Here are 20 fantastic Christmas getaways for 2024, ranging from snowy wonderlands to tropical paradises, along with tips, activities, and recommendations for planning:Let me know if you’d like more details about any destination!
New York City, USA
Why Go: Iconic holiday lights, the Rockefeller Center tree, and festive store displays.
Tips: Visit Dyker Heights for its impressive neighborhood light displays.
Activities: Ice skate in Central Park and catch holiday performances on Broadway
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
Lapland, Finland
Why Go: Home of Santa Claus, snow-covered landscapes, and reindeer rides.
Tips: Book a stay in a glass igloo for Northern Lights viewing.
Activities: Visit Santa Claus Village and enjoy traditional Finnish saunas
Ong Boon Long/Shutterstock
Edinburgh, Scotland
Why Go: Magical Christmas markets and cozy pubs.
Tips: Explore the festive East Princes Street Gardens.
Activities: Whisky tastings and scenic winter hikes in the Pentland Hills
© Matt Beech
Copenhagen, Denmark
Why Go: Charming Christmas markets and delicious glögg (mulled wine).
Tips: Warm up in local saunas during cold evenings.
Activities: Visit Tivoli Gardens, beautifully decorated for the season
Kim Wyon
Branson, Missouri, USA
Why Go: Famous for its Christmas-themed shows and lights.
Tips: Visit Silver Dollar City for its spectacular decorations.
Activities: Attend holiday parades and explore family-friendly attractions
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Phuket, Thailand
Why Go: Escape winter with sunny beaches and tropical vibes.
Tips: Combine festive dining with traditional Thai spa treatments.
Activities: Enjoy beachside parties and explore cultural landmarks
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Naples, Florida, USA
Why Go: Warm weather, luxury resorts, and festive holiday displays.
Tips: Stay at the Inn on Fifth for central access to attractions.
Activities: Attend Naples’ Christmas boat parade
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London, England
Why Go: Stunning Christmas lights and iconic holiday theater productions.
Tips: Don’t miss “A Christmas Carol” at the Old Vic.
Activities: Shop at Oxford Street and stroll through Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
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Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Why Go: Over-the-top decorations and festive shows.
Tips: Explore resorts like Bellagio and Wynn for themed displays.
Activities: See the Las Vegas Motor Speedway light show
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Goa, India
Why Go: Unique blend of beach vibes and Christmas traditions.
Tips: Book early for New Year celebrations.
Activities: Carol singing, nativity scene competitions, and street festivals
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Tenerife, Spain
Why Go: Warm weather, beaches, and Spanish holiday traditions.
Tips: Attend local parades and sample holiday seafood feasts.
Activities: Whale watching and exploring Mount Teide
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Berlin, Germany
Why Go: Legendary Christmas markets and lively urban celebrations.
Tips: Pack warm clothing for subzero temperatures.
Activities: Enjoy mulled wine and traditional German pastries
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Barbados
Why Go: Sunny Christmas on the beach with Caribbean music.
Tips: Attend a festive beach feast.
Activities: Relax on pristine beaches and explore local culinary delights
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Cypress
Why Go: Mild weather and Mediterranean holiday traditions.
Tips: Take part in 12 days of Christmas festivities starting December 24.
Activities: Explore ancient sites and enjoy local pomegranates as decorations
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Cape Verde
Why Go: Vibrant African culture with Christmas beach parties.
Tips: Experience traditional Creole music and cuisine.
Activities: Snorkeling and island hopping
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Sri Lanka
Why Go: Warm beaches and rich cultural heritage.
Tips: Try Sri Lankan Christmas cake, infused with spices.
Activities: Surfing and tea plantation tours
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Paris, France
Why Go: The City of Light dazzles with holiday displays.
Tips: Visit Christmas markets at La Défense or Champs-Élysées.
Activities: Ice skate under the Eiffel Tower
Jorg Greuel / Getty Images
Montreal, Canada
Why Go: French-Canadian charm with snowy streets and festive lights.
Tips: Stay near Old Montreal for cobblestone alleys lit up for the holidays.
Activities: Ride horse-drawn carriages and explore the Christmas Village
Stéphan Poulin | Tourisme Montréal
Reykjavik, Iceland
Why Go: Northern Lights and unique Icelandic Christmas traditions.
Tips: Don’t miss the 13 Yule Lads at city celebrations.
Activities: Soak in the Blue Lagoon and explore snow-covered volcanoes
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Salzburg, Austria
Why Go: Authentic European Christmas markets in a picturesque setting.
Tips: Attend a concert at Mozart’s birthplace.
Activities: Stroll through Mirabell Palace Gardens adorned with lights
Salzburg-Experience
