Where to Go for Christmas 2025 - Families, Couples, Solo & Groups

Top places to travel for Christmas for families, couples, solo & groups— according to Reddit, I'v sorted where to go for Christmas like warm beaches, snowy towns or festive Christmas markets.

Where to Go for Christmas - Top 8 Christmas Destinations 2025

Seven countries, one winner: The best Christmas market in Europe

Christmas travel is all about picking a spot that fits your vibe—whether you’re chasing snow, escaping to the beach, or dodging family drama with friends. I’ve rounded up the best destinations from real traveler tips (sort from Reddit)

1. Where to Go for Christmas - Christmas for Families

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo goes all out for Christmas with over-the-top illuminations (Shibuya Sky, Marunouchi) that kids love. Disneyland and DisneySea have special Christmas parades and fireworks—book tickets 2–3 months early. A quirky tradition: Japanese families eat KFC for Christmas dinner (pre-order 1 month in advance to avoid disappointment). Visit Senso-ji Temple for a quiet contrast—decorated with lanterns but not crowded.

Costs: Mid-range hotels ~$150–$220/night, street food (takoyaki, sushi) ~$4–$10, subway/bus ~$5/day.

Pro Tips: Stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya for easy access to illuminations. Use a Suica card for transport—kids under 12 get discounted fares.

Munich, Germany

Munich’s Christkindlmarket (one of Europe’s oldest) is the main draw—think wooden stalls selling handcrafted toys, gingerbread, and glühwein (mulled wine) for adults, plus hot cocoa for kids. The market in Marienplatz is central, with a giant Christmas tree and live music. Day trips to nearby Neuschwanstein Castle (2hrs by train) are worth it—snowy castles feel straight out of a fairy tale.

Costs: Mid-range hotels ~$120–$180/night, market snacks (bratwurst, pretzels) ~$5–$8, public transport ~$3/day.

Pro Tips: Go mid-December—markets close Christmas Eve. Book castle tickets online to skip lines; kids under 18 get free entry to many museums.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is perfect for families wanting to skip the cold. Seminyak and Kuta beaches have Christmas-themed beach parties (low-key, family-friendly), and resorts offer kids’ clubs with craft activities. Day trips to Ubud’s monkey forest or Tegalalang Rice Terraces are educational and fun. Many resorts serve Western Christmas dinners (turkey, ham) if you want a traditional meal.

Costs: Family villas ~$100–$180/night, local meals ~$3–$6/person, taxi rides ~$5–$15.

Pro Tips: Avoid Kuta on NYE—it’s too crowded. Stay in Sanur for quieter beaches and family-friendly restaurants.

2. Where to Go for Christmas - Getaways for Couples

206,000+ Christmas Romance Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Old Town Square market is intimate and magical—no huge crowds like Paris or Berlin. Stalls sell handblown glass, wooden crafts, and trdelník (sweet pastry rolled in cinnamon). Take a evening cruise on the Vltava River—boats pass lit-up castles and bridges. For a low-cost date, walk across Charles Bridge at dawn (empty and peaceful) or sip svařák (mulled wine) at a rooftop bar with skyline views.

Costs: Boutique hotels ~$90–$140/night, Czech meals (goulash, dumplings) ~$10–$15/person, tram/bus ~$2/day.

Pro Tips: Book river cruises online for discounts. Avoid Christmas Day—most cafes close, but restaurants in Old Town stay open.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s mild winter weather (60s°F/15°C) is perfect for couples who want to walk. Alfama neighborhood is lined with Christmas lights and fado bars—listen to live music over port wine. The Christmas market at Praça do Comércio has small stalls selling local crafts and pastel de nata (custard tarts). Day trip to Sintra (30mins by train) for fairy-tale palaces and snow-dusted hills.

Costs: Budget-friendly hotels ~$70–$110/night, tapas ~$8–$12/person, train to Sintra ~$2/round-trip.

Pro Tips: Go in early December—markets stay open until New Year. Pack a light jacket—evenings are cool.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City’s Old Town is a UNESCO site with cobblestone streets, French-Canadian architecture, and a German-style Christmas market. Couples love horse-drawn carriage rides through snow-covered streets ($30–$40/hour) and hot chocolate at cozy cafes like Chez Boulay. The Ice Hotel (outside the city) offers romantic ice suites (book 3 months early) for a unique stay.

