Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness and indulgence. For many seasoned travellers it is also the perfect excuse to discover somewhere new. Whether you dream of twinkling city lights, snowy alpine adventures or tropical warmth, there are destinations around the world that really capture the magic of the season in their own unique ways
So, if you are wondering about the best places to spend Christmas, here are six unforgettable destinations that were put forward by our luxury travel specialists as the destinations that you may want to take into consideration for your own festive getaway.
Costa Rica - The Tropical Choice
For those wondering where to spend Christmas in the sun, Costa Rica offers an irresistible answer. Imagine exchanging frosty mornings for golden beaches, palm-fringed coastlines and rainforest adventures.
December marks the start of the country's dry season, making it the perfect time to enjoy its pristine Pacific and Caribbean shores. If you are wondering where to spend Christmas in Costa Rica, then that really depends on your preferred activities. Adrenaline junkies with an interest in watersports will have plenty of fun in the seaside town of Tamarindo which lies within the Guanacaste region. Those who are keen to observe the local wildlife meanwhile may be better served heading to Manuel Antonio National Park.
No matter which destination you choose, you'll find that Costa Rica offers a magical blend of festive spirit with exotic adventure. Traditional celebrations such as vibrant parades in San José add a local flair that makes Christmas here both joyful and unique.
New York - Classic Christmas City Breaks
For a simply iconic festive break, few destinations come close to New York. Every December, the city becomes a winter wonderland with the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, ice skating arena in Bryant Park and enchanting window displays along Fifth Avenue which inspire countless dollars to be spent on friends and loved ones.
From horse drawn carriage rides through Central Park to evenings shows on Broadway, New York truly embodies the festive spirit with unquestioned sophistication and style. Combined with the famous New Year celebrations, it's little wonder that so many people consider New York to be one of the best places to spend Christmas.
Austria - Christmas Markets in a Fairy Tale Setting
If you are wondering where to spend Christmas in Europe, those who dream of snow dusted mountains and festive traditions will find that Austria is a fairy Tale setting for the Christmas holidays.
Vienna glows with enchanting Christmas markets, where mulled wine and hand crafted gifts fill the air with seasonal charm and get even the most hardened of Christmas sceptics to enrol in the festive spirit.
In Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, choral music echoes through historic squares, while the Austrian Alps provide world class skiing for a magical winter escape. For travellers who long for a traditional white Christmas, Austria is a destination steeped in culture, beauty and festive warmth which never fails to deliver.
Lapland - Festive Family Fun
No list of the best places to spend Christmas would be complete without a mention of Lapland, the official home of Father Christmas!
Located in the Arctic Circle, Lapland is the ultimate destination for those who want to immerse themselves in festive wonder. Holiday makers can meet Father Christmas himself, ride through snowy forests on reindeer sleighs and watch the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky.
Accommodation options vary from rustic log cabins with roaring fires through to glass igloos where you can lie back in your comfortable bed and watch the Northern Lights play out before your eyes. With its mix of magic and natural beauty, Lapland is an enchanting choice that appeals to children and adults alike, offering everyone a truly unforgettable Christmas holiday experience.
Canada - A True Winter Wonderland
Canada is a country where Christmas is celebrated with both grandeur and natural splendour. From the snowy streets of Quebec City, which resemble a European fairy tale, to the ski resorts of Whistler and Banff, Canada offers endless opportunities for festive adventure.
Whether it's dogsledding through snow covered landscapes, exploring vibrant Christmas markets or simply cosying up by a roaring fire in a luxury lodge, Canada perfectly captures the magic of the season.
For families and couples alike, Canada remains one of the best places to spend Christmas for those seeking a true Winter Wonderland setting.
Thailand - Some Like it Hot
If you are wondering where is hot at Christmas which still offers a taste of the Western festive spirit, then Thailand is an ideal destination to consider.
With daytime temperatures averaging around 30 degrees, Thailand offers the perfect escape for those who like it hot, providing a welcome break from the winter cold back home. Here you will be able to spend the festive season relaxing in luxury resorts with easy access to turquoise seas and golden sands.
Islands like Phuket and Koh Samui invite you to celebrate the season with beachfront feasts and island cruises, while the city of Bangkok dazzles with its Christmas lights, vibrant shopping districts and world class dining options.
While it may be a little bit of an alternative Christmas holiday destination, with its mix of cultural richness and tropical beauty you can turn your festive season into a exotic escape when you plan a getaway to Thailand.
A Season of Choices
Whether your heart is drawn to traditional festive destinations such as Lapland, Austria and Canada, your body to the warmth of Costa Rica and Thailand, or your soul to the vibrant cultural metropolis of New York, the world offers a wealth of great places to spend Christmas.
Our luxury travel specialists are on hand to offer advice and guidance when it comes to picking the best place to spend Christmas for you and your family this year. We can help you build the perfect Christmas holiday itinerary, filled with activities, excursions and festive frills that are bespoke to you.