Best Christmas destinations worldwide

Looking for inspiration on Christmas destinations? We can help, with our list of the 20 top Christmas places. Some have snow, almost all have glitter and Christmas spirit is guaranteed. Take a look.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark - one of the best Christmas destinations

Pick Copenhagen for Christmas. The affordable and friendly capital of Denmark has a glittering city centre and it's easy to get around. If you want full festive fantasy, book tickets in advance for Tivoli Gardens. It's one of the world's oldest amusement parks and magical at Christmas.

Copenhagen is famous for its castles, which take on a special magical charm at Christmas time. Among the most famous are Kronborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle.

If you're travelling to Copenhagen with children, take a look at our list of the best kids' activities in Copenhagen.

Where to stay in Copenhagen:

• Copenhagen Marriott Hotel

This hotel is within 5 minutes’ walk of Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens. All the spacious rooms have a flat-screen TV and city or Sydhavnen Harbour views. Free WiFi is available.

• Hotel Skt Petri

Located in Copenhagen’s old Latin Quarter, this stylish hotel offers free WiFi, and designer rooms. Just 4 minutes’ walk away is the main shopping street, Strøget.

Tivoli Gardens is one of Denmark's top Christmas destinations © Vlad Andrei Nica/Shutterstock

2. Dublin, Ireland - best Christmas pubs experience

Find Christmas craic in Dublin during December. The streets feel festive, there are ice rinks and carol singers at St. Patrick's Cathedral. And when you want to get cosy, Temple Bar pubs have you covered. If that sounds like fun, stay at Castle Hotel near Temple Bar.

What also makes Dublin one of the best Christmas destinations is the 12 pubs of Christmas. It's a world-famous competition challenging groups of friends to visit 12 pubs by the end of the night. Needless to say, only the most resilient participants make it to the end.

Explore Dublin and its castles and cliffs with our tailor-made 5-day trip

Where to stay in Dublin:

• Egans House

Situated 5 minutes' drive to Dublin city centre and 15 minutes' drive from Dublin Airport, Egans House offers home-cooked breakfasts and affordable rooms. Croke Park is 10 minutes' walk from the property.

• Baggot Court Townhouse

Located in Dublin city centre and a short stroll from St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College, this Georgian townhouse offers free Wi-Fi and free guest car parking.

Dublin is especially Christmassy in December © David Soanes/Shutterstock

3. Salzburg, Austria - authentic charming traditions

Experience the festive and very Austrian city of Salzburg. Its famous Baroque architecture looks even lovelier with a snowy mountain backdrop. And it's the birthplace of Mozart so expect a lot of music wherever you go.

It's also home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe which is awash with charming traditions and smells like warm gingerbread. If you want to put that to the test, take a Tour of Salzburg Christmas markets with local guides.

Find more information about Christmas in Salzburg with our guide

Where to stay in Salzburg:

• Hotel Hohenstauffen

Family-run since 100 years, the charming Hotel Hohenstauffen enjoys a quiet location, a leisurely 15-minute walk away from Salzburg's old town. Free WiFi is available in public areas.

• Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich

A small, exclusive hotel with personal flair. It consists of two buildings, Altstadthotel and the Residenz, located opposite each other in a quiet side street of the city’s pedestrian area.

Christmas Market in the old town of Salzburg © Izabela23/Shutterstock

4. Nuremberg, Germany - home of the German Lebkuchen

Go Christmas shopping at the famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg. You'll find over 180 market stalls set on Hauptmarkt selling everything from toys to gingerbread. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous Lebkuchen (german gingerbread) was invented in Franconia in the 13th century. Head for the Lebkuchen-Schmidt stand at the Christkindlesmarkt to sample the authentic Lebkuchen.

Where to stay in Nuremberg:

• Novina Hotel Tillypark

A fitness room, free parking and free internet await you at this hotel in Nuremberg, a 10-minute drive from the centre. It is a direct underground ride from Nuremberg Central Station and enjoys easy motorway access.

• Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg

Just a 5-minute walk from the Hauptmarkt Market Square, this 3-star hotel in the Old Town district of Nuremberg offers a bright, friendly meditarrenean style runs through the entire hotel, free WiFi internet, and varied breakfast buffets.

Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg as night falls © Sean Nel/Shutterstock

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5. New York, USA - the true spirit of celebration in the metropolis

New York City rules Christmas from the outrageously famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to its dazzling store windows and awesome ice rinks.