Costs: Mid-range hotels ~$130–$190/night, French-Canadian meals ~$15–$25/person, bus transport ~$4/day.

Pro Tips: Stay in Old Quebec—walking distance to all attractions. Wear warm layers—it gets below freezing!

3. Where to Go for Christmas - Solo Travel

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is safe, affordable, and solo-friendly. Christmas isn’t a local holiday, so you can explore temples (Doi Suthep) or night markets (Saturday Walking Street) without crowds. Many hostels and restaurants organize expat Christmas dinners ($15–$25/person) where you can meet other travelers. Day trips to Pai (3hrs by bus) offer waterfalls and hot springs—most hostels run group tours.

Costs: Hostels ~$20–$35/night, street food (khao soi, pad thai) ~$2–$5, songthaew (shared taxi) ~$1/ride.

Pro Tips: Stay in Nimmanhaemin for trendy cafes and social hostels. Book Christmas dinners 1 week early—popular spots fill up.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh’s Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens has rides (Ferris wheel, carousel) and food stalls (haggis bites, mince pies). Solo travelers can join free walking tours to meet people, or cozy up in a pub with a pint of ale and live folk music. Hogmanay (NYE) is a huge street party—join the torchlight parade or fireworks at Edinburgh Castle (tickets ~$50). 

Costs: Hostels ~$30–$50/night, pub meals ~$10–$15, bus transport ~$3/day.

Pro Tips: Book Hogmanay tickets 2 months early. Visit the National Museum of Scotland (free entry) on Christmas Day if you want to avoid crowds.

Lisbon, Portugal (Solo-Friendly Too!)

Lisbon’s walkable neighborhoods and friendly locals make it easy for solo travelers. The city’s trams are iconic—ride Tram 28 through Alfama for photo ops. Many cafes have counter seating, so you won’t feel awkward dining alone. Join a port tasting tour in Vila Nova de Gaia (10mins by ferry) for a fun group activity.

Costs: Same as above—hostels ~$25–$40/night, port tastings ~$10–$15.

Pro Tips: Use the Lisboa Card for free transport and museum entry. Ferry to Vila Nova de Gaia is free with the card.

4. Where to Go for Christmas - Groups of Friends

New Orleans, USA

New Orleans won't slow down because of Christmas - the Krewe of Jingle parade has floats and throws, and the Preservation Hall has live music performances every night. Group activities: Cycling through the beautifully decorated community, taking a Cajin cooking class ($40-60 per person), or going on a sunset cruise on the Mississippi River. Have pancakes at cafe du Monde (open 24 hours) and hurricanes at Pat O 'Brien's.

Costs: Shared hotels ~$80–$120/night/person, meals ~$10–$20/person, bike rentals ~$15/day.

Pro Tips: Stay in the French Quarter or Marigny for easy access to nightlife. Make dinner reservations at Galatoire’s (Creole food) 2 weeks early.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is perfect for groups that want to gather and explore. The Christmas Eve party is held at the Sky Bar (Octave), with fireworks set off on the Chao Phraya River (costing about $30 - $50). A one-day tour to Ayutthaya (1 hour by train), visiting ancient temples. Groups can rent bicycles to explore. Have some snacks at Khao SAN Road or Chinatown, such as mango sticky rice and pancakes.

Costs: Shared hotels ~$50–$80/night/person, street food ~$2–$5/dish, train to Ayutthaya ~$1/round-trip.

Pro Tips: Use Grab for group rides—cheaper than taxis. Book rooftop parties 1 month early for Christmas Eve.

Berlin, Germany

The Christmas markets in Berlin are very legendary- there are over ten markets throughout the city, and each market has a theme. The market in Alexanderplatz has a huge Ferris wheel, while the market in Charlottenburg Palace is more upscale. Groups can rent a bicycle to travel between markets or join a beer tour (Berlin has great craft breweries). The New York New Year (NYE) at Brandenburg Gate is a large free party with fireworks. Arrive early to ensure a place.

Costs: Shared apartments ~$40–$70/night/person, market snacks (currywurst, glühwein) ~$4–$7, bike rentals ~$10/day.

