12 Magical Destinations for the Ultimate Christmas Experience Around the World

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“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … everywhere you go…” Imagine arriving at a destination where these lyrics suddenly feel like they were written for the moment.

The streets are decked with lights, shop windows sparkle with festive displays, and the air is filled with a festive ambiance. Yes, there are many destinations for the ultimate Christmas experience that can transform into real-life Christmas postcards.

But which destinations offer the most magical Christmas experiences? Whether it’s strolling through centuries-old Christmas markets, marveling at illuminated trees, or savoring warm treats while snow gently falls around you, these 12 destinations truly capture the essence of the holidays.

New York City, USA

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New York City, known for its iconic landmarks and bustling atmosphere, transforms into a winter wonderland in the Christmas season in the US. The city comes alive with holiday performances, ice skating rinks, and beautiful window displays. There is so much scenery to soak in, but the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, towering over the plaza with thousands of lights, is a must-see.

Streets like Fifth Avenue are lined with festive window displays, while areas like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn feature beautiful residential light displays. Explore the city’s Christmas markets, including Union Square Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

Spare some time for Central Park, usually covered in snow, and offers picturesque winter scenes and festive carriage rides.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Located in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is another destination that offers an unparalleled Christmas experience. Dubbed the “official hometown of Santa Claus,” this city offers a snowy Christmas and even chances to spot the Northern Lights in the Christmas season.

Some of the best places to experience the magic of Rovaniemi Christmas include the Santa Claus village, where you can “meet” Santa himself and visit his office while enjoying the festive atmosphere with various themed attractions.

Don’t miss out on SantaPark, an underground amusement park with elves, interactive shows, and activities for children and families. Make your Christmas even more adventurous by enjoying reindeer rides in the snowy wilderness. Lastly, don’t miss out on the Rovaniemi Christmas Market in the city center.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is steeped in imperial history and classic elegance. In the Christmas season, it transforms into an even more charming destination. This city is one of the best places to enjoy a classic European Christmas.

Walking around, you will see the city’s buildings beautifully decorated with festive lights, with the backdrop of snow-covered rooftops and streets adding to the charm.

The Christmas markets in Vienna are so magical. The one hosted at Rathausplatz is not to be missed. Want to sample more Christmas markets? Make time for Belvedere Palace Christmas Market, Spittelberg Christmas Market, and Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market.

Don’t miss out on St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is typically beautifully illuminated and often hosts special Christmas services and concerts. Vienna Ice Skating Rink and Prater Park are other great places to soak in the classic Viennese Christmas.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, often called the “capital of Christmas,” is one of the best places to experience the best of European Christmas. During the Christmas season, the city is transformed into an even dreamy place, with the streets adorned with thousands of decorative lights.

The city’s medieval buildings, including the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, are illuminated with festive lights. The historic center, with its half-timbered houses and picturesque canals, creates a fairy-tale backdrop for the holiday season.

The icing on the cake title would undoubtedly go to Strasbourg’s Christmas market, known as “Christkindelsmärik,” which is among Europe’s oldest and most famous. Other amazing spots to enjoy the city’s Christmas vibe include Place Broglie, Place Kleber, and Place du Cathedral.

Nuremberg, Germany

A Christmas in Nuremberg is a bucket-list-worthy experience. Located in Bavaria, this city is known for its iconic Christmas market, which is one of the most sought-after in Europe. Beyond the market, the entire city transforms into a wonderland with elaborate decorations, twinkling lights, and a festive ambiance.

When visiting, you can soak in traditional German Christmas music, seasonal treats, and the charm of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, which enhances the festive ambiance. Visit the Christmas market in Hauptmarkt Square and buy souvenirs, explore the decorated Nuremberg Castle, or enjoy concerts and services in St. Lorenz Church.

If you would like to learn more about the rich history of Christmas in this city, visit the Nuremberg Christmas Museum, which is dedicated to the city’s history of Christmas traditions and decorations.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is a great destination for enjoying a European-like Christmas without actually flying to Europe. The city gets a good amount of snow around the Christmas season, making it a perfect destination for a white Christmas experience.

Don’t miss out on the giant Christmas tree mounted at Place Royale and the magnificent decorations along the Petit-Champlain street and the entire Petit-Champlain district.

Oh, and we cannot say Quebec City gives a European Christmas vibe without mentioning its Christmas Markets. The city hosts a German Christmas Market in Old Quebec anytime from late November to 23rd December.

This Christmas market is a great place to enjoy Christmas performances, local treats, unique gifts and souvenirs, and family-friendly activities.

