From New York City to Edinburgh, these cities come alive during the holidays.
As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, there’s one question at the top of our minds: Where’s the best place in the world to celebrate Christmas? There’s no time like the holiday season to use up your remaining vacation days, with some of the world’s best cities transforming into veritable wonderlands with winter festivals, dazzling light displays, and enough mulled wine to keep you warm through the rest of the year.
And because so many places come alive during the holidays, there are vacation options for every type of traveler. For those seeking a classic Christmas, European mainstays such as Salzburg and Cologne deliver with charming markets and snow-dusted cobblestones. Prefer to stick closer to home? Head to Quebec City or Montreal for celebrations that rival anything across the pond. There are even warm-weather options for folks who’d rather spend the 25th on a beach.
While every city celebrates the holidays in its own distinctive style, they all guarantee a holly, jolly good time. From Bruges to Zagreb, here are the best places around the world to spend Christmas this year.
Cologne, Germany
Why go: Nothing embodies old-world yuletide charm like a Christmas market, and nobody takes Christmas markets more seriously than Germany. It’s not surprising, then, that Cologne’s festivities draw some four million visitors each winter—but you still need to see them in person to believe it.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Take in the merry sights from the observation deck of KölnTriangle, the tower directly opposite the Cathedral on the Rhine.
Stay here: The Cologne Marriott Hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral, and its spacious rooms are perfect for resting up between market visits.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Why go: Warming up with whisky is reason enough to visit, but Edinburgh’s seasonal offerings extend far past booze. There’s also the sprawling holiday market at East Princes St. Gardens, skiing at Pentland Hills Regional Park, and ice skating at St Andrew Square. Traditionally the Christmas season is followed by the Hogmanay Festival—a three-day bacchanal celebrating the New Year, with outdoor concerts, fireworks, and dancing Scots.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Dine at Edinburgh Castle, which is known to host Christmas lunches (yes, really).
Stay here: If it’s views you’re after, you can’t do much better than The Balmoral, which overlooks the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Why go: Reykjavik shines on the streets and in the sky in December. Strings of glinting Christmas bulbs illuminate the city during its very long nights, and on the clearest evenings, the northern lights can be seen from the city’s darker streets and parks.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The 13 Yule Lads, a group of holiday trolls you’ll see about town, are Iceland’s equivalent to Santa Claus in local folklore (and have actually been around a lot longer than St. Nick).
Stay here: The Reykjavík Edition is a relative newcomer filled with Icelandic touches, from the black lava rock in the lobby to the bed throws from local wool company Ístex.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Why go: According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the world’s happiest countries, making it a great place to spend the holidays. Things are even jollier at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, where antique amusement park rides decorated with lights are surrounded by yet another adorable, alpine village-style Christmas market selling gifts and snacks. The park has also been known to deck out its tree with Swarovski crystals.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Book a table at Restaurant Vita for some andesteg, a traditional Danish holiday dish of crispy, succulent roast duck served with prunes and apples.
Stay here: Never mind hygge—Hotel Sanders takes Danish comfort and contentment to new heights.
Dubai, UAE
Why go: Dubai does Christmas the same way Dubai does nearly everything—in true, over-the-top fashion. Catch the tree lightings happening around town, including the ones at Towers Rotana, Fairmont The Palm, and The Irish Village, and then watch the jolly ol’ St. Nicks making a run for it at the Santa Run. And since no visit to Dubai is complete without several shopping sprees, set aside time to stock up on goodies at one of the city’s Christmas markets.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Dubai Mall is an air-conditioned winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink and indoor ski slopes at Ski Dubai.
Stay here: Jumeirah Al Naseem earns high marks for its posh rooms, easy beach access, and superior dining and spa options.
Zagreb, Croatia
Why go: While Germany tends to get most of the attention when it comes to holiday markets, don’t sleep on Croatia’s capital—Advent in Zagreb was voted the best Christmas market by European Best Destinations in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The city-wide festival features a traditional market in Trg Bana Jelačića, ice skating in King Tomislav Square, a live nativity scene outside the Zagreb Cathedral, and more.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: While browsing the market, look out for vendors selling hand-carved wooden toys from the Hrvatsko Zagorje. These toys are so ingrained in Croatian culture, that they were inducted into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.
