I am a public school teacher and the easiest way for me to travel as much as possible is to use my breaks. Unfortunately all my breaks fall at peak travel times/holidays. We are very lucky to live near family, we spend a lot of time with them and therefore do not have any guilt when we travel for Christmas.
Although I do wish I could be two places at once, the holidays are a great travel time for us as we both have time off between Christmas and NYE, and we can’t pass up on an adventure. It’s also been very fun to find out how Christmas/NYE are celebrated (or not celebrated at all) in different countries all over the world. Here are my best tips for traveling during the holiday season, where to go, things to see and do, and what you should look out for before booking!
Important Tips when Traveling For Christmas
Check Christmas Market Dates
Wherever you’re visiting, if you’re expecting Christmas markets, make sure to check the dates. Many markets will actually end on Christmas Eve or Christmas and do not run through New Years. We have been to a few cities where Christmas markets remained open a bit longer, but it’t not as common as you’d think. Make sure to check.
When traveling at Christmas, consider the cost
It’s no question flights are going to be more expensive during this time. It can be helpful to be very flexible with where you want to go. The Asia flights were wildly expensive, but we had very cheap days while we were there. In past years we’ve even let flight prices dictate where we visit. We use the open ended flight search on google and find our destination that way.
Check what is actually open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and even December 26th
It is important to make sure that things will be open on Christmas. Make sure you can do things you want/need to do. Can you get Christmas dinner somewhere? Will the city be shut down as people are celebrating with their families? We have avoided some places because I read that we’d basically be stuck in our hotel on Christmas with not much open in a city or town. There are also some places that celebrate and you can be included in the celebration! It’s just so important to research this ahead of time so you’re not caught out.
Don’t forget about December 26th, this day is not always business as usual depending on where you are traveling. Make sure to check.
Check transportation schedules
It’s also important to note that transportation may have special hours, not be running, etc. on a holiday. Trains/busses may be less frequent or not running at all. Taxis may even be hard to come by. Make sure you know what to expect and plan in advance.
Book popular dinners, tours, and events early
If there is a lot going on in the place you’re visiting, its likely that many others will be hoping to enjoy the same things you are. Book diners, events, and tours as early as possible. For example, the W-Trek in Chile should be booked 6-9 months in advance. Many special hotels will sell out during this time period as well.
Where to Travel for Christmas
🎄 Best Christmas Destinations for a Traditional Christmas
☀️ Best Warm Christmas Destinations
✈️ Best Places to Escape Christmas Entirely
Bucket-list Christmas Destinations
Christmas in Tunisia: A Warm, Quiet Alternative to Europe
We did Christmas in Tunisia in 2025. This is a unique one to say the least. Although Tunisia as a country does not generally celebrate Christmas, we ended up staying at the Four Seasons Hotel and they gave us a bit of a Christmas Experience. The hotel was well decorated and had some nice meals for the holidays. Overall, Tunisia is in a low travel season during the holidays and it’s a great time to travel if you want things to be less crowded and more affordable.
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Tunis
What to Do: Tunis + Sidi Bou Said + Carthage + El Jem
More Tunisia: Check out my blog posts for more details here —> Tunisia Blog Posts.
My Take: A great choice if you want a warm-weather Christmas without traditional Christmas crowds. Best for: A quieter, culturally interesting Christmas escape
Christmas in the Galapagos: My Favorite Christmas Yet
We spent Christmas in the Galapagos in 2024. I have to say, Christmas in the Galapagos Islands has been the best one yet. The Galapagos is truly a magical place and I felt at peace traveling there in a way I have felt nowhere else on earth. Being among the animals and nature for days on end was a truly transformative experience and one of my favorite trips of all time.
We spent 3 days on Santa Cruz, 3 days on Isabela, and 3 days on San Cristobal Island. They all had their own special magic and had so much to offer. The weather is amazing in the islands this time of year and many of the other tourists were on holidays too so it had a very jovial vibe. Overall I could not recommend the Galapagos more for an amazing holiday.
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: on Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal
What to Do: Land-based Galápagos tours + wildlife experiences
My Itinerary: 3 days Santa Cruz → 3 days Isabela → 3 days San Cristóbal
Read More: Adventure + wildlife + a Christmas you’ll never forget! I have written a number of blog posts about the experience as I had a hard time finding lots about doing a land based tour. You can check out my posts here —–> Galapagos Islands Posts
Christmas in Grenada: A Tropical Caribbean Christmas
We spent Christmas here in 2023. I always feel like I need to add the “in the Caribbean” part becuase there is a Grenada in Spain and I don’t want to confuse people. Grenada was an amazing place to spend the holidays! The weather was incredible and we were outdoors all day every day. There are some absolutley incredible beaches, amazing jungle hikes, the cutest monkeys (mona monkeys), and truly some of the most kind humans we have met anywhere in our travels.
