over a busy festive schedule.
Caribbean (Barbados/St Lucia)
If you want warm weather but still like a bit of culture and variety, the Caribbean is an easy fit, and Barbados + St Lucia give you two very different flavours.
In Barbados, you can mix beach days with history and food. Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison is UNESCO-listed, so a simple walk becomes a mini history day. Then there’s the island’s classic pairing: rum and caves. Mount Gay runs distillery visits, and Harrison’s Cave is a popular half-day trip when you want something other than the coastline.
St Lucia is more dramatic and outdoorsy. The Pitons are UNESCO-listed volcanic spires near Soufrière, and the wider area includes geothermal features such as hot springs and sulphurous fumeroles, great when you want to mix hiking views with a soak-and-switch-off afternoon.
- Vibes: Easy beach time with add-on days for hikes, caves, rum, and local towns.
- Travel time from the UK: Around 9h 20m non-stop from London Heathrow to Barbados (Bridgetown), and about 9h 05m non-stop from London Gatwick to St Lucia (UVF).
- Best for: Couples and families who want reliable sunshine, plus travellers who like beaches and day trips that feel different from each other.
2 Southern Hemisphere Summer Christmas
Travelling south flips Christmas on its head. December brings long days, summer weather, and a very different pace of life, making these some of the most distinctive places to visit in Christmas holidays. It’s a great option if you want a complete change of scenery and escape the chilly winter altogether.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney does Christmas in full daylight. You can spend the morning in the CBD with carols and light displays, then finish the day by the water. In the city centre, the Martin Place Christmas tree is a main anchor, and it’s often paired with scheduled choir performances and timed lighting effects.
The best part of a Sydney Christmas is how normal life keeps moving: ferries still run, beaches still fill up, and “festive” can be as simple as fish and chips by the harbour.
- Vibes: Summer city break. Outdoors, beaches, harbour walks, late sunsets.
- Travel time from the UK: Usually no direct flights at the moment; the fastest one-stop routes are roughly ~23–24+ hours end-to-end depending on the connection.
- Best for: Travellers who’d rather swap jumpers for sandals, and anyone who wants Christmas + New Year season in one long trip.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a warm Christmas that still feels active. You’ve got the city, the ocean, and the mountains all in reach, so you can keep plans flexible without getting bored. A classic first day is Table Mountain (cableway up when it’s operating), then down to sea level for an easy evening around the waterfront.
The V&A Waterfront is a simple base for meals, shopping, and harbour views, and it also hosts big family attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium. If you want a calmer afternoon, Kirstenbosch sits on the slopes of Table Mountain and gives you a greener, slower side of the city without leaving town.
- Vibes: Summer outdoors; hikes, beaches, food spots, and scenic drives.
- Travel time from the UK: Around 11h 50m non-stop from London Heathrow to Cape Town (CPT).
- Best for: Couples, food-and-scenery travellers, and groups who want variety without changing hotels every night.
How to Keep Your Home Safe While on Christmas Holiday
Christmas travel is exciting, but it often leaves homes sitting empty for longer than usual. Add darker evenings and busy delivery schedules, and it becomes one of the most active times of year for break-ins.
That’s why it’s worth thinking about home security before you go, not to worry yourself, but to enjoy your trip without distractions. The aim is simple: make your home look lived-in, spot anything unusual quickly, and avoid small problems turning into bigger ones.
Make your home look lived-in
Homes that look inactive are easier targets. You don’t need anything elaborate, just enough activity to suggest someone’s around. Use timers on lamps to create light in the evenings, and consider plugging in a radio to add background noise.
Manage deliveries before you go
Christmas is peak delivery season, and unattended parcels are an obvious sign no one’s home. Pause deliveries where possible, redirect parcels to a collection point, or ask a trusted neighbour to take them in.
Lock down the basics
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to rush past when you’re packing. Double-check doors, windows, side entrances, and garden gates. Move spare keys away from obvious hiding spots, and keep valuables out of sight from windows.
Use security devices that let you see what’s happening
Locking up is essential, but real peace of mind comes from knowing what’s happening at home while you’re away. Being able to check your front door and the areas around it means you’re not left wondering if something’s wrong.
