8 of the Most Magical Christmas Destinations to Dream About
Christmas and the holidays are such a magical time of year. I love the traditions and memories that this season brings! If you are looking for Christmas destinations to travel to and really get into the holiday spirit, this list is for you!
These locations are a bit more off the beaten path, instead of all the cities you may already think of for wintertime and the holidays. Each location has a variety of spirited events or activities including Christmas markets, options for skiing, snowy winter wonderlands, and more.
Read on for 8 magical Christmas destinations!
Christmas Destinations #1: Riga, Latvia
Doesn’t this picture make you feel like you’re walking into Santa’s village?
Riga, Latvia is not as well known as other cities with big Christmas markets, but that’s part of the appeal. With a UNESCO world heritage city center, Riga is already beautiful without snow and holiday decorations. As a Balkan country, Riga weather makes more it likely that you will see snow on your winter visit.
The city also claims to have had the first Christmas tree in the 15th or 16th century. There is a domed stone marker at the place of the first tree in Town Hall Square. (Read further down this post for their debate against Tallinn, Estonia about this…..)
Riga, Latvia Christmas Markets
The Christmas market in the center of town opens December 1st through January 8th and offers a great variety of gift stalls and delicious food. Crowds are much less here than in large Christmas market cities which makes it an authentic and laid-back experience.
A second smaller Christmas market is located next to the Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral and offers similar stalls as the larger market.
Details & Where to Stay in Riga
Cost: Riga is relatively affordable compared to other European towns. A glass of mulled wine will set you back about Euro €3.50. Dinner in Riga will cost around €20 including a drink. You can spend much less if you don’t go for a sit-down dinner at a restaurant.
Weather: December weather in Riga consists of temperatures in the 30s (F).
Accommodations: Click here to search for top places to stay in Riga, Latvia
Christmas Destinations #2: Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver offers so much variety as a Christmas destination trip.
A large city with plenty to do any season, add holiday decorations and events and it becomes a true Christmas destination. Located in British Columbia, Vancouver is not too far from Seattle Washington and has similar maritime weather. Just an hour away you’ll find Whistler with great skiing and plenty of snow, if snow activities are what you are looking for.
Vancouver Christmas Things To Do
There’s no shortage of winter and holiday activities in and around Vancouver.
For lots of beautiful lights, start in downtown Vancouver where you’ll find all of Robson Street lit up and sparkling. Don’t miss Robson Square and the biggest Christmas tree, claiming to be bigger than the one in Rockefeller Center! You can ice skate at Robson Square skate rink as well. Make your way over to see the lights of hope at St Paul’s Hospital where volunteers spend weeks stringing up over 100,000 lights.
Vancouver also has a Christmas market located at Jack Poole Plaza, but you do have to pay an entry fee. It runs from the end of November through Christmas eve typically.
Outside the center of town add a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge (pictured below) to your list, but skip the hefty price tag and crowds to see the lights there at night! Go during the day to enjoy the bridge and outdoor scenery.
(There are many more Christmas activities in this city, I barely brushed the surface!)
Details & Where to Stay in Vancouver
Cost: Vancouver is not what one would consider a budget destination, however, some of the activities mentioned above for the holidays are free. Dinner at a restaurant will cost around $20 – $30 CAD.
Weather: Since Vancouver is a coastal city, highs stay around the mid-40s in December. Chilly enough for that warm hot chocolate but not unbearable to walk around the city.
Accommodations: Click here to search for top places to stay in Vancouver, Canada
Click to see traveler tested gifts, airport essentials, and travel outfit ideas. Make sure you’re prepared for your next trip!
Christmas Destinations #3: Moscow, Russia
Moscow may not come to mind first when you picture a magical Christmas destination.
You’ll find a long Christmas season here, as most Russians celebrate Orthodox Christmas in January, but decorations are set up in time for the Western holiday. Almost every neighborhood in Moscow has a small Christmas market, a tree, and festivities.
The weather in Moscow in December is pretty cold, so you’ll need good winter weather clothing.
Moscow, Russia Christmas Activities
The biggest market in Moscow is the Red Square Christmas Market with decorated stalls, lights, and children’s rides. You’ll find souvenirs and gifts like matryoshka (nesting) dolls, and items made out of birch. There is also a huge skating rink to enjoy and drinks like honey mead and a variety of teas.
The most impressive decoration in the city is the light tunnel at Tverskoi Boulevard, so make sure to check that out!
Crowds are heavy in the time between New Years and Orthodox Christmas, so planning your trip in late December, or during weekdays may be more ideal.
Details & Where to Stay in Moscow
Costs: An average meal in Russia will cost around 800 to 2,000 roubles (USD $11-28), the higher end includes a glass of wine.
Weather: One of the coldest destinations on this list, temperatures in Moscow are in the 20s in December. This winter destinations requires some layers.
Accommodations: Click here to search for top places to stay in Moscow, Russia
Note – depending where your passport is from, you will most likely need a visa to enter the country.
Christmas Destinations #4: Tallinn, Estonia
Picturesque and enchanting, it doesn’t get much better than Tallinn, Estonia to add to your Christmas destinations list.
Tallinn also claims to have put up the first Christmas tree and has had quite the debate with Riga, Latvia. It was decided that Tallinn had the first tree, and Riga the first decorated tree. It wouldn’t be Christmas time without a little drama!
A Balkan country, Estonia is also a bit off the main Christmas market path and a great destination for the holidays.
Tallinn, Estonia Christmas Things To Do
Tallinn recently earned the title of #1 Christmas Market, according to European Best Destinations. Their market located in the center of the old town has a local and authentic vibe. Prices are less inflated than many other popular European Christmas spots. On the weekends you can experience a variety of cultural events and performances as a part of the holiday festivities.
