Best Places to Travel at Christmas: Top Holiday Deals and Destinations

If you’ve ever stared at frost on your window and wondered, “Should I swap this for something way cooler—or way hotter—at Christmas?”, you’re definitely not alone. Choosing where to escape at Christmas isn’t just about flights and hotel deals. It’s about what kind of Christmas feels right for you. Snow and roaring fires, sun and cocktails, wild parties, or peace and quiet—there’s a perfect spot for every vibe.

Before you jump into booking, think about what you actually want your holiday to look like. Want to wake up to snow outside your chalet? There’s nowhere quite like Austria or Switzerland for that. Or maybe you’re over sweaters entirely and want to spend Christmas Day in the surf—hello, Australia. Prices, crowds, and even weather can change wildly depending on where you go.

Here’s the thing: Christmas is one of the most popular times to travel anywhere. That means higher prices, booked-out hotels, and airports that look like ant colonies. The secret? Planning ahead—like, as early as possible. Booking before September saves a lot compared to last-minute shoppers.

You can score actual deals, especially on less-obvious destinations or by being flexible with your dates. If you’re open to traveling outside the peak days, like flying on Christmas Eve or returning just after New Year’s, you can save enough to splurge on a sleigh ride or festive feast wherever you land.

• Winter Wonderlands: Snowy Destinations
• Sunshine Escapes: Warm Weather Getaways
• Savings and Deals: Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel
• Hidden Gems: Unusual Christmas Trips

Winter Wonderlands: Snowy Destinations

Let’s be honest—if you spend most of December hoping for a white Christmas, you’ll want to head somewhere that pretty much guarantees snow. Classic European spots like Salzburg, Austria, and Zermatt, Switzerland, really deliver when it comes to fairy-tale festive settings. Streets are lined with glowing markets, the rooftops sparkle, and there’s a legit chance you’ll bump into someone actually yodeling. Not kidding—Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt has been running since the late 15th century and feels straight out of a postcard.

If you care about both snow and serious skiing, Zermatt is nearly unbeatable. You’ve got the iconic Matterhorn as your backdrop and slopes for every level. Tons of families pick this spot since it’s quiet on Christmas Day but turns lively the rest of the week. The International Ski Federation lists the region as one of the most snow-sure in Europe, with December averages of 105 cm (about 41 inches) of snow.

Craving something even more magical? Go north—to Lapland, Finland. Around the Arctic Circle, it doesn’t get sunnier, but you could spot the Northern Lights flipping through the sky after a day dog-sledding or hanging out with real reindeer. Visiting Santa’s official village in Rovaniemi isn't just for kids—grownups get just as caught up in the magic. The Finnish Meteorological Institute confirms that snow cover is basically guaranteed in Lapland from November through April, so no risk of muddy boots here.

"For many travelers, nothing beats Christmas markets surrounded by snow—Europe’s alpine towns offer a slice of tradition that’s hard to find anywhere else," says Rick Steves, travel expert and author.

Looking west, Quebec City in Canada turns into a real-life snow globe. Unlike some bigger cities, its Old Town keeps things cozy, with cobbled streets and a Christmas market that feels almost European. Local data shows December temps hover around -5°C (23°F)—so pack your warmest gear, but the chilly bite adds to the vibe. If you time your hotel booking for midweek or just before the 25th, you can sometimes save 20% or more compared to peak dates.

• Book ski resorts by July for the best rates and room choices.
• Look for Christmas Eve events—parades, midnight services, and fireworks are common in winter towns.
• If flying into smaller mountain airports, check weather and delays—Christmas snow is pretty, but it can mess with flight schedules.
• Consider public transit for market-hopping in Europe—it’s faster than driving and parking is a pain during holidays.

So, if your perfect Christmas travel involves log fires, snowy adventures, and all the gingerbread you can eat, these destinations make the season feel straight out of a holiday movie.

Sunshine Escapes: Warm Weather Getaways

If the idea of swapping your Christmas sweater for flip-flops sounds like a dream, a sunshine escape might be exactly what you’re after. One of the top picks here is Australia—especially Sydney and the Gold Coast. Christmas in Australia lands right in the middle of summer, so you’ll find open-air barbecues, festive beach parties, and even Santa rocking up on a surfboard. 2024 government tourism numbers showed December Gold Coast hotel bookings spiked 23% over the three years since travel restrictions ended, proving Aussies and visitors alike love a sunny Christmas.

If you want closer options (especially for US travelers), Mexico’s Riviera Maya or Cancun come loaded with white sand, warm water, and resorts that go all-in for holiday decorations and food. Cancun averages 81°F (27°C) in December—way better than scraping ice off your car. For something even more laid-back, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers dry, sunny days all December, with the added bonus of Christmas week marking the start of sea turtle hatching in some regions.