Munich, Germany

If we were to rate countries, Germany could easily emerge as the world’s most “Christmassy” country. Other than Nuremberg, Munich is another destination where you can enjoy a classical German Christmas. This city, the capital of Bavaria, transforms into a festive wonderland with traditional Christmas markets, magnificent decorations, and a lively holiday atmosphere.

Munich’s main Christmas market is held in the central Marienplatz and features a large Christmas tree, numerous stalls selling traditional Bavarian crafts and foods, and festive entertainment.

The city’s historic buildings, including the Marienplatz and the Frauenkirche, are beautifully illuminated with holiday lights. Snow-covered streets and traditional Bavarian architecture add to the festive charm, creating a charming Christmas scenery.

Copenhagen, Denmark

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Christmas in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has inspired quite a number of musicians. This city is known for offering a unique Scandinavian Christmas experience, characterized by twinkling lights in every corner you turn, beautifully illuminated parks, charmingly decorated historic buildings, and a sense of coziness and warmth.

If you had to explore just one spot in Copenhagen during Christmas, let it be Tivoli Gardens. The park is beautifully decorated with Christmas attractions, dazzling lights, beautiful stalls, and thrilling rides.

Besides, Copenhagen has some of the most beautiful Christmas markets, including those at Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv. At these markets, you can enjoy handmade crafts, warm gløgg (mulled wine), and delicious treats. Don’t miss out on Strøget, Copenhagen’s famous shopping street, which is usually beautifully decorated during Christmas. It is a perfect spot for an easygoing evening stroll.

Salzburg, Austria

A list of picturesque Christmas destinations is never complete without including Salzburg. This city offers one of the most magical and traditional Christmas experiences. And when we talk about traditions, this city is truly steeped in Christmas customs that date back centuries ago. The beloved “Silent Night” Christmas carol was written and performed in Salzburg in 1818.

Ok, history aside, the city’s stunning baroque buildings, historic squares, and Alpine backdrop go a long way in creating a picturesque Christmas setting. The blend of beautiful architecture, snow-capped mountains, and glowing holiday decorations creates a scene straight from a Christmas postcard.

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While the entire city is picturesque in Christmas, some noteworthy highlights include Salzburg Christkindlmarkt (Cathedral Square), the city’s oldest and most famous Christmas market; Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched atop a hill, overlooking the city’s Christmas decorations; Mirabell Palace and Gardens which are beautifully decorated in Christmas season; and Hellbrunn Christmas Market, which features a beautiful Christmas setting with a beautiful backdrop of a grand palace.

Also, Salzburg is known for its rich classical music history. As Mozart’s hometown, you can only imagine how beautiful Christmas carols and performances sound in Salzburg.

Zurich, Switzerland

There is something magical about enjoying Christmas in a location with a charming alpine backdrop and decent snow cover. This is Zurich for you. Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is a destination whose every corner shines brilliantly during Christmas.

And it is not just about the scenery. The air is filled with irresistible aromas of cinnamon, chestnuts, and mulled wine. As you walk around, grab a raclette or sip some hot mulled wine to keep you warm as you explore the Christmas markets.

Zurich’s Christmasses are also famous for their light displays, particularly on Bahnhofstrasse, where the “Lucy” lights have become an iconic part of the city’s holiday season.

Besides the Bahnhofstrasse Lights, do not miss out on the Swarovski Christmas Tree, erected at Zurich’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof). This stunning Christmas tree is adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals, making it one of Europe’s most elegant and dazzling trees.

Lastly, make some time for Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt) and Grossmünster and Fraumünster Churches, which are beautifully decorated during Christmas.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is another city that transforms into a fairy tale during Christmas. The city’s historic center is beautifully illuminated, with festive decorations highlighting the Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.

While the entire city is dreamy, some unmissable highlights include the Old Town Square Christmas Market and the Wenceslas Square Christmas Market. Explore the Prague Castle complex, typically adorned with festive decorations and offers stunning views of the city’s Christmas lights. You can take a Vltava River Cruise to enjoy the city’s beautiful illumination from a different perspective.

Tokyo, Japan

Fun fact: Christmas is a regular working day in Japan. But don’t worry—the ambiance and the scenery will be well worth it. In fact, Tokyo is hands down the best destination to experience a magical Christmas in Asia. While it may not have the super religious significance it holds in other countries, Christmas in Tokyo is full of romanticism and great scenery.

Make sure to visit Tokyo’s Christmas markets, which are typically inspired by European Christmas markets. Some of the best markets are set in Shiba Park and Hibiya Park. Make time for Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, which features an ice skating rink.

You can then walk around admiring the stores, parks, and streets lit with Christmas decorations. Experiencing Christmas in Tokyo can be almost as scenic as experiencing Christmas in Nuremberg.