Open typically from mid-November until early January, you’ll have ample time to plan a winter visit to this market.
Details & Where to Stay in Tallin
Costs: Tallinn is generally affordable and dinner will cost around €20 at the high end including a drink. A beer at the bar will run you around €3.00.
Weather: Very similar to Riga, the weather in Tallinn in December is in the mid-30s. Pack your winter attire!
Accommodations: Click here for top places to stay in Tallinn, Estonia
Christmas Destinations #5: Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium is an extremely charming canal city and is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.”
Beautiful any time of year and magical in the winter, Bruges is a great travel destination for Christmas. The crowds are lesser in January as well, which is a great alternate time to visit.
Bruges Christmas Things To Do
Visit Bruges anytime between Late November and Late December to truly get into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas market here is largely located in the historic market square, but also spills out onto various side streets.
Make sure to come hungry so you can try the Belgian waffles and hot chocolate! Another perk to visiting Belgium – the beer! Once you’ve indulged, skate off those extra calories at the skating rink in the center of the market.
Bruges also has a number of Christmas shops you can duck into not only to shop, but to warm up!
Details & Where to Stay in Bruges
Costs: Bruges and Belgium are a little bit more expensive than some of the Balkan or Easter European locations on this list. Dinner here will cost between €25-30. A meal at a cafe may cost closer to €12.00.
Weather: Bruges temperatures in December are typically in the 40s. With a warm jacket and some mulled wine you’ll be sure to be comfortable.
Accommodations: Click here for top places to stay in Bruges, Belgium
Christmas Destinations #6: Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is arguably one of the most European feeling cities in North America.
With most residents speaking French, you’ll feel like you’re transported to another place. Also known for a delicious food scene, this city is a great spot to visit during the summer as well.
Quebec City Christmas Things To Do
There is no official Christmas market in Quebec, but the lights, decorations, and weather makes it feel so festive. Check out the Place Royale, a little square complete with a Christmas tree and the oldest stone church in North America built in 1688.
On Rue du Petit-Champlain you’ll see why Quebec is compared to other European cities. It’s charming and photogenic with a cobblestone street, and a tiny cabin with a mailbox to send letters to Santa. You’ll also find shops all along this street for your holiday shopping pleasure.
Don’t forget to visit a food market to sample all the local fare Quebec has to offer, including some of the best maple syrup!
Details & Where to Stay in Quebec City
Costs: Not a “budget” destination in terms of food, but the food quality is top notch. You’ll pay anywhere from $20 – 35 CAD on a dinner out. You could make due on less by grocery shopping, eating at cafes, or grabbing smaller meals at the food markets.
Weather: Quebec’s temperatures in December are usually in the 20’s, which gives you a high chance for a snowy wonderland. You’ll want to pack multiple layers for this winter destination.
Accommodations: Click to search for top places to stay in Quebec City, Canada
Christmas Destinations #7: Dresden, Germany
Really want that German Christmas market experience? You could try visiting a city in Germany that not all tourists think of, like Dresden.
South of Berlin and close to the borders of both the Czech Republic and Poland, this could also be an ideal location to Christmas market “hop.”
Dresden Christmas Things To Do
Dresden is home to one of the oldest Chritmas markets in Germany, Striezelmarkt in Altmarkt Square, dating back to 1434. You’ll find a large Christmas tree, and plenty of stalls for gifts, gluhwein, and local foods.
The medieval Christmas market is something not to miss as well. It’s named medieval because vendors dress the time period, medieval music is played, and the shops are unique. There is a small entry fee for this market around €3.00, but may be worth it for the atmosphere and experience. You’ll find this market located in Stallhof.
Spread throughout the city are various smaller markets to visit, so if you have the time, wander the city and find your favorite!
Details & Where to Stay in Dresden
Costs: Dinner in Germany will cost you anywhere from €10 – €20, so around the middle of the road compared to other locations on this list. A meal at a beer hall will typically be a better value, and walk outside the tourist zones to save even more.
Weather: Weather in Dresden in December is in the low 40s and high 30s on average. A little ice skating, walking, and gluhwein will warm you right up.
Accommodations: Click here to search for top places to stay in Dresden, Germany
Christmas Destinations #8: Budapest, Hungary
I just love Budapest and all that it offers, including it’s Christmas atmosphere.
Besides the Christmas markets, Budapest also has multiple thermal baths to explore. What a treat to be able to dip into warm water after walking around a beautiful cold city. Gellert Thermal Baths was a favorite of mine on the Buda side, but Széchenyi Bath is definitely the most well known.
Budapest Christmas Things To Do
The Great Market Hall in Budapest is not officially a Christmas market, but is a great place to try local foods and buy gifts to take home, like Hungarian paprika. Pictured above, it’s also decked out in lights during the holiday season.
Christmas markets in Budapest have become more popular with the city’s rise as a tourist spot. One of the best is located in front of Saint Stephen’s Basilica, and also includes an ice skating rink. Don’t forget to pay the small fee to go up to the tower in Saint Stephen’s and have a view over the city and market.
Hungary is known for a drink called Palinka, which is a fruit brandy and available at stalls in the markets during Christmas. Also a hidden gem for red wine, don’t miss trying mulled wine or just a great glass of wine during your visit.
Details & Where to Stay in Budapest
Costs: Budapest is located in Eastern Europe and is an affordable city to visit. You can find accommodations as low as $40 a night, and a dinner will run you around $10 – 15 (around 3000 Hf) a person.
Weather: Temperatures are around the mid 30s (Fahrenheit) here in December.
Accommodations: Click here to search for top places to stay in Budapest, Hungary
What are your bucket list Christmas Destinations? Let me know in the comments!
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