Some people spend Christmas by the fireplace. You would rather spend it somewhere new, with a passport stamp to show for it.
Whether that means wandering a Christmas market in Europe, watching the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle or eating Christmas lunch on a beach, these are our 12 best places to go for Christmas in 2026.
Every destination below comes with its typical December weather, so you can decide between a white Christmas and a warm one before you start looking at flights.
Also check out: Best Warm Places to Visit in December
The best places for Christmas at a glance
| Destination | Best for | Avg. December temp |
|---|---|---|
| Bali, Indonesia | A tropical Christmas | 86°F (30°C) |
| Tokyo, Japan | Winter illuminations | 51°F (11°C) |
| Edinburgh, Scotland | A classic festive city break | 40°F (4°C) |
| Tromsø, Norway | Arctic winter and Northern Lights | 28°F (-2°C) |
| London, England | Lights, theater and Christmas shopping | 46°F (8°C) |
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | A beach Christmas | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sydney, Australia | Christmas in summer | 76°F (24°C) |
| Cape Town, South Africa | Beaches and warm evenings | 68°F (20°C) |
| Basel, Switzerland | Christmas markets without the crowds | 38°F (3°C) |
| Lima, Peru | Local Christmas traditions | 72°F (22°C) |
| Strasbourg, France | Europe's most famous Christmas markets | 42°F (6°C) |
| Riga, Latvia | A snowy Old Town Christmas | 28°F (-2°C) |
12 Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World
1. Christmas in Bali, Indonesia
Known for its rice terraces, temples and lively markets, Bali is one of the best places to go for Christmas if you want sunshine rather than snow.
Christmas is not one of the main Balinese festivals, but the island makes a real effort for visitors who come at this time of year. Whether you want to do nothing more than relax by the pool or join in with a Christmas dinner and carol singing at your hotel, there is something for everyone. To stay close to the festivities, consider the Bandha Hotel & Suites.
December weather in Bali:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Bali | 86°F (30°C) | Very warm and humid |
2. Christmas in Tokyo, Japan
Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Japan, but Tokyo has embraced the season in its own way.
From early December the city lights up with elaborate LED illuminations and huge Christmas trees, which makes it one of the best places to travel during Christmas if you love the lights more than the snow. You can also find Christmas markets and ice skating rinks across the city.
For the view, admire the illuminations from the upper floors of the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, or stay close to the waterfront highlights at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba.
December weather in Tokyo:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 51°F (11°C) | Cool and dry with chilly mornings |
3. Christmas in Edinburgh, Scotland
In Edinburgh, Christmas is a time for family and friends, and the Scottish capital is at its most atmospheric in December.
Lights run along the streets of the Old Town and New Town, setting the scene for a season of festive events. Both visitors and locals spend their evenings exploring the Christmas markets, with food, drinks and decorations at every turn.
Stay on for Hogmanay (Scottish version of New Year's Eve) if you can, since Edinburgh is just as famous for the turning of the year. For a special stay, book The Balmoral Hotel.
December weather in Edinburgh:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 40°F (4°C) | Cold, overcast, short daylight |
4. Christmas in Tromso, Norway
For a truly different Christmas, consider Tromsø, Norway.
Far above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø spends December in the blue twilight of the polar night, and on a clear evening there is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Rather than staying indoors, locals and visitors head out into the snow, which makes Tromsø one of the best places in Europe for a winter Christmas.
You can also explore the Christmas markets and festive events around town. For a room with a view over the Arctic landscape, book the Clarion Hotel The Edge.
December weather in Tromsø:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tromso | 28°F (-2°C) | Very cold, snow/rain mix likely |
5. Christmas in London, England
For a Christmas full of tradition, London is one of the best places to go during the holidays.
The city is covered in Christmas lights, with ice rinks, festive markets and world-class theater drawing visitors from all over the world. Think decorated Georgian townhouses, busy pubs and a touch of Dickens.
To make the most of Christmas in London, start with a classic afternoon tea, stop for a hearty dinner after a day of shopping, and end Christmas Eve with a drink in a cozy pub. For a stay right in the middle of it all, The Savoy captures London at Christmas perfectly.
December weather in London:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| London | 46°F (8°C) | Cold, damp, with frequent rain and fog |
6. Christmas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you would rather skip the white Christmas altogether, Rio de Janeiro offers a sunny, lively holiday in the middle of the Brazilian summer.
December in Rio is all about an ice-cold caipirinha on Copacabana or Ipanema, with daytime temperatures often in the 80s. The city marks the season with nativity scenes, light displays and Christmas trees, including, in many years, a giant tree on the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon; check local listings to see what is on this December.
Hire a bike and ride around the lagoon at dusk, then treat yourself to a stay at the Copacabana Palace.
December weather in Rio de Janeiro:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | 78°F (26°C) | Hot and humid, summer weather |
7. Christmas in Sydney, Australia
Christmas in Sydney means summer, beaches and some of the best Christmas lights in the southern hemisphere.
The festive season stretches across the whole of December, with the city's big Christmas tree at Martin Place drawing crowds every night. Wander through the decorated Strand Arcade, see the light displays around Pitt Street Mall, and spend Christmas Day like the locals do: outdoors, often at the beach.
For a stay at the heart of it all, the Park Hyatt Sydney looks straight out over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
December weather in Sydney:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 76°F (24°C) | Early summer weather, warm and humid |
8. Christmas in Cape Town, South Africa
On the hunt for warm weather? Consider Christmas in Cape Town, South Africa.
The festive season here blends older traditions with newer ones, and it is one of the busiest and liveliest times of the year to visit. Expect Christmas shopping, carol singers and mince pies, then spend your days on the soft-sand beaches to make the most of the summer weather.
