Dreaming of Christmas somewhere special in 2026? Whether you want snow-dusted markets, alpine magic, the Northern Lights, or a warm beach far from the cold, these are the 10 best places to spend Christmas this year — each with a full guide to help you plan.
1
Lapland is the ultimate white Christmas — Santa, huskies, and the Northern Lights.
Plan a Finland trip →2
3
Nuremberg, Cologne, and Dresden host Europe’s most famous Christkindl markets.
Plan a Germany trip →4
Snowy alpine villages and lake-town markets make a storybook Christmas.
Plan a Switzerland trip →5
6
Swap snow for sun — Dubai delivers warm, festive, beachside Christmases.
Plan a United Arab Emirates trip →7
A warm-weather Christmas escape on the islands with festive resort cheer.
Plan a Thailand trip →8
The ultimate beach Christmas — overwater villas and flawless December weather.
Plan a Maldives trip →9
10
Prague’s Old Town Square market is a fairytale under twinkling lights.
Plan a Czech Republic trip →FAQ
Where to spend Christmas 2026?
Top picks include Finland, Austria, and Germany. The full ranked list above covers 10 destinations with the reason each is special this season, plus a guide to plan each trip.
When should I book holiday travel?
Book festive and New Year travel early — popular destinations, flights, and hotels sell out months ahead and prices climb steeply through autumn. Aim to lock in by September-October for the best choice and rates.
Is it cheaper to travel over the holidays?
No — late December is peak season almost everywhere, with the highest flight and hotel prices of the year. To save, book very early, travel a few days either side of the key dates, or pick a destination in its low season.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.