Top 10 Best Christmas Destinations (2018 Edition)

Looking to travel to a NEW Christmas Destination this year?

Every year, most people stay home for Christmas or travel to a relatives house. There is nothing wrong with this! But sometimes in life, it’s time to switch things up! It’s fun to see how people around the world put their own spin on celebrating Christmas.

 

If you are curious to see THE BEST CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS around the world, scroll through for some seriously holiday-inspired getaways.

 

 

 

 

(IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

1. Disney Parks

As expected, I had to include the Disney Parks on this list. What I love about visiting Disneyland, for example, is the attention to detail. Whether you are just arriving in Downtown Disney near the entrance, or in the back of the park near some bathrooms, you will be surrounded by an abundance of Christmas elements. I am a proud Annual Pass holder and every visit, especially around the holidays, is worth every penny. There are many beautiful places for the perfect photo opp, like in front of the enormous Christmas tree near the entrance in Main Street, U.S.A. The Disney Park locations include Disneyland, Disneyworld, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Aulani Disney Resort & Spa.

 

 

 

2. Leavenworth

There is an entire town dedicated to Christmas during this time of year, and you don’t have to travel to Europe to witness it. In the small Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Washington, east of Seattle and north of Yakima, you will find the most adorable display of festive Christmas Cheer. Leavenworth hosts a Christmas Lighting Festival complete with the arrival of Santa Claus and over a half million lights! Other highlights include a Christmas Bazaar, caroling, sledding, holiday marches, and a whole lot more. Make sure you check the schedule ahead of time because there are different activities scheduled depending on the day.

 

 

 

3. Germany

Germany is an exciting option to celebrate Christmas. But where are the best places in Germany to experience the Holidays? One great option is the Christmas Market in Aachen, located west of Cologne near the borders of The Netherlands and Belgium. It attracts 1.5 million people a year due to it’s authentic appeal. The World’s Largest Advent Calendar House is located in Gengenbach, Germany, west of Stuttgart near the French border. Another highly recommended Christmas destination in Germany is Berlin. There are several festive markets to enjoy as well as the Berlin Cathedral, or Berliner Dom, where you can witness breathtaking Christmas choral and organ performances.

 

 

 

4. England

England is a beautiful Christmas destination to enjoy. You can enjoy an urban Christmas in London or a quaint country getaway in Cornwall or Yorkshire. In London, the Christmas markets are impressive and plentiful. Visit Christmas By The River for spectacular views of the Tower Bridge. If you are looking for something brand new and ethical, the Zero Waste Christmas Market comes to London for the first time on December 8th, 2018. Looking to celebrate Christmas in more of a quaint setting? Consider the picturesque Mousehole, located in West Cornwall along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

 

 

5. Israel/Palestine

For many, Israel/Palestine is the ultimate bucket list destination. Many prefer to visit for the historic and religious significance one can expect from such an ancient place. In Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, visit the Basilica of the Nativity (but make sure you book in advance if you want to attend Mass.) In Nazareth, there is a beautiful traditional Christmas parade that takes place on December 23rd. Jesus was said to have been baptized in the Jordan River, and you can too at the Yardenit Sacred Site.

 

 

 

6. New York City

Looking at the Big Apple for your next Christmas destination? There are tons of festive things to do here, especially if you are traveling with your family. The most iconic place to ice skate in the city is The Rink at Rockefeller City, but there are also great alternatives at the Wollman Rink in Central Park or the Bryant Park Rink, New York City’s only free ice skating rink. Get entertained with a show by the Famous Radio City Rockettes or catch How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical on Broadway. No trip to New York City in December is complete without viewing the huge Rockefeller City Christmas Tree.

 

 

 

7. Las Vegas

Las Vegas may not be the first place one would think of when planning a Christmas trip, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The 24/7 city offers many festive holiday attractions that the whole family would enjoy. The Bellagio Hotel & Casino offers the famous Dancing Water Fountains and the Conservatory & Botanical Garden, both with a Christmas theme. Visit The LINQ Promenade for festive Christmas lights and periodic festive performances. Head to Downtown Las Vegas AKA Fremont Street for the Christmas Tree Lighting and awesome light show. Venture outside of The Strip to Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall for a festive winter wonderland. By the way, everything I have just listed is FREE!

 

 

 

8. Finland

A Christmas Destinations List would not be complete without Finland, the birthplace of Santa Claus! In Rovaniemi, north of Oulu, you can visit Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village, his official hometown. In the same town, you can have a once in a lifetime experience and sleep in a (glass) igloo! Check out the Helsinki Christmas Market, the most popular (and oldest) market in Finland. To really get into the Christmas spirit, take a husky or reindeer ride!

 

 

 

9. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is not a typical Christmas destination that comes to mind, but it is amazing choice! An evening cruise on Victoria Harbor with the backdrop of an insane amount of Christmas lights to gaze upon is reason enough to make the trip. CNN considers Hong Kong as one of the Top 10 Christmas Destinations, with one of the reasons due to the magnificent Hong Kong Winter Festival, featuring a Symphony of Lights and a spectacular 3D laser display. Hong Hong is also a huge foodie capital, with a tremendous array of restaurants to fill you up on your holiday trip.

 

 

 

10. Denmark

I had to close this list off with another European destination because of the abundance of Christmas Spirit that can be found here. You won’t want to miss Christmas in Tivoli featuring an endless display of lights, and of course, Santa Claus. The Copenhagen Christmas Markets are particularly special, with the familiar smells of gingerbread and mulled wine in the air. Check out the old fashioned Hans Christian Andersen Market located in Odense. Traveling just south of there, you can visit a market in the very beautiful Egeskov Castle from centuries past. A tradition to try, that many Danes love, is winter bathing. To get your quintessential colorful-Danish-building photo opp, head to the Nyhavn Christmas Market!

 

Well, that wraps up the Top 10 Christmas Destinations, 2018 Edition!

I hope you have been inspired to maaaaybe reconsider your traditional Christmas plans in favor of something new.

Can’t make it ON Christmas Day?

Many of these destinations start their festivities from November until sometime in January so you have some wiggle room!

 

If you had an unlimited budget + unlimited time off of work, and could choose ONE Christmas Destination from the list, which one would it be? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! I would love to hear your thoughts 🙂

 

*****PIN FOR LATER!*****

 

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