The holiday season is a magical time to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. With these 14 bucket list destinations to visit during the holiday season, travelers can discover enchanting places that truly come alive with festive spirit. From snowy winter wonderlands to tropical paradises, each location offers a special holiday experience.
Start planning your holiday trip now to make the most of these incredible destinations. Choose a place that speaks to your interests and travel style, and be sure to book early as popular holiday spots can fill up quickly. By visiting one of these bucket list locations, you can add an extra touch of magic to your holiday celebrations and create unforgettable memories.
Nuremberg, Germany
During the holiday season, this Bavarian city transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christkindlesmarkt, one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, fills the main square with hundreds of stalls selling traditional crafts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. Visitors can sip on hot mulled wine while browsing handmade gifts or sampling local specialties like lebkuchen (gingerbread). The market's festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and carol singers, captures the essence of a traditional German Christmas.
Lapland, Finland
Known as the official home of Santa Claus, Lapland offers a truly magical holiday experience. Visitors can meet Santa in his village, take reindeer sleigh rides through snowy forests, and stay in glass igloos to watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky. The region's natural beauty, with its vast expanses of pristine snow and frozen lakes, creates a picturesque winter setting. Activities like husky sledding and snowmobiling add excitement to the serene landscape.
New York City, USA
The Big Apple becomes a festive spectacle during the holidays. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating in Central Park, and elaborate department store window displays draw visitors from around the world. Broadway shows offer special holiday performances, while neighborhoods like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn dazzle with over-the-top light displays. The city's energy, combined with classic holiday traditions, creates an unforgettable urban Christmas experience.
Queenstown, New Zealand
For a unique holiday experience, Queenstown offers summer festivities in December. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, bungee jumping, and water sports against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. The town hosts a vibrant Christmas parade and market, blending traditional holiday cheer with summer fun. Christmas Day barbecues on the beach and festive wine tours in the nearby Central Otago region add to the distinctive southern hemisphere holiday atmosphere.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
This picturesque mountain town offers a quintessential white Christmas experience. World-class ski slopes attract winter sports enthusiasts, while the charming downtown area sparkles with holiday lights and decorations. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, attend the annual tree lighting ceremony, and warm up with hot cocoa by a crackling fire. The combination of outdoor adventure and cozy mountain charm makes Aspen a perfect holiday getaway.
Tokyo, Japan
While Christmas isn't a traditional holiday in Japan, Tokyo embraces the season with unique flair. Stunning illumination displays transform areas like Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills into glittering wonderlands. Department stores create elaborate window displays, and Christmas markets with a Japanese twist pop up around the city. Visitors can experience the juxtaposition of traditional Japanese culture with adopted Western holiday customs, creating a fascinating cultural blend.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebration is one of the world's largest New Year's festivals. The multi-day event includes a torchlight procession, street parties, concerts, and a spectacular fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. Visitors can join in traditional Scottish ceilidh dances, watch fire performers, and participate in the refreshing "Loony Dook" - a New Year's Day plunge into the freezing Firth of Forth. The city's historic atmosphere adds to the magic of the celebrations.
Salzburg, Austria
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The birthplace of Mozart becomes a winter fairy tale during the holidays. The city's baroque architecture provides a stunning backdrop for Christmas markets selling handcrafted goods and local delicacies. Visitors can attend classical concerts in historic venues, take horse-drawn carriage rides through snowy streets, and visit nearby ski resorts. The Sound of Music tour takes on a special charm when the hills are covered in snow.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland's capital offers a unique Arctic Christmas experience. The city's Yule Lads, mischievous Christmas characters from Icelandic folklore, make appearances around town. Visitors can soak in geothermal pools under the northern lights, explore ice caves, and attend Christmas concerts in Hallgrímskirkja church. The winter scenery, with its short days and long nights, creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying holiday traditions.
Vail, Colorado, USA
This charming alpine village transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. The European-inspired architecture is enhanced by twinkling lights and fresh snow. Visitors can enjoy world-class skiing, ice skating in the town square, and holiday-themed events like tree lighting ceremonies and visits from Santa. The pedestrian-friendly village, with its heated streets, allows for comfortable exploration of boutique shops and gourmet restaurants.
Bali, Indonesia
For those seeking a tropical holiday escape, Bali offers a unique blend of relaxation and festive spirit. Many resorts and restaurants host special Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, often incorporating traditional Balinese elements. Visitors can spend Christmas Day on pristine beaches, explore lush rice terraces decorated with holiday lights, or attend midnight mass in a local church. The warm weather and stunning landscapes provide a refreshing alternative to typical winter holiday destinations.
Quebec City, Canada
This historic city becomes a picturesque winter village during the holidays. The cobblestone streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are lined with twinkling lights and decorations. Visitors can explore the German Christmas Market, go ice skating at Place D'Youville, or toboggan down the slopes near Château Frontenac. The city's French-Canadian heritage adds a unique cultural dimension to traditional North American holiday celebrations.
Goa, India
Goa's Portuguese-influenced Christmas celebrations offer a distinctive holiday experience. The state's beaches host lively parties, while its historic churches hold midnight masses and put on nativity plays. Visitors can explore Christmas markets selling local handicrafts, sample Goan holiday specialties like bebinca (a layered pudding), and join in the festive atmosphere that blends Indian and European traditions. The warm weather allows for a beach-centric holiday celebration unlike any other.
Zermatt, Switzerland
This car-free alpine village, nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn, offers a quintessential Swiss winter holiday. Horse-drawn sleighs and electric taxis transport visitors through snow-covered streets. World-class skiing, cozy fondue restaurants, and charming Christmas markets create a festive atmosphere. Visitors can take a scenic train ride on the Glacier Express or ascend the Gornergrat for breathtaking mountain views. The village's commitment to sustainability adds an eco-friendly dimension to the holiday experience.
10 of the Most Magical Christmas Markets Across the United States
It's always fun to visit Chrismas markets! Christmas markets are the heartbeat of the holiday season, bringing communities together with festive cheer and twinkling lights. Across the United States, these markets transform towns and cities into winter wonderlands, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas. Picture strolling through rows of charming stalls, sipping on hot cocoa, and finding that perfect gift for a loved one.
Read More Here: 10 of the Most Magical Christmas Markets Across the United States
9 Festive Small Towns in the U.S. to Experience Holiday Magic
More destinations to visit this holiday season! The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, especially in small towns across the United States. These 9 festive small towns in the U.S. to experience holiday magic offer a unique blend of charm, tradition, and community spirit. From dazzling light displays to quaint holiday markets, these towns create a cozy and enchanting atmosphere that can make the season feel even more special.
Read More Here: 9 Festive Small Towns in the U.S. to Experience Holiday Magic
