Must-see places for a Holly Jolly Christmas!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And it is always the right time to make a wish list for next year’s Christmas vacation. Buckle up, start playing Michael Buble’s Christmas album, blast the music, and get ready for the top 6 destinations for your next Christmas vacation!
The Best Christmas Spots for 2024
1. Bruges, Belgium
Looks just like a Christmas card, right? This gem in Belgium is a city that preserved its medieval feel and transforms itself into a Christmas paradise with sparkling lights, endless Christmas markets and churches capitalizing on their gothic architecture. Take a walk in the cobblestone streets, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride while sipping on your hot chocolate, and discover the festive wonders of the many boutiques. Don’t come back before checking out these activities:
Take a walk in the Grote market in Medieval Bruges
Hop on a romantic carriage, ride around the city
Discover the chocolate shops (there are around 50)
Walk around the Bruges Christmas Markets
2. Montreal, Canada
Celebrate Christmas, or Noel (in French) the Canadian way! Quebecois adhere to Christmas as a grand holiday and love making it as festive as possible. Catch the winter or Christmas themed events happening around the city all month long! Here are a few to watch out for:
Take a hike on Mount Royal (but don’t slip on your way up there)
Attend the Santa Claus parade, which has been a tradition that has been ongoing since 1924.
Enjoy a fondue or hot chocolate in one of the Old town cafes.
Attend Mass at Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal, but buy your tickets in advance!
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is perhaps one of the most scenic cities in Europe with its grand architecture and rich history. Discover the sights, Christmas markets, ancient sounds, amazing tastes… Here are 5 things you should do before you get back:
Eat schnitzel at the infamous Figlmüller (the schnitzel takes up more than the giant plate!) for a Christmas feast.
Discover the famous Christmas markets, the biggest being Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, while taking a sip from your Christmas punch.
Check out the Vienna Christmas lights guide for scenic spots and photo opportunities.
Go ice skating on the Ice Dream rink.
Make an impromptu visit to the Vienna Opera House.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the capital for the cozy and scenic Christmas you are dreaming of. Blend in with the locals and many visitors to the city as you sip on your glogg and discover the fantastic restaurants. Here are some things to not miss out on:
Go ice skating in Tivoli!
Tivoli everything: millions of sparkling lights, pots of mulled wine and mugs of hot chocolate, say hello to one of the most attractive Christmas markets in the world. Hop on one of the rides in the park!
Watch the Saint Lucy’s Day parade on the 13th of December, when hundreds of kayaks covered in Christmas lights take over the canals.
Visit the massive castles for the wondrous Christmas markets.
5. London, UK
London is wonderful all year long, but during Christmas it is extra special. Become a part of the magic as the mega-city transforms itself into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, trees and Christmas lights. Here are a couple things to watch out for:
Visit Hogwarts in the snow at the Warner Bros tour (I am talking to you Potterhead!)
Walk under the christmas lights on Oxford street.
Go skating on a rooftop in SkyLight.
Watch the NutCracker at the Coliseum.
Visit the annual winter celebration at Kew Gardens.
Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to do the festive season some justice.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Imagine a fairytale Christmas destination in Central Europe surrounded by castles and wondrous architecture. Welcome to Prague! Walk around the historic city under snowflakes falling from the sky. Take a bite of your chocolate covered “trdelnik”, a traditional pastry of the city. You will think you are in a Disney movie to say the least. While you’re there, don’t forget to:
Take a walk by the Vltava river at night among all the lights.
Climb to the top of the Old Town Tower for the amazing views.
Discover the Christmas markets in Castle Hill.
Enjoy a hot chocolate in Cafe Slavia!
Even if you can’t travel to these magical destinations next Christmas, they will still be up and running for the next next Christmas! Add them to your itinerary on Pin Traveler now. Creating a bucket list of your favorite destinations has never been easier.