The Best Places to Go for Christmas

For some people, the perfect Christmas vacation involves fully leaning into winter on a snowy mountain somewhere, curled up next to a crackling fire. Others prefer to lounge on a beach as far away from cold weather as possible. Wherever you choose to spend "the most wonderful time of year," you're likely to find some version of holiday cheer.

From the sunny shores of Saint Lucia to the storybook town of Solvang, California, to Santa Claus' own hometown in Finnish Lapland, these are the best places to visit for Christmas this year.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is an idyllic ski destination perched in the beautiful Tetons of Wyoming and makes for an ideal Christmas vacation for families who like to hit the slopes. Late December's WinterFest has activities such as ice skating, skiing with Santa, a scavenger hunt, and a movie night. The festivities kick off with a Christmas tree lighting and end with fireworks on New Year's Eve.

There are several stunning slopeside lodges to choose from, including the luxurious Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa and the ski-in, ski-out Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Looking for gifts in downtown Jackson? The iconic elk antler arches that frame the Town Square are illuminated for the holidays, making it feel magical. For a unique adventure that embraces the hot and cold, plan a trip to the Granite Hot Springs Pool, which can be accessed only by snowmobile, fat bike, dog sled, or skis.

New York City

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There's truly nothing like Christmas in New York City. The city lights shine brightly year-round, but holiday lights add to the magic. You'll hardly have to look for activities or entertainment with all the famous displays: the enormous tree at Rockefeller Center and the smaller but still dazzling tree at Washington Square Park, the LED-lit Saks Fifth Avenue facade, and the animated window displays at Macy's Herald Square, to name a few. You can sip hot chocolate while you shop for last-minute gifts at German-style Christmas markets and partake in the age-old tradition of watching the Radio City Rockettes perform their annual Christmas Spectacular on a holiday vacation in NYC.

NYC is also one of the best places for singles to spend Christmas; the city doesn't shut down like many other places; movie theaters are packed, restaurants and bars are, too, and there are plenty of cultural activities going on, including a couple of Broadway shows, Alvin Ailey modern dance performances, and The Nutcracker ballet at Lincoln Center.

Bruges, Belgium

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Bruges' two Christmas markets are among the best in Western Europe. The main enchanting event takes over the Markt Square at the heart of the city, with stands and wooden chalets selling everything from handmade ornaments to waffles and woolly socks. The colorful storefronts surrounding the square are adorably festooned with holiday decorations, and you'll find confectioneries serving Belgian hot chocolate — no doubt some of the best you'll ever taste. The festivities extend to a smaller market in nearby Simon Stevinplein Square. Elevate your stay in Bruges with a suite overlooking the picturesque canal at the luxurious and historic Hotel Van Cleef.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

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Another place to experience the holidays on the ski slopes is Beaver Creek, Colorado, about 12 miles over the road from bustling Vail. This picturesque ski village typically sees festive activities for the whole family, from an annual Christmas tree lighting to changing events like holiday movie nights and cookie-baking competitions.

As for a cozy place to rest your head, The Osprey offers luxurious accommodations and a heated outdoor pool all mere feet from the chairlift. Otherwise, you can book one of just 60 rooms at The Pines Lodge. Both offer ski-in, ski-out access.

Saint Lucia

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If your idea of a white Christmas involves soft, powdery sand, consider going to this beautiful Caribbean island. The luxurious Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, typically offers a full lineup of holiday activities such as visits from Santa, a traditional family Christmas meal, and a New Year's Eve beach bash. Saint Lucia is fun for kids, but it's also one of the best Christmas vacations for couples, especially with a room at the adults-only Jade Mountain, the only hotel with a straight-on view of volcanoes Gros Piton and Petit Piton. No matter where you stay, spend your days lounging on the stunning beach between the island's two iconic peaks, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Highlands, North Carolina

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If you're looking for a charming, small-town Christmas experience that feels like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie, head to Highlands, North Carolina. This picturesque town is in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest. Throughout December, you'll find storefronts on and just off Main Street decorated with wintry displays. The city runs a competition, so cast your vote on which you think is the best. Visit with Santa in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on any Saturday in December leading up to the big day. Old Edwards Inn and Spa and Half-Mile Farm (favorite hotels among Travel + Leisure readers) offer cozy accommodations with a side of holiday decorations and Christmas cheer.

Salzburg, Austria

It's easy to get in the holiday spirit while visiting Salzburg. Christmas markets, warm glühwein (mulled wine), medieval castles, and a museum wholly dedicated to Christmas make the city one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe As you probably know, the city is the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of "The Sound of Music," a movie that seemingly plays on repeat over the holidays. Ice skate around a statue of the iconic composer at Mozartplatz and soak in stunning views of the snow-capped Alps on the south-facing terrace of the Hohensalzburg Fortress. The most luxurious place to stay? That would be Hotel Goldener Hirsch right in Old Town.

Solvang, California

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If you won't have a chance to wander through a storybook town in Denmark this holiday season, you can get a similar feel in Solvang—and with much warmer temperatures. The small city in Santa Ynez Valley was founded by a group of Danes in the early 1900s, and they created this adorable community, now known for its Danish businesses and architecture. Solvang typically hosts Julefest, a month-plus-long village celebration complete with outdoor gatherings and holiday decorations. Make the stay even more Christmassy with a stay at The Landsby or the Winston, two of Solvang's coziest boutique hotels.