Stay here: The Art Deco architecture, marble bathrooms, and Champagne check-ins at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel are sure to impress.
Inari, Finland
Why go: While most tourists flock to the Lapland city of Rovaniemi come Christmas, we suggest heading even further north (like, within reach of the Arctic Ocean north) to the village of Inari. Located in the heart of the scenic Ivalo region—reachable via a 1.5-hour flight from Helsinki—Inari is a pure winter wonderland dotted with hotels and restaurants that keep things nice and cozy. It’s hard to imagine a more authentic winter holiday than one spent riding dog sleds, feeding reindeer, and chasing the Northern Lights.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: A private Northern Lights safari will have you sitting in a heated sleigh and sipping sparkling wine while waiting for the aurora to dance. (Rough life, huh?)
Stay here: Finnish Lapland is known for its glass-igloo accommodations, as well as in-house winter activities and cozy, panoramic cabins at Aurora Village. (Heated windows ensure the snow doesn’t cover your view.) Plus, daily reindeer feedings are available.
Hong Kong, China
Why go: Hong Kong’s yuletide urban offerings rival that of NYC’s, with holiday markets, window displays, and concerts galore (they even have a Santa Con). Then there are the lights. The Symphony of Lights show—held nightly at 8 p.m.—will leave you breathless, thanks to an extravagantly choreographed neon show displayed across more than 40 of the city’s iconic skyscrapers along Victoria Harbor.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Experience the Symphony of Lights during a harbor-front dinner cruise.
Stay here: As if the Ritz-Carlton wasn’t swanky enough, the hotel hosts Christmas parties, dinners, and afternoon teas all season.
London, UK
Why go: Christmas in London has timeless appeal—chalk it up to the decorated Georgian townhouses, lively pubs, and a dash of Dickensian charm. Our step-by-step guide to spending the holidays in London covers the perfect place for afternoon tea, a steak to tuck into after a day spent gift shopping, and a martini to sip on Christmas Eve—and that’s just for starters.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: One of the most magical experiences is gliding around the frozen 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House, a sprawling neoclassical building off the Strand.
Stay here: Claridge’s—because there’s no better place to ring in Christmas than in one of the best hotels on the planet.
Montreal, Canada
Why go: Love the idea of a European holiday but hate the idea of a transatlantic flight? Enter Montreal. With most of the cold-averse tourists flocking south for the winter, Canada’s chicest city reveals its true personality with cozy French restaurants, high-end shopping (hello, last-minute presents), and over-the-top festivals.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Celebrate Christmas with mass at Notre-Dame Basilica, arguably one of the most gorgeous churches in the world. (Celine Dion got married here, so you know it’s good.) Note that the Basilica does charge admission for the service, so make sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Stay here: Located a block away from both Notre-Dame Basilica and the Nutcracker Market at Palais des Congrès, Hotel Place d’Armes is as convenient as it is aesthetically pleasing.
New York City, New York
Why go: There’s no shortage of ways to make your New York City Christmas magical, whether it’s ice skating at Rockefeller Center, window shopping on Fifth Avenue, or lurking around 34th street hoping to witness a miracle.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: There’s no such thing as going overboard with Christmas decorations in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood. Join a walking tour, organized by the area’s residents.
Stay here: The Plaza, full stop. (If it’s good enough for Kevin McCallister…)
Paris, France
Why go: Can you really think of a more magical place to spend Christmas than Paris? The city provides festive activities at every turn, from the light installations on the Champs-Elysées to any number of pop-up markets and ice skating rinks. Even if you don’t feel like shivering out in the cold, warming up with a mug of hot chocolate at Angelina will still get you in the spirit.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Whether you gawk at the window displays outside or the massive Christmas tree inside, Galeries Lafayette is well worth elbowing a few fellow tourists to check out.
Stay here: Hôtel Lutetia is a Left Bank stunner with gourmet holiday menus and an Art Deco lobby decked out with lights and trees. Upgrade to a higher room category for oversized bathtubs and balconies overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Quebec City, Canada
Why go: Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America, and its colonial French architecture gives it an unmistakably European feel. The cobbled streets of the Old Town are packed with quaint shops and delicious bistros, all merrily decorated for the holidays.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Au 1884 toboggan run by Château Frontenac (open from mid-December to mid-March) is one of the city’s oldest traditions—and quite the thrill. Zoom down icy tracks overlooking the city on a wooden sled reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
Stay here: You can’t go wrong with Auberge Saint-Antoine and its lobby fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and a Christmas package that includes a five-course dinner, holiday movie screenings at the in-house theater, and a personal visit from Santa in your room.
