Christmas Bucket List: 10 Enchanting Destinations to Experience True Holiday Magic

Published 1 week ago on December 08, 2024

by Jonas DuPont

Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a feeling that transforms places into magical wonderlands. Around the globe, cities go all out to celebrate the festive season with twinkling lights, cozy markets, and traditions that warm the heart. Whether you’re seeking a white Christmas, old-world charm, or dazzling modern displays, these 10 destinations promise unforgettable holiday memories.

1. Prague, Czech Republic: Gothic Glamour and Festive Feasts

Prague’s fairy-tale streets become even more enchanting during Christmas. The holiday markets at Old Town and Wenceslas Squares are hubs of festive activity, offering mulled wine, roasted ham, and decadent sticky pastries. The Gothic architecture provides a dramatic backdrop, with the two main markets just a 10-minute stroll apart. From carolers to sparkling lights, Prague captures the true spirit of the season.

Let Prague’s holiday magic captivate you—explore stays on Around Travel.

2. Munich, Germany: Bavarian Tradition and Holiday Cheer

Munich’s Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz features a towering 100-foot Christmas tree surrounded by festive stalls and Germany’s largest Nativity scene market. The air is filled with the sounds of Bavarian folk music, and the thrilling Krampus Run adds a touch of folklore to the season. Sip on glühwein as you admire handcrafted ornaments and savor traditional German holiday treats.

Experience the warmth of Bavarian Christmas—book your Munich stay today on Around Travel.

3. Lapland, Finland: A Winter Wonderland

Every inch of the province of Lapland in Finland looks like a Christmas postcard. In Rovaniemi, you can visit Santa’s Village and meet the man himself while taking in snow-covered landscapes. For a truly magical experience, glide through the frosty wilderness on a reindeer sleigh ride. With its dreamy northern lights and endless snowy adventures, Lapland delivers the ultimate holiday experience.

Book your stay in Rovaniemi with Around Travel, unleash your inner child, and embark on your Lapland adventure.

4. New York City, USA: A Christmas Spectacle

New York City comes alive during the holidays with ice skating under the iconic Rockefeller Center tree, dazzling window displays along Fifth Avenue, and festive decorations in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights. Every corner of the city is dressed in holiday cheer, offering visitors a slice of cinematic Christmas magic. Don’t forget to sip hot cocoa as you stroll through Central Park’s snowy pathways.

Make your Christmas movie dreams a reality—plan your NYC stay and getaway on Around Travel.

5. London, UK: Festive Elegance and Holiday Lights

London’s Christmas countdown is a feast for the senses. Shop for unique gifts in the glow of holiday lights, skate at the picturesque Somerset House and enjoy carols in the frosty air. While the city slows down from December 24th to New Year’s, the lead-up is packed with events and, if you’re lucky, a dusting of snow.

Find comfortable London hotels on Around Travel and prepare for a Christmas miracle. 

6. Tokyo, Japan: Illuminated Wonder

Christmas in Tokyo is a sparkling spectacle of modernity and tradition. The city is famous for its winter illuminations, including massive snow globes at Tokyo Midtown and the dazzling Baccarat crystal chandelier at Yebisu Garden Place. Everywhere you look, there’s something to admire, from Disney-inspired decorations to Japan’s quirky KFC Christmas dinner tradition.

Let Around Travel find you the best stay in the city close to all the exciting Christmas festivities. 

7. Vienna, Austria: Old-World Holiday Charm

Vienna’s Christmas markets are a window into the past, where cobblestone streets lead to bustling stalls offering spiced mulled wine, artisan ornaments, and handcrafted gifts. Visit the iconic Viennese Christmas Market at City Hall, take a stroll along the Nativity Trail, and marvel at the glowing Tree of Hearts. Vienna’s timeless elegance ensures a cozy, festive experience.

With Around Travel, you can find the best accommodation in the most happening parts of Vienna for your Christmas vacation. 

8. Strasbourg, France: The Capital of Christmas

Strasbourg’s festive markets are the oldest in France, and the city wears its "Capital of Christmas" title with pride. Wander through stalls filled with handcrafted gifts and local treats like foie gras, a French holiday staple. The stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and medieval streets add an extra layer of magic to this already charming destination.

Make the most of your Christmas holiday by booking your Strasbourg stays with Around Travel and exploring this medieval town in France. 

9. Copenhagen, Denmark: A Hygge Holiday Dream

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is the epitome of holiday cheer, with antique amusement park rides illuminated in festive lights and markets straight out of an alpine village. The Swarovski crystal-adorned Christmas tree sparkles in the frosty air, while the city’s warm atmosphere reminds visitors why Denmark is the happiest country in the world.

Find your holiday happiness with the coziest stays in Copenhagen on Around Travel.

10. Paris, France: The City of Lights Shines Brighter

Paris transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with light installations along the Champs-Élysées, festive markets, and skating rinks. Warm up with a luxurious hot chocolate at Angelina or admire the towering Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette. With romance and holiday cheer in the air, Paris is nothing short of magical.

Find your dream Parisian stay with Around Travel and experience the city aglow with holiday lights.

Each destination offers its own version of Christmas magic, promising memories to last a lifetime. Start planning your holiday adventure with Around Travel and make this season truly unforgettable!

Jonas DuPont

An avid traveler and seasoned writer who has journeyed across more than 40 countries, sharing his unique experiences and insights with a growing audience of adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts. With a passion for discovering hidden gems and immersing himself in diverse cultures, Jonas's travel blog combines practical tips, stunning photography, and captivating storytelling. Whether he's navigating bustling city streets or exploring remote landscapes, Jonas offers readers an authentic glimpse into the world's most fascinating destinations, inspiring them to embark on their own unforgettable journeys.