All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
From Paris to Hong Kong, the best places to go for Christmas around the world offer their own delightful twists on the holiday spirit—with plenty of familiar seasonal traditions like Christmas markets, ice skating, and glimmering trees to satisfy every nostalgic yuletide yearning.
With that in mind, it’s hard to think of anything more appealing than spending the holidays abroad. This year, many U.S. travelers will skip nearby favorites and head to far-flung global destinations. “Overall, holiday travel bookings are up 40 percent over 2023 and sales are up by 35 percent,” explains Misty Belles of the travel advisory company Virtuoso. “Given the nightly rates are only averaging a four percent increase, that tells us people are spending more per trip and likely staying longer in the destination.”
Among the most popular places to go for Christmas abroad? Cities in Northern Europe—like London, Madrid, and Rome. “There’s something truly special about traveling to Europe for the winter holidays, from experiencing the holiday markets to indulging in local culture and traditions,” explains travel expert Daniel Durazo of Allianz Partners. Belles has seen the same trend: “For the past two years, though, we’ve started to see a rise in European travel over the holiday break and even a tendency toward more exotic locations like Japan, which is up 267 percent from last year, and Morocco, up almost 300% year-over-year.”
With that in mind, it seems that many of the best places to go for Christmas offer a little something for everyone, making them perfect for the grinches among us who don’t swoon over Santa and eggnog. Think: world-class shopping, stunning natural landscapes, culinary adventures, and thriving cultural scenes. And, for those who prefer to drink your holiday cocktails on a sunny beach, that’s always an option, too.
Read on for some of the best places to go for Christmas abroad this year, from the tried-and-true to the unexpected.
Cologne, Germany
The Germans practically invented Christmas. Think: Gingerbread houses, The Nutcracker, advent calendars, the decorated Christmas tree, and twinkling Christmas markets—complete with mulled wine—to name a few. Another draw? Christmas in Germany is a multi-day affair, starting on Christmas Eve and going through Boxing Day on December 26—and the lead-up is definitely jubilant. While every city in Germany from Berlin to Munich to Frankfurt positively drips with the Bavarian cheer, Cologne is a particular favorite: Up to four million visitors descend on the Rhine River city every December. The appeal is clear—in the town center, there are at least five festive Christmas markets to explore, while nearly every outer neighborhood also offers one as well.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers Christmas spirit in spades, with nearly every corner of the city splashed out with twinkling lights—there’s even a “Christmas Town” display complete with a giant, glittering Christmas tree to rival the iconic skyscrapers that line the bay. Of course, the city is also a great place to do some holiday shopping: The city’s famed Ladies Market offers a trove of seasonally-themed treasures, while the pop-up Christmas markets dotted around town showcase unique handmade crafts and artisan goods. For those looking to catch up on the city’s thriving art scene, there is a stunning array of museums and galleries.
You might as well stay in Hong Kong for New Year’s, too: “The most spectacular New Year’s fireworks in the world are in Hong Kong,” says Marett Taylor of Abercrombie Kent. Make a food-themed visit to the Sham Shui Po neighborhood for noodle stands and street food stalls, then head to the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong to take in the show over Victoria Harbour via floor-to-ceiling windows—the perfect vantage point to “ooh and aah”.
London, United Kingdom
London is always charming—but it really shines during the holidays, with its cobblestone streets all a-shimmer in Christmas lights, oversized wreaths, and glowing trees. And that’s just half of the appeal: Cozy pubs warmed by crackling fireplaces beckon from each corner; the department store windows are brimming with shiny decor; and the ice skating rink at Somerset House is packed with rosy-cheeked children and spirited adults wearing mittens.
Another attraction, of course, is the massive, decorated tree at Trafalgar Square, surrounded by its very own quaint Christmas market stalls. Don’t miss the tree at Covent Garden or Borough Market for equally winter-y treats—especially the steaming bowls of mushroom paella, raclette sandwiches, and hard cider at the latter. For an extra indulgent (yet lower calorie) escape, treat yourself to a massage at the Guerlain Spa at Raffles or a facial at the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental. Holidays should be relaxing, right?
Hội An, Vietnam
Vietnam might not immediately spring to mind when considering the best places to go for Christmas, but winter is a great time to visit Southeast Asia. December marks the onset of the dry season, so temperatures are comfortable, with little humidity or rainfall.
For a magical Christmas escape close to the beach, visit the ancient village of Hội An on Vietnam’s central coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its elaborate bridges, wooden Chinese houses, Japanese pagodas, and French colonial architecture—all centered around a walkable system of charming canals and passageways—the village is a well-preserved mix of eras and cultures that provides a fascinating glimpse through history. It’s also a beloved destination for in-the-know fashion lovers because it’s an ideal place to pick up a one-of-kind souvenir: The town boasts some of the best bespoke tailor shops in the world for affordable, custom-made clothes. (One favorite tailor shop: Yaly Couture, which boasts a gorgeous selection of luxury fabrics, impeccable craftsmanship, and quick turnaround times.)
While the town is lively any time of year, Christmas in Hội An is especially vibrant, with decorative wreaths, lanterns, stars, and bells adorning the streets. On December 22nd, residents and visitors gather in the central part of town for the annual tree lighting ceremony, and on Christmas Eve, the Catholic church on Ly Thuong Kiet famously draws crowds for its music-driven nativity show complete with caroling. Stay at the Four Seasons Nam Hai, which is located on a secluded beach just a quick shuttle ride from town and offers one of the most tranquil spas in the region.
