In cities and towns across the globe something magical happens each year during the Christmas season; streets are adorned with lights and garland, carolers joyfully share their melodies and the scents of cinnamon and sugar grace the air. Holiday celebrations fill city squares from Scandinavia to Mexico with revelers taking to the streets with wishes of good tidings and cheer. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer as he prepares for the big night. Whether you’re looking for Old World tradition or big city splendor, these are the best cities to visit for Christmas.
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New York City
A popular destination anytime of the year, New York City is at its best during the holiday season. Admire the festive window displays along Fifth Avenue, glide around the ice rink in Central Park and check out the glorious Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center bedecked with over 50,000 twinkling lights. The Radio City Music Spectacular, featuring the world famous Rockettes, is a holiday classic that always delights and be sure to check out the European-style Christmas market and Bryant Square Park to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Salzburg,Austria
Nestled in the Austrian Alps Salzburg gets high marks for traditional Christmas charm. Wander the beautifully decorated cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt, or Old Town, with a warm mug of gluwein in hand before tucking into one of Salzburg’s many cafes to warm up with a slice of apple strudel. Explore one of the many Christmas markets around Salzburg in search of the perfect ornament before heading out to nearby Oberndorf, the tiny alpine town where the iconic Christmas carol “Silent Night” was written.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Instead of patiently awaiting for Saint Nick’s arrival on Christmas Eve what about heading up north to pay him a visit? The small town of Rovaniemi in the northern reaches of Finnish Lapland is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus and panning a Christmas trip to Finnish Lapland is a great way to celebrate the season . Check out the festivities at Santa Claus Village where you can bake gingerbread with Mrs. Claus or take a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy northern forests. If you’re lucky you may even get to experience the magic of the Northern Lights!
Alexandria,Virginia
Minutes from downtown Washington D.C. the colonial streets of Alexandria ring in the holidays with a European flair. Join 45 Scottish clans on Alexandria’s brick-paved streets during the annual Scottish Christmas Walk, where tartan clad pipe and drum bands herald the arrival of Santa. For a more colonial Christmas stop by the historic Carlyle House where you can experience the holidays as they were celebrated during the American Revolution or enjoy a candlelight tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. With over 160 independent shops in Old Town Alexandria you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
London, England
Photo Credit: Cassie Sereda
Come Christmas time the streets of London sparkle with lights and festive decorations. Wander around the traditional Christmas markets in Hyde Park or take a spin around the ice rink at the Tower of London. Be sure to save room for a traditional British Christmas pudding, a delicious steamed dessert typically served with a splash of flaming brandy.
Prague, Czech Republic
The winding cobblestone streets and spires of Prague are even more magical during the holidays. In Old Town Square the Tyn Church serves as a backdrop for the majestic Christmas tree brought in from the northern forests of the Czech Republic while revelers peruse the traditional Christmas Market where you can shop for traditional wooden toys, ornaments and marionettes. Warm up with a mug of mulled wine and a tredlnik, a traditional pastry coated with sugar and toasted nuts.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is one of the best cities to celebrate Christmas in Canada. Beautifully decorated lights and a blanket of snow highlight the old world charms of Quebec City during the holidays. The cobblestone streets of the Rue de Petit-Champlain evoke the spirit of Christmas past while the hotel Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the grande dame of Quebec City, is dressed in her holiday finest. Live out your Frozen fantasies at the Quebec’s Ice Hotel, a winter wonderland made completely from snow and ice.
New Orleans, Louisiana
It’s no secret that New Orleans knows how to celebrate and that goes double for the holidays. Bonfires along the levees light the way for Papa Noel while carolers sing in the season in Jackson Square. Take in a dazzling light display in City Park or tour homes in the French Quarter and Garden District decked out in their Christmas finest. Food is at the heart of any celebration in New Orleans, ring in Christmas Eve with a traditional Reveillon dinner at one of the many great restaurants in New Orleans.
Chicago, Illinois
With over one million Christmas lights and dazzling holiday displays adorning store windows, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is even more magnificent. Take a spin on the ice skating rink at Millennial Park to work up an appetite for kringle and hot chocolate at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas Market inspired by the traditional markets of Germany.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The beautiful colonial city of San Miguel de Allende celebrates with Christmas season with a decidedly Mexican flair. Festive processions fill the cobblestone streets while revelers (with cups of ponche, a Mexican hot toddy , in hand) celebrate with posadas reenactments, fireworks, live music and dancing all against the backdrop of pink spires of the stunning La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel .
Bell | Wanderlust Marriage says
This is a great list of places to visit for Christmas. We’re living in Boston and so close to 2 places! Though I’d love to make to Finland to see Santa 🙂
Brianna says
Boston is one of my favorite cities, lucky you!
Charles McCool says
Washington, DC is not too bad. Everything is decorated and there are two national tree areas (at the Capitol Building and on the Ellipse). The Botanic Gardens is magnificent at Christmas time. I would love to visit all of these cities at Christmas!
