Guides

Where to go for Christmas and New Year: our travel ideas

Published on · 2 min read

Ideal for: CouplesFamiliesSoloSeniors

Munich's Frauenkirche and New Town Hall seen from above
Contents

In short: for the festive season, two moods. The Christmas spirit: the markets of Strasbourg, Munich or Brussels, the lights of New York and London. Sunshine: Dubai, Thailand, Mexico’s Caribbean coast, or the southern summer in Sydney and Rio, two cities famous for their New Year. Either way, book early.

The Christmas spirit in Europe

Wooden stalls, mulled wine and lights: Christmas markets are Europe’s great December tradition. The most famous are in Strasbourg, Munich, Brussels, Bruges, Berlin and Zurich; around 8 December, Lyon celebrates its Festival of Lights. All our tips: Christmas markets in Europe.

Christmas in the big cities

  • New York: the giant tree and ice rink at Rockefeller Center, the Fifth Avenue windows, the rinks in Central Park.
  • London: the lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
  • Paris: the illuminated Champs-Élysées and the animated department store windows.

See accommodation city by city

Christmas in the sun

  • Dubai: a mild, sunny winter, beaches and outdoor outings.
  • Bangkok and Chiang Mai: dry, cooler season, the best time to go.
  • Cancún: the start of the dry season on the Caribbean coast, beaches and cenotes.
  • Marrakech: sunny days and cool nights, a few hours’ flight from much of Europe.

See accommodation city by city

An unforgettable New Year

  • Sydney: the fireworks over the harbour, around the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, are among the most famous in the world.
  • Rio de Janeiro: the huge New Year’s Eve party on Copacabana beach, dressed in white by tradition.
  • New York: the ball drop in Times Square (very crowded: arrive hours early, or watch it elsewhere).

See accommodation city by city

Our festive-season tips

  1. Book flights and accommodation early: it’s one of the busiest periods of the year.
  2. Compare dates: leaving a few days before or after the holidays often makes a big difference to the price.
  3. Check opening hours: museums and sites close or reduce their hours around 25 December and 1 January.
  4. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.
  5. Mind the formalities: an ESTA for the United States; for other countries, check entry rules well before you leave.

For more ideas: Where to go in December? and Winter sun destinations.

Frequently asked questions

Where to go for sun at Christmas?

Dubai, Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai) and Mexico's Caribbean coast (Cancún) are in their dry, sunny season; Sydney and Rio are in the middle of the southern summer.

Where to spend a traditional Christmas in Europe?

In the Christmas market cities: Strasbourg, Munich, Brussels, Bruges, Berlin or Zurich. See our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.

Should I book early for the holidays?

Yes: Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest periods of the year. Book flights and accommodation several months ahead and compare dates around the holidays.