Ever wondered where the places to visit during Christmas in the world come alive with fairy lights, snowflakes, and endless joy? From fairytale towns to sunlit beaches, the festive season with WanderOn can turn the globe into a playground for wanderers looking for the best Christmas celebrations in the world.
If you want to feel the origin story of Christmas, then Bethlehem is your dream stop — it’s the very birthplace of Jesus and the heart of the holiday spirit. Craving a snow-dusted wonderland? Lapland in Finland is where reindeer run free and Santa’s sleigh bells actually jingle, travelling with your special someone? Amsterdam wraps romance and holiday sparkle into one glowing package. And if you want a splash of sunshine with your plum pudding, Australia’s Bondi Beach turns Christmas into a surf party!
So, whether you’re chasing snow, love, or adventure, this Christmas trip allows you to visit the best Christmas destinations in the world, one magical celebration at a time.
Christmas Celebrations Around The World
If you want to feel the magic of Christmas right where it began, Bethlehem is the place to be. Known as the birthplace of Jesus, this holy city glows with candlelight, choirs, and midnight masses that fill the air with peace and joy. The best Christmas celebrations in the world begin here at Manger Square, where faith meets festivity. It’s not just a visit, it’s a journey into history wrapped in twinkling lights and carols that never fade.
Ever dreamt of meeting Santa for real? Head to Lapland with our special Northern Lights, Finland Tour, the ultimate snow kingdom that feels straight out of a Christmas movie. With glistening Northern Lights, reindeer rides, and cozy log cabins, it’s easily one of the best Christmas destinations in the world. Kids and grown-ups alike can post letters to Santa or sip cocoa under the Aurora Borealis. Every snowflake here whispers “Merry Christmas” — making Lapland the best place to visit during Christmas for true believers in magic.
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If you want a Christmas filled with grandeur and grace, Vatican City is your go-to destination, which you can easily plan with our Europe Packages. The towering Christmas tree at St. Peter’s Square and the Pope’s Midnight Mass create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Thousands gather to celebrate faith, unity, and joy in the world’s smallest country, making it one of the best Christmas holiday destinations for pilgrims and travellers alike. Even if you’re not religious, the spirit here will warm your heart and light your soul.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Looking for the best places to spend Christmas around the world with your special someone? Amsterdam is where love meets lights. The canals shimmer with reflections of Christmas trees, and the air smells like sweet waffles and warm laughter. Couples skate hand in hand at Museumplein’s ice rink or watch the city glow during the Light Festival. It’s cosy, charming, and oh-so-romantic; no wonder Amsterdam ranks high among the top Christmas destinations for couples every year.
5. New York City, The United States Of America
No list of the best places to visit during Christmas is complete without New York City. The entire city turns into a real-life Christmas movie with sparkling lights, carolers on the streets, and the famous Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree towering high. From ice skating in Central Park to shopping on Fifth Avenue, the energy here is contagious. Whether it’s your first Christmas in the Big Apple or your tenth, New York makes you feel like every snowflake fell just for you.
6. Bondi Beach, Australia
Who says Christmas needs snow? At Bondi Beach, it’s all about sun, surf, and Santa hats made of sand. Here, December means barbecues on the beach, DJ parties, and tinsel-topped surfboards. It’s the best country to visit during Christmas if you love fun in flip-flops. The ocean breeze replaces chilly air, but the festive vibe stays just as bright. Bondi proves that sometimes the best Christmas celebration in the world happens under the sun, not the snow.
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Munich turns into a gingerbread dream each December, with dozens of Christmas markets, glowing stalls, and steaming mugs of Glühwein. The scent of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread fills Marienplatz, and carol singers bring charm to every corner. For couples and families alike, it ranks among the best Christmas places to visit because of its authentic Bavarian traditions, festive lights, and cozy beer halls that serve seasonal treats. Visit in late November through December for full market action — it’s one of the top places to visit during December.
8. Prague, Czech Republic
If you believe in fairy tales, Prague is your Christmas wish come true. Its cobblestone streets, Gothic towers, and glowing markets make it one of the best Christmas destinations in the world. Sip mulled wine under the grand Christmas tree at Old Town Square or explore the handmade gifts at Wenceslas Market. The whole city looks dipped in gold, and the festive cheer lingers in every corner. Prague is proof that magic isn’t just for storybooks — it’s a December reality.
Dublin’s Christmas vibe is equal parts twinkle lights and warm pub laughter. The city’s markets, Christmas parades, and family-friendly events make it one of the best places to spend Christmas around the world for a lively, cozy celebration. Stroll Grafton Street for carolers, sip hot toddies in traditional pubs, and catch festive theatre shows. Dublin blends old-world charm with modern fun — a perfect pick for anyone searching for best Christmas celebration in the world with a friendly Irish smile.
When it comes to a postcard-perfect Christmas, Zurich checks every box. The best Christmas celebrations in the world come alive here through glittering streets, festive markets, and choirs singing on floating stages over the Limmat River. Don’t forget to try their world-famous hot chocolate while watching snow gently blanket the city. Zurich feels like a snow globe come to life — cosy, charming, and irresistibly sweet.
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If Christmas had a soundtrack, Vienna would be its orchestra. Famous for its classical concerts, candlelit markets, and snow-covered palaces, it’s easily one of the best places to visit for Christmas. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air while choirs sing carols that echo through centuries-old streets. You can sip hot chocolate near Schönbrunn Palace and feel like royalty. For anyone craving old-world charm with modern sparkle, Vienna makes Christmas feel timeless.
12. Valkenburg, Netherlands
Valkenburg flips the script on Christmas markets by hosting some inside historic caves — yes, cave markets! Add twinkling lights, unique crafts, and underground charm, and you get a standout entry among the best Christmas destinations in the world. It’s small, intimate, and ideal for couples or families looking for something different on their Christmas trip. Visit in December to enjoy cave concerts, festive stalls, and slow, merry strolls through this quirky Dutch town.
Copenhagen does “hygge” better than most: think warm blankets, twinkly lights, and the Tivoli Gardens glowing like a fairy tale. The city’s Christmas markets, cosy cafes, and design-led gifts make it a compact but brilliant best Christmas vacation spot. It’s especially lovely for couples and design lovers who want to enjoy Scandinavian simplicity mixed with festive splendour — a top choice for the best places to visit during Christmas if you want charm with calm.
London at Christmas feels like stepping straight into a festive movie scene. From the glittering lights on Oxford Street to the grand Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square, the city captures pure holiday magic. You can ice skate at Somerset House, sip hot cocoa at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, or shop for gifts in cozy Christmas markets. It’s easily one of the best places to visit during Christmas in the world, where every corner sparkles with joy. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, London’s best Christmas celebration in the world spirit never fails to enchant.
Montreal is a winter carnival: crisp snow, sparkling lights, and vibrant holiday markets that make it one of the best places to visit for Christmas in North America. From festive parades to outdoor skating and French-inspired treats, this city combines European flair with Canadian cheer. It’s a top pick among best Christmas holiday destinations for families and couples who want snowy streets, lively events, and delicious seasonal food — perfect for planning your best Christmas vacation spots 2025.
Christmas in India is a vibrant blend of cultures, colours, and cuisines. From beach parties in Goa to midnight masses in Kerala, and snowy Christmas markets in Shillong, every corner of the country celebrates differently. It’s the best time to plan your India trip to celebrate Christmas if you love variety — from spiritual gatherings to grand feasts and street parades. Whether you’re walking through candle-lit churches or grooving to carols at the beach, India reminds you that Christmas joy knows no boundaries.