Brianna says
You know I love DC anytime of year! Don’t forget the Zoolights 🙂
Aparna says
These look so magical! I would love to go to Iceland (Reykjavik) for Christmas, or try Munich with all the holiday markets. Goa (India) is great this time of year too.
Brianna says
Munich is also super high on my list and the beaches of Goa would be amazing.
Jessica van Dop DeJesus says
Concur with Charles! DC is magical this time of the year!
Brianna says
I agree 100%!
Stefan says
I would love to see NYC and Salzburg covered in a blanket of snow.
So pleased my home city (London) made the cut – it’s grey, cold and miserable weather wise at Xmas, but the Christmas atmosphere, particularly around Oxford Street and Regent street makes it magical.
Brianna says
I’d love to see London all lit up 🙂
Jen Joslin says
Out of all the places on this list I’ve only been to NYC at Christmas. I would love to go to Finland to see the northern lights and Santa’s village!
Brianna says
How cool would it be to see the Northern Lights after visiting Santa?
Brenda Tolentino says
I’m happy to see my hometown, NYC, Christmas is definitely the best time to visit! I’m also excited to see London, England because we are spending Christmas this year in that lovely town, we can’t wait to go to The Christmas markets in Hyde Park and have pudding!
Brianna says
How lucky you guys are to be spending time in London during the holidays!
LeAnna says
OMG! What a fun list! I’ve never heard of Rovaniemi. I could see that being an amazing trip with little ones…oh who am I kidding, it’d be fun for adults, too!
Brianna says
Who wouldn’t love to visit Santa?
Lesley says
I love the lights over London; they look like snow.
Rovaniemi, Finland is on the top of my list for winter destinations.
Brianna says
I want to go meet Santa and make a new reindeer friend.
Wendy says
I visited Quebec City in the winter for the Ice Festival. It was 30 degrees BELOW zero. This made nothing fun….take into consideration the weather at Christmas if you choose Quebec City. It is a wonderful and lovely city, but winter is no joke!
Brianna says
30 below is nuts, yikes!
Karilyn says
I have been to London and New York are pins Christmas but haven’t been to any others. Christmas really does turn places into a super magical place. Thanks for new inspiration for our holidays!! I already have Finland on the list. Got to make it before my son no longer believes!
Brianna says
Going to Finland would be just magical with kids!
Sadie says
I was in Paris for Christmas a few years ago, and it was pretty spectacular. I loved getting to see Notre Dame all decorated. We went both on Christmas eve and day because it was so beautiful.
Brianna says
Paris is always a good idea, I bet its just splendid during the holidays.
Holly says
I will be spending Christmas in my hometown of NYC per usual. But I would love to see some reindeer. That would be amazing.
Brianna says
Who wouldn’t love a new reindeer friend?
Janna C says
Oh my! I love Christmas and it’s my favorite holiday. What a great list. I would definitely head to Finland to see that reindeer! So adorable. And of course nothing beats NYC during the holidays. Holidays in New York reminds me of the movies I used to watch like You’ve got mail. 😀
Brianna says
NYC Christmas makes me think of Elf, hands down my favorite Christmas movie!
Gemma Two Scots Abroad says
This is really getting me in the mood! We are going to visit the Christmas market in Vancouver and have just been skiing at Whistler so B.C does very well! I like the look of Finland for some festivities! Great post. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Brianna says
Merry Christmas to you two as well!
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
Oh yes, my favorite so far is Cologne, Germany! They have so many Christmas markets, all walking distance in a totally walkable city! It was such a fabulous atmosphere and the food and gluhwein were fantastic! I wouldn’t be against visiting any of these cities on your list, though!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
So many lovely places to visit! Living in CA, it never feels quite like XMas with all the sunshine and palm trees, but one of my favorite XMas memories was touring the Christmas markets in France and Germany. Everything is so well decorated with great food and wine. It definitely gets you in the spirit!
Andi says
I am not a huge fan of the holidays, but I do love the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France – amazing holiday eat treats!
Brianna says
Truth be told food is my favorite part of the holiday season (and any other season for that matter.
Jenna says
I love the excitement and decorations of big cities at Christmas. We were in San Francisco around the holidays a couple of years recently and it was a lot of fun to see Union Square all lit up and the tree, ice rink, etc. I also love Italy at Christmas. The decorations are so beautiful.
Brianna says
I’d love to see SF done up for the holidays, I’m sure its just beautiful!
arvin says
Great list. London and NYC would be near the top of my list for Christmas also, though my favorite is Austin Texas, not only is it the live music capital of the world, during Christmas we also have Trail of lights, The Austin Trail of Lights is consistently included in Top 10 National Light Festivals by USA Today. MY 2nd favorite is Vienna Austria, the christmas market outside the city center si amazing!
