Inspirations
Snow-covered Christmas markets or sun-soaked beaches: here's our pick of the best destinations for the festive season.
Every year, the festive season raises the same question: should you go for the magic of snow-covered Christmas markets, or fly off to sunny beaches to see in the new year with your toes in the sand?
Whether you're after a magical family stay, a romantic weekend in an illuminated capital, or a tropical escape, discover our pick of the best places to go for Christmas.
At a glance
| Destination | Type of trip | Weather (Dec.) | Average budget | Main draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg & Alsace | Tradition & magic | 1°C to 6°C | €€ | Christmas capital, historic markets |
| New York (USA) | Magic & spectacle | -1°C to 6°C | €€€€ | Rockefeller Center tree, festive shop windows |
| London (UK) | Shopping & lights | 5°C to 9°C | €€€ | Winter Wonderland, illuminations |
| Cologne (Germany) | Traditional markets | 2°C to 7°C | €€ | Mulled wine, Rhineland authenticity |
| Switzerland (Zermatt, Montreux) | Snow & mountains | -5°C to 2°C | €€€€ | Snowy scenery, Santa's train |
| Lapland (Finland) | Far North & magic | -15°C to -5°C | €€€€€ | Santa's village, Northern Lights |
| Guadeloupe / Martinique | Sun & beach | 23°C to 29°C | €€€ | Tropical Christmas Eve, turquoise sea |
The details
It's impossible to talk about Christmas without mentioning Alsace. Strasbourg, self-proclaimed "Christmas Capital", is home to France's oldest Christmas market (dating back to 1570).
TripCompanion tip: book your accommodation at least 6 months ahead, and visit the markets on weekday late afternoons to avoid the weekend crowds.
Spending Christmas in New York is a childhood dream. Under snow or in the crisp winter air, the Big Apple turns into a life-size film set.
TripCompanion tip: catch the Rockettes' Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a New York tradition since 1933. For more, see our complete guide to a New York city break.
London at Christmas pairs Victorian charm with overflowing energy, ideal for an extended weekend in December.
TripCompanion tip: treat yourself to a special Christmas afternoon tea at a grand London hotel or at Fortnum & Mason, and try the traditional mince pies.
Germany has a centuries-old Christkindlmarkt culture. Cologne is one of the most impressive cities in which to experience it.
TripCompanion tip: try Reibekuchen (crispy potato pancakes) served with apple sauce, a specialty of the Rhineland markets.
To be sure of a snowy Christmas, Switzerland offers a sumptuous alpine setting combining luxury, nature and panoramic trains.
TripCompanion tip: to travel comfortably with your dog, Zermatt is a fully pedestrian, very dog-friendly resort.
To experience the absolute magic of winter and live out a childhood dream, Lapland is the ultimate destination. Between snow-covered forests, the Northern Lights and husky sledding, it's the perfect setting for a magical family Christmas.
TripCompanion tip: pack proper cold-weather gear (thermal suits and insulated boots) and book activities several months ahead. Find all our advice in our complete guide to spending Christmas in Lapland.
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If you'd rather escape the winter cold, December falls right in the dry high season across the Caribbean and other tropical regions.
Frequently asked questions
For highly sought-after destinations (Alsace, Lapland, New York), it's best to book between May and July (4 to 6 months ahead) to get reasonable rates on flights and accommodation.
For a guaranteed white Christmas, head to Lapland (Finland), altitude resorts in Switzerland, Austria or the French Alps, or Quebec in Canada.
Budget around €600 to €1,000 per person for a weekend in a European capital (London, Strasbourg, Cologne), and €1,800 to €3,500 per person for a week-long trip to New York, Switzerland or Lapland.
At TripCompanion, we design your fully personalized travel journal: itinerary, dog-friendly accommodation if needed, and the best addresses for a memorable Christmas Eve.
I'll design a tailor-made itinerary for a perfect festive-season stay.
Let's talk about your project