Pro Tips: Buy a Berlin Welcome Card for free transport and museum discounts. Markets close Christmas Eve—plan accordingly.

Best Things to Do on Christmas Day

Whether you’re staying in or heading out, these general ideas work for global travelers and homebodies alike, no niche or country-specific fluff, just fun, actionable plans.

Staying Home: Cozy Christmas Days/Nights

• Decoration: Decorate a tree (real or artificial) with lights, ornaments and homemade wreaths (popcorn strings, paper chains - both cheap and nostalgic). If you have a balcony or a yard, you can hang colorful lights outdoors - warm white or multi-colored ones, depending on your atmosphere. If you want a global transformation, you can add small decorations from different cultures (for example, German wooden ornaments, Japanese folded paper cranes, and Mexican pinatas).
• Baking and Sharing: Make classic Christmas treats - chocolate beans, gingerbread cookies or Christmas log cakes. Add local specialties: Replace the butter with coconut oil to achieve a tropical flavor; If you like Asian flavors, you can add matcha to the cookies. Pack the extra items and give them to your neighbors or friends (no need for fancy packaging - brown paper bags and ribbons).
• Movies and Games: Plan a classic Christmas movie playlist (Home Alone, How Wonderful Life Is) or an international selection (True Love First, Tokyo Godfather). As for games, you can play some that are suitable for the whole family, such as Secret Santa Claus, Picture word guessing or board games (Monopoly, Code Name) - this is also very suitable for virtual gatherings (playing online games with distant relatives via Zoom).
• Relax and recharge: Skip the chaos - spend a day reading a book, doing yoga, or taking a bath with the holiday shower bomb. Make a hot drink with cocoa, mulled wine (or non-alcoholic glichwein) and spiced cider.

Going Out: Christmas Adventures

• Christmas Market: Find your local market (Most cities have at least one!) There are wooden stalls selling handicrafts, snacks and hot drinks. Have a hot drink (hot wine, hot chocolate) and browse through handcrafted gifts (jewelry, candles, textiles). Wear comfortable shoes - the market is very busy and you will walk more than you think. Arrive in the afternoon on a weekday to avoid the peak crowds.
• Christmas buffet: Many hotels and restaurants offer special buffets featuring roast Turkey, ham, roasted vegetables and desserts (fruit cake, meat pie, tiramisu). Make a reservation 1 to 2 weeks in advance, and popular attractions will soon be fully booked. If you want to diversify, you can choose a buffet that includes international dishes (for example, Asian-style roast duck, Mexican corn flour steamed pork and classic dishes).
• Outdoor fun: Skating at seasonal ice rinks (most cities have them set up in parks or squares) - Rent skates on site or bring your own. Visit the light exhibition (there are usually free light trails in the botanical garden and the city center), and take photos as souvenirs. On a warm day, take a walk on the beach or have a picnic and enjoy some Christmas-themed snacks.

Global Christmas Food Must-Tries

These classic dishes from all over the world are suitable for both dining in restaurants and home cooking, you can enjoy the authentic flavors without having to travel.

• Roast Turkey & Gravy: The world's most popular (originated in Europe and is very popular in North America, Australia and other regions) - a juicy Turkey filled with vanilla and rich gravy. Add cranberry sauce to create a strong contrast.
• Mulled Wine (Glühwein): A spiced red wine with cinnamon, cloves and oranges added, it is very popular in the markets of Europe, Canada and some parts of Asia. Make it at home with cheap red wine and spices bought from the store.
• Gingerbread (Lebkuchen) : A spiced biscuit originated from Germany, usually decorated with frosting. It is very suitable for baking in the market or at home. Adding honey can enhance the sweetness.
• Tamales: A Christmas staple in Latin America - filling meat (pork, chicken) or cheese with corn dough and steaming it in a corn husk. It is very suitable for group meals or buffets.
• Sushi Christmas Cake: A Japanese-style twisted sponge cake topped with fresh cream and fruits (strawberries, peaches), decorated like sushi. Light and refreshing, suitable for warm climates.
• Panettone: Italian sweet bread, served with candied fruits and raisins, is used for breakfast or dessert. It has a peculiar feeling when paired with coffee or sparkling wine.

[8% OFF] Global Hotel Recommendations