5 Christmas Holiday Destinations You Shouldn’t Pass Up

The Christmas season is magical and wonderful, full of sparkle and traditions. It is an exciting time that brings people together with its warmth, joy, and celebration. Destinations all over the world embrace this holiday spirit with festive winter markets, elaborate light displays, and family-friendly winter festivals. It is the time of the year when your inner child makes it hard to resist the excitement.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the holiday season, consider visiting a destination where Christmas comes to life. The following cities offer fun activities, sparkling lights, and Christmas spirit galore.

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg’s market dates back to 1570, making it the oldest in France and one of the oldest in Europe. The entire town, which already looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale, turns into a winter wonderland complete with rich decorations and thousands of twinkling lights. The market is spread out across the city in different squares, making wandering a festive adventure. 

Visit the Christmas tree in Place Kléber Square, buy handcrafted gifts from the market, and try bredle, a traditional holiday cookie. If you enjoy history, stop by the cathedral to see the 17th-century tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin Mary – they are only on display during Advent. The town has a downloadable Christmas guide and map in multiple languages to make visiting easier. This year’s market runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.

Nicknamed “Christmas City,” Bethlehem was named the top U.S. Christmas destination by HomeToGo for 2024. The Chriskindmarkt, which runs until Dec. 22 this year, includes hand-made ornaments, music, handblown glass demonstrations, and live performances in front of the town’s Christmas Tree. Historic Bethlehem also organizes events including horse-drawn carriage rides, night motorcoach tours, and a U.S. city-themed Christmas tree display.

In addition to the festivities in Bethlehem, there are nearby holiday attractions just a car ride away. If you like immersive experiences, make it a point to visit Illumination and the Winter Light Spectacular. Both are no more than 30 minutes outside of Bethlehem.

Voted Best Christmas Town 2024 by Newsweek, the Christmas Capital of Texas is very family-friendly. Events include holiday movie showings, ornament-making classes, a holiday drone show, and the Parade of Lights, scheduled until Jan. 5. The town also lists photo op locations on its website so you can snap the perfect photos to memorialize your trip.

For those interested in something a little more unique, Edinburgh is a good option. The city’s holiday festivities combine holiday traditions with Edinburgh’s history and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) celebrations. Learn about the city’s rich history through the Castle of Light’s immersive displays and interactive installations. Explore the Christmas festival, which runs until Jan. 4, featuring a holiday market, family funfair, ice rink, and opportunities to meet Santa. If you can stay past Christmas, the Hogmanay Torchlight Procession on Dec. 29 starts the city’s New Year’s festivities.

For a big-city holiday experience, consider New York City. Experience the sparkle and warmth seen in classic holiday movies like Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone 2, and Elf. Visit Rockefeller Center, go ice skating in Central Park, and see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City. While you’re here, visit the Christmas markets, and don’t miss the holiday window displays at stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdales. If you have the time to travel to Brooklyn, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are worth the trip.