One of the recent additions to New York's Christmas atmosphere is the New York Botanical Garden Glow. After dark, you can enjoy a stroll along the mile-and-a-half-long route decorated with all kinds of light installations. Dance performances, ice carving demonstrations and other seasonal activities are also on the agenda.

With our tailor-made 15-day tour you can experience the most iconic cities on the east coast of the USA: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC

Where to stay in New York:

• Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel

The Renaissance New York Times Square is located in Theatre District and features 312 soundproofed guests rooms spread over 26 floors. It has 7 terrace guest rooms and 5 suites. Located on Seventh Avenue and West 48th Street, the property is 126 m from the subway station on 49th Street.

• Hotel St. James

Ideally situated in the heart of the Theatre District, this Manhattan hotel is one block from Times Square and 2 blocks from a subway station. Hotel St. James offers Broadway tickets and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Decorations in New York City - one of the world's best Christmas destinations © Anastasios71/Shutterstock

6. Berlin, Germany - a mix of cultural and nightlife festivities

Berlin has over 50 neighbourhood Christmas markets, so it's a bit of a festive legend. It's also worth visiting for iconic museums, great nightlife and festive experiences.

From mid-November to the first half of January, the Berlin Botanical Gardens invites you to enjoy a night stroll among the illuminated gardens. During the festive season, there are golden glowing arches, glittering penguin statues and twinkling lights streaming from the trees. Book your visit in advance, tickets sell out very quickly and don't forget to bring your camera to take the perfect festive photo.

In our in-depth guide, you'll find things to do in Berlin at any time of year.

Where to stay in Berlin:

• Essential by Dorint Berlin-Adlershof

This non-smoking hotel in Berlin’s Adlershof district has a bar and a private car park. Schönefeld Airport can be reached by bus 164, local train S45 or taxi in 15 minutes.

• Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz

This 4-star Superior hotel features a top-floor sauna and fitness area, and air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. It stands in Berlin's Mitte district, a 15-minute walk from Alexanderplatz.

Christmas market, French church and konzerthaus in Berlin, Germany © S.Borisov/Shutterstock

7. Rome, Italy - Christmas in majestic surroundings

Rome mixes up its festive traditions across the entire city. So you have art collections, museums and monuments combined with Christmassy Italian food and culture. All of that makes Rome one of the best places to visit at Christmas. Plus, there's the Vatican Midnight Mass. So why not have a look around on a private Christmas tour with local guides?

The Christmas tree in the Colosseum in Rome cannot be overlooked. It may be a couple of metres shorter than the one in New York's Rockefeller Centre, but it is a truly spectacular sight.

Italy doesn't miss an opportunity to shine with its famous cooking at Christmas either. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Italian Christmas dinner before midnight mass.

Soak up sights and delights of Ancient Rome, with our tailor-made 6-day trip

Where to stay in Rome:

• Hotel Area Roma

Hotel Area Roma is 800 m from Roma Tre University and a 5-minute walk from Marconi Underground on line B, with direct links to the Coliseum and Termini Train Station. This design hotel offers free parking, spacious rooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

• Hotel Marcantonio

Just 200 m from Roma Termini Train Station, Hotel Marcantonio is set in a 19th-century building. Rooms have an LCD TV, and WiFi is free throughout. Staff serve freshly brewed Italian coffee in the morning.

Also check our detailed list of the best places to stay in Rome

Colosseum decorated for Christmas in Rome, Italy © Bucchi Francesco/Shutterstock

8. Lapland, Finland - the homeland of Santa Claus

Visit Santa in Finnish Lapland at the legendary Santa Claus Village just outside festive Rovaniemi. It's a kid's Christmas fantasy, and children do love it. But it's also designed to enchant adults. Plus, there's a chance of Northern Lights in December.

Here you can meet the pack of huskies at Apukka and hear their stories before mushing them through the trees on your own sledge.

Explore the surroundings of the Arctic Circle, visit a magical place - Santa Claus Village - try the traditional Lappish food, snow-shoeing with our tailor-made 5-day tour.

Where to stay in Lapland:

• Park Hotel Tornio

Located 250 m from Lappari Activity Park and 10 minutes' walk from Haparanda, this hotel features 3 restaurants. There is also a relaxation area with 3 saunas and an indoor pool and gym. WiFi and sauna access is free.

