Christmas is a magical time of year, and what better way to celebrate the holiday season than by taking a family vacation to one of the world’s most popular Christmas destinations? Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland, a traditional Christmas market, or a festive city break, there’s something for everyone on this list of the top 10 most popular and best Christmas family destinations.
1. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is a region in northern Finland known for its natural beauty, winter wonderland atmosphere, and association with Santa Claus. During the Christmas season, Lapland becomes a popular destination for those seeking a holiday experience filled with festive events and winter activities.
You can experience the magic of meeting Santa Claus in his hometown, Rovaniemi. This northernmost region of Finland is home to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus himself and take a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests. You also go on a reindeer or husky sled ride, see the Northern Lights, or enjoy a traditional Finnish Christmas meal. Lapland also offers various holiday markets selling traditional Finnish gifts, as well as festive events, such as Christmas caroling, ice-skating, and snowmobile rides. With its enchanting winter atmosphere and opportunities for holiday experiences, Lapland is one of the most unique, unforgettable, and definitely best Christmas family destinations.
Read about our review of Santa Claus Village and our Finland travel with kids.
2. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is a charming and historic destination in Canada known for its European-style architecture and festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. The city’s main attraction is its famous Christmas market, the “Québec City Christmas Market,” which takes place in the heart of the old town and offers local foods, drinks, and handmade gifts. Another highlight is the “Chateau Frontenac Hotel,” which transforms into a winter wonderland with its illuminated terrace and holiday decorations.
Quebec City also holds various holiday events, such as the “Enchanting Christmas Illuminations” light show, caroling in the streets, and horse-drawn carriage rides. With its charming atmosphere, rich history, and winter festivities, Quebec City is a popular and delightful destination for a traditional Christmas experience.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a unique and charming destination for the Christmas season. Despite being located in the far north, the city is known for its lively holiday atmosphere and offers a variety of festive experiences. Reykjavik’s main attraction is its traditional Christmas market, offering local food, drinks, and handmade gifts, as well as concerts and cultural events. Another highlight is the Yule Town Christmas Festival, a month-long celebration of the holiday season with lights, music, and traditional Icelandic foods and drinks.
The city also offers opportunities for winter activities, such as visiting the famous Blue Lagoon hot springs, or taking a tour to see the Northern Lights. With its combination of holiday festivities and natural beauty, Reykjavik is a unique and unforgettable destination for Christmas.
4. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a beautiful and historic city in Austria that comes to life during the Christmas season. With its baroque architecture, charming squares, and winding cobblestone streets, Salzburg offers a festive and picturesque setting for the holidays. The city’s main attraction is its traditional Christmas market, offering handmade gifts, traditional foods and drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
Salzburg also offers plenty of holiday events and cultural experiences, such as the Salzburg Cathedral’s annual Christmas concerts, the historic “Salzburger Advent Singing,” and the “Salzburger Christkindlmarkt,” a charming market featuring handmade gifts and local specialties. With its enchanting atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Salzburg is the perfect destination for those seeking a traditional and memorable Christmas experience.
5. New York City, USA
New York City is a vibrant and exciting destination that transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. With its iconic landmarks, sparkling lights, and festive events, it’s no wonder why the city is a popular destination for holiday travelers. Some must-visit attractions include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and ice skating at the Central Park rink. The city also offers numerous holiday markets, ranging from classic German-style markets to unique pop-up shops selling artisanal gifts.
Additionally, there are plenty of festive events and shows, from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular to the New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” With so much to see and do, New York City is one of the best Christmas family destinations for a magical and memorable Christmas experience.
6. Valkenburg, Netherlands
Valkenburg is a charming town in the Netherlands known for its historic architecture, picturesque surroundings, and festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. The town is famous for its “Valkenburg Christmas Market,” which is held in the town’s historic center and features traditional Dutch holiday foods, drinks, and handmade gifts.
Valkenburg also offers a variety of holiday experiences, such as visiting the “Christmas Cave,” an underground network of caves decorated with holiday lights, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town’s picturesque streets. You also enjoy winter sports, such as ice-skating, and various cultural events, such as a live nativity scene and Christmas concerts.
7. Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is a charming city in Germany known for its picturesque old town and charming holiday atmosphere during the Christmas season. The city’s centerpiece is its famous Christmas market, the “Christkindlesmarkt,” which has been held for over 450 years and offers traditional festive foods, drinks, and handmade gifts.
Nuremberg also offers festive events such as a Christmas choir concert, a traditional “Feuerzangenbowle” ceremony, and a live nativity scene. All of these elements combined make Nuremberg a popular and delightful destination for those seeking a traditional German Christmas experience.
8. Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is a city in northeastern France known for its picturesque architecture, rich history, and festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. The city is famous for its “Strasbourg Christmas Market,” which is considered one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in France, offering traditional French holiday foods, drinks, and handmade gifts.
Strasbourg also offers various holiday events, such as the “Great Christmas Parade,” a colorful procession of floats and performers, and the “Strasbourg Cathedral Christmas Concerts,” featuring classical music and choral performances. Additionally, the city’s historic center, “Grande Île,” is illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a charming and enchanting atmosphere. With its mix of holiday traditions, cultural events, and beautiful surroundings, Strasbourg is a popular and delightful destination for a traditional Christmas experience.
9. Bath, England
Bath, England is a historic and picturesque city known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture, thermal baths, and festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. During the holiday season, the city offers a variety of festive events, such as the “Bath Christmas Market,” featuring local foods, drinks, and handmade gifts, as well as caroling, ice-skating, and holiday-themed tours of the city’s famous attractions.
Another highlight is the city’s illuminated streets and Christmas lights, which add to the charming atmosphere of Bath’s historic center. The city is also famous for its Georgian architecture, including the famous Roman Baths and the Bath Abbey, which offer a stunning backdrop for the holiday season.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan is a bustling and modern city known for its unique blend of tradition and innovation. While Christmas is not a widely celebrated holiday in Japan, Tokyo still offers various festivities and events during the holiday season. Some popular attractions include the “Tokyo Midtown Christmas Illumination,” a light show featuring illuminated trees and decorations, and the “Roppongi Hills Christmas Market,” offering holiday foods, drinks, and gifts.
Department stores and shopping districts in Tokyo offer festive holiday displays and seasonal shopping experiences. Despite its lack of traditional Christmas festivities, Tokyo still offers a unique and exciting holiday experience with its combination of modernity, innovation, and cultural attractions.
These are the top 10 most popular Christmas family destinations in the world, each of them offering something different and unique to make your holiday season special and memorable. From the winter wonderland in Lapland to the charming Christmas markets in Salzburg and Nuremberg, there is something for every family to enjoy. So, plan your Christmas family vacation today and make memories that will last a lifetime.
