From Singapore’s tropical winter wonderland to San Antonio’s river lights, these 13 locations offer enduring Christmas appeal, whether you’re craving sunny beaches or snowy streets.
Families looking for special vacations might discover distinctive celebrations all across the world as Christmas draws near.
These 13 most enchanted Christmas destinations provide something unique for every holiday traveler, from snow-dusted streets to seaside celebrations.
- Singapore
Picture snowfall in a tropical setting! With a Santa circus, realistic light displays, and “snowfall” at Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore makes Christmas come to life. Orchard Road sparkles with futuristic light displays, and the city’s Supertrees light up to seasonal favorites.
- San Antonio, Texas
The RiverWalk in San Antonio is illuminated for the Holy Family with Mexican lanterns. The San Antonio Botanical Garden and Natural Bridge Caverns provide even more Christmas charm, and visitors can take a boat or foot tour of the luminous river.
- Puerto Rico
This island has the longest Christmas season in the world, and its celebrations include boat parades, street parties, and Navitown, a Santa Carnival in San Juan. From Thanksgiving through January, families can experience the joyous holiday spirit of Puerto Rico.
- German Christmas Markets
Germany is known for its Christmas markets, which feature charming wooden huts brimming with crafts, holiday sweets, and warm gluhwein in locations like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dresden.
- St. Augustine, Florida
For its Nights of Lights event, St. Augustine, the oldest city in America, is illuminated with three million lights. Parades, historical tours, and breathtaking holiday decorations are all available to families.
- Cusco, Peru
With its summer weather, Cusco celebrates Christmas with Peruvian twists of alpacas in nativity scenes and a community event, La Chocolatada, where locals share hot chocolate and bread to ensure everyone feels the Christmas spirit.
- Lapland, Finland
The official home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi in Lapland offers families the chance to meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and bask in the glow of the Northern Lights.
These destinations, along with Italy’s South Tyrol, Portugal’s Madeira, and U.S. gems like Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, each offer unique, heartwarming holiday experiences. So, whether you’re looking for traditional holiday cheer or tropical celebrations, this list has something for everyone to enjoy a Christmas to remember.
