Ah, Christmas—the time when even the Grinch can’t help but feel a bit warm and fuzzy, unless he’s hiding out in one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas where the only thing glowing is the sun. Cities worldwide sparkle with dazzling lights, streets overflow with local traditions, and festive markets pop up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. But what if you’re more of a “Scrooge on vacation” type, dreaming of a Christmas without snowflakes or carolers?
Fear not! Our list of the best holiday destinations for Christmas 2024 includes both the traditional yuletide extravaganzas and those sun-soaked escapes where you might forget it’s Christmas at all. From winter wonderlands to sun-drenched retreats, we’ve got the ultimate guide to the best holiday destinations for Christmas. So whether you’re looking to embrace the festive spirit or escape it altogether, dive into our list and find your perfect holiday haven!
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Where to Go for Christmas 2024: The Best Holiday Destinations for Every Type of Festive Fanatic!
Thailand: The Best Holiday Destinations for Christmas Where the Sun Always Shines
Looking for the best holiday destinations for Christmas that scream “beach bliss”? Thailand is your tropical answer! Imagine clear waters kissing sandy shores, palm trees dancing in the breeze, and the chill of a British winter feeling like a distant memory. Whether you’re a family looking for spacious resorts, a couple seeking boutique charm, or a solo traveller on a budget island-hopping spree, Thailand has got you covered. It’s like a festive buffet where everyone gets their slice of paradise!
Pro tip: While Christmas in Thailand is fab, New Year’s Eve is a party on steroids. For an unforgettable experience, crash the beaches of Koh Samui for wild celebrations and dazzling fireworks. Prefer something a bit more sophisticated? Dive into one of the high-end beach clubs or hotels for a more refined soirée. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not make it a two-stop holiday? Bangkok, with its explosive New Year’s Eve celebrations over the Chao Phraya River, is just a hop away.
Where to stay: Channel your inner White Lotus at Koh Samui’s Four Seasons Resort. It’s grand but feels as intimate as a hidden jungle hideaway, with rooms tucked away amidst lush greenery.
This tropical retreat is among the best holiday destinations for Christmas—trust us, your winter-weary soul will thank you!
ALSO READ: Best Hotels in Bangkok: Can These 10 Thailand Retreats Redefine Your Getaway?
Gran Canaria: The Best Holiday Destination for Christmas If You’re Done with Frostbite
Dreaming of a sun-soaked Christmas but not keen on a long-haul flight? Gran Canaria is one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas if you crave guaranteed short-haul sun. Picture this: afternoons averaging around 20°C, perfect for leisurely lunches by the harbour and coastal strolls—because who needs snow when you can have sun?
Insider tip: For a truly epic Christmas escape, hire a car and become the island’s explorer extraordinaire. December isn’t quite beach weather, but it’s prime time for discovering charming towns, historic churches, bustling markets, and breathtaking natural wonders scattered across Gran Canaria.
Where to stay: Gran Canaria isn’t just for families and all-inclusive fanatics anymore. Adults-only Hotel Veintiuno is your grown-up getaway housed in an 18th-century colonial gem. Cozy rooms, a rooftop pool with views to brag about, and a prime spot in Las Palmas make it one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas.
The Cotswolds: The Best Holiday Destination for Christmas If You Want a Fairytale Festive Season
Craving a Christmas straight out of a storybook? Look no further than the Cotswolds, one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas. Imagine picturesque villages blanketed in snow, evenings spent cozying up by a roaring pub fire, and the soothing sound of church bells ringing through charming period properties. It’s like living in a Christmas card, minus the postal delays!
Insider tip: For a festive experience that’s as delightful as a mince pie, hit up Broadway’s Christmas market. Here, you can indulge in gooey raclette, sip mulled wine, and snatch up last-minute gifts from craft stalls. It’s the holiday version of a treasure hunt!
Where to stay: For a dose of opulent charm, book a stay at Estelle Manor. It’s perfect for romanticizing a life of grandeur and making unforgettable memories. Yes, Cotswolds cottages can be a splurge at Christmas, but gather the family and it’ll be a holiday you’ll never forget. Check out our guide to the best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds for some extra inspiration.
Bruges, Belgium: The Best Holiday Destination for Christmas to Live Your Fairy-Tale Fantasy
Dreaming of a Christmas that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale? Bruges, Belgium, is one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas, offering a postcard-perfect scene with snowy, gabled houses and twinkling cobblestone streets. This medieval gem, renowned for its Gothic architecture, transforms into a winter wonderland where fairy lights and market stalls selling crafts and waffles turn every corner into a festive delight.
Insider tip: If Belgian chocolates are your weakness, you’re in luck. Christmas is the perfect excuse to sample as many as possible, so make sure to visit Spegelaere, a charming family-run shop just outside the city center. After all, it’s a holiday tradition to taste test, right?
Where to stay: For a romantic retreat that also has Hollywood cred, check into Bonifacius. This canal-side B&B was a film star in “In Bruges,” and its intimate Gothic Room and exceptional breakfast make it one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas. Brave the cold and climb the winding staircase to the roof terrace for breathtaking views over the Church of Our Lady and the 13th-century belfry.
New York City: The Best Holiday Destination for Christmas Where Romance Meets Glitter
Everyone knows Christmas in New York City is iconic, but did you know it’s also a masterclass in romance? For those seeking the best holiday destinations for Christmas, NYC delivers a holiday fantasy with ice-skating under the majestic Rockefeller Center tree, riding the vintage Jane’s Carousel on the East River, and strolling hand-in-hand across the dazzling Brooklyn Bridge. It’s basically a rom-com come to life!
