Christmas used to mean decorating the tree at home, baking plum cake, and waiting for that one thoughtful gift. But somewhere along the way, it became my favorite time to travel – to see how the rest of the world lights up and celebrates the season in their own way.
The best Christmas celebrations in the world take place in Germany, Finland, the Philippines, Austria, Mexico, Australia, the USA, Italy, Iceland, and Spain. Each destination celebrates in its own special way, from candlelit saunas and giant lanterns to lively parades and midnight feasts.
So if you’re planning a holiday getaway, it’s during Christmas. Here are some of the most amazing places around the world where Christmas isn’t just a holiday, it’s an experience filled with warmth, wonder, and unforgettable traditions.
Top International Destinations for a Magical Christmas Experience
1. Germany
There’s no place quite like Germany when it comes to celebrating Christmas. The air smells of roasted almonds and cinnamon, streets twinkle under fairy lights, and towns transform into storybook settings.
From Nuremberg to Cologne, every corner of Germany comes alive with traditional markets that have been around for centuries. Locals sip on steaming mugs of Gluhwein as choirs sing carols, and handmade ornaments fill the stalls.
Unique Celebration: Germany is the birthplace of the Christmas market, a tradition that began in the 15th century and still defines the country’s festive spirit.
Travel Tip: Visit markets right after sunset when the lights start to glow, but the crowds are still thin for the best experience.
2. Finland
If there’s anywhere that feels straight out of a Christmas postcard, it’s Finland. Snow blankets the ground, reindeer roam freely, and every home glows with candlelight warmth.
Rovaniemi in Lapland is officially Santa’s hometown, where travelers can meet the man himself, post letters from the Santa Claus Main Post Office, and even enjoy a cozy sauna on Christmas Eve, a cherished Finnish tradition.
Unique Celebration: Families gather for a Christmas sauna before the big feast, symbolizing purification before the celebrations begin.
Travel Tip: Stay in a glass igloo to witness the Northern Lights while you sip hot cocoa from bed.
3. Austria
Austria’s Christmas feels straight out of a fairy tale, with snow-dusted Alps, charming villages, and the soft sound of carols echoing through candlelit streets. The scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, while locals gather at cozy markets that seem made for postcards.
But beyond its heartwarming charm lies something thrilling – the Krampuslauf. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, men dress as Krampus, a horned creature who playfully “scolds” naughty children, turning Christmas into a mix of joy and mischief.
Unique Celebration: The Krampus parade is a centuries-old Alpine tradition that combines folklore and festive fun.
Travel Tip: Attend a live concert of Silent Night in Salzburg, the city where the famous carol was written.
4. The Philippines
When it comes to Christmas spirit, no one beats the Philippines. The celebration starts as early as September and lasts till January, making it the longest festive season anywhere on Earth.
Every street glows with parols (colorful star-shaped lanterns), and families come together for nightly novenas, street feasts, and church masses filled with joy and music.
Unique Celebration: The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando features dazzling, hand-crafted lanterns that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and hope.
Travel Tip: Attend an evening Simbang Gabi (night mass) with locals, it’s a heartwarming cultural experience you’ll never forget.
5. Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a nine-day festival of music, lights, and togetherness known as Las Posadas. Streets are alive with candlelight processions reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, while every home opens its doors to neighbors and friends.
The celebrations are vibrant and deeply spiritual. You’ll find pinatas bursting with sweets, fireworks lighting up the sky, and midnight feasts that go on till dawn.
Unique Celebration: Las Posadas and the midnight Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) bring the community together in song, prayer, and celebration.
Travel Tip: Try the traditional ponche navideno, a hot fruit punch served at every Mexican Christmas gathering.
6. Australia
While most of the world bundles up for Christmas, Australians celebrate it under the summer sun. Think barbecue lunches, beach cricket, and Santa surfing on Bondi Beach instead of riding a sleigh!
Cities light up with carol concerts and festive fireworks, but the real joy is in the relaxed vibe, families picnicking by the sea, waves crashing in the background, and Christmas trees made of seashells and sand.
Unique Celebration: Carols by Candlelight events held outdoors in every city, with thousands singing under the stars.
Travel Tip: Pack a picnic and join the locals at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the most magical carol night.
7. USA
From New York’s Rockefeller tree to snowy Alaska, Christmas in the USA is as diverse as the country itself. Every state adds its own twist, such as ice skating in Central Park, boat parades in Florida, or dazzling light festivals in Texas.
It’s a season of pure cinematic joy – oversized decorations, hot chocolate by the fireplace, and neighborhoods competing for the brightest lights. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie.
Unique Celebration: New York City’s iconic celebrations, including the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center and the nearby ice-skating rink, are central to the holiday season.
Travel Tip: Visit small towns like Leavenworth (Washington) or Bethlehem (Pennsylvania) for a cozy, old-world Christmas feel.
8. Italy
In Italy, Christmas is a deeply personal celebration, filled with family, food, and faith. Streets glow with nativity scenes, choirs sing in ancient churches, and homes fill with the aroma of pasta, seafood, and panettone.
The highlight is the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, symbolizing abundance and devotion. Midnight mass in St. Peter’s Basilica is pure magic.
Unique Celebration: Don’t miss the living nativity scenes (Presepe Vivente), where entire villages reenact the story of Christ’s birth.
Travel Tip: Try visiting Assisi or Matera, which host some of the most stunning live nativity performances in the world.
9. Iceland
Iceland’s Christmas is cozy, mysterious, and filled with folklore. Snow blankets the land, northern lights dance above, and locals gather around crackling fires to share stories of elves and the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous pranksters who replace Santa.
Every home glows with candles, and instead of gift-shopping stress, there’s a focus on books, laughter, and warm cocoa, thanks to the Icelandic “Book Flood” tradition.
Unique Celebration: The 13 Yule Lads visit children one by one in the 13 days leading up to Christmas, each with a quirky personality and gift.
Travel Tip: Experience Christmas Eve in Reykjavik for traditional music and fireworks reflected over the snow.
10. Spain
In Spain, Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th; it stretches all the way to January 6th with the grand Three Kings Parade. Streets fill with music, candies are tossed to crowds, and children eagerly await gifts from the wise men.
From midnight feasts called Nochebuena to the buzzing markets of Madrid and Barcelona, Spain’s Christmas feels like a joyful dance of lights, laughter, and faith.
Unique Celebration: The Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) is a spectacular event featuring floats, music, and confetti.
Travel Tip: Stay till early January to witness the Three Kings festivities, it’s the heart of Spain’s Christmas spirit.
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About the Author
Bhawna Nijhawan is the Content Manager at BookMyForex and the go-to person for creating engaging, informative content that resonates with the platform’s diverse audience. With over 8 years of experience in content writing and more than 4 years in the forex industry, she knows exactly how to simplify complex forex topics into something everyone can relate to.