For a quieter stay out in the winelands, book the Grande Roche Hotel in the Drakenstein Valley.
December weather in Cape Town:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | 68°F (20°C) | Summer climate, warm days and cooler nights |
9. Christmas in Basel, Switzerland
For most travelers, Basel is a hidden gem, and in December it becomes one of the best places in Europe for Christmas.
The city has not one but two enchanting Christmas markets: one on Barfüsserplatz and another on Münsterplatz, both full of stalls selling handmade gifts, seasonal treats and decorations.
If you want a Christmas getaway with an authentic, cozy atmosphere, stay at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, with views over the Rhine and easy access to both markets.
December weather in Basel:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Basel | 38°F (3°C) | Cold, often overcast, with possible snow |
10. Christmas in Lima, Peru
For a Christmas that feels different from the usual, consider Lima.
Christmas here is colorful and community-minded, built around local traditions. The best known is the chocolatada, where people gather to share hot chocolate and panetón, a sweet bread similar to Italian panettone. Join in if you get the chance; it is the easiest way to experience Christmas the way locals do.
For a stay with character, consider Hotel B, a boutique hotel in the Barranco district.
December weather in Lima:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Lima | 72°F (22°C) | Humid, some cloud cover with mild evenings |
11. Christmas in Strasbourg, France
If you are looking for the most Christmassy place in Europe, head to Strasbourg.
Known as the "Capital of Christmas," the city draws huge crowds every December. Its Christmas markets are set against a backdrop of half-timbered houses, and each one has its own character, with handmade gifts, festive food and lights strung across the streets. Take your time and explore the markets square by square.
For a stay close to the markets, consider Hôtel Les Haras, or browse more hotels near the Strasbourg Christmas market.
December weather in Strasbourg:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg | 42°F (6°C) | Cold, possibly misty and rainy |
12. Christmas in Riga, Latvia
For a Christmas steeped in history, consider Riga.
The city claims to be the birthplace of the decorated Christmas tree (a title Tallinn also claims), and it takes the season seriously. The Old Town is decorated with lights, and the Christmas markets are full of Latvian crafts, seasonal food and hot mulled wine. The heart of it all is Doma Square, home to Riga's best-known Christmas market.
For a stay in the historic center, consider the Grand Palace Hotel.
December weather in Riga:
| Where | Avg. Temp | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Riga | 28°F (-2°C) | Cold and snowy |
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Christmas Travel FAQs for U.S. Travelers
Which country has the best Christmas?
It depends on the Christmas you want. For Christmas markets, Germany, Austria and the Alsace region of France (home to Strasbourg) are hard to beat. For snow and Northern Lights, head to Norway or Finnish Lapland. For a warm Christmas, Brazil, Australia and South Africa are all in summer in December.
What is the most Christmassy city in the world?
Strasbourg calls itself the "Capital of Christmas" and is the city most often named for its Christmas markets. Other strong contenders are Basel, Riga, Edinburgh and London in Europe, and Tokyo for winter illuminations.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit popular Christmas destinations?
It depends on where you go. Americans can visit most European countries in the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days, and Canada, Mexico and much of the Caribbean do not require a visa for short stays. Australia requires an ETA, and some countries in Asia or Africa require a tourist visa. Entry rules for Europe are changing, so always check the U.S. State Department website before booking.
Are vaccines or special health precautions necessary for holiday travel abroad?
For most cities in Europe, Canada or Australia, no additional vaccines are needed. If you are heading to parts of Africa, South America or Southeast Asia, you may need vaccines such as yellow fever, hepatitis A or typhoid. The CDC recommends visiting a travel clinic well before departure.
What is the typical weather in December around the world?
- Europe: cold and festive in the north, with snow likely, and milder in southern countries like Spain and Italy.
- Asia: dry season in much of Southeast Asia, which is good for beach trips, and chilly in Japan, Korea and northern China.
- South America: summer in the southern hemisphere, so warm in Brazil, Argentina and Chile.
- Africa: warm summer days in the south, including Cape Town, and pleasant days with cooler nights in the north, such as Morocco.
- Oceania: summer in Australia and New Zealand, with long sunny days for outdoor celebrations.Ç
What are the most family-friendly places to spend Christmas abroad?
Destinations with easy travel and plenty to do work best with kids: Lapland for visiting Santa, European Christmas markets in Germany and Austria, Disney parks in Florida or Paris, and beach resorts in the Caribbean. Staying closer to home? See our guide to the best places to go during Christmas in the US.
Which destinations are best suited for solo travelers or adults without kids?
Cities with lively nightlife, culture and events, such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo or Sydney, are ideal. For more adventure, consider Patagonia, a safari in South Africa, or a food-focused trip to Mexico City or Bangkok.
Is Christmas one of the busiest travel seasons?
Yes. The weeks around Christmas and New Year are peak travel time worldwide, and flights and hotels fill up quickly, so book as early as you can for the best availability and prices.
How much more expensive is it to travel over Christmas compared to other months?
Expect higher prices for flights and hotels, especially in the days just before Christmas through to New Year. You can save by leaving earlier in December, returning after New Year or choosing less touristy destinations.
Where can I find a guaranteed White Christmas?
Nowhere is completely guaranteed, but for snow lovers, Lapland in Finland, Banff and Whistler in Canada, the Colorado ski resorts, the Swiss Alps and northern Japan are some of the most reliable places for snow and a cozy winter Christmas.
Are there cultural differences Americans should know about when celebrating Christmas abroad?
Yes. In many countries, Christmas Eve is the main celebration rather than December 25, and shops and restaurants may close over the holidays. In destinations where Christmas is not widely observed, it is business as usual. Read up on local customs before you go to avoid surprises.