Málaga, Spain
Why go: Located in southern Spain, Málaga really goes all out for the holidays. The lights along Calle Larios are some of the best in town, lit in late November and kept on through December. Other can’t-miss activities include the Christmas markets, massive nativity scenes, and free concerts at Plaza de la Constitución.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Verdiales Music Festival on December 28 is one of the city’s biggest seasonal attractions, and definitely the most unique. All day, visitors can watch competing couples don extravagant costumes and practice different forms of verdiales, the regional flamenco dance.
Stay here: A Málaga institution since 2009, Finca Cortesin sets the standard for Andalusian hotels with its sumptuous design and vast swimming pools.
Dublin, Ireland
Why we go: If your idea of Christmas merriment includes an authentic Irish pub crawl (we get it), then Dublin is your place. There’s no better way to warm up on a cold Christmas night than with some black pudding and a few pints—and trust us, this city has enough cozy bars to last you through New Year’s. But the Irish capital isn’t just about drinking, of course. Holiday offerings include Christmas markets, decked-out shops on Grafton Street, and tree-lighting ceremonies galore.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: For 66 years, The Moving Crib in St. Martin Apostolate’s basement has been charming families with its mechanical figures depicting scenes like Noah’s Ark.
Stay here: The Westbury becomes even more luxurious during the holidays, with prime views overlooking the lights of Grafton Street during afternoon tea.
Salzburg, Austria
Why go: It’s no surprise that Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City that served as the backdrop for The Sound of Music also fills its famed Christkindlmarkt with song. With roots dating back to the 15th century, sing-alongs and traditional wind music are as much a part of the festivities as the mulled wine and market stands. We’re not mad about the bauernkrapfen (fried pastries), either.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: It’s literally Christmas all year round at the Christmas in Salzburg shop on Goldgasse, known for its frilly ornaments (especially those hand-painted on eggshells).
Stay here: Hotel Goldener Hirsch is just steps away from Christkindlmarkt, although we’d be fine staying in these comfortable rooms all day.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Why go: Christmas in San Miguel de Allende kicks off on December 12 (aka Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe), and the rest of the month is equal parts solemn and celebratory. You may encounter nativity scenes and church services one day, then parades and fireworks the next. But seeing as it all takes place in one of the friendliest, most beautiful cities in the world, we’re guessing you’ll be able to easily enjoy every moment.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Between December 16 and 24, most of Mexico participates in Las Posadas, a religious festival honoring the Nativity story. Once a day, two people dressed up as Mary and Joseph lead a procession to a different home and ask to be let inside (as in the biblical journey to Bethlehem), and the reenactment typically ends with carols, food, and pinatas.
Stay here: The city has its share of swank hotels, but it’s hard to compete with the spa amenities and rooftop bar at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Why go: Vilnius becomes a true winter wonderland in December, with a Christmas train that weaves through Old Town, 3D nativity stories projected onto buildings, and Christmas markets in the city’s squares.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The headline-making Christmas trees are no joke. This year’s main tree was designed to look like a giant multi-layered birthday cake to honor the city’s upcoming 700th anniversary.
Stay here: The warm and inviting Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius is as close to all the Christmas delights as you can get.
Tokyo, Japan
Why go: The city turns the voltage up each year with its winter illuminations, with different districts competing to create some truly sensational displays. Standout illumination sites include the almost 10-foot-tall snow globes with falling snow at Tokyo Midtown and a massive Baccarat crystal chandelier at Yebisu Garden Place. The bright lights are so popular, they stay up well past Christmas day—often through January or February.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: One of the most famous illuminations is the Blue Cavern (Ao no Dokutsu) in Shibuya, which is inspired by the blue grottos of the Mediterranean.
Stay here: Aman Tokyo, a two-time Gold List winner, has a multi-level spa and deep furo soaking tubs in each room.
By CN Traveler Caitlin Morton November 2024
