12 Best Places For Getting Away During Christmas
The Christmas holidays are a great time to get away from everyday stresses. If you are looking for a fantastic place to vacation at Christmas, there are several places you might want to consider. Some have excellent places to shop for Christmas gifts, while others have phenomenal Christmas music, or even winter snow activities like driving reindeer, snowboarding, and ice skating. Travelers can even take in the music of the holidays at special events around the world. Though they are all unique, one major similarity all of them share is awesome Christmas goodies. Here are some possible locations you might want to think about for your next Christmas getaway.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
There are so many places decked out in Christmas spirit in Copenhagen, Denmark, that it may be very hard to see them all on a short visit. Hear the Tivoli Youth Guard play your favorite Christmas songs while strolling through the gardens decorated with more than 500,000 Christmas lights and balls. Be sure to leave time to shop at the Christmas stalls along with eating traditional Christmas goodies. You will feel as if you have stepped into a winter wonderland when you visit many of the brightly decorated hotels. Stroll under the canopy of lights in the city center before hugging up to someone special while sipping on a hot cup of glogg at Nyhavn.
Several outdoor ice skating rinks make for great opportunities to squeeze in some exercise before indulging in traditional Danish Christmas foods such as risengrød, gingerbread cookies, oatmeal balls, and marzipan. It may be a good thing it is cold in Copenhagen in the winter, because it allows you to hide the extra pounds you are sure to gain under a heavy winter overcoat.
2. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany, has so many wonderful Christmas activities that everyone should include it on their holiday bucket list. Shop until you drop in the Old Town market where over 250 vendors offer an amazing variety of things for the holidays, including a number of fantastic bargains. Take in the larger-than-life figures located along Kurfürstendam. The enormous Christmas tree located there is an outstanding place to take photos of yourself, your family, and your friends. Additionally, make sure to visit the chancellor's house to see the beautiful Christmas trees with their bright shiny ornaments located there.
The Christmas Gardens are decorated, and everyone will enjoy strolling around the giant blow-up Christmas displays. You will find plenty of traditional German Christmas treats to eat including almond spritz cookies, Linzer cookies, and molasses-ginger cookies. Finally, always make sure to take in the Christmas fireworks.
3. Lapland, Finland
Father Christmas has declared Lapland, Finland, is his home away from home. You can meet the jolly old man in a red suit at his office located there, along with a wonderful experience at the amusement park surrounding it. Make sure to bring some extra cash so you can go shopping for handmade gifts from local artisans. Nearby, visitors can learn to drive a sleigh pulled by a reindeer or take a dog sled ride. Explore the Sami culture to see why Santa has chosen this area as his adopted homeland. Perhaps, you will even get a chance to see the Aurora Borealis burst across the sky!
Indulge in traditional Finland goodies like rice porridge, baked ham, rutabaga casserole, and gingerbread cookies. You will also want to try your hand at ice fishing and snowshoeing before warming up in front of a crackling fire. Make sure to stop at the Santa Claus Post Office where you can visit with the elf workers and mail a letter home telling everyone about your grand adventure.
4. Colorado, USA
If you cannot get out of the United States for the holidays, you may want to consider taking a Christmas road trip through Colorado. Check out the Race for the Santas, where over one hundred individuals dressed as Santa race down the main street in Breckenridge, Colorado. Head to Alamosa where you can hop aboard a magical Christmas train on which elves and polar bears will serve you Christmas cookies like chocolate crinkles, sugar cookies, and peanut butter blossoms before the train makes a stop to pick up Old Saint Nick. Relax while enjoying a vintage Christmas in Georgetown before taking in a Christmas play and festival in Ouray. Artisans will want to make sure to stop in Aspen to make their own Christmas ornaments while their children enjoy special Christmas storytimes. Consider ending your road trip by watching the Christmas fireworks in Glenwood Springs.
5. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Just under two hours north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, lies the beautiful town of Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, where Christmas is especially magical. You will want to join others traveling from Vancouver and points beyond at the Christmas sing-along or skate with Santa. While there will be plenty of Christmas lights to enjoy around the community, be sure to make plans to attend the fire and ice show put on by the local ski and snowboarding club. If you are not a pro at skiing, think about taking lessons at the ski school. Bring along your skis and snowboards, as this community offers many great opportunities to shred snow. Family ice skating is a great holiday activity, and Santa Claus often shows up at this time!
You will be amazed at all the Christmas lights you can see on a winter stroll through downtown Whistler or from a higher elevation by going on an old-fashioned sleigh ride. Participate in marshmallow roasting around a campfire. Grab a lantern to participate in the nighttime solstice parade. This Canadian city is the perfect place to spend Christmas in.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland during the holidays. The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square come alive with twinkling market stalls selling crafts, mulled wine, and festive sweets. Visitors can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the city’s historic streets or attend a moving Christmas Eve concert at the iconic St. Vitus Cathedral. Don’t leave without trying trdelník (chimney cake) or vánočka (sweet braided bread), two delicious Czech Christmas treats.
7. Vienna, Austria
Vienna radiates imperial elegance during the Christmas season, with its magnificent architecture bathed in the glow of festive lights. The city’s Christmas markets at Schönbrunn Palace and Rathausplatz are filled with handcrafted gifts, holiday decorations, and warm gluhwein (mulled wine). Classical music lovers can enjoy enchanting concerts showcasing seasonal tunes, while foodies will savor Vienna’s famous sachertorte (chocolate cake) alongside steaming cups of mulled wine.
8. Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most beloved Christmas markets, dating back to 1570. The city’s fairy-tale charm shines through its half-timbered houses, each adorned with festive decorations and sparkling lights. Visitors can explore the markets, admire the massive Christmas tree in Place Kléber, and indulge in local specialties like bredele cookies, mulled wine, and rich foie gras.
9. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City brings European charm to North America with its snow-covered cobblestone streets and festive atmosphere. Old Town is the heart of the celebration, complete with twinkling lights, a traditional German-style Christmas market, and ice skating at Place D’Youville. Travelers can warm up with hearty Quebecois dishes like tourtière (meat pie) and enjoy maple taffy rolled in snow—a delightful winter treat that’s sure to leave lasting memorie
10. New York City, USA
New York City truly captures the magic of the holidays with its iconic Christmas celebrations. Visitors can ice skate under the towering Rockefeller Center tree, explore Bryant Park’s Winter Village for unique gifts, and take in a performance of the legendary Radio City Rockettes. The city’s streets are filled with festive vendors selling roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate, making NYC a must-visit destination for a classic American Christmas experience.
11. Reykjavik, Iceland
For a winter wonderland like no other, Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and rich Christmas traditions. The city glows with holiday lights, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere perfect for the season. Adventurers can hunt for the Northern Lights, explore Iceland’s Christmas folklore featuring the 13 Yule Lads, and enjoy glacier hiking or a relaxing soak in geothermal spas. Don’t miss traditional treats like hangikjöt (smoked lamb) andlaufabrauð (leaf bread), Icelandic staples during the holidays.
12. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo celebrates Christmas in its own unique and dazzling way, with spectacular light displays and festive events across the city. Shoppers can explore luxury stores in Ginza, experience the magic of Christmas at Tokyo Disneyland, and marvel at breathtaking illuminations like the Midtown Light Display. Adding a modern twist to the holiday, Christmas in Japan often includes KFC feasts and delicious strawberry shortcake, offering a fun and memorable celebration for visitors.
The Christmas season is a magical time to explore the world’s most enchanting destinations, each offering its own unique blend of holiday traditions, festive lights, and seasonal delights. Whether you’re wandering through the twinkling markets of Europe, marveling at modern illuminations in Tokyo, or soaking in the snowy charm of North America, these getaways promise to make your holidays unforgettable. Wherever you choose to go, let the spirit of the season fill your journey with warmth, joy, and cherished memories. Start planning your next Christmas adventure, and give yourself the gift of a truly magical holiday. Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
