While many places put up a few lights and call it a holiday celebration, true Christmas lovers seek out destinations where the festive spirit runs deeper.
These travelers want Christmas markets that beckon, streets glowing with twinkling lights, holiday feasts that tempt every taste bud, and age-old traditions—like Advent—taken seriously and celebrated with passion.
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From England to the Philippines, here are 15 of the best destinations around the world that offer a magical, Christmas-drenched experience:
Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Forget the North Pole—Finland claims Santa Claus’s true home.
Rovaniemi, just north of the Arctic Circle, is Christmas central.
Here, kids can bake gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus, take Elf School, or even write their wish lists with traditional quills.
Visit the Ranua Wildlife Park to see baby polar bears and moose, or learn about the northern lights at the Arktikum Science Center.
For the ultimate winter experience, stay in the Arctic SnowHotel, where you can sleep in rooms made of ice and snow, with saunas and hot tubs to warm you up.
Bogotá, Colombia
In Bogotá, Christmas shines bright with a tradition called “Ruta Navideña,” or the Christmas Route, where locals stroll through the city’s vibrant light displays.
Christmas kicks off with Día de las Velitas (Little Candles’ Day) on December 7, when Colombians light candles and lanterns to mark the start of the season.
Local treats like natilla (a creamy custard) and buñuelos (fried dough balls) make the holiday even sweeter.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Just a short drive from Philadelphia and New York City, Bethlehem offers a smaller, charming Christmas escape. Known as “The Christmas City,”
Bethlehem is home to a delightful Live Advent Calendar, where a town crier leads visitors through the streets to discover surprises behind the windows of historic buildings.
Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, festive drinks, and Christmas movies like Die Hard—a local tradition.
Bath, England
In Bath, the Christmas spirit meets Regency elegance.
This historic city celebrates both the birth of Jesus and its famous former resident, Jane Austen.
Explore the Bath Christmas Market, where wooden chalets sell handmade British crafts, or skate at Bath on Ice.
For Austen enthusiasts, the Jane Austen Centre and Theatre Royal offer plenty of festive cheer.
San Fernando, Philippines
San Fernando, located northwest of Manila, could easily be called Asia’s Christmas capital.
Famous for its Giant Lantern Festival, which runs from December 14 to January 1, the city’s parols (colorful Christmas lanterns) light up the night in a dazzling display.
The lantern-making tradition, which dates back to the 18th century, creates mesmerizing kaleidoscopic displays that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers a truly festive end to the holiday season with its spectacular Epiphany celebrations on January 5.
The Three Kings—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—arrive at the city’s port on ships, followed by a grand parade featuring floats, camels, and fireworks.
It’s a vibrant celebration that adds magic to the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Nairobi, Kenya
In Kenya’s bustling capital, Christmas is marked with festive chaos and joyous caroling in every corner of the city.
Local delicacies like nyama choma (grilled meat), chapati (flatbread), and pilau (spiced rice) make for a festive feast.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through Karura Forest or go on a safari in Nairobi National Park, where you can see wildlife against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Nuremberg, Germany
The Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt) is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, drawing millions of visitors every year.
Here, you’ll find handcrafted decorations, wooden toys, and spicy gingerbread cookies, washed down with mulled wine.
For families, the Toy Museum is a fun stop, while history buffs will appreciate the medieval city’s festive charm.
Malta
While December is off-season for Malta, the island’s Christmas spirit is alive and well. Visit the presepju (Nativity scenes) displayed in homes and shops around the island, or experience the festive lights and carolers in Valletta. For a cozy winter experience, the Malta Toy Museum offers a nostalgic look at childhood through dolls, train sets, and vintage toys.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with Old Quebec becoming a picturesque Christmas village.
The German Christmas Market offers mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, while more religious visitors can explore Nativity scenes from around the world.
For outdoor lovers, nearby hiking and snowshoeing trails await, as well as a thrilling snowmobile ride.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
In San Miguel de Allende, Christmas is celebrated with processions, piñatas, and the warm mulled fruit drink called ponche.
Local reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem—known as posadas—lead to festive street parties, where families sing and share food.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect blend of solemn tradition and colorful celebration.
Salzburg and Oberndorf, Austria
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, offers a picture-perfect holiday setting with snow-capped mountains, baroque architecture, and traditional Christmas markets.
Nearby Oberndorf is where the famous carol Silent Night was first performed in 1818. For a more unusual tradition, join the Krampus Run, where locals dress up as the fearsome Alpine creature and roam the streets.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” boasts one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1570.
The city transforms into a holiday wonderland with themed Christmas villages, a massive Christmas tree in Place Kléber, and festive stalls selling everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious treats.
Don’t miss the OFF Christmas fair, where street art and live music add to the holiday vibe.
Queenstown, New Zealand
In Queenstown, Christmas takes on a summery twist. While most of the world is bundled up, New Zealanders celebrate Christmas on the beach or by the lake, with BBQs serving up lamb, seafood, and chicken.
The iconic pōhutukawa tree, with its ruby-red flowers, adds a burst of festive color to the landscape, while adrenaline seekers can enjoy jet boating or paragliding on Lake Wakatipu.
New York City
New York City is synonymous with Christmas cheer, from the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.
Stroll through Central Park, visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, or marvel at the elaborate window displays at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
New York’s holiday magic is unlike any other.
These destinations aren’t just places to visit—they’re places to experience Christmas in its most festive, heartwarming, and magical forms.
Whether you’re chasing snowflakes, bright lights, or new traditions, these destinations offer something truly special for the holiday season.
