40 of the Most Beautiful Places in the World at Christmastime
They don't call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing. Christmastime is an especially magical season, which is why so many places around the world come alive for it.
New York City welcomes a new Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree each year and London strings its streets with angels, while Paris loves an oversized Christmas ornament. San Miguel de Allende hangs silver stars, Tokyo illuminates its cherry blossoms, and Vienna becomes home to multiple Christmas markets. Even the happiest place on earth (yes, Orlando's Walt Disney World) becomes even happier this time of year.
Whether you're planning a holiday season getaway or simply want to admire the festivity from afar, behold 40 of the most beautiful places in the world at Christmastime.
London, England
Ah, there's so much to love about London at Christmastime! The stores are decked, the teas are Christmas-themed, and there are oversized trees everywhere you look. But nothing's quite as iconic as the wide-winged angels strung across Regent Street.
New York, New York
Just a few of the things that should be on your NYC Christmas bucket list: A walk through Central Park (ideally with snow), 5th Avenue's glorious window displays, and Macy's Herald Square (because you deserve a Miracle on 34th Street). But the most important stop is Rockefeller Center, of course, complete with its famed tree and lively ice skating rink.
Paris, France
Paris lights up—quite literally—at Christmas. All of the most famous designer stores (Chanel, Dior, Louis, mais oui) decorate their facades, as do the hotels, including The Ritz, pictured here. (How cute is the beloved bellhop teddy bear in Christmas display form?)
Cologne, France
Of course, Paris isn't the only stop you should be making in France. There's also Cologne, one of the many gorgeous European cities to host an equally beautiful Christmas market. This one is located in front of the Cologne Cathedral.
Lapland, Finland
It doesn't get closer to the North Pole than Finland's Lapland (aesthetically speaking, at least). The official Santa Claus Village is a Christmas lover's dream—complete with reindeer, who, yes, can pull you through the snow on a sleigh. ("Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer!")
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a swoon-worthy city all year round, but it especially comes to life at Christmas. There are multiple Christmas villages set up all over the city, including the major one set up in front of its City Hall (pictured here). But our favorite has to be the smaller—and cozier—traditional market set up in Stephansplatz, around St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Quebec City, Quebec
While we always recommend jet-setting, you don't have to jump the pond for a taste of a European Christmas. You can go north to Quebec City: Montreal's beautiful village, topped by the castle-like Chateau Frontenac, truly looks like something out of a French fairytale, especially come December. (Look at all those little trees!)
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is known as the "Capitale de Noel"—or "Capital of Christmas"—and with good reason. As soon as the season hits, all the décor, including the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Europe, gives the North Pole a run for its money. Perhaps its most charming seasonal accoutrement though? All of the teddy bears you'll find hanging around the windows. (Look closely here and you'll spot 'em!)
Tokyo, Japan
All of Tokyo gets illuminated for the holiday season, but if you ask us, the prettiest sight is along the Meguro River. Its cherry blossom trees, dormant for winter, are wrapped with millions of LED lights—and the reflection on the river makes it look like the water's glowing. Stunning.
Orlando, Florida
Disney adults, we see you! While Disney is never not festive—Epcot alone celebrates no fewer than four festivals per year—its take on Christmas is especially so. Cinderella's castle gets the Frozen treatment, oversized trees adorn every park, and the parade comes complete with snow.
Prague, Czech Republic
As you can see by the photo, Prague is all about its holiday markets. And good news: The finest two—located in Old Town and Wenceslas squares—are just 10 minutes apart by foot. Not to mention all of that gorgeous Gothic architecture as a backdrop.
Singapore
No matter what time of the year you visit Singapore, its breathtaking nature park, Gardens by the Bay, is a must. And at Christmas, it officially turns into Christmas Wonderland, complete with light displays like this one. Swoon.
Salzburg, Austria
Austria's Salzburg was one of the beautiful backdrops for The Sound of Music, so it comes as no surprise that its Christmas market (Christkindlmarkt) is one that's all about music. Not only is traditional wind music played, but there are also sing-alongs.