We also spent time on the island of Carriacou which was one of my favorite experiences. I struggle with relaxing and this place changed me into a person who could slow down and enjoy! The island celebrates Christmas and NYE so the less touristy things can be closed during these times and you should prepare in advance for dinners on Christmas eve and Christmas. I couldn’t recommend a Christmas Holiday in Grenada more highly!
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: True Blue Bay Resort
What to Do: Beaches + jungle hikes + Carriacou
Don’t Miss: A day trip to Carriacou
Read More: If this all sounds like your style I have a number of posts on my blog about Grenada and Carriacou, you can check them out here —-> Blog posts
Christmas in Chile: Patagonia Over Christmas
We visited Chile for Christmas 2022. We were in Puerto Natales, Chile on Christmas Eve and Christmas while preparing for our hike in Torres Del Paine. This town wasn’t super decorated or seemingly very into Christmas. However, our hotel did a wonderful tasting menu meal on Christmas, complete with little candy canes and a festive menu. On Christmas, we dine at a place called Afrigonia and they gave us little Santa hats, it was so cozy, it definitely felt like a Christmas vibe! In general, December is a great time to visit Chile.
The weather is very warm in Santiago, comfortable on the coast, and it’s the best time to visit Patagonia. Although we still had crazy weather in Patagonia (which I think happens no matter what), we were very comfortable and prepared and found this time of year to be very enjoyable.
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: Hotel Costa Australis
What to Do: Torres del Paine + Patagonia hiking
Read More: I have a number of blog posts now about Patagonia including both the Chilean & Argentinian sides of Patagonia, you can find them here —-> Patagonia Posts
Pack For It: Check out my packing list here
Christmas in Slovenia: The Most Magical Traditional Christmas
This was Christmas 2021 and although it was during covid, we made it work. We spent Christmas and Christmas Eve at Hotel Triglav in Lake Bled and the experience was magic. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground, the area felt festive and had a very small Christmas market. The hotel did tasting menus on both nights and the food was incredible. The restaurant at this hotel now has Michelin recognition. We also did a wine tasting with the hotels sommelier in the wine cellar.
Walking around the lake is such a fun activity, as is getting the famous Bled cake and checking out the castle. We had lunch at the Bled Castle on Christmas Eve and really enjoyed the visit! Overall, Slovenia was SUCH a charming place to be during the holidays and I would highly recommend it!
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: Hotel Triglav
What to Do: Lake Bled + Bled Castle + Christmas markets
Don’t Miss: Bled cake + a wine tasting
Read More: To find more information about our time in Slovenia for Christmas—> click here.
Christmas in Costa Rica: celebrating with our animal friends
We traveled to Costa Rica during the height of covid for Christmas 2020, so it’s a little weird to say, but we got to see it in a very special way – completely uncrowded. Every tour we went on, we were the only people there. Towns were pretty empty so we could eat anywhere we wanted. We’d sit at bars and be one of only a few people, and they’d tell us that there were usually hundreds. Christmas was pretty casual here, some places had decorations, but it was really nothing highly celebrated. We took ourselves to a nice dinner at a Greek restaurant in Playas Del Coco. Overall this is a beautiful time of year in Costa Rica. The weather was extremely pleasant the whole time and we had no rain.
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: Arenal Observatory Lodge (near La Fortuna)
What to Do: Beaches + wildlife + adventure tours
Read More: If you’re planning Costa Rica I have a couple blog posts about that: click here.
Christmas in Colombia: the hottest Christmas we’ve had!
Colombia was an excellent place to visit during the holiday season for Christmas 2019. This year, we actually flew down on Dec 26th so we had Christmas at home. But there was a great vibe everywhere and it felt very festive, especially in Cartagena.
NYE in Cartagena is also an awesome experience that I’d highly recommend. Colombia is HOT this time of year, but there are beaches you can boat to, pools to cool off in, and hiking in Salento was a bucket list experience. I highly recommend December here.
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: Check your options here
What to Do: Cartagena + beaches + Salento
Don’t Miss: NYE in Cartagena
Read More: I have a post about doing the hike in Salento if you click here.
Christmas in Thailand: not really Christmas at all, but they made it work
Thailand was an awesome place to visit in December of 2018. We were in Ao Nang for Christmas Eve and Christmas, and we noticed that our hotel decorated and tried to make it feel festive for visitors. But, Christmas in general is not really celebrated here. We traveled to Thailand during this time because we knew it was a great time for the weather. Hopping around islands was the perfect way to spend the end of December, and seeing a lantern festival in Chiang Mai was a bucket list way to spend a New Years Eve!
