Amazing Destinations to Celebrate Christmas • The Blonde Abroad

There’s nothing like visiting a fun destination for Christmas. Experience ordinary streets covered in twinkling lights, an aroma of holiday spices wafts through the air, and there’s no shortage of unique foods, drinks or festivities.

Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in Europe or a festive break on the beach, there are many countries around the world that go above and beyond to make the holiday season an unforgettable time of year.

Ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style? Here are some amazing destinations to celebrate Christmas around the world!

Christmas in Prague

Prague is one of Europe’s most picturesque winter destinations. With its charming architecture and unique Christmas traditions, it’s the perfect place to experience the ultimate fairytale Christmas abroad.

The Czech capital boasts some of Europe’s best markets in its Old Town Square. Here you’ll find a nativity scene complete with real-life cows and sheep as well as vendors selling everything from ornaments to handcrafted gifts.

While you’re shopping up a storm, don’t forget to buy a freshly-made cukrovi. It’s a delicious traditional Czech Christmas cookie!

Christmas in Budapest

Christmas in Budapest means lights, mulled wine, and plenty of fairs. One of the things that set Budapest apart from other European destinations is the Szechenyi Bath, a large outdoor thermal bath.

Nothing quite compares to relaxing in the warm waters while the snow falls around you. The city’s Christmas market is said to be one of the best in Europe and lasts nearly two months!

Located in Vorosmarty and St. Stephen’s Square, hundreds of vendors, sell artisanal goods, traditional Toki pompos and unique gifts like pressed flower jewelry. End off your winter wonderland adventure by going ice skating near the St. Stephen’s Basilica!

Christmas in London

From ice skating to festive afternoon tea, London has it all! The country embraces holiday decor more than most. Head to Trafalgar Square to see the giant Christmas tree decked out in hundreds of lights and ornaments.

It’s an annual gift given to London by Norway since 1947.

What better way to embrace the cold than to go ice-skating at Somerset House’s open-air rink. You can warm up with a cocktail afterward at the Skate Lounge or do some last minute shopping at Harrod’s. It’s one the best places to go Christmas shopping in London!

Christmas in Rio de Janeiro

In the mood for a tropical Christmas? Swap your gloves and winter jackets for bikinis and caipirinhas on the beach.

With most spending Christmas Eve and day with their families, you’ll have the country’s pristine beaches all to yourself. Soak up the warm ninety-degree weather and celebrate the festive season by working on your tan.

When hunger strikes, enjoy a traditional Brazilian Christmas meal of turkey, rice, salad, fruits, farofa, panettone, and rabanadas. Panettone is a soft sweet Italian loaf and rabanadas is the Brazilian twist on French toast but its covered in sugar and cinnamon.

Yum!

Christmas in Moscow

Want to experience one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe? Head to Moscow, Russia and get lost among the picturesque stalls of “Journey into Christmas.”

From the 18th of December to the 14th of January, each district of Moscow transforms itself into a Christmas wonderland as part of the festival. Wander past the art exhibits, shopping vendors, delicious food stalls and watch the festive street shows and concerts.

Keep an eye out for the Christmas bauble! It sits at 17 meters high and is the biggest of its kind in Russia.

Christmas in New York City

New York City is one of my favorite budget Christmas destinations. With the Rockefeller tree, ice skating in Bryant Park, Christmas themed bars, and shows like the Rockettes and the Nutcracker, there is so much to see and do to put you in the holiday spirit.

Grab the New York Pass and get entry to over 70 iconic NYC attractions. I saved over $150 with the three-day pass! Just be sure to bundle up because it can get pretty chilly!

Christmas in Paris

Ahh, the city of love. What’s more romantic than ice skating in front of the Eiffel Tower? Paris prides itself in having over the top Christmas window displays.

Grab your partner and stroll through the arrondissements past the department stores and street vendors selling roasted chestnuts. Stop by the Galeries Lafayette to see their spectacular Christmas tree.

It’s one of the prettiest displays in all of Paris!

Christmas at Disneyland

Don’t miss out on celebrating Christmas in Disneyland! You’re never too old to unleash your inner kid at the Happiest Place on Earth. Get into the spirit with a Mickey and Minnie Mouse Christmas sweater and watch the festive parades make their way down Main Street.

Christmas in Vienna

There is nowhere in Europe that quite captures the Christmas spirit like Austria. It’s capital city, Vienna, transforms into a magical wonderland.

The markets are full of people buying presents, thousands of chandeliers glitter on the Graben and Kartner Strasse center and the scent of roasted chestnuts fill the frosty air. Keep warm with a mug of Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch made from tea, spices, sugar, and spirits like rum or brandy).

Weihnachtspunsch is served piping hot in collectible mugs at each market.

Make sure you visit City Hall Square! A festive sea of lights, tree decorations, craft workshops, and a carousel all add to to the Christmas cheer.