• Lapland Hotels Äkäshotelli

The stunning location of Lapland Hotel Äkäshotelli is well-suited to cross country skiers and mountain hikers. Enjoy spectacular views of snow-covered fields and hills dotted with pine trees.

Snowman in Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland © Roman Babakin/Shutterstock

9. Edinburgh, Scotland - a city steeped in Christmas magic

Edinburgh does festive atmosphere from its atmospheric Old Town to the Georgian New Town. Edinburgh Castle looks magical, there are colourful Christmas markets and the New Year street party is one of the biggest in Europe.

The Christmas season is the best time to take a magical walking tour of Edinburgh and discover the city where the world of Harry Potter was conceived. Here you will have an opportunity to test your knowledge with an audio-visual quiz, find out your Hogwarts House, and visit Tom Riddle’s grave.

Visit two traditional capitals, London and Edinburgh and discover peaceful Scottish islands with our tailor-made 14-day trip vintage England

Where to stay in Edinburgh:

• The Bonham

Situated in Edinburgh's West End, The Bonham Hotel is a Victorian town house. Every bedroom has a city view. Shops and restaurants on Princess Street, Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and EICC are all within walking distance.

• Radisson Blu Hotel

On the historic Royal Mile, Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh is a modern hotel which features a spa / fitness centre, stylish bar and luxury bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. Waverley train station is just a 5-minute walk away.

Edinburgh Christmas markets in Princes Gardens © Ulmus Media/Shutterstock

10. Montreal, Canada - fireworks and Christmas magic in the old town

Christmas is magical in Montreal. It's the second largest city in Canada and has everything from skiing on Mont Tremblant to the Vieux Port ice rink. Enjoy Christmas festivals and explore Old Montreal. Then meet ghosts of Christmas past on a haunted walking tour.

Montreal has held an annual parade of Santa Clauses since 1925. It is known locally as Defile du Pere Noel. About 15-20 floating statues take part in the procession through the city centre to Catherine Street. Also, don't miss out on the beautiful views of the Christmas fireworks held every year in Montreal's Old Port.

Where to stay in Montreal:

• Manoir Sherbrooke

Situated in the heart of downtown Montreal, and only minutes from many area attractions, the historic Manoir Sherbrooke blends old-world charm with all of today's modern conveniences. Sherbrooke Metro Station is 5 minutes' walk away.

• Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

Located in Montreal’s city centre, Hotel Bonaventure Montreal is located only steps from major attractions. It features free WiFi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk.

Place d'Armes at Christmas, Montreal, Quebec, Canada © Pinkcandy/Shutterstock

11. Hong Kong, China - an extravagant Christmas amid glittering skyscrapers

Hong Kong is the most extraordinary city and it dazzles at Christmas. Look forward to illuminated skyscrapers, bedecked shop fronts and Christmas music everywhere. If you want even more glitter, try Happy Hour with a light show at Sky100 Observatory.

At the Hong Kong Ocean Park, you can have a great time with the kids as well as on your own. Here you'll witness some wonderful world-class Christmas activities and performances. There's also a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree and plenty of roller coasters to suit all tastes.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Hong Kong with our 5-day tailor-made trip

While planning your christmas holiday read our list of the best places to stay in Hong Kong

Glittering Hong Kong lights up for Christmas © Shutterstock

12. Washington DC, USA - A mix of old-school American traditions and the spirit of Christmas

Washington DC is a Christmas capital packed with heart warming traditions. Don't miss the illuminated Pathway of Peace with its 56 Christmas trees. Wrap up warm against the freezing weather to go exploring.

It's hard to argue that Washington DC is one of the best Christmas destinations. There's Christmas entertainment to suit all tastes, from a visit to the National Christmas Tree in President's Park to the holiday boat parade in Wharf.

Where to stay in Washington DC:

• The Normandy Hotel

Located near Washington, D.C.'s Dupont Circle, this modern hotel is 3.2 km from the National Mall. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

• The Dupont Circle Hotel

This hotel is located at the top of Dupont Circle just minutes from the historical landmarks of Washington, D.C. The Dupont Circle Metro station is 120 m away

White House at Christmas in Washington DC, United States © Orhan Cam/Shutterstock

13. Boston, USA - an old fashioned US Christmas

Boston is an Old World US Christmas from gas lamplit streets on historic Beacon Hill to huge Christmas trees and enchanting Quincy Market.