That’s where security cameras and video doorbells come in. Used well, they give you clear, timely visibility at the points that matter most. Below are two well-suited options from eufy:
eufy Video Doorbell E340: clearer views of visitors and deliveries
During Christmas, parcels are often left on doorsteps, which standard doorbell cameras don’t always capture well. The eufy Video Doorbell E340 uses two 2K cameras: one facing outward to show visitors, and a second angled downward to show what’s happening directly below.
That setup helps you:
- See when a delivery arrives and where it’s left
- Check night-time activity more clearly with colour night vision
- Receive more relevant alerts using on-device AI detection for people and packages
The doorbell includes 8GB of built-in local storage, so recordings stay on the device rather than relying on a subscription. It can run on battery or be wired into existing doorbell wiring, with the battery staying topped up in wired mode.
eufyCam S4: wider coverage for outdoor areas
If you want to monitor more than just the front door, the eufyCam S4 is designed for broader outdoor coverage. It combines a fixed 4K wide-angle view with a 360° pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) dual-2K camera that can track motion across the area.
What that helps with:
- You keep a constant wide view while the PTZ camera follows movement automatically, which is useful on driveways and side paths.
- You get fewer false triggers outdoors thanks to Radar + PIR motion detection.
- You’re less likely to come home to a “dead camera” because a large solar panel keeps the battery topped up, even in winter sunlight.
At night, it can switch between starlight, spotlight, or infrared modes, and it includes bright LED lights and a loud siren if you want a visible deterrent as well as a recording.
Footage is stored locally using 32GB of built-in storage, with the option to expand via microSD. If you connect it to HomeBase™ S380, you can add more advanced features, including face recognition, shared footage across cameras, and support for up to 16TB of local storage.
Be careful what you share online
Posting holiday updates in real time can unintentionally advertise that your home is empty. Keep social posts private or wait until you’re back before sharing photos and location tags. It’s a small change that removes an unnecessary risk.
Conclusion
Christmas travel can look very different depending on where you go, but the right destination always makes the season feel more special. From snowy cities and Arctic adventures to beach breaks and summer celebrations, these nice places to visit for Christmas offer you a wide range of ways to spend December away from home. Wherever you decide to go, taking a few simple steps to keep your home secure while you’re away helps you enjoy the trip properly, so you can focus on the experience, not what you’ve left behind.
FAQs
Where is the best place to travel for Christmas?
For a Christmas trip from the UK, the “best” choice depends on the vibe you want: for classic festive markets and easy city breaks, Vienna, Strasbourg and Cologne are standouts; for storybook snow and Santa magic, head to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland; and for a low-hassle festive getaway at home, cities like York or Edinburgh deliver lights, markets and winter events.
Where is the most beautiful place to celebrate Christmas?
If you’re chasing pure Christmas beauty, mix grand cities with picture-perfect old towns: Vienna’s Rathausplatz markets glow beneath the neo-Gothic City Hall, Strasbourg’s timber-framed streets are famed for festive lights, and Cologne’s cathedral market is dramatic after dark. Prefer the UK? Bath’s Georgian centre and York’s medieval lanes look stunning when decorated, and both host popular seasonal markets close to home.
Where can I go for a cheap Christmas break?
For a cheap Christmas break from the UK, look for destinations where food, hotels and attractions tend to be good value. Value-focused Christmas-market city breaks often include Vilnius, Riga, Bratislava and Gdańsk, with Budapest and Kraków also popular budget picks. To keep costs down, travel in early December, go midweek if you can, and consider UK markets like Manchester to skip the flight altogether.
What is the #1 best Christmas town?
There isn’t one official “#1” Christmas town, because rankings depend on what you love most. Strasbourg markets itself as the “Christmas Capital” and is a classic for atmosphere, while Rovaniemi in Lapland is widely promoted as Santa’s official hometown. For big, traditional markets, Vienna and Cologne are perennial favourites. In the UK, York is a reliable pick for medieval charm and a central Christmas market.
Where is Best Christmas in Europe?
For “best Christmas in Europe,” many travellers build a trip around standout Christmas markets and winter culture. Germany is hard to beat for market tradition (think Nuremberg, Cologne and Düsseldorf), Austria shines with Vienna, and France delivers storybook charm in Strasbourg or Colmar. For something different, Copenhagen’s Tivoli turns into a festive funfair, Tallinn’s Town Hall Square market feels wonderfully old-world, and Zagreb’s Advent celebrations spread across the city centre.