Brianna says
You’ve mentioned two of my favorite cities, I’m sure both are even better during the holidays!
Anda says
What a great selection of cities that can make Christmas look great. I’m not surprised I didn’t see Los Angeles, my hometown, among them. Nothing feels like Christmas here. It was in the upper 70s today. I miss a little snow at this time of year.
Brianna says
Anda, I’m sure a few people have put lights on their palm trees 🙂
Karla | karlaroundtheworld says
You know, I have never spent Christmas elsewhere but in the Philippines. It’s something I have been meaning to try though. Despite that, I guess, I am happy that I am with family during the holiday season. They’re not a big fan of holiday rush so we spend it all in one place but all celebrating and happy anyway, so that is good too.
Brianna says
Spending time with family and friends is really what the holidays are about aren’t they?
Andrea Leblang says
Fabulous post! My husband and I will be in Nice, France for the holidays this year. Hoping it’s a festive spot as well, but reading this made me want to experience Finland! Maybe next year 🙂
Brianna says
I’m sure Nice will be just lovely! Is there ever a bad time to spend time on the RIviera?
Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers says
Some fabulous looking options here but my biggest surprise was Tokyo, Japan. In a country that doesn’t officially celebrate Christmas they have the most amazing Christmas light displays.
Brianna says
I never would have thought of Japan for Christmas but I’m sure the light displays are spectacular!
Rob says
Very nice collection of cities. I am surprised no cities from Germany made the list. Finnish Lapland sounds like a fun place to visit during the holidays, we just came back from seeing some Reindeer this afternoon. sadley no sleigh rides though.
Brianna says
I came close as many of the traditions we associate with CHristmas are German in origin.
Jo says
What a great list of cities to choose from. I visited Quebec City for the first time in May this year and can imagine how fabulous it would be at Christmas.
In Europe can I also suggest Munich? Its Christmas market is very unappreciated and there is Dallemeyer for fabulous food treats. Visiting Neuschwanstein in the snow is a magical experience
Brianna says
Quebec City is gorgeous anytime of year isn’t it?
Murissa says
NYC and London are on my Christmas wish list. I would like to add Honolulu or the island of Oahu in general. Will be spending Christmas there this year for the second time. Just love it!
Joe Ankenbauer says
You forgot Vienna! Haha! That’s my #1 right now, with NYC a close second. I love the list, it just goes to show you how many beautiful places are out there celebrating the best holiday besides my birthday 😉
Brianna says
Being that Salzburg ws on the list I made the tough choice not to include Vienna(another city I love).
Sue @NoFixedAbodeForSue says
I have visited a few on your list and will be heading to London today to enjoy a few days of festive spirit. I think NY is fun during the holidays and Chicago is always on my go to list. I really need to visit more European cities next year and Prague is towards the top
Brianna says
Prague is a gorgeous city, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Carolann & Macrae - One Modern Couple says
Some of these were surprising to us! We’d love to see New Orleans at Christmas – it seems like it would be such an interesting experience!
We were just recently in Rothenburg, Germany and it was a pretty magical experience with their Christmas market at the centre of the walled city and all the shops with christmas displays and decorations.
Brianna says
New Orleans is always a good idea 🙂
Stephanie says
I think Salzburg is a gret place to visit at Christmas time. I visited at the end of November and unfortunately missed the markets. The city is so quant and beautiful though.
I really want to visit New York at Christmas!
Brianna says
Salzburg is charming any time of year 🙂
antonette - we12travel says
I love to get away for Christmas because it’s my birthday then and I’ve spent it at various places. My pick from your list would be Rovaniemi, so I could finally spot the Aurora and go dogsledding 🙂
Brianna says
It doesn’t get any better than visiting the home of Santa does it? THe Northern Lights are definitely on my travel wish list.
Elaine J Masters says
Nice round up. I’d love to do Christmas in San Miguel, in most villages of Mexico!
Brianna says
San Miguel looks magical!
Chloe GOGO Budget Travel says
Oh Christmas! All too lovely and the cities have the perfect feel!
Connies Tricklin says
Every year we celebrate our Christmas in our home. but this time we want to celebrate it in another place. For this reason, we finding which city is best to visit for Christmas. After reading your article I collect much information. I think new york city is the best place to visit for our next Christmas. thanks for sharing your article.
Holly Bird says
I love to travel during Christmas! Your list is awesome and I now have a couple of more holiday vacations to take! Thank you so much!
Euro Travel Coach says
What a fantastic list of great cities to visit at Christmastime. There is something very special about each one. We absolutely love Salzburg and London during the Christmas season. This year we got to also visit Bristol and Bath, UK which both have terrific Christmas markets. Thank you so much for a terrific post. Wonderful pictures and descriptions. You’ve added some more places to my list of cities I’d like to visit during the magical holiday season.