The Top Christmas Destinations For Your 2023 Vacation

With the holiday season fast approaching, my excitement is boundless. I had already begun my search for the top Christmas destinations for my holiday escape. That’s when I discovered the enchanting realm of awe-inspiring destinations.  So here is my virtual sleigh trip for you to some of the best Christmas holiday destinations.  Before leaving for your trip, you can get a comprehensive understanding of these travel spots. Whether you want a white Christmas or a cozy retreat, your vacation is bound to be unforgettable. The countdown begins.

Table Of Contents

The Best Christmas Holiday Destinations 2023

You can spend Christmas with Santa in Lapland, shop at a real German market, or just relax in the sun this winter. Let’s have a look at some of the best places to spend Christmas this year.

Lapland, Finland 

Lapland, in northern Finland, is a stunning, contrasting arctic environment. For those who wish for a winter paradise, this is as close as reality gets. 

For the real thing, go north to the smaller towns of Levi, Yllas, or Saariselka. You can also do a lot of other winter activities there, like skiing, snowmobiling, and riding reindeer. The commute time from the airport to Levi is about 20 minutes, making it convenient for families with tired children. Here, Santa’s town is well out in the wilderness: a clump of twinkly log cottages concealed beneath snow-laden pines. On private trips to his workshop, Santa Claus lets kids make gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus. They also make decorations and go to Elf school to learn Finnish phrases like “Hyvaa Joulua” (Happy Christmas). The emphasis is on good-natured holiday merriment, and it’s nice that souvenir shops are few and far between.

However, you should not visit before the second or third weekend in December if you want to see snow. Avoid the 24-hour round-trips; your youngster will be so exhausted and irritable that you will wonder why you bothered. Even if you have four nights, you’ll wish you had more. Here, only between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. does the sky light up with the uncanny hues of green and pink.

New York, The Best Christmas Holiday Destinations

This is the most well-known urban island in the world. It has everything you could possibly need for a fantastic city vacation. That includes world-class restaurants, bars, museums, art galleries, shopping, and entertainment. This makes it the best Christmas destination for 2023.

Particularly in movies, this city personifies Christmas. Don’t miss the beautiful lights at Macy’s on 34th Street, the steps at the Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2, or the Rockefeller tree from Elf. There is a chance of snowfall, but not as likely as in the movies with permanent snow cover. This is because it can get as cold as -10C. During the Christmas season in New York, stores put up huge window displays that look like free art shows. Start with Fifth Avenue’s glamorous Bergdorf Goodman, then stroll by Tiffany’s and quickly make your way to Saks. After that, proceed to the Rockefeller Center to enjoy mulled wine and take in the tree. Bryant Park becomes a Winter Village during the Christmas season. There are vendors offering reasonably priced goods like soaps and scarves crafted by hand. The use of the ice rink is also free of charge.

Courchevel, France

When it comes to skiing, Courchevel is one of the best smoothies.  Along the edges of the woods are great places to stay that are ski-in/ski-out, like restaurants and cabins.

The world’s elite still flock to Courchevel every year. The most lavish ski resorts feature five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants next to broad, beginner-friendly runs. From Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve, imagine picture-perfect smiles and champagne bars set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. Although staying in a self-catering apartment in the town’s handy Forum can help you save money, Courchevel is still a costly spot to spend New Year’s Eve. Learn the ropes at New Generation Ski School so you don’t end up in a heap far from the action on the slopes. And don’t hold off the partying until New Year’s Eve.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s historic Old Town Square is widely regarded as one of the top Christmas destinations to celebrate Christmas. During this time, the square transforms into a magical haven adorned with enchanting Christmas markets and breathtaking decorations.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a particularly lovely sight during the winter season. It is among the most stunning and best Christmas holiday destinations in the world. You may take in the city’s Baroque and Gothic buildings during a stroll down Nerudova Street in Mala Strana. Go to the State Opera or the National Theater and take in a ballet performance. Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square both have great holiday markets. Here, Christmas is nothing but a good time.

Vienna, Austria

This is a truly magical place during the Christmas season. It captivates visitors with its sophisticated Christmas markets, enchanting classical concerts, and the grandeur of the city illuminated by festive lights.

Vienna is a fantastic destination for a Christmas getaway. There’s Mulled Wine in the air, imperial buildings are decked out in holiday splendor, and there are three outdoor Christmas markets to peruse. Visitors can shop for unique handicrafts and trinkets made by local artisans. Delicious finger appetizers can be served alongside the excellent spiced mulled wine. A Christmas holiday is going to be exciting in Vienna.

Iceland, The Best Christmas Holiday Destinations

Iceland, also referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” is a unique location on Earth, nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, just beneath Greenland. The sheer number of unique sites and activities makes it the top Christmas destination on travel bucket lists.

