The 20 most festive destinations around the world

This city in the northeastern corner of France is a favorite come the holiday season. Strasbourg has some of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in all of Europe and is the birthplace of the Christmas tree. It’s hard to visit the region and not be in a jolly mood. If you have time, make sure to visit nearby Colmar, Riquewihr, and Mulhouse.

The U.S. might not be as well-known for holiday destinations on par with French Alsace or the German Christmas markets, but its largest city provides plenty of cheer. From the larger-than-life Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Bryant Park Christmas Village (complete with an ice skating rink), and Macy’s Santaland, the city is an overdose of festivity. Additionally, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a storefront without top-notch displays or a street without a holiday pop-up bar come December.

Designated as the official Christmas town of Norway, Tromsø is a great place to visit during the holiday period. The entire town is lit up in holiday lights throughout December, and there is an adorable Christmas market often blanketed in snow. If you have time, make sure to take an excursion and enjoy all this region has to offer — such as a dogsled outing or northern lights spotting.

If you want to trade wintry festivities for Christmas in July, then head to the southern hemisphere. Argentina’s capital is full of Christmas trees despite the tropical temps, and it’s not uncommon to encounter fake snow, so you might not entirely escape winter here. Additionally, there are numerous events where you can dance the tango (or take a lesson) in the lead-up to the end of the year!

While technically a part of France, the island of Martinique sits solidly in the Caribbean. And trading snow for sand is a great idea every now and then. Additionally, Martinique is home to many unique holiday traditions, including the Chanté Nwel, where towns around the island host community concerts and dance parties for all to enjoy.

Honestly, if you’re looking for a mind-boggling Christmas market, other cities in France are a better bet than Paris. However, the City of Light is still a festive destination thanks to world-class and larger-than-life decorations around town and a light show at City Hall every night in December.

It would be a holiday crime to leave off a town called Santa Claus! Beyond the charming name, the small city in the south of the state puts on a magical holiday schedule. There’s the reindeer farm where kids can pet Rudolph, the multiple Christmas light shows, and the annual Christmas parade. 

A lesser-known destination for fab Christmas markets, Prague is special during this time of the year. The first snow often falls, the Prague castle is adorned with lights, and the popular dessert Trdelník is served all over the city.

This bizarre Bavarian village in Washington’s Cascade mountains will transport you to Germany. The small town really feels like Bavaria, with beer halls, gingerbread buildings, and snow-covered peaks. Enjoy Christmas markets that don’t require an international flight and wonderful access to winter sports.

London’s holiday markets are a bit more impressive than those in Paris, but like its French counterpart, the main attractions are the decorations. Check out the fairy lights that adorn Oxford Street, the giant decorations in Covent Garden and Leicester Square, and the lit-up London Eye.

Another popular “feels like you’re in Europe” U.S. destination, Solvang will transport you to an Old World Danish town. The small city in SoCal wine country is nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains amongst numerous top-rated vineyards. And come the holidays, the entire town, including the iconic windmills, is lit up in a massive real-life Christmas display. 

Banff is a small Canadian town that most picture when imagining the stereotypical image of Canada. It’s also one of the most magical destinations to spend a winter getaway. The town hosts an adorable Christmas market, complete with a skating rink and a Rocky Mountain background! And, of course, some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country can be found here.

Sydney might not be the first place that comes to mind when imagining a holiday trip. But if you’re up for a bit of a different festive experience, Christmas down under is a true delight. Enjoy beach days and barbecues while your friends in the Northern Hemisphere are bundled up for snow. And the lights throughout the city are quite enjoyable to wander without a jacket!

The north of France is famous for fantastic Christmas markets, but most travelers stick to the east. Strasbourg, Colmar, etc., are all wonderful, but if you’re looking for a similar experience sans crowds, try Lille. Not far from the Belgian border, you’ll enjoy top-notch markets, mulled wine, and unique architecture, all adorned with twinkling holiday decor.

What could be more festive than the reindeer capital of Europe? That’s what you’ll find in Lapland, located in the far north of Finland. Go dog sledding and cross-country skiing, and spot the northern lights in this snow globe of a destination! 

This vibrant city in the Caribbean comes to life in December! Boats are well decorated for the season, vendors sell ornaments, lights, and holiday treats, and residents take to the streets for constant carols.

You’ll be forgiven for thinking you crossed the Atlantic on any trip to Quebec City. One of, if not the most European lookalike in North America, it’s the perfect place to spend the lead-up to the holiday season. Snow blankets charming bright-colored buildings, hot chocolate, and other treats are sold near communal open fires throughout the city, and a luge slide takes over the boardwalk along the river. 

The Bulgarian capital is full of amazing architecture and style that shines during the festive season. The lights and decorations highlight the snow-dusted charm of the city. The Christmas market and nearby Vitosha ski mountain also bring the best of other European destinations but with fewer crowds!

Larger cities in Germany, such as Cologne and Munich, often get the most attention during the Christmas market season. But small towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber are not to be missed! You’ll enjoy all the fun of larger metropolises but with fewer crowds and a more local feel!

Mexico is the birthplace of the Christmas flower — poinsettias and its capital city really gets into the spirit each year! A giant (if fake) Christmas tree pops up in the main square in Zocalo, as well as a skating rink and sledding hill. And throughout town, you’ll see massive holiday displays and vendors selling festive treats and trinkets!