Harbin, China
Every year since 1999 (as it was originally designed to celebrate the millennium), Harbin has erected its very own answer to Disneyland: Harbin Ice and Snow World, a frozen wonderland complete with ice sculptures, ice castles, and rides, including last year's snowflake-accented ferris wheel. While this isn't strictly a Christmas festival, it is open during the holiday season—and undeniably festive—so we couldn't not include it.
Colmar, France
Colmar is the very definition of picturesque—and all the more magical at Christmas. Stroll through the fairytale setting (with a crucial cup of Alsatian wine in hand), then head to the Koïfhus, where you'll find no fewer than 20 artisans hard at work creating handmade Christmas gifts. Shopping list: complete!
Seoul, South Korea
All of South Korea's capital gets bedazzled for the holiday season—but the must-see display would be the oversized LED ornaments you'll find floating along Cheonggyecheon Stream as a part of the annual Seoul Christmas Festival.
New Orleans, Lousiana
A Creole Christmas! For a particularly majestic Christmas display, visit New Orleans's St. Charles Avenue. The tree-lined thoroughfare—which is also the route of the St. Charles Streetcar Line (the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world)—is famous for its mansions, all of which get gussied up for Ol' Saint Nick.
Rome, Italy
While the Vatican is certainly a sight to see this time of year, there's one view you simply can't miss on your Roman holiday: The Colosseum, especially when its flanked by a sparkling Christmas tree. From the Aroma Restaurant across the street, you'll have the best view in town. Prego!
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish invented hygge, so if you're looking for a cozy Christmas, Denmark's capital is the place for you. There are spas to spare (they truly are about their wellness), plus lots of communal dining options—the perfect way to make a new friend. And if you enjoy a good libation, the Danish love their Christmas beer.
Kashmir, India
India's Christmas traditions are unique and oh so colorful. As seen here in Kashmir's Holy Family Catholic Church, it's all about the colorful paper star lanterns: a trademark of both Diwali (November's festival of lights) and the holiday season.
Bruges, Belgium
As they say in In Bruges, "It's a fairytale town, isn't it? How's a fairytale town not somebody's [redacted] thing?" Well, it's certainly our thing! Like all good fairytale cities, this one boasts canals and cobblestones—and during December, a Christmas market known as "Winter Glow." It's a nod not only to the market, but to the twinkling lights sprinkled all over the city.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Behold just a few of the wonderful reasons to visit this Mexican city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, come December: The weather (your days should be in the 70s), the food (a truly international mix), the hot springs, and, during Christmastime, these silver stars. They're strung by the hundreds and lit day and night.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
While Nantucket Island is a summer destination for many, it's magical all year round, including at Christmas. In fact, the season includes an iconic Nantucket event: The Nantucket Stroll, when Main Street gets all decked out in its yuletide best and carolers go singing through the streets. You'll also find artisans, performers, and festive food, of course.
Windsor, England
This one's for the royal enthusiasts. If you're visiting London, you may also want to consider a quick jaunt to the English countryside, where you'll find Windsor Castle (where, yes, Harry and Meghan tied the knot). While it's closed on Christmas Day, it's open most of the days around it, giving you a prime opportunity to see how the royals deck the halls.
Locorotondo, Italy
One of Italy's loveliest villages just so happens to be all white—all the better for Christmas decorations to pop! And strung through the ancient alleyways, they really do.
Reykjavik, Iceland
People come to Iceland's capital to see the Northern Lights—and rightfully so—but during Christmastime, there are few more striking sights than the Hallgrimskirkja Church. Inspired by volcanoes, it stands at 240 feet tall—absolutely dwarfing the Christmas tree placed beside it each December.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como's another one that's a beaut all year round, but the Christmas lights that illuminate the coastline during the season add something truly special. Hop in a boat, circle the whole Lake, and see how each of its villages comes alive for the holidays.
Hallstatt, Austria
Be sure to plan your trip to Austria's ancient Alpine village for a period that includes December 8th: It's the one and only day Hallstatt's Christmas market is open—and by all accounts, it's one of the finest, complete arts and crafts, cheese fondue, and a beautifully rendered nativity scene.
