The perfect time to plan a trip is now! And with Christmas just around the corner, it’s only natural that you would want to go somewhere warm and sunny. But where should you go? And what should you do while there? Where are the best Christmas cities?
Let’s start by looking at some of the top destinations for Christmas 2023. This is a time of year when people travel to be with their families. Some people will be traveling for the first time, and others will be visiting family that they don’t see often.
The following are some of the best Christmas cities
Rovaniemi, Finland
Why not spend the holiday season in Santa’s hometown? The Lapland region, where Santa Claus Village and SantaPark are located, is a great place to experience the Christmas spirit. There are also many accommodation options with rooms made of glass igloos, which will provide stunning views of the northern lights at night.
The arctic landscapes are covered in snow during winter so it makes for great photo opportunities!
Ski Vacation in North America over Christmas
snowy Christmas is a lot of fun for kids, but skiing can be just as much for grown-ups, too. Go skiing or skateboarding, enjoy the scenery, and throw the kids on an ice rink. At the end of a day’s activity, many ski hotels offer spas and pool time.
London, United Kingdom
Spending time in London during the holidays is a great way to be festive and enjoy merrymaking. The city has plenty to do — from dazzling lights to holiday markets and themed pop-up bars.
Stay at The Lanesborough, London for this experience that will make you feel right at home. With decorations and in-room shopping from Harvey Nichols, it’s the perfect place to be this Christmas! December has so much to offer, from holiday cheer to interesting activities for the whole family.
Washington D.C
The best place to vacation during Christmas is in Washington. If you head to Washington D.C. you can save money by doing many of these activities for free! Bundle up and visit one of the esteemed Smithsonian museums, and bundle up and visit the National Zoo.
When it comes to Washington, DC, offers a unique and unparalleled experience. It is an amazing destination for people looking to have an entertaining time in the US. December is a great time to bundle up some cozy clothes and take in the joy of the holiday season.
Bethlehem, West Bank
When life gets busy and there’s no time to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas, it’s time to pack up and head over to Bethlehem. It is one of the best places to spend the Christmas holidays, in and around Manger Square and the Old City, with its statues and churches that are keeping an eye on you this season.
The festival becomes even more incredible when you celebrate it at St. Catherine’s Church’s midnight mass in Bethlehem.
Bondi Beach, Australia
There’s a beach in Australia that is the complete opposite of a traditional Christmas. Here, sand is used instead of snow for Christmas purposes. This place attracts many backpackers looking for an awesome experience.
This festive atmosphere includes bands and DJs, so if you would like to try something different with your Christmas tradition this year, visit this beach.
Solvang, Santa Barbara
If you can’t visit London or Munich this winter, you’ll love Solvang. The small city in California was created by a group of Danes in the early 1900s. Danes now populate the charming streets of Solvang, where they live and work among buildings that have a European look and feel.
If a European holiday season is what you desire, consider visiting Solvang during Julefest. And you’re looking for somewhere to stay while exploring Solvang, try one of the tourist-favorite boutique hotels like The Landsby or The Winston.
Prague, Czech Republic
The beautiful city of the Czech Republic – Prague is also the best place to vacation during Christmas. It is among the best Christmas cities.
Walk along Nerudova Street in Mala Strana and capture views of its Baroque and Gothic architecture. Watch an opera or ballet show at the State Opera or National Theatre. Visit Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square for a taste of local holiday markets at Christmas!
Zurich
Zurich is an amazing tourist attraction to visit during the holiday season, not just because of its famous chocolates and mountains, but also because of the festive season experiences it offers. The city becomes a beautiful destination during season.
Guests may take guided walks through the markets, enjoy a singing Christmas tree, or participate in other activities like visits to famous attractions and museums. Whatever your interests are, Zurich has something for you.
On Christmas Eve, the country invites visitors to experience the most special evening of the year with celebration and merriment!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a popular destination for those who love to celebrate Christmas. You’ll find many quirky delights awaiting you there. Tivoli Garden of Copenhagen is a festive marvel, that can be seen as a centerpiece for this joyful time period every year .Copenhagen, Denmark is in the best Christmas cities 2023.
Dubai
One of the most popular destinations for Christmas 2023 is going to be Dubai. Dubai has a lot to offer during the holiday season, from shopping at the Mall of Emirates to seeing Santa Claus at The Dubai Mall or The Ski Dubai Park.
Strasbourg and Colmar
France is known for its delicious wines and local beer, which you can enjoy while sitting down at one of the Christmas Markets in Alsace. The region used to be a part of Germany, so it carries both cultures in terms of food and architecture.
Budapest
Budapest is one of the best things to do include visiting any of Budapest’s many Christmas markets and eating traditional hot Gulash soup (a must-try!). If you’re feeling adventurous, try some Hungarian street food like chimney cake.
The vibe is quite different from the somber German and Austrian cities, which feel more like a typical European city with old buildings.
