12 Best Christmas Destinations to Visit This Holiday Season 🎄✨

August 1, 202510 min readTravel & Destinations

Looking to make this Christmas unforgettable? Whether you're dreaming of snowy getaways, magical markets, or festive city lights — here are the best Christmas destinations to visit in the U.S. and around the world.

1. New York City, USA

See the Rockefeller Center tree, skate at Central Park, and shop the holiday markets. Don't miss the Christmas windows on 5th Avenue and the Radio City Rockettes show.

2. Leavenworth, Washington

This Bavarian-style village transforms into a true Christmas town. Twinkling lights, carolers, and a snowy mountain backdrop make it feel like a holiday movie set.

3. Lapland, Finland

Visit Santa Claus Village, ride with reindeer, and watch the northern lights. Rovaniemi is considered Santa's official home!

4. Vienna, Austria

Famous for its elegant Christmas markets, classical concerts, and baroque architecture. Try mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while exploring the festive old town.

5. Strasbourg, France

Known as the "Capital of Christmas," this Alsatian gem is home to Europe's oldest Christmas market, with a magical blend of French and German holiday traditions.

6. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Nicknamed "Christmas City USA," it offers historic charm, German-style markets, horse-drawn carriages, and tree-lighting festivals.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland

Experience the 13 Yule Lads (Icelandic Santas), snowy volcanoes, and a chance to spot the aurora borealis in one of the most unique Christmas landscapes.

8. London, UK

Take in Oxford Street lights, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, and classic British Christmas cheer. Afternoon tea and carols in historic cathedrals complete the charm.

9. Quebec City, Canada

Cobblestone streets, French culture, and snow-dusted rooftops make this one of the coziest Christmas towns in North America.

10. Chicago, Illinois, USA

Enjoy Christkindlmarket, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and ice skating in Millennium Park. Big city energy meets Midwestern warmth.

11. Cologne, Germany

Home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe — under the Gothic cathedral, along the Rhine River, and throughout the city.

12. Taos, New Mexico, USA

For a unique holiday vibe, Taos blends Native American, Spanish, and Western traditions. Enjoy luminarias, bonfires, and adobe beauty in a peaceful mountain town.

🎁 Pro Travel Tips:

  • Book early — Christmas destinations fill up fast
  • Use countdowns to build anticipation (check out CountdownCrew)
  • Pack festive attire and weather-appropriate layers

Final Thoughts

Whether you're chasing snow or sunshine, lights or peace and quiet — there's a magical place to match your Christmas dream. So grab your passport (or your car keys) and start counting down to your best holiday yet.

🎄 Try a Christmas countdown now at CountdownCrew.com!

Start Christmas Countdown

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