Christmas has always meant more to me than just a date on the calendar. Every year, I find myself drawn to places where the season transforms entire cities, where lights drape over old streets, music floats through winter air, and traditions make you feel like you have stepped into a different world.
Places to visit during Christmas include Germany, Finland, the Philippines, Austria, Mexico, Australia, the USA, Italy, Iceland, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic, Canada, and New Zealand.
Over time, discovering new destinations during Christmas has become one of my favourite ways to travel, and if you are planning a festive getaway too, here are some of the best places to experience the magic.
Where to Go for an Unforgettable Christmas Holiday
1. Germany
Germany has a way of making Christmas feel exactly the way you imagine it as a child. The markets are the first thing that you will notice, and not because they are huge or dramatic, but because they feel personal.
You move from one wooden stall to another, and every corner has something handmade, something warm, something nostalgic.
Even if you’re walking alone, you never really feel alone. There is always someone smiling over a cup of hot Gluhwein, a choir singing in the background, or a tiny ornament catching your eye. It is a place where Christmas traditions have stayed untouched for centuries, and you can feel that in the air.
What makes Germany special is that you don’t have to “look for” Christmas. It is everywhere, in the food, in the lights, in the way people gather as if winter is not cold at all.
Must-Visit Event: If you’re in Germany for Christmas, don’t miss the moment when the Christkind appears on the balcony in Nuremberg to officially open the market. It feels like stepping into a living tradition.
2. Finland
Finland doesn’t try hard to be magical; it just is. There is something about the quiet snowfall, the way the light fades early, and the stillness of the forests that makes you slow down immediately.
Lapland is the main draw, of course, but it is not just for kids. Adults feel the magic too, even if they don’t admit it at first.
The whole idea of Santa living here sounds like a tourist thing until you actually see it, the post office, the reindeer, the little pathways covered in snow.
Suddenly, it feels believable again. And at night, if the sky is clear, the Northern Lights do the rest of the storytelling for Finland. What people really love is how Christmas feels intimate here. No noise, no rush. Just soft lights, warm cabins, and a sense of peace you rarely feel anywhere else.
Must-Visit Event: Visiting Santa’s official hometown is almost mandatory here. Writing a postcard from Santa’s post office is simple, sweet, and surprisingly magical.
3. Austria
Austria gives you the kind of Christmas that belongs in quiet postcards, soft lights, snowy rooftops, warm bakeries, and old streets that look prettier in winter. Markets here feel gentle and charming, more about soaking in the mood than shopping quickly and moving on.
But Austria also has its mischievous side. Just when the season feels too peaceful, the Krampus tradition appears, where people dressed in elaborate costumes that are equal parts funny and frightening. It’s unexpected, lively, and adds a surprising edge to the usual calm.
Between classical concerts, cozy cafes, and villages that look untouched by time, Austria manages to blend elegance and charm with a little winter drama.
Must-Visit Event: Don’t miss the Silent Night Concert in Salzburg. Hearing “Silent Night” performed in the city where it was composed is soft, emotional, and unforgettable.
4. Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas doesn’t slip quietly into the month; it arrives with music, colour, and community. The celebrations feel warm and vibrant, and you instantly notice how much heart goes into everything.
Las Posadas is the soul of the season. People walk together at night, singing, carrying candles, knocking on doors until a home finally welcomes everyone in. Suddenly, the quiet evening turns into a feast with laughter, food, and togetherness.
The whole festive season has this beautiful mix of tradition and celebration. It’s emotional, joyful, and full of warmth – the kind of Christmas you still think about long after you’ve returned home.
Must-Visit Event: Make sure to attend a traditional posada night. Walk with candles, sing with the crowd, and join the feast when the doors finally open. It’s community warmth at its best.
5. The Philippines
The Philippines celebrates Christmas like no one else. It begins early, stretches for months, and somehow never loses energy. Lanterns shine from every home, every street, every corner – bright, colourful, and handmade with so much joy that you can’t help but smile.
Even if you don’t understand the language, you feel part of the celebration. People invite you into their homes, share food, share music, share stories. The night masses, the street parades, the laughter, it all blends into a festive rhythm that feels warm and welcoming.
Christmas here isn’t just a calendar event. It is a mood, a feeling, a shared happiness that everyone participates in. It is one of the few places where strangers instantly feel like family.
Must-Visit Event: Don’t miss the Giant Lantern Festival. Huge, glowing lanterns spinning in colourful patterns create one of the happiest Christmas celebrations you will ever witness.
6. USA
There is something undeniably charming about Christmas in the USA. Maybe it is because we have all seen the holiday movies, the giant trees, the skating rinks, the cozy streets glowing with lights. And the best part? The real experience lives up to it.
Cities like New York feel grand and festive, with huge displays, busy markets, and music everywhere. But the magic isn’t only in the big cities. Small towns go all out with wooden houses decorated perfectly, local parades, hot chocolate stalls, and community gatherings that feel warm and intimate.
Every place has its own version of Christmas, and that variety makes the country stand out. Some celebrations feel glamorous, some feel simple, but all of them feel joyful in their own way.
Must-Visit Event: Don’t miss the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. Standing beneath the giant sparkling tree at night feels exactly like stepping into a Christmas movie.