Salzburg
Salzburg is a glorious city that comes to life during the Christmas season. In the center of town, you can find beautiful stalls filled with things such as handmade decorations and food. Hohensalzburg Castle offers breathtaking views of the picturesque city when lit up at night, as do many small restaurants in town.
Vienna
If you’re looking for high-end shopping, head over to Vienna. The town square is bustling with last-minute shoppers, people selling goods, street musicians, children, locals, and tourists.
Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Ligonier in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands is the perfect destination for a snowy getaway this Christmas. Kids will be excited to see Santa, and you can also enjoy all that the Ligonier Country Christmas Market has to offer.
Spend time with friends as you sing carols and work on your holiday spirit. You can even ride in a horse-drawn sleigh!
What do you love about the holidays? If your first answer is “the Christmas season,” then this sentence could interest you. Santa Claus, Indiana, is a real town that just happens to live and breathe Christmas all day every day of the year.
Stay at Santa’s Lodge, browse more than 8,000 different ornaments at the store, go have fun at Frosty’s Fun Center with the kids, then drive through one of the best light displays in the country when it gets dark outside.
What do you think? Should Santa Claus, Indiana include in best Christmas cities list?
Frankenmuth, Michigan (Bronner’s)
It’s good to be the king! Bronner’s is not just a seasonal pop-up. Our 50,000-plus products — including Christmas trees, light decorations, trimmings, and more — span 27 acres and are open 361 days a year. The true spirit of Christmas presents itself in a big way on hundreds of acres.
It has both a restaurant and a gift shop, which is so big you can even sit down for some traditional pub-style food. The store is highly religious, so many items are steeped in this theme.
Frankenmuth, Michigan is where you want to be during the holidays. There are more than 150 beautifully decorated trees lining Main Street and beyond. The trees are decked out with your favorite Christmas characters, and at the center of town, the 40-foot-tall tree is augmented by a seven-minute light show.
Williamsburg, Virginia
You can enjoy a memorable holiday season during your Virginia vacation by visiting the Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. The city itself is a host of traditional Christmas happenings, including sing-along caroling by torchlight.
The amusement park’s Town with more than 10 million twinkling lights, one of the largest light displays in North America, and the chance to visit the North Pole to chat with Santa, kids and adults alike will enjoy this magical Christmas environment. Plus children of all ages receive free peppermint fudge hot chocolate.
Leavenworth, Washington
It’s Christmas every day in December in Leavenworth, WA. Every year, the town celebrates and embraces its status as the official “Christmas Capital of the World.” Get swallowed up by more than 500,000 lights, listen to some holiday tunes, sample some roasted chestnuts straight out of the fire pit, and enjoy a sleigh ride around town!
The capital has a plethora of activities for every member of the family. Bring your kids to build gingerbread houses or meet Santa from around the globe. If you’re here with loved ones over 50 years old, stop by for their annual Festival of Lights celebration―complete with caroling old-time hymns.
Durango, Colorado
For the season, Durango is the perfect place to be. Shopping and winter activities including skiing or snowboarding are great ways to enjoy the scenery. But for festive fun, nothing beats The Polar Express Train.
Kids book in advance and get on board for a steam train ride where they drink hot cocoa and sing Christmas carols as they head for Santa’s North Pole. On the return journey, kids ready for bed chat with Santa before returning home.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Ice skating in the middle of the desert? In Las Vegas? Of course. This is Las Vegas, where anything can happen.
When you visit Las Vegas during the festive holiday season, you’ll find it’s not all glittering lights. You can also experience two events at the Motor Speedway, or enjoy a traditional Christmas market in Henderson. Craving Christmas lights? There are plenty of options!
For something different, head to the Bellagio Conservatory for their world-renowned holiday displays. You can see their Fountain Dancer show in your spare time, where they put on choreographed performances of holiday favorites like “Santa Baby” and “Carol of the Bells.”
New York, New York
So the city of New York is considered great, right? This fast-paced and hectic city slows down when it’s the season. It even seems like people smile a little bit more, giving off that holiday vibe.
Starting with Santa’s arrival at the end of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City becomes an amazing place. The spectacular holiday window displays are an attraction in and of themselves. Skating at Central Park or Bryant Park is a must, as well as visiting vendors inside Grand Central Terminal for craft fairs.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the focus of it all, with a grandiose 75 ft. To accommodate this, it’s ringed by Macy’s at 34th Street and by three skating rinks, the largest measuring 200 ft. and capable of taking on 1,200 skaters at a time.
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and experience the magic of Christmas in one of these wonderful cities. These are the best Christmas cities you must go 2023.
FAQ
- What makes a city one of the ‘Best Christmas Cities’?
- Best Christmas Cities are known for their vibrant holiday spirit, dazzling decorations, festive events, and unique traditions that create a magical atmosphere during the holiday season.
- Are there specific criteria for selecting the ‘Best Christmas Cities’?
- The criteria often include factors like iconic Christmas markets, elaborate decorations, spirited community celebrations, historical significance, and a wide range of seasonal activities for all ages.
