10 Magical Christmas Travel Destinations for 2025

7 hours ago 3

November 30, 2025 | 08:45 pm

Christmas tree in the area of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, December 3, 2024. St. Peter's Basilica Church and the Vatican Museums are religious tourism destinations that are widely visited by international tourists ahead of the 2024 Christmas celebrations. TEMPO/Gunawan Wicaksono

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas always has a way of transforming cities into storybook escapes. Still, the best Christmas travel destinations go further, infusing their own magic into every moment. In Prague, Quebec City, and New York City, it is just so easy for travelers to be captivated by how the holiday sparkle seems to find them.

And because each one deserves more than a quick shoutout, here is a closer look. These are the 10 best Christmas travel destinations to add to your holiday travel list, according to Conde Nast Traveler and the U.S. News.

List of the Best Christmas Travel Destinations

1. Prague

Prague in December takes on an unmistakable joyful air of festivities. The magic it radiates centers around the beloved Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, home to Europe’s best Christmas market. With the striking Týn Church as a backdrop, the squares glow with Czech food stalls, handmade crafts, and thousands of shimmering lights.

2. Quebec City, Canada

It is hardly surprising that Quebec City is well-known as one of the best Christmas travel destinations. Its snow-dusted cobblestone streets, lined with charming shops and inviting bistros, pair beautifully with the castle-like architecture that greets you at every turn. And as you pass Canadians chatting in French, Quebec City gets even more deliciously convincing in bringing European vibes to North America.

3. New York City, New York

Few cities celebrate Christmas quite like New York. From the Rockefeller Center tree to Fifth Avenue’s iconic window displays, every corner brims with festive spectacle. Even its signature fast-paced chaos can’t get in the way of the experience, especially if you’re heading out to Brooklyn and the East Village for a walking tour.

4. Rome, Italy

With Vatican City within its borders, Rome already proves that Christmas here is a spiritual affair. But if the pull of the sacred isn’t quite enough, the city still has you fully covered. From vibrant Christmas markets packed with vendors to Italian Christmas dishes delighting every palate, Rome makes a true holiday haven.

5. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg at Christmas never disappoints. As it is home to Mozart and the birthplace of "Silent Night," the five-decade-old Christkindlmarkt has its atmosphere beautifully filled by joyful Christmas songs in the background. For that, wandering through the 100 market stands only gets even more heartwarming.

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

No list of the best Christmas travel destinations is complete without Edinburgh, and for good reasons. The city stretches its celebrations across weeks, filling the season with a lively buzz through funfair attractions, festive food and drink, and a holiday market in full swing. Beyond the season, Edinburgh’s cheer continues, carrying over into the famed Hogmanay Festival.

7. Park City, Utah

For a snowy American Christmas with an adventurous twist, Park City is the destination you’ll want to head to. This mountain town is famed for its ski resorts, promising a holiday that’s not only mesmerizing in scenery but also rich in outdoor activities. Yet the journey becomes truly complete only when you visit Historic Park City, where Main Street is adorned with seven life-size snow globes, whimsical Santa’s Mailbox displays, and festive surprises beyond.

8. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi in Georgia offers kid-friendly activities where families can enjoy seeing a festive puppet show to celebrate the holiday. The city lights up with vibrant street decorations, lively markets, and delicious holiday foods like gozinaki and churchkhela, ensuring every visitor experiences endless joyous moments. With its blend of ancient architecture and contemporary culture, Tbilisi showcased its one-of-a-kind wonder through its unique Chichilaki Christmas trees.

9. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth’s snow-covered mountain scenery pairs perfectly with its Bavarian-style village charm. Once the town turns into a winter wonderland, the nightly light shows, lively performances, and monthlong festivals make it impossible not to be captivated. To elevate the trip further, a stop at the Nutcracker Museum is a must.

10. Sydney, Australia

Sydney in December lives up to its name as one of the few places with the best weather for year-round travel. A calendar full of unmissable events is only to be expected, especially with highlights like the Cambridge Markets and the Darling Harbour Floating Christmas Tree. And though snow is absent, the holiday magic remains, just in its own Sydney-style way.

Whether you seek twinkling markets, cozy winter scenery, or warm festive celebrations, Christmas 2025 promises joy, magic, and unforgettable holiday memories. And wherever it is, if it is a destination curated by this list, only the season’s best magic and unforgettable moments await you. Don’t let your discovery end here; let’s check out the 10 Christmas traditions around the world you might never have heard of.

Editor’s Choice: 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe for a Magical Holiday Season

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