The 30 best Christmas holiday destinations around the world for 2025

Experience the magic of Christmas 2025 across 30 incredible destinations—from snowy winter wonderlands in Europe to sun-soaked tropical escapes, each offering unforgettable festive celebrations.

As Christmas 2025 draws near, travellers across the world are once again chasing that perfect festive escape — a place where the season’s warmth, wonder, and nostalgic charm come alive in unforgettable ways. And now, the wait is over. In its much-awaited annual roundup, Travel and Tour World has unveiled the Top 30 Christmas Holiday Destinations for 2025, spotlighting the cities and regions that truly transform into magical winter — and summer — wonderlands.

This year’s list is a dazzling journey across continents, celebrating destinations that offer everything from Europe’s storybook old towns draped in fairy lights to North America’s iconic festive spectacles, Asia’s futuristic illuminations, and the Southern Hemisphere’s golden, beachside Christmas mornings. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through snow-dusted markets, curling up inside a wooden chalet, joining vibrant cultural parades, or unwrapping gifts under tropical sunshine, these places promise a holiday season that feels straight out of a postcard.

Here’s your wanderlust-worthy guide to what makes each of these 30 destinations sparkle during Christmas 2025 — and why they deserve a spot on your festive travel list.

1. New York City, USA | New York becomes the world’s most festive metropolis each December — complete with the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Fifth Avenue’s glittering window displays, ice-skating rinks, markets, Broadway specials, and the high-energy sparkle only NYC can deliver.

2. Budapest, Hungary | Budapest glows with the Advent Basilica light show, Vörösmarty Square markets, seasonal flavours, and outdoor ice skating — all wrapped in a traditional European Christmas atmosphere.

3. London, United Kingdom | London dazzles with Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, iconic Oxford Street lights, cosy markets, holiday concerts, and classic British treats that make the city a Christmas favourite.

4. Strasbourg, France | Known as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg enchants visitors with Christkindelsmärik’s 300 chalets, medieval streets, Alsatian food, cultural performances, and the most authentic festive charm in France.

5. Nuremberg, Germany | Nuremberg’s historic Christkindlesmarkt fills the medieval old town with mulled wine, Lebkuchen, handcrafted decorations, and centuries-old traditions — ideal for lovers of classic German Christmas culture.

6. Vienna, Austria | Vienna’s imperial streets sparkle with elegant markets, concerts, ice skating at Rathausplatz, and refined festive delicacies — perfect for those seeking a cultured, romantic Christmas.

7. Amsterdam, Netherlands | Amsterdam’s Light Festival transforms the city’s canals into glowing art installations. Add cosy markets, skating rinks, and Dutch holiday traditions for an illuminated winter escape.

8. Hamburg, Germany | Hamburg shines with historic markets, cultural performances, festive streets like Spitalerstrasse, and delicious seasonal treats — delivering a warm, lively Christmas by the waterfront.

9. Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh blends Christmas fairs, rides, markets, seasonal shows, and its famously festive Princes Street, creating a magical, family-friendly Scottish celebration.

10. Rovaniemi, Finland | Rovaniemi — the official hometown of Santa Claus — offers reindeer rides, snowy forests, Santa Claus Village, and true Arctic enchantment for the perfect winter wonderland Christmas.

11. Tokyo, Japan | Tokyo stuns visitors with dazzling illuminations, themed pop-culture events, ultra-creative decorations, and festive shopping — offering a modern, high-energy twist on Christmas.

12. Rome, Italy | Rome’s Christmas is steeped in history — nativity scenes, Piazza Navona markets, festive lights, and Italian seasonal treats fill its ancient streets with warm holiday spirit.

13. Prague, Czech Republic | Prague becomes a fairytale landscape with its market-lined Old Town, castle illuminations, traditional crafts, and atmospheric streets glowing with festive music.

14. Salzburg, Austria | Salzburg blends baroque beauty with historic markets, classical music, alpine scenery, and cosy seasonal traditions — an elegant, storybook Christmas escape.

15. Copenhagen, Denmark | Tivoli Gardens turns into a sparkling Nordic wonderland with lights, rides, stalls, and Danish hygge — making Copenhagen a magical and family-friendly festive city.

Top 30 Christmas Holiday Destinations Around the World for 2025

16. Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona celebrates with markets, vibrant decorations, Mediterranean warmth, nativity displays, and lively Catalan holiday traditions that fill the city with colour and cheer.

17. Cancún, Mexico | Cancún offers a sunlit Christmas filled with Las Posadas festivities, beach parades, fireworks, and cultural performances — perfect for travellers craving a tropical holiday.

18. Cape Town, South Africa | Cape Town’s summer Christmas brings beach celebrations, markets, outdoor concerts, and sweeping views of Table Mountain — an energetic, sunshine-filled festive escape.

19. Buenos Aires, Argentina | In Buenos Aires, Christmas blends tango, street decorations, concerts, and warm summer nights — creating a lively, culturally rich holiday with Latin flair.

20. Stowe, USA | Stowe is the quintessential snowy New England Christmas — complete with ski slopes, cosy inns, markets, and postcard-perfect winter scenery.

21. Jackson Hole, USA | Jackson Hole offers mountain magic through winter sports, festive décor, rustic lodges, and charming small-town traditions — ideal for adventure-filled holidays.

22. Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia’s tropical Christmas mixes beach celebrations, cultural performances, island cuisine, and local festive traditions — making it a paradise wrapped in holiday cheer.

23. Wānaka, New Zealand | Wānaka celebrates a relaxed summer Christmas by the lake with community events, outdoor markets, and scenic landscapes — perfect for families seeking warm festivities.

24. Basel, Switzerland | Basel turns its Old Town into a glowing Christmas village, complete with historic markets, illuminated alleys, artisanal crafts, and classic Swiss holiday treats.

25. Bruges, Belgium | Bruges becomes a medieval winter fairytale with cobblestone streets, canals, ice skating, markets, and heavenly Belgian chocolates and treats.

26. Quebec City, Canada | Quebec City transforms into a European-style festive village with snowy streets, German-inspired markets, lights, and cosy holiday charm.

27. Florida Keys, USA | The Keys celebrate Christmas island-style with boat parades, tropical lights, coastal events, and laid-back festivities under warm winter skies.

28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Rio brings a vibrant summer Christmas to life with luminarias, beach parties, cultural parades, and the city’s famously festive energy.

29. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA | Nicknamed Christmas City, Bethlehem offers markets, heritage trails, live performances, and nostalgic American holiday charm.

30. Dubai, UAE | Dubai goes all-out with extravagant decorations, luxury shopping festivals, global flavours, and record-breaking fireworks — delivering a glamorous, modern Christmas.