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: It’s been a long time since we were here so you can check hotels and see availability for your dates here —-> Hotels in Ao Nang
What to Do: Island hopping + Chiang Mai
Don’t Miss: Spend Christmas somewhere tropical and celebrate NYE in Chiang Mai
Christmas in Vietnam: the most non traditional Christmas
We’d been hoping to travel to Asia for a few years and with the way Christmas/NYE fell this year, we had a few extra days off in 2017. Vietnam was an excellent choice for a Christmas destination. We spent some time in cities like Ho Chi Mihn, Hoi An, and Can Tho, and also got away to the island of Phu Quoc for NYE. Nothing here was Christmassy, so if that’s what you’re looking for then this isn’t your spot, but it was a perfect place to visit over the holidays weather wise!
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: We were young and on a budget the last time we visited here. We’d splurge now for sure! You can check out some options here —-> Hoi An Hotels
What to Do: Ho Chi Minh City + Hoi An + Can Tho
Add On: Phuket for NYE
Read More: If you’re looking for more info I’ve got a few posts about Vietnam so far here.
Christmas in Switzerland: cozy, snowy, and all the merry vibes
We visited Lucerne, Bern, Zurich, and some smaller towns as well in 2016. This was definitely a more Christmassy trip! There were markets and hot chocolates and decorations everywhere. There were cozy blankets at bars and fake animal skins to sit on, mulled wine, hot fondue, and delightful Christmas treats. If you’re looking for a fun get away for December and want it to feel very “holiday”, Switzerland fits the bill!
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: We stayed in a lot of airbnb on this trip as we were much younger, but now we’d do hotels, you can check availability & book here —–> Lucerne Hotels
What to Do: Lucerne + Bern + Zurich + Christmas markets
Don’t Miss: Fondue + mulled wine + Christmas markets
Read More: Switzerland is by no means an affordable country so I made a guide for how to make it more affordable. You can check that out here —> Switzerland Guide
Christmas in Nicaragua: Christmas tradition galore!
Nicaragua was an awesome place to spend December 2015. We were in Leon on Christmas and the whole town was so festive. There were lights everywhere, people were jovial, their were giant “puppet-like” dolls out dancing in the streets, and families everywhere. We tried amazing street food and our hotel even ran shuttles to and from the nearby beach to celebrate the holiday!
We also celebrated NYE in Grenada, and I have never seen more fireworks in my entire life! Depending on the government and politics, etc… it is worth exploring the political situation in Nicaragua before visiting. We were very lucky to visit at a time when it was calm and felt very safe.
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: Leon Hotels
What to Do: León + beaches + Christmas celebrations
Don’t Miss: León’s Christmas festivities
Read More: I have some other posts about Nicaragua that include Volcano Boarding outside of Leon and visiting the island of Ometepe—-> here.
Christmas in Amsterdam, Prague, & Berlin
This was our very first time going way for Christmas in 2014. For this trip, we traveled by train through 3 countries. We were super lucky to be in Amsterdam at Christmas. There were some markets going on and an amazing light show displayed all over the canals all over the city. It was so cool to walk around at night and see all of the different light installations. We celebrated NYE in Prague, which is also a massive celebration and was an exciting thing to be a part of!
🎄 PLAN THIS TRIP
Where to Stay: Hotel Pulitzer (highly recommend)
What to Do: Christmas markets + canal lights + NYE in Prague
Getting Around: Travel between cities by train
Read More: We have since revisited Amsterdam and I have a few posts about the city —> Amsterdam Blog Posts
Still not sure where to spend Christmas?
After traveling over the holidays for more than a decade, my biggest piece of advice is to decide what kind of Christmas you actually want first. If you want snow, markets and mulled wine, head somewhere like Switzerland or Slovenia. If you’d rather trade your Christmas sweater for a swimsuit, Grenada or the Galapagos might be more your speed.
| If you want… | Go to… |
|---|---|
| 🎄 Traditional Christmas | Switzerland |
| ❄️ Snow + cozy vibes | Slovenia |
| 🏝️ Tropical Christmas | Grenada |
| 🐢 Adventure + wildlife | Galápagos |
| 🥾 Christmas + hiking | Patagonia |
| 🌴 Escape Christmas entirely | Thailand |
| 🍷 Food + culture | Tunisia |
| 🎉 Christmas + NYE | Colombia |
| ✨ Christmas markets | Switzerland |
| 🚂 Multi-country Christmas | Amsterdam + Prague + Berlin |
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