This Small California Town Offers a European-style Holiday Getaway

Stowe, Vermont

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A popular ski destination among East Coasters and one of the most picture-perfect places to go for Christmas, Stowe is within driving distance of several medium and large northeastern cities (Boston, Albany, and Montreal, to name a few). The ski season typically starts in November, so this is an ideal place to hit the slopes if you're looking for a white, powder-filled Christmas. Stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak for beautiful mountain views and ski-in, ski-out access.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, arguably the city's most recognizable landmark, glows over the holiday season. The annual Castle of Light event draws crowds with spectacular displays projected onto the exterior walls of the 12th-century stronghold. The projections typically get a refresh every year and have included everything from fire-breathing dragons to flowers. Other holiday must-dos include the festive afternoon tea at The Dome, where the stately Georgian tea room is enhanced with seasonal decorations. Sip mulled wine at one of the Christmas markets and ice skate on George Street for the full experience. If you're around on New Year's Eve, participate in Hogmanay, Scotland's own end-of-year celebration. Edinburgh puts on a Hogmanay festival that includes a torchlight procession, concerts, and a disco party.

Washington, D.C.

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See the National Christmas Tree, ice skate at Washington Harbour, and sing along with a choral concert at the National Cathedral this December. Washington, D.C., hosts an array of holiday happenings and many of them are free, leaving you with more room in your Christmas budget. Head to one of the renowned Smithsonian museums to escape the cold weather, bundle up and admire the lights at the National Zoo, or walk along the National Mall with hot cocoa in hand. When it comes to accommodations, Riggs tops T+L's list of the best hotels in Washington, D.C.

Florida Keys

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With pleasantly warm December weather, the Florida Keys are an ideal escape for those looking to spend the holidays in a U.S. beach destination. Kick off your Christmas vacation with a scenic road trip through the Keys, stopping at islands en route to Key West. This is a popular time to visit, so consider staying away from the crowds at the secluded Sunset Key Cottages. This 27-acre private island resort, accessible by ferry, is one of the best hotels in Key West, a serene hideaway just a short trip from the city's main attractions.

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Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Santa Fe is a great place to visit any time of the year. Loved for its culture, food, and picturesque setting, the city typically hosts a number of holiday events throughout December. Annual highlights include the Santa Fe Botanical Garden's La Luz de Las Noches light display and a Christmas concert series inside the impressive Loretto Chapel leading up to December 25. You can even find winter sports at Ski Santa Fe, about 15 miles away. For a special hotel experience, book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, which offers a range of festive meals (plus nightly s'mores), or spend the night on the historic and holiday-lit Santa Fe Plaza at La Fonda.

Buenos Aires

Christmas is a summer holiday in the Southern Hemisphere, and Buenos Aires celebrates it with outdoor asado feasts and fireworks. High temperatures in December range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, which means Papá Noel sometimes wears a tank top. The sunny weather is perfect for sipping cocktails and picnicking on the grassy Plaza Intendente Alvear. While you're in the Argentine capital over the holidays, sample the pan dulce ("sweet bread"), admire the decorations that usually take over the Galerías Pacífico shopping center, or make like a local and escape the city to a nearby beach.

London

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There's just something especially magical about London at Christmastime. Between the glittering lights, cider-slinging holiday markets, themed pop-up bars, and ice skating rinks from Hyde Park to the Queen's House in Greenwich, the city really comes alive for the holiday season. London is full of festive hotels, but The Lanesborough goes all out, with beautiful holiday decorations and the option to have your room fully decked out with the hotel's Christmas in Residence program.

Rovaniemi, Finland

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What's the most Christmassy place in the world, you ask? Surely it's Santa Claus' hometown, Rovaniemi. The capital of Finnish Lapland is home to Santa Claus Village and SantaPark, where you'll find the man himself and his reindeer sidekicks. During the winter, the arctic landscape is covered by a thick blanket of pretty snow. This is also the best time of the year for spotting the northern lights. There are several hotels in the area with igloo accommodations, which provide stunning, 360-degree views of the aurora borealis that you can enjoy from the warm interior of your room.

The Maldives

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If you'd rather wear sandals than snowshoes, the Maldives might be the ideal place for you to spend Christmas. Winter is the dry season, and daily highs average in the mid-80s Fahrenheit — perfect for a holiday beach getaway. The tropical paradise that is Maldives' 27 atolls is truly one of the best all-inclusive Christmas vacations. Among the top resorts are Meeru Maldives, Constance Moofushi, and Lily Beach.

Bavaria, Germany

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Spend your Christmas holidays in this picturesque state in southern Germany. Start your adventure in Munich, where you can sip mulled wine as you stroll through a genuine German Christkindlmarkt. Then head out of the city to find Christmas spirit in small towns like medieval Rothenburg or go skiing in the Alps. Wherever you go, beware of the spooky Krampus, a frightening Christmas beast of local folklore.

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Quebec City

Quebec City is about as European as it gets outside of Europe itself. And if you live in the northeastern U.S., this is also one of the cheapest places to travel for Christmas nearby, especially when you consider the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar. The French-speaking Québécois celebrate the season with Franco-German-style markets, ice skating at Place D'Youville, and shopping in Old Quebec, transformed into a dreamy scene. For a truly Canadian experience, take a ride on Au 1884 (aka the Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide), one of Quebec City's oldest attractions. The slide runs right past Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a castle-like hotel where you can stop in for something to warm your stomach.

The Bahamas

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Just a short flight south for East Coasters and a three-hour ferry from Ft. Lauderdale, the Bahamas is another popular choice for travelers seeking sun and sand during the holidays. Mid-December is the start of the high season here, probably because daily highs in the 80s are such a welcome change from chilly temperatures in much of the U.S. Thanks to a wide range of accommodation options — from resort complexes like Baha Mar with seemingly endless amenities to more intimate private island resorts like T+L reader favorite Kamalame Cay — there's a perfect Christmas vacation waiting for you in this sunny oasis.