Insider tip: If you’re after a cozy date night, head to Williamsburg’s Nitehawk Cinema. It’s like a Christmas miracle—food and cocktails delivered straight to your seat. Your only challenge? Deciding between the popcorn and the nachos.
Where to stay: For a taste of luxury and some serious holiday magic, book a stay at The Plaza. Known for its movie-star allure, The Plaza turns Christmas into an epic event, especially for kids. Little ones get to enjoy a family ‘ambassador,’ a closet full of dress-up gear, and even a $100 gift card for FAO Schwarz. If you’re looking for one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas, NYC’s Fifth Avenue Hotel is also a top pick for 2024, boasting fabulous interiors and unbeatable proximity for those last-minute gift grabs.
ALSO READ: 11 Best Hotels in New York City: Which Exclusive Stays Will Blow Your Mind?
Barbados: The Best Holiday Destination for Christmas to Escape the Winter Blues
Dreaming of a Christmas that doesn’t involve shoveling snow or donning thermal underwear? Barbados is one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas, where you can swap your winter coat for sunscreen and enjoy honey-hued beaches and cerulean waters. The festive season is Barbados’ sweet spot—relaxed and warm until mid-December, with prices dropping and the UK fashion set still dreaming of their New Year’s Eve outfits.
Insider tip: If you’re a Christmas cake connoisseur, don’t miss the Bajan “Great Cake,” made with local rum. To fully embrace the holiday spirit, book a day trip to the Mount Gay rum distillery. We guarantee you’ll be belting out carols like a seasoned pro by the end of the tour.
Where to stay: Forget sprawling resorts and check into Cobblers Cove, a charming 40-room hideaway that feels like a tropical country club. With millennial-pink accents and candy-cane-striped pool umbrellas, it’s one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas if you’re looking for a dose of festive cheer with a splash of Caribbean flair.
ALSO READ: Best Hotels in Barbados: 10 Unforgettable Accommodations for an Epic Getaway
Iceland: The Best Holiday Destination for Christmas to Make Your Yuletide Extra Frosty
Why settle for just 12 days of Christmas when you can stretch the festivities to a full 26 in Iceland? As one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas, Iceland pulls out all the stops with 13 Santa Clauses—yes, you read that right—who deliver presents across the country. The chances of catching the Northern Lights in December are also pretty stellar, making your white Christmas dreams come true.
In Reykjavík, the frozen central pond of Tjörnin transforms into a charming ice-skating rink on Christmas Day, while Christmas Eve is celebrated with a feast of smoked lamb and langoustine that’ll make your taste buds tingle.
Insider tip: Stick around for New Year’s Eve to witness Reykjavik’s quirky fireworks display. Locals light up the night sky with a flurry of mini displays that’ll have you oohing and aahing like a kid at a fireworks show.
Where to stay: For an escape into snowy wonderland, check into Highland Base in the mountains. It’s perfect for snowy adventures and total seclusion. If you prefer a more central spot with a chance to see the Northern Lights from your rooftop terrace, Reykjavik Edition is your go-to. This city hotel knows how to do festive right—because when it comes to the best holiday destinations for Christmas, Iceland’s got it all.
ALSO READ: 8 Best Hotels In Iceland That Will Definitely Your Expectations
Dubai: The Best Holiday Destination for Christmas That’ll Make Santa’s Elves Jealous
If you’re dreaming of a holiday that’s less “silent night” and more “glitzy delight,” Dubai is one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas. This Middle Eastern wonderland knows how to do festive right, even if Christmas isn’t a national holiday here. Picture this: a city where you can ski indoors, bounce on giant trampolines, and chill on beaches with highs of 26˚C in December—all while malls and hotels sparkle with Christmas lights and grand trees. It’s like a snow globe met a luxury spa and had a party.
Insider tip: Head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah to experience a shopping center Christmas like no other. Imagine a German market, a snowball zone, and Santa cruising around in a gondola-sleigh. It’s a festive fantasyland that’ll make your Christmas Instagram pop.
Where to stay? The Lana, a Dorchester Collection hotel, is making waves for 2024 with its stunning city views and extravagant Christmas plans. For a more unconventional stay, check out 25hours Hotel One Central, where hammocks, DJ-ready private bars, and creative co-working spaces promise a stay that’s as unique as Dubai itself. For those seeking the best holiday destinations for Christmas, Dubai’s dazzling blend of sun, fun, and festive flair is truly hard to beat.
ALSO READ: Best Hotels in Dubai: Which 11 Over-the-Top Options Will Wow You?
Finnish Lapland: Where Christmas Magic Gets a Frosty Upgrade
Ready for a Christmas that’s so magical it might make your inner child do a jig? Finnish Lapland is not just one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas; it’s practically the Santa Claus HQ, minus the mall crowds. Imagine cozying up in a glass igloo, with the Northern Lights putting on a show right from your bed. And if that isn’t enough to make you squeal, how about a romantic husky-sled ride through snow-blanketed forests or a sauna gondola? Yes, a cable car turned sauna—that’s right, it’s a 20-minute steamy ride with a view.
Insider tip: Feel the Christmas food comedown? Burn those festive calories by fatbiking around Ylläs National Park. It’s like regular biking but with more snow and fewer people asking if you’ve been naughty or nice.
Where to stay? Apukka Resort, with its glass igloos near Rovaniemi, is ideal for those hoping to spot the Northern Lights without leaving their toasty bed. Plus, the igloos come with sofa beds and self-catering options, making it one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas for families and those wanting a touch of Lappish luxury. So, swap your snowman for an igloo and experience why Finnish Lapland is one of the best holiday destinations for Christmas.
