Planning your holiday travel in December? These top-rated Christmas vacation destinations combine festive charm with unforgettable experiences, whether you’re craving snowy mountains, twinkling cities, or sun-soaked beaches.
From timeless cities steeped in tradition to sunny hideaways far from winter’s chill, this guide covers the best hand-picked Christmas vacation destinations from across the globe so you can find the perfect festive getaway for the holiday season.
Forget Christmas lists…this roundup of the most magical vacation destinations will have you writing your packing checklist.
For classic Christmas magic and dazzling light displays…
The city that never sleeps shines brightest during the holiday season. Christmas in New York means ice skating under the stars at Bryant Park, admiring the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, sipping hot chocolate in Central Park, and shopping beneath beautifully decorated holiday window displays.
Wander’s vacation homes, like Wander Catskills Creek just outside the city, offer easy access and quiet comfort, making them perfect Christmas vacation rentals for families and couples.
"New York City is one of my all-time favourite Christmas getaways because it feels like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie. My tip is to visit NYC earlier in December to beat the crowds but still catch the magic, especially the Bryant Park market at night! Also, accommodation often books up months in advance around the holidays, so be sure to get planning early." - Matt Kowalewski, Wander Chief of Staff
For a European Christmas without the jet lag…
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Quebec City delivers with snowy cobblestone streets, classic Christmas markets, and festive charm everywhere you look.
Sip mulled wine, shop for local crafts, and enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides through Old Town. It’s a magical winter break without crossing the ocean.
For storybook scenery and holiday markets…
Salzburg, the birthplace of “Silent Night” and a dream for music lovers, delivers a magical winter escape filled with festive charm. Snow-covered rooftops, traditional Christmas markets, and concerts in candlelit churches set the mood. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the Alps? Yes, please.
For Northern Lights and cozy magic…
Looking for a Christmas that’s totally unique? Tromsø combines Arctic adventure with the joy of the season. There’s no sunlight in December, but the glowing Christmas lights and a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights more than make up for it.
Stay in a snow dome, sip warm drinks fireside, and soak up the peace and wonder of the far north.
For a ski-in, sleigh-ride kind of Christmas…
With powdery snow, mountain views, and a town twinkling with festive lights, Park City in Utah is an American favorite for a white Christmas. The North Pole Express train ride, local theatre sing-alongs, and cozy cabin vibes bring the magic to life. It’s perfect for a luxury winter break that’s both active and heartwarming.
“One thing I always tell travellers heading to Park City: book your sleigh rides, ski lessons, and dinner reservations well in advance, especially in the week leading up to Christmas. It’s one of the most popular winter destinations in the US, and spots fill up quickly.” - Matt Kowalewski, Wander Chief of Staff
For Christmas with history and heart…
Rome’s ancient landmarks glow with lights and tradition during the holidays. Watch the Pope’s Christmas Eve mass, explore stunning nativity scenes, and wander through Christmas markets in Piazza Navona. It’s a timeless way to spend Christmas Day, surrounded by history, food, and joy.
For Christmas under the summer sun…
Cape Town flips the script with sunshine, seafood feasts, and beach days instead of snow. Seasonal events, dazzling lights on Adderley Street, and open-air Christmas concerts create a joyful atmosphere.
It’s the best Christmas for those who prefer flip-flops to boots.
For a Bavarian-style Christmas wonderland…
Tucked in the Cascades, this fairy-tale Washington village glows with more than 500,000 Christmas lights during its annual Christmastown celebration. Shop handmade gifts at the Christkindlmarkt, sip spiced cider, and explore the Nutcracker Museum. Nearby ski resorts and snowy mountain trails add to the magic.
Check out our Leavenworth activities guide for more things to do during your stay.
For a beachy, family-friendly escape…
Want sun instead of snow? Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco is a top destination for a Christmas vacation with warm weather and festive energy. Fireworks over Banderas Bay, beachfront Christmas dinners, and colorful parades fill the holiday calendar.
With Wander’s vacation homes in Mexico, you can enjoy the holiday cheer with poolside cocktails and ocean views. Find more luxury Mexico vacation rentals in Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Cabo San Lucas, and more.