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, it has to be Iceland. Christmas markets here are a hive of activity. Vendors hawk festive fare and wares under the watchful gaze of towering evergreens. It has a scene reminiscent of a winter fairytale, complete with untamed lava fields and rugged mountains dusted with snow. The fun begins as the cold starts to set in. There’s no better time than when it’s below freezing to take a refreshing dip in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. If you crave the Northern lights, drive yourself up into the mountains at night to catch a glimpse. And don’t miss out on other seasonal excursions, like hiking close to the Snaefellsjokull glacier.

Munich, Germany

Yes, It’s indeed one of the best Christmas holiday destinations. Believe me when I say that the Christmas markets in Munich are pure enchantment. Indulge in a mug of mulled wine (glühwein), snack on some candied almonds, and take in the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Munich.

Munich has a lot of options for Christmas markets, which makes it a strong player in the Christmas market scene. It features an incredible variety of markets, from the most standard to the most outlandish. Is it the traditional wooden shacks, handmade ornaments, and never-ending glühwein you seek? You’ve found the right location, then. In winter, Munich’s outdoor food market becomes a festive wonderland with new vendors and beautiful decorations. On the weekend, you may even indulge in a horse-drawn carriage ride if you’re feeling particularly extravagant.

Edinburg, Scotland

The Gothic Storybook Capital is a sight to behold. Its ambiance and architecture have made it one of the world’s best cities for centuries. You won’t find another place in Britain where an ancient volcano coexists with a medieval castle, a royal house, and a steampunk steeple.

There’s more to wintry Edinburgh than just gingerbread-scented markets and rowdy Hogmanay celebrations. When the weather outside is gloomy, you can always drop into one of the many cozy bars and restaurants for a heartwarming dram of Scotch.

Early December is a great time to visit because the Christmas markets are open for shopping but the city is still quiet. You can visit the Scottish National Gallery to look at winter scenes or bar hop under the twinkling lights of George Street. You can also ride the panoramic huge wheel high above Princes Street. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden after dark to sip spiced cider and take in the holiday lights.

Salzburg, Austria

‘If it ain’t baroque, don’t fix it’ is a great adage for Salzburg. There is this picturesque Altstadt (old town) tucked away at the base of steep hills. Surprisingly, it looks almost the same as it did when Mozart lived there 250 years ago.

Enjoy the cheesy fantasy holiday for all that it is. Salzburg, the city of Mozart and “The Sound of Music,” is stubbornly traditional. It looks like a chocolate box. It will make you feel right at home with its baroque splendor and snow-capped hills. Explore Old Town’s cobblestone streets, try beers in vaults, and shop for lederhosen. To get ready the obvious answer is to summit every peak.

Walk down Salzburg’s upscale Getreidegasse to start your vacation. The five-story houses from the Renaissance will keep you warm. A shop called Balkan Grill Walter has been selling Balkan beef sausages since 1950. It’s only a few yards away from exploring the building’s dimly lit arched hallways. Stop for some prosecco at Seppo’s wine bar or get cozy with the locals in the secluded Sternbräu beer garden later.

Dublin, Ireland

No place in the world is better than home to celebrate Christmas, as any Irish person will attest! The air is filled with magic, fairy lights, enthusiasm, and most importantly, good humor!

One of the top Christmas destinations is Dublin, according to a survey. If your idea of a perfect Christmas is getting cozy for a famous beer crawl along many cobblestone streets, Dublin is the place for you. Grafton Street is “a wonderland, there’s magic in the air,” as the old song goes. Anyone who has been there during the holidays can see why. The street is particularly lovely this time of year because of the shop window displays, carolers, and Christmas lights.

Riga, Latvia

Riga, the Latvian capital, is the most beautiful city in Latvia and all of the Baltics. Riga’s historic core has been designated as a World Heritage Site. Riga is also a beautiful city to look at in terms of architecture. It has historic churches, medieval buildings, exceptional Art Nouveau, and ancient wooden buildings.

In Riga, the Christmas Market is in the beautiful Town Hall Square, which has some very amazing architecture. A wooden figure carousel, pony rides, and a horse-drawn carriage are just a few of the kid-friendly special events that the city offers. As a result of all these festivities, Riga has become one of the most desirable places to spend the holiday season. 

Handmade woolen socks, wooden candlesticks, Latvian honey, and pretty gloves are a few of the goods that people of all ages can look at and enjoy. It is typical to drag a log, make crafts with embroidery, and eat traditional food while on vacation in Riga for Christmas.

Wrap Up

We hope that this list of the best Christmas holiday destinations for 2023 has made you crave life-changing adventures. Feel the magic of Christmas and travel at the same time, capturing the spirit of this unique time of year that goes beyond borders. The top Christmas destinations offer customs, scenery, and festive cheer. May your festivities be joyful and memorable, whether you choose a sunny beach or a snowy winter wonderland. Wishing you a delightful holiday season and a journey filled with safety!