Machu Picchu and Cuzco, Peru
Sitting at 11,000 feet above sea level, Cuzco is a gem of Spanish colonial architecture: red tile roofs, cobblestone streets, the Baroque cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, and the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, built on the foundations of the Coricancha temple, the Incas’ principal religious building. Peru is also an unparalleled culinary destination—and Cuzco is no exception, from the scrumptious street food at the Mercado Central to the refined, inventive dishes of chic restaurants like Chicha, which utilizes the country’s diverse range of ingredients to create some of the tastiest dishes you’ll ever eat. Take a glass-roofed Vistadome train through the Peruvian Andes to the only hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Or, explore the vibrant town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu, by booking a stay at the luxe, Inca-inspired hotel Sumaq, which offers unique experiences like mystical tours through the ancient Machu Picchu ruins hosted by a local shaman as well as unparalleled gastronomy and cooking classes.
Another plus for a Christmas visit to Peru? It is relatively accessible from the United States. “Peru from the States can be a one- to three-hour time change. It’s quick and no jet lag,” Farley Lansing of A.K. Taylor International says. (Before planning a trip to Machu Picchu, be sure to check tourist websites for opening times and up-to-date visitation rules.)
Kenya
“Christmastime is a special occasion in Kenya. It’s not about presents, it’s just a celebratory time of year with a lot of carol singing and beautiful choirs; everyone is in their finery, the spirit is real,” says Anne Kent Taylor, who lives part-time in the Masai Mara running her bespoke travel business A.K. Taylor International as well as a community nonprofit.
When celebrating the holidays in the bush “one has to improvise,” Taylor notes: Instead of decorating a fluffy Douglas fir, she and her guests decorate African thorn trees with delicate jacaranda seeds painted gold and silver. Inspired to plan your own Kenyan Christmas holiday but want to venture off the well-trodden Big Five safari track? Head to northern Kenya for an authentic cultural experience that’s off the beaten path.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Those looking to embrace the Yuletide spirit abroad without the maddening crowds of certain European destinations, should look no further than Grindelwald, a winter wonderland tucked within the Swiss Alps. Think: snow-covered chalets, majestic mountain peaks, and some of the world’s tallest Christmas trees. Skiers will delight in the unparalleled powder of the Jungfrau region’s slopes, while design lovers will obsess over the decor at Bergwelt Gridelwald, a 90-room boutique hotel with sleekly decorated rooms accented by cozy fireplaces and exposed Swiss wood.
The real draw this time of year? Grindelwald’s Advent Market, where local exhibitors sell everything from handwoven fabric to woodwork to homemade Swiss sweets. It’s impossible not to feel the goodwill flowing throughout the village’s quaint streets—especially when Santa’s sleigh rolls through the village during the annual Christmas parade.
Grand Cayman
For those who prefer to just chill somewhere warm over the holidays, the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman may be the ideal place. Picture: white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and an icy drink melting in your hand.
With the recent opening of the chic boutique hotel Palm Heights on Seven Mile Beach, the island is also more appealing than ever before. Palm Heights is the kind of hotel that you don’t want to leave—it’s all cheery yellow umbrellas, languid vibes, and gorgeous guests. Designed and founded by cool girl hotelier Gabriella Khalil, each room is decorated in a mix of iconic furniture you’ll definitely recognize—if you can tear your eyes away from those stunning ocean views. For those who want to a balance of relaxation and action, the hotel also offers the Garden Club spa and Palm Heights Athletics fitness center—a private, holistic sanctuary featuring an outdoor hammam, infrared sauna, steam room, ice room, plunge pools, a social pool, private treatment rooms, workout classes, and even a reformer pilates studio.
But the best thing about the hotel? Though it’s incredibly stylish, it’s not pretentious in the slightest. It feels like a member’s only club where everyone belongs.
Quebec City, Canada
Want to “go abroad” without leaving the continent? Head north to eastern Canada, where the French-influenced traditions and European-style architecture will make you feel an ocean away. In Quebec City, the vibes are full-on festive, with German-inspired Christmas markets, a giant ice skating rink at Place D’Youville, and dazzling light displays glimmering along Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets. Visit the Salon des Artisans to shop for handmade goods from local makers, then bar-hop along the Grande Allée. For an extra dose of European-style splendor, book your stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac on the banks of the St. Lawrence River—it is a castle-like hotel with winter wonderland views of the fortified city from nearly every window.
Paris, France
A trip to Paris is always a good idea. Christmas is no exception, with nearly every grand avenue and boulevard from the Champs Elysees to Place Vendome gleaming with holiday cheer—this is the City of Lights, after all. Stop at the Tuileries Garden for the “Magic of Christmas” holiday market which features amusement rides and a Champagne hut; or go up to Montmartre’s Christmas Market where you’ll find roasted chestnuts and a more bohemian vibe. At the cathedral in St. Germaine des Pres, you can take in a classical music concert under the glow of the iconic towering stained glass windows. Or, stop by a pâtisserie to pick up a bûches de Noël log cake. Lace-up your ice skates for a spin under the giant disco ball at the glass-enclosed Art Nouveau Grand Palais ice rink. And, whatever you do, don’t forget to take in the culinary-themed holiday windows at Le Bon Marché—this year, the stars of the window are rumored to be the animated, dancing baguettes. A bon Noël, indeed!
Reykjavik, Iceland
So it’s not quite the North Pole, but Iceland is without a doubt a winter wonderland with sufficient Christmas credentials. Wild reindeer, dog sledding, charming old whaling hamlets, snow-covered mountains, and a chance to spot the northern lights. Celtic monks first arrived on the island long before the first settler cabin was built in A.D. 871 (give or take a year or two). The tiny country remains one of the most untouched and visually striking places in the world with vast fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, lava fields, and black sand beaches. Not to mention, Reykjavik’s art and design scene is always worth the trip. Airfare deals tend to be abundant this time of year, so pack your stocking cap and Christmas sweater and prepare to indulge in a feast of Icelandic delicacies.