One of the best things to do in Boston at Christmas time is to visit the pubs. There are many different bar events during this time, the most popular being SantaCon and Ugly Sweater. For Santa Con, all participants dress up in their favourite Santa Claus costumes and shuttle around Boston's many pubs. The Ugly Sweater crawl is exactly what you think it is: put on your ugliest holiday jumper and head to Boston's pubs!

Where to stay in Boston:

• The Bostonian Boston

Overlooking the historic Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, this luxury downtown Boston hotel features on-site spa services and a contemporary American restaurant. Boston Common is 900 m away.

• The Lenox

Centered in Boston's historic Back Bay area, this boutique hotel features a state-of-the-art gym, award-winning dining and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi. John Hancock Tower is 5 minutes’ walk away.

Enjoy old and new Christmas traditions in Boston Massachusetts, USA © Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/Shutterstock

14. Cologne, Germany - Christmas on the banks of the Rhine

Experience Cologne for eight Christmas markets and the Rhine riverbank markets. Quaint Glühwein stalls contrast with impressive urban architecture here and you'll find lovely festive traditions. Spread some cheer on a Christmas market and Kolsch Beer tour.

In addition to the Christmas markets, the city offers various Christmas activities such as a trip along the Rhine, the Christmas garden at the Cologne Zoo. In Cologne you can enjoy Christmas circus and theatre performances.

Where to stay in Cologne:

• NH Köln Altstadt

Located in Cologne city centre, the NH Köln Altstadt offers large, air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour reception and free WiFi in all areas. The Rhine River and the Imhoff Chocolate Museum are just across the street.

• Hostel Köln

Hostel Köln enjoys a tranquil and central location in Cologne, in a side street between Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz, within a 20-minute walk of Cologne Cathedral and the main railway station.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Germany © picturetom/Shutterstock

15. Prague, Czech Republic - an iconic holiday city among the best Christmas destinations

Prague is considered one of the best Christmas destinations for a reason. Festive Prague looks spectacular at Christmas time. How could it not with architecture spanning over 600 years, medieval streets, wooded hills and the lovely River Vitava with its many romantic bridges?

Prague's Christmas markets are in no way inferior to those in other famous Christmas destinations. If you are looking for the most atmospheric and scenic, head to the Old Town Square Christmas Market. Once there, don't forget to make your way to the Old Town Tower to enjoy the view from above.

Also, don't miss out on the opportunity to sample some of the Czech famous Trdelník and Svařák (Czech take on English mulled wine).

The Czech Republic is famous for its beer culture. If you're a beer enthusiast, check out our guide to Czech beer and the best places to try it in the Czech Republic

Where to stay in Prague:

• Hotel Pivovar

In the building of an old Czech brewery guests can find Hotel Pivovar. It is located in a green area of Prague, 400 m away from the Vysočanská Metro Station. The Old Town can be reached by metro within a 10-minute drive and Prague’s O2 Arena is 1.1 km away.

• Hotel Klara

The newly refurbished Klára Hotel enjoys a quiet location close to the large Stromovka Park and 500 m from the Vltavska Metro Station. It offers free Wi-Fi in every room.

Christmas in Oldtown square (czech: Staromestske namesti) Prague, Czech Republic © Jiri Foltyn/Shutterstock

16. Reykjavík, Iceland - snowy christmas and Northern Lights

Warm to Iceland at Christmas. It's where to discover 13 Icelandic Santas known as Yule Lads. The weather's snowy and there's a good chance of Northern Lights.

Reykjavík is breathtakingly beautiful at any time of year, but on Christmas Eve the city is transformed with dozens of Christmas trees and decorations. If you like ice skating, go to one of the two ice skating rinks - Tjörnin pond or the Nova ice skating rink. Nova ice skating rink is sutuated on the Ingólfstorg Square where you can visit little Christmas market.

Where to stay in Reykjavík:

• Hotel Orkin

This hotel is a short walk from the city centre and Reykjavik's main shopping street, Laugavegur. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi access and 24-hour free tea and coffee.

• Hostel B47

Situated in Reykjavík, 2.6 km from Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, Hostel B47 features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Boasting a garden, the hostel is close to several noted attractions, around 300 m from Hallgrímskirkja Church, less than 1 km from Solfar Sun Voyager and a 18-minute walk from The Pearl.

Snowy Christmas in Reykjavik, Iceland © John Speargod/Shutterstock

17. Dresden, Germany - sweet Christmas traditions

Visit Dresden for sweet traditions like the Stollen cake parade. The enchanting River Elbe setting enhances Christmas markets. And if you want to see historic Frauenkirche at its finest, take a night tour of Dresden with friendly local guides. For more on Dresden take a look at Is Saxony home to the best German Christmas markets.