The Canary Islands are a European favorite, especially for anyone coming from chilly UK or Northern Europe. Thanks to their spot just off the coast of Africa, expect temperatures around 70°F (21°C), palm trees wrapped in holiday lights, and resorts running special Christmas dinners. Tenerife gets over 1.6 million visitors in December alone, making it the most popular Canaries island at Christmas.

What should you look out for? Prices jump during late December, especially around the week of Christmas and New Year. Booking by early autumn, or checking for last-minute package deals, often gets you the best value. Direct flights to these sunny spots often fill up fast—all the more reason to move quick with your plans.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for comparing some top sunshine holiday destinations for Christmas travel:

And here’s one more tip: Don’t wait around for the obvious. Sometimes places like Cape Town or Dubai sneak under the radar and have amazing deals—plus, it’s way different from a classic American or European Christmas. The main thing? Find your sun, set your budget, and book it before everyone else has the same idea. Christmas doesn’t have to mean snow—sometimes, it’s better with sunscreen.

Savings and Deals: Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel

Snagging a good deal for Christmas travel is like finding the last parking spot at the mall on Christmas Eve. It takes some strategy, but it’s doable and absolutely worth it. Here’s how to stretch your budget while still having an epic holiday escape.

First up: timing matters more than most people realize. Data from Expedia shows that booking flights more than 60 days ahead of Christmas can save you up to 20% compared to last-minute fares. And if you have wiggle room, flying on the actual holiday (like December 25th) usually scores the lowest prices.

Don’t just settle for the first offer you see. Set alerts for price drops using apps like Google Flights or Skyscanner. These do the work for you and email or ping you as soon as there’s a dip. Plus, lots of hotels launch flash sales or early-bird specials in the summer aimed at folks who plan early.

"Booking early is hands-down the biggest money-saver for holiday trips," says Olivia Cruz, travel analyst at Hopper. "And being flexible with your destination can open up a ton of cheap options."

If your heart isn’t set on a specific place, check out lesser-known Christmas spots. Cities like Budapest or Porto often serve up less-crowded streets and better deals than usual hotspots like Paris or London.

• Consider bundle packages—booking hotel and flight together through sites like Expedia or Kayak often saves you around 10-15%.
• Watch out for extra fees. Some resorts hike up prices for Christmas Eve and Day dinners, so check what’s included before you book.
• Public transport and city passes can slice sightseeing costs in half—think about destinations where you won’t need to rent a car.
• If you’re traveling with family, look for Airbnb or vacation rental deals. Some hosts drop their rates for longer stays over the holidays.

Here’s a quick breakdown of when to book and what you could save based on Skyscanner’s 2024 data:

The biggest tip? Always check what’s included in the price—sometimes an all-inclusive deal actually works out cheaper than pay-as-you-go meals and activities. Stay sharp, compare, and keep your plans flexible and you’ll land a fantastic Christmas trip without breaking the bank.

Hidden Gems: Unusual Christmas Trips

If you like skipping the usual tourist-packed spots, going off the beaten path at Christmas can bring some of the coolest memories. Let’s talk about places that might not pop up on every ‘best destinations’ list, but honestly punch above their weight when it comes to experience—without the crazy crowds.

First up, Tallinn, Estonia. It’s not a household name, but in December, its medieval old town is decked out like a real-life Christmas village, with snow on the rooftops and one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets in the main square. Prices are lower than the big European cities, and they claim the first public Christmas tree ever erected (since 1441, if you want to be specific).

Now, if you’re after something wild, how about Christmas in Morocco? Marrakech looks nothing like your typical Christmas destination, but if you wander the souks (markets) on December 25th, you’ll see locals going about their day while a growing number of restaurants and hotels offer special Christmas feasts for visitors. The weather is mild (usually 16-20°C), perfect for exploring without the summer heat or heavy jackets.

Maybe you want sun, but not the usual Caribbean clichés? Head to the Canary Islands. Tenerife has warm weather (about 21°C on average) and low rainfall in December. Flights from the UK are under five hours, and festive celebrations feel more laid-back. You’ll spot Christmas lights strung in palm trees and locals celebrating with seafood and parades.

There are budget perks in these spots too—take a look at this quick table:

Here’s how to get the most out of these Christmas travel choices:

• Book accommodation early—these hidden gems are getting more popular with travelers in the know.
• Look for flights using flexible dates; flying mid-week can slice the cost, especially before December 20th.
• Check local holiday traditions—like in Estonia, where kids hunt for hidden Christmas presents in city parks, or in Tenerife where locals gather on Christmas Eve for beach barbecues.

Trying one of these lesser-known Christmas trips means you come home with better stories and, let’s be real, some serious bragging rights.