7. Australia
Australia flips the usual Christmas image upside down, but in the best possible way. Instead of snow, you get sunshine. Instead of fireplaces, you get the beach. And somehow, it works perfectly.
Families spend the day outdoors with beach cricket, picnics, barbecue lunches, and Santa arriving on a surfboard instead of a sleigh. It is light, cheerful, and refreshing, especially for anyone used to winter Christmases.
At night, cities come alive with concerts, fireworks, and outdoor gatherings. The whole celebration has a breezy, fun energy that makes you forget Christmas can ever feel stressful.
Must-Visit Event: Visit Bondi Beach during Christmas. Bright sun, ocean breeze, music, and thousands of people celebrating together in a way you have never seen before.
8. Iceland
Iceland’s charm lies in its simplicity. The winter nights are long, the homes glow softly, and the snow settles thick and silent across the landscapes. It is the kind of place where Christmas feels slow, calm, and deeply comforting.
The local folklore makes it even more interesting. Instead of one Santa, there are 13 Yule Lads, each with his own personality and quirks. It adds a playful side to an otherwise quiet celebration.
When you step outside and the sky lights up with the Northern Lights, the whole experience becomes unforgettable. It is Christmas in its most peaceful form.
Must-Visit Event:Exploring the traditions of Iceland’s 13 mischievous Yule Lads adds a charming, quirky touch to the quiet winter nights of Iceland.
9. Spain
Spain isn’t in a hurry to end the festive season. Even after December 25th, the celebrations continue, and the biggest event, the Three Kings Parade, arrives in January. It is colourful, loud, cheerful, and full of energy.
Christmas Eve, on the other hand, is beautifully intimate. Families gather late into the night, sharing meals, conversations, and traditions that have been passed down for years.
Markets, plazas, and streets stay festive well into the new year, giving travellers more time to soak in the season instead of rushing through it.
Must-Visit Event:Don’t miss the Three Kings Parade. It is Spain’s grand, joyful end to the festive season, including floats, music, dancers, and sweets.
10. Italy
Italy celebrates Christmas from the heart. You see it in the decorations, you feel it in the music, but most of all, you taste it in the food. Families gather around long tables, laughing, cooking, and sharing dishes that have been part of their traditions for generations.
Nativity scenes are everywhere – small ones in homes, elaborate ones in town squares, even live performances in certain villages. They add a gentle, spiritual tone to the celebration.
Whether you are watching midnight mass in a grand cathedral or walking through small towns lit with yellow lamps, Italy gives you a Christmas that feels warm, meaningful, and deeply human.
Must-Visit Event: Make sure to attend the Christmas Eve Feast (La Vigilia). It is a long, laughter-filled seafood dinner that brings people together.
Planning Your Christmas Trip: A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Travelling during Christmas feels exciting, but it also comes with its own little quirks. Cities get busier, traditions change from place to place, and the weather can surprise you more than once. But that’s also what makes Christmas travel so rewarding; every destination teaches you something new.
1. Book early, really early
Christmas is peak season everywhere. Hotels, concerts, igloo stays, and even Christmas markets in popular cities fill up months in advance.
2. Check the weather properly
From freezing winters in Iceland to beachy summers in Australia, Christmas looks completely different depending on where you go. Pack smart so you are not caught off guard.
3. Plan your must-do experiences beforehand
Events like the Silent Night concert in Austria or the Three Kings Parade in Spain attract massive crowds. Having your dates locked in helps you enjoy them stress-free.
4. Sort your forex before you travel
Each country has its own mix of card payments, cash needs, and small vendors who may not accept international cards. Handling currency in advance via a reputable platform like BookMyForex saves both time and money.
5. Keep an eye on local timings
Some destinations have early market closures, limited Christmas Day transport, or long holiday breaks. A quick check helps you avoid surprises.
6. Stay flexible with your itinerary
Christmas travel is unpredictable – weather delays, sudden crowds, or extended celebrations can change your plans. A little buffer makes your trip smoother.
7. Pack layers, not just thick jackets
Christmas events often mean moving between freezing outdoor markets and warm indoor cafes. Layers keep you comfortable without overheating.
8. Expect early sunsets in northern countries
In places like Iceland, daylight lasts only a few hours. Plan sightseeing accordingly, as mornings disappear quickly in winter.
Make Your Christmas Travel Smoother with BookMyForex
The last thing anyone wants during a Christmas holiday is to waste time hunting for currency, paying high rates at the airport, or worrying about card acceptance in different countries.
That’s where BookMyForex makes things easier. You can buy 40+ foreign currencies online at live, transparent rates and get them delivered straight to your doorstep. No bargaining, no guessing, no last-minute stress. Just place the order online in 5 minutes and focus on your trip.
And if you prefer the convenience of cashless travel, the BookMyForex Zero Markup Forex Card is an even smarter choice. It works seamlessly in over 150 countries, helps you avoid surprise rate fluctuations, and can be reloaded instantly through the app, even if you are already abroad.
Christmas travel is all about the experience, the lights, the music, the traditions, and the little surprises along the way. BookMyForex ensures that managing your money never gets in the way of that joy. Because great trips don’t start at the airport… they start at home, with the right planning.
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.