Visit the Dresden Strieselmarkt, Germany's oldest Christmas market. This market is a magnet that attracts visitors not only because of its venerable age, but also because of its other sights. It is home to the world's largest step pyramid Erzgebirge at 14.61 metres, probably the world's largest candle arch and a daily Christmas cultural programme for young and old.

Embark on an exploration tour through Saxony starting in ­Dresden with our tailor-made 5-day trip

Where to stay in Dresden:

• Hotel Elbflorenz

This inviting hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and Dresden's historic Old Town. It offers Italian-style accommodation and a sauna and fitness area (both usable for a surcharge) with a terrace, offering panoramic views of the city.

• Penck Hotel

The Penck Hotel is situated a few minutes' walk from the historical Old Town district of Dresden with its landmarks such as the Frauenkirche church, Zwinger palace and Semper opera.

Christmas market in Dresden, Germany © LianeM/Shutterstock

18. Bruges, Belgium - a crowd-free Christmas in a medieval atmosphere

Bruges medieval town centre was made for Christmas. It's awash with chocolatiers and charming Christmas markets. The canals are wintery and atmospheric and you can hear the traditional carillon in Bruges Belfry.

Belgium is among the countries that are mostly off the tourist radar. Thanks to this coincidence, you have the opportunity to stroll around the many serene canals of Bruges and feel as if the whole city is just for you.

And of course Belgium is practically synonymous with chocolate, and the chocolate in Bruges is considered one of the best in Belgium. Take a stroll through the local chocolate shops and enjoy chocolate in all its Christmas shapes.

Where to stay in Bruges:

• Hotel Ter Brughe

Located along a canal, Hotel Ter Brughe is an 8-minute walk away from the Market Square, the Belfry of Bruges and the shopping district. Breakfast is served in a vaulted cellar with views on the water.

• Snuffel Hostel

Set 800 m from the Market Square in Bruges, Snuffel Hostel is housed in a modern-style building with an interior garden and terrace. Free WiFi access is available. The hostel has a bar, where guests can try various types of Belgian beer.

Christmas decorations light up Bruges' Old Market Square © kavalenkau/Shutterstock

19. New Orleans, USA - heart-warming Christmas traditions

New Orleans does full-on Christmas with riverboat carol cruises, festive street cars and dazzling decorations. The city's historic quarters are at their most atmospheric and it's the perfect time of year to take a haunted cemetery tour.

Another event that might interest you is the Celebration in the Oaks in the City Park. Hop on the train with friends and family and enjoy 25 acres of Christmas holiday displays and 600-year-old ancient oaks studded with lanterns and moss.

It should also be mentioned that New Orleans is famous for its cocktail culture. Once there, check out our list of must-visit bars in New Orleans

Where to stay in New Orleans:

• The Westin New Orleans

Next to the Mississippi River, near the French Quarter and the central business district, this hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana offers free Wi-Fi and 2 on-site restaurants.

• Le Méridien New Orleans

Located just 650 m from Harrah's Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana, this hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool with lounge chairs and covered seating. The property has 2 on-site dining options.

Christmas lights in the French Quarter of New Orleans © Colin D. Young/Shutterstock

20. Aspen Colorado, USA - Christmas paradise for skiing enthusiasts

Spend white Christmas in the Colorado mountain town of Aspen. One of the world's most famous ski resort it's all about alpine lodges, cosy restaurants and festive atmosphere.

Above all, Aspen is a skiing paradise and it's a great idea to combine outdoor activities with a variety of Christmas events. The 12 Days of Aspen, a series of Christmas-themed events, takes place from 20 to 31 December. If you're travelling with children, this option is ideal, as most activities are tailored for the younger participants.

Where to stay in Aspen Colorado:

• The Gant

Located near the base of Aspen Mountain and 5 minutes' walk from the Aspen Skiing Company, this resort offers year-round outdoor pools and hot tubs. Rooms feature free WiFi.

• St. Regis Aspen Resort

Located at the base of Aspen mountain, St. Regis Aspen Resort features an outdoor pool and ski storage space. Guests can enjoy on-site restaurants and spa services. Private parking is available on site.

White Christmas in Aspen, Colorado © The World in HDR/Shutterstock

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