Our top festive vacations, from Mexico to Sweden.
Christmas is a time for family, food and excessive shopping. It’s also a great time to go on holiday and have some last-minute fun before another year ends. Whether you’re looking to escape the cold for warmer climes or visit somewhere snowy and festive, we’ve got you covered. In some of our featured Christmas destinations, we’ve included seasonal hotels – including a hotel made of ice that melts after winter!
For those who dream of a white Christmas, destinations like the Alps, Scandinavia, or Canada deliver a winter fairytale experience. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding bring excitement, while cozying up by a roaring fire with mulled wine or hot cocoa adds a touch of festive charm (or “hygge” if you’re in Scandinavia). You can also explore Christmas markets, go on husky sledding tours, or witness the Northern Lights.
Arctic Resort
Arctic ResortWhat could be more Christmassy than staying in a glass igloo in Lapland? If you’re lucky you may even see the Northern Lights flashing in the sky. That would be quite a sight to see as you drift off to sleep. Kakslauttanen offers a range of accommodations, including log chalets, luxurious suites, and, supposing you’re feeling brave, real igloos! If you head into the forest you can visit Santa in his red chalet. You’ll need to book an appointment, he’s very busy in December – snowed under, you might say. When you’ve visited Santa, you could set out on a reindeer safari with the local reindeer herders. All in all, this will be the perfect Christmas getaway.
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Germany
Alpine forests, the Brothers Grimm, Black Forest Gateaux and magical castles – so far, so Christmassy. We have the perfect seasonal itinerary if you want to explore Germany. Everyone loves a German Christmas market: they are best experienced in the country that invented them. Berlin hosts a huge one throughout December at the baroque Charlottenburg Palace. If you’re still in town for New Year’s Eve, you’ll see one of the best festive celebrations in Europe. One thing is for sure: people in Berlin know how to party.
Prague
Prague is stunning all year round but it’s especially enticing during winter. A layer of snow covers the buildings and Prague becomes a fairy-tale city. It does, however, get cold. Bring some warm clothes – we’re talking thermals, long johns and chunky scarves. It’ll be worth the effort. Walking around this winter wonderland during Christmas is like being in a movie. Especially with the iconic Prague Castle looming over you. It has towered over the city for a thousand years.
New York
New York City at Christmas is a magical experience, with iconic landmarks like the Rockefeller Center tree and ice-skating rink, dazzling Fifth Avenue window displays, and festive lights in Dyker Heights creating a winter wonderland. The seasonal charm extends to ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park, exploring artisanal Christmas markets at Union Square and Bryant Park, and enjoying holiday-themed Broadway shows like The Nutcracker. From cozy cafés serving seasonal treats to gourmet dining, New York offers a blend of festive activities and world-class experiences that make it a perfect destination for celebrating the holiday season.
Wondering where to stay in New York? One of our favorite hotels is The New York EDITION: it’s long been popular with LGBT+ travelers and it’s very stylish. If you want to experience a super luxury New York hotel, The Pierre takes it to another level: it was the former stomping ground of Elizabeth Taylor and Aristotle Onassis.
Sweden
200km north of the Arctic Circle you’ll find Sweden’s Ice Hotel. The hotel’s rooms are carved out of ice by a range of international artists. You’ll be sleeping on a bed of ice wrapped in a reindeer hide. Thermal sleeping bags are included! This is one of the most Instagram-friendly hotels in the world. The rooms are decorated with dazzling ice carvings. You can even book an ice sculpting class and create your own masterpiece.
In December, the hotel becomes even more enchanting as the landscape is blanketed in pristine snow, and the Northern Lights often dance across the sky, providing an unforgettable backdrop. Activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling immerse you in the beauty of the Arctic wilderness. For a touch of romance and relaxation, enjoy warm, candlelit dinners featuring local delicacies like reindeer and Arctic char, and unwind in the warm sauna or a heated log cabin after experiencing the crisp chill of your ice suite. A December stay at the Ice Hotel in Sweden is not just a holiday—it’s a bucket-list Christmas adventure. Out of season, the ice suites melt away. They are newly carved every winter.
Orlando
If you’re looking to escape the cold weather on your Christmas getaway, Orlando is a great choice. Florida doesn’t really “do” cold. The temperature in Orlando is unlikely to drop below 20C. Visiting Orlando in December gives you warm weather with festive holiday experiences. The city’s theme parks—Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld—go all out for the holidays, featuring next-level decorations, festive parades, and seasonal shows. Highlights include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, the lights of the Osborne Family Spectacle at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The milder temperatures make exploring the parks comfortable compared to the summer heat, and holiday travelers can enjoy activities like ice skating and Christmas tree trails.
Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for winter sun Sri Lanka is a good choice. This is the beginning of the dry season on the west and south coasts as well as in the central highlands, making it ideal for beach getaways and exploring attractions like Galle Fort and the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. The golden beaches of Bentota, Mirissa, and Unawatuna are perfect for relaxing, whale watching, or indulging in water sports.
Sri Lanka is packed with culture. You can explore the ancient temples of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s major city during antiquity: 113 kings ruled over the country from this city. Here you can visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, planted in 288 BC, it is the tree where Lord Buddha gained Enlightenment and the oldest planted by a human.
Cancun
A great choice if you’re looking for a sunny Christmas getaway. Cancun is also ideal if you’re looking to relax. Most of the resorts offer all-inclusive deals so you can have all your needs and desires fulfilled – well, within reason. There isn’t much to see in Cancun city, people come here for the affordable luxury resorts. If you’d like to experience some culture you can take a trip to Chichen Itza and see the great ruins of the Mayan empire.
Check out our top luxury hotels in Riviera Maya, featuring many of the best all-inclusive packages you can book. To narrow it down further, we’d say the Viceroy Riviera Maya is the premier luxury all-inclusive hotel in this part of Mexico.