Frankfurt, Germany
Like all good European cities, Germany's Frankfurt also boasts a Christmas market for the holiday season—one that is, in fact, so old, it dates back to 1393. Open during Advent, it's visited by millions each year, and while the shopping is certainly a draw, the food is what it's all about. You've got your choice of chestnuts, waffles, goose, Reibekuchen, fondue, and crêpes—and that's just the tip of the 'wurst!
Vail, Colorado
Colorado's ski resort is always a stunning place to take to the slopes, but during Christmas, it's truly enchanting. With the town all decorated, and the mountain guaranteed to be covered in snow, it's movie-level perfect.
Sydney, Austrialia
It's never a white Christmas in Sydney, but that doesn't mean it's any less festive. Just look at Martin Place's super-sized Christmas tree, which gets a new theme each year. Plus, you've got David Jones (its window displays rival Macy's), Christmas at Darling Harbour (which includes floating baubles and fireworks), and the Sydney Christmas Fair (where you can join a gingerbread house party).
Leavenworth, Washington
Washington State's Bavarian-style village becomes the "Village of Lights" for the holiday season. That means all of its gingerbread-like buildings—plus its trees—are wrapped top to bottom in little luminaries. And, unlike Taylor Swift, the town keeps its lights up 'til February, giving you a little extra time after Christmas to appreciate them.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The most mesmerizing sight to see in Brazil's capital each December has to be its floating Christmas tree, which can be found in the middle of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. At 249 feet tall—and weighing in 250 tons—it holds the Guinness World Record for Largest Floating Christmas Tree in the World.
Taipei, Taiwan
Few things are more captivating around the holidays than a light show, much like the one glimpsed here: It's one of four fairy light tunnels part of Christmasland in New Taipei City.
Newport Beach, California
Not really an après-ski kind of guy or gal? Newport Beach's Crystal Cove should be right up your alley. Every year, right after Thanksgiving, the beach turns into a winter wonderland, complete with vintage decorations, big-bulb lights, and, yes, a tree—on the beach! If you make it to the annual tree lighting ceremony (usually the first Saturday in December), you'll even see Santa roll up in a lifeguard truck.
Vilnius, Lithuania
If you're looking for a European destination a bit more under the radar, this Lithuanian city is a perfect pick. There's the usual quaint Christmas markets, plus boutiques tucked into igloos—but the undeniable showstopper of the season is the annual Vilnius Christmas Tree, located in Cathedral Square. Each year the tree changes. (This is 2019's, one of our favorites.)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
A truly unique holiday scene is Christmas Eve in Santa Fe. Every Eve, citizens line the Earth-colored buildings and parts of the streets in luminarias: paper bags filled with an inch or two of sand to hold a single candle.
Medellín, Colombia
From December to January, Medellín lights up the night for "El Alumbrado Navideño de Medellín" ("The Lighting of Medellín"). "El Alumbrado" is a combination of displays, light shows, and cultural events, all of which revolve around a theme. 2022's theme was the imagery of Disney's Encanto, which, of course, takes place in Colombia.
Lisbon, Portugal
Say bom dia to Christmas in Portugal! Like much of Europe, the whole city gets trimmed with Christmas lights for the holidays, but King Pedro IV Square (seen here)—or the "Rossio," as the locals call it—has both a tree and a market, so we'd put that at the top of your list. (As for market treats, be sure to try the prime Portuguese pastry, the custard cups known as pastéis de nata.)
Hong Kong, China
Last, but not least, we have Hong Kong—the city that perhaps, out of all of East Asia, celebrates Christmas most grandly. You have your choice of The Nutcracker (courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet), Christmas concerts (via the Hong Kong Philharmonic), and lots of light art (on skyscrapers, the Central Harbourfront, and all throughout the town). If you're looking for fun for the whole family, there's a Disneyland here too. And this one has something the others don't: the first "World of Frozen," which opens on November 20th. (Just in time for a Christmas visit!)
You Might Also Like
