Top 5 Unique Christmas Destinations: Get Inspired for your next Festive Getaway

Le Voyage Curated – 30 Sept 2024

Looking for the perfect Christmas holiday destination?

You are not alone! Interest in Christmas travel is growing fast. Whether you are looking to explore the Christmas markets, experience unique adventures or swap the cold weather for sunny resorts, there is a perfect option for you.

Here is a list of five top Christmas destinations to inspire your next festive getaway.

Lapland, Finland

Lapland is the ultimate Christmas destination. Located in northern Finland near the Arctic Circle, the home of Santa Claus offers a once-in-a-lifetime festive experience, perfect for creating lasting memories.

Highlights

Santa Claus Village: Visit Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village to meet Santa and send postcards from Santa’s Post Office. Discovering the village is a magical experience for both children and adults.

Arctic Adventures: Experience the stunning Arctic scenery and, if you are lucky, witness the Northern Lights. Enjoy unique safaris on snowmobiles, husky sledding, or snowshoeing. Learn about the rich Sami culture while chasing the auroras.
Ice and Snow Hotels: Stay in an ice or snow hotel, where everything, including the beds, is made of ice. For a unique twist, opt for an igloo with a clear roof to spot the Northern Lights from bed. And don’t forget to relax in a traditional Finnish sauna.

Strasbourg, France

Known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570. This charming city in Eastern France is steeped in Alsatian traditions, synonymous with Christmas, making it the perfect time to discover the city and region.

Highlights

Christmas Market: Explore Strasbourg’s iconic Christmas market, filled with artisanal crafts and local delicacies. Don’t miss the Flammkuchen, a thin wood-fired flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons (bacon). Warm up with some mulled wine and bring home delicious bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and pain d’épices (spiced gingerbread).

La Petite France: Wander through this picturesque neighborhood with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval houses, and quaint canals. The festive lights and atmosphere make it even more magical during the holidays. Enjoy traditional Alsatian cuisine and local wines in this charming area.
Strasbourg Cathedral: Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surrounding streets are perfect for exploring charming cafes, restaurants, and shops.

New York City, USA

New York City, USA

New York City is an iconic destination year round and a quintessential Christmas destination, known for its festive spirit and iconic landmarks. Featured in countless holiday movies, NYC may just be even more magical during the holiday season.

Highlights

Rockefeller Center: Ice skate by the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit up with thousands of lights.

Broadway Shows: Catch a holiday-themed show like The Nutcracker or enjoy a classic Broadway performance.

Central Park: Stroll through snow-covered Central Park, grab a hot chocolate, and take stunning photos. Don’t skip the holiday shopping on the way back at Fifth Avenue’s iconic stores.

Mountain Towns & Resorts

Mountain Towns & Resorts

Experience the magic of Christmas in the mountains, where charming towns and resorts transform into wonderlands.

Highlights

Outdoor Activities: Whether you are an avid skier or snowboarder, mountain resorts offer slopes for all levels. And even if you skip the exercise, you will not want to skip the après-ski sessions.

Relaxation: The serene mountain environment is perfect for relaxation. Breathe in the fresh air, unwind in a sauna or hot tub, after a long day going down the slopes.

Comfort Food: Indulge in some delicious mountain cuisine. Think cheese, meat and mulled wine on repeat!

Dubai, UAE

If you are looking to escape the cold, then head to Dubai for a warm Christmas getaway. It is the best time of the year to visit this modern and innovative city with the warm weather being just perfect for beach days and outdoor activities whilst the festive spirit remains intact with hotels, malls and restaurants embracing the holidays at full speed.

Highlights

Luxury Dining: Treat yourself to a special Christmas dinner or brunch at one of Dubai’s high-end restaurants or hotels.

Dubai Mall: Explore Dubai Mall, featuring a stunning Christmas tree and festive decorations. Don’t miss the evening fountain show.

Unique Experiences: Enjoy a night at a luxurious desert resort, a sunset boat ride by Palm Jumeirah, or dare to go skydiving!

Whether you visit magical Lapland, explore Christmas markets, go down slopes or escape to the beach, there is a perfect festive getaway waiting for you. Make this Christmas memorable and start planning your ultimate Christmas holiday today.