“If you're planning a beach vacation over the holidays, my advice is to lean into the contrast. Pack festive swimwear, plan a Christmas Eve dinner on the beach, and don’t feel guilty for skipping the snow. I went to Puerto Vallarta during the holidays one year, and it gets festive in the best way – fireworks over the bay, live music, and decorations everywhere. In fact, we often see guests extend their trip because it’s such a fun mix of relaxation and energy.” - Matt Kowalewski, Wander Chief of Staff
For a luxurious winter wonderland…
Aspen mixes high-end mountain luxury with traditional Christmas cheer. Ski by day, indulge in après-ski hot toddies, then join the 12 Days of Aspen celebration for concerts, visits from Santa, and cookie decorating. It’s a snowy holiday getaway for those who want both elegance and excitement in Colorado.
For a warm-weather twist, celebrate Christmas in Honolulu, Hawaii. The city hosts a month-long Honolulu City Lights festival, parades, and holiday concerts, all set against blue skies and palm trees. It’s perfect for families craving sun and festive cheer without snow.
This Scottish capital hosts weeks of festive events, from castle illuminations and twinkling light trails to Santa Land and classic Christmas markets beneath the gothic skyline.
Sip mulled wine while wandering Princes Street Gardens, ice skate in the city centre, and soak up the storybook charm of one of Europe’s most magical Christmas cities.
Ornate buildings draped in lights, snow globe shopping, and steaming mugs of Christmas punch await in the capital of classical music. Vienna’s historic squares turn into sparkling holiday markets, while world-famous choirs and orchestras perform seasonal concerts that fill the air with festive nostalgia.
For milder weather and Southern holiday hospitality, Charleston is a warm, elegant Christmas escape. Stroll through the Holiday Festival of Lights, tour beautifully decorated antebellum mansions, and enjoy carriage rides under twinkling oaks in one of South Carolina's most charming historic cities.
“I fell in love with Charleston the first time I visited…and fell back in love with it all over again when I spent some time there over the holidays! Charleston is ideal for a Christmas getaway with milder weather and historic charm. I always recommend taking a carriage ride through the historic district and touring one of the antebellum mansions, as many are beautifully decorated for the season and offer a glimpse into Southern holiday traditions.” - Matt Kowalewski, Wander Chief of Staff
Munich is a festive feast for the senses. Sip glühwein at its world-famous Christkindlmarkt, listen to Christmas carols in candlelit churches, and ride the Christkindl Tram past snow-covered streets.
It’s the perfect Christmas getaway for fans of Old World charm and hearty holiday treats.
Whether you’re sipping mulled wine at a Christmas market, ice skating with loved ones, or soaking in sunshine on the beach, these destinations deliver the ultimate festive cheer.
With options for winter sun or snowy serenity, these magical winter wonderlands promise Christmas vacations to remember, whether you're celebrating with the whole family or escaping with your favorite travel companion.
From snowy slopes to tropical coasts, Wander’s vacation homes help you celebrate Christmas in style. With high-end amenities, cozy features, and locations in some of the best Christmas vacation destinations, it’s easy to find the perfect Christmas vacation rental for your holiday getaway.
Explore Wander Christmas vacation rentals
The best place to travel during Christmas depends on your holiday style. For a snowy winter wonderland, destinations like Aspen, Colorado, Salzburg, Austria, and Quebec City offer festive charm, ski slopes, and twinkling lights.
Prefer warmer weather? Christmas vacation ideas in places like Jalisco, Honolulu, or Cape Town deliver sun, surf, and seasonal cheer without the chill. Whether you're dreaming of sleigh rides or beachside cocktails, there's a Christmas vacation destination to match your mood.
Some of the most magical places for Christmas include New York City, with its iconic Christmas decorations and Rockefeller Center tree lighting; Vienna, with its grand holiday markets and classical concerts; and Tromsø, Norway, where you can experience the northern lights during the polar night.
These magical winter wonderland destinations combine festive lights, cultural traditions, and one-of-a-kind holiday activities that make the Christmas season feel truly special.
Looking for budget-friendly Christmas vacation ideas? Some of the cheapest places to vacation over Christmas include Charleston, South Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; and destinations in Central America like Guatemala or Nicaragua.
Domestically, consider off-the-beaten-path towns near major cities, where vacation rentals often cost less than hotels. Traveling just before or after peak Christmas holiday dates can also help you save while still enjoying festive events and seasonal cheer.
The best vacation destination in December depends on whether you're chasing snow or sun. For classic Christmas holidays filled with lights, markets, and cozy cabins, head to Park City, Utah; Munich, Germany; or Leavenworth, Washington.
For warm-weather escapes, Hawaii, the Maldives, and Mexico offer Christmas vacation rentals with beach views and poolside relaxation. Whether you're traveling with the whole family or planning a romantic escape, December is ideal for both festive charm and tropical getaways.
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