This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
1. Seychelles
While the Seychelles feels undeniably summery in December with a perfect average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit in a tank top, Christmas is still running at full speed in the East African nation. Victoria’s capital is decorated with fully illuminated walkways leading from the Post Office and the National History Museum to Peace Park. There is an annual lighting ceremony led by the mayor, plus vendors displaying ornaments, stocking stuffers, and handmade gifts to kick off the season. Other must-see traditions include the Christmas tree competition, where participants test their imagination and design trees from recycled material, and the Christmas roast lunch. For an intimate boutique with pools that seemingly kiss the ocean’s edge, consider Mango House Seychelles, a 41-key former residence that opened as a resort in 2021.
2. Singapore
This famous 24/7 city doesn’t let up, and Christmas is no exception. To feel the full roar of Singapore’s Christmas revelry, head to Orchard Road, the city’s shopping paradise. Christmas trees, fireworks and festive decorations abound on this brightly lit street, and despite the absence of snow and reindeer, Ol’ Saint Nick would certainly feel at home. Be on the lookout for a Christmas wonderland at Gardens by the Bay. The gardens are decked out in lights, of course, and filled with a variety of games, displays and shows in a total spectacle. If you’re making the most of Singapore, Marina Bay Sands is the resort to fit your itinerary. The three-tower property is perhaps the most iconic ranch in the city, featuring a casino, a shopping center, and a restaurant run by famous chefs.
3. Seoul
This year, Korea has been on our minds more than ever, thanks to its resounding success at the box office and on the music charts. So catchy K-Pop Demon Hunters to hits from groups like Stray Kids and Enhyphen, from K-beauty products to binge-worthy shows like Netflix Physical 100Korean cultural exports are on a roll. For Christmas, consider visiting the country’s capital, Seoul, for a holiday getaway. Find bustling Christmas markets at Gwanghwamun Square, skate surrounded by twinkling lights at Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, and even attend mass at Myeongdong Cathedral, the first Gothic church of its kind in the country. For a stunning hotel in a historic neighborhood of the capital with easy access to the metro, consider the perennial option Readers’ Choice Awards favorite, the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.
4. Montreal
Looking for a total immersion in the Christmas spirit? Dusty snowbanks, warm fireplaces, charming Christmas villages and all? For New Englanders looking to get away for a while, Canada’s “City of a Hundred Steeples” has everything you need. Montrealers don’t let a little snow put them off: you’ll find locals marching in the snow and even skiing to get around. When you’re done touring the Village de Noël and doing your Christmas shopping at the Grand Christmas Market, warm yourself up with mulled cider and a hearty helping of poutine. If you have room for dessert, don’t miss the maple caramel, a seasonal delicacy served directly on a layer of fresh snow. For an affordable stay within walking distance of downtown and several bus and train lines, stay at the trendy Moxy Montreal Downtown, whose friendly staff awaits you with a complimentary welcome drink at the bar.
5. Finnish Lapland
With all the logistical hubbub and messaging that clutters our daily lives, sometimes a truly comforting escape is just what we need to end the year in serenity. Finnish Lapland is like entering the mystical and joyful world of a snow globe. Rovaniemi has access to the real Santa Claus in its Santa Village, and animal lovers can embark on dog sledding tours and reindeer-watching safaris. Wherever you find yourself at night, don’t forget to look up. In addition to the glow of all the Christmas lights, you might have some luck to see the otherworldly Northern Lights. Immerse yourself in true respite in a rental house complete with hot tub and a prime spot on Lake Norvajärvi.
6. Lake Tahoe
From charming mountain towns to luxurious lakeside retreats, the region surrounding Lake Tahoe is a quintessential winter vacation getaway, with snowy scenes as far as the eye can see. To the south of the lake, there will be a Christmas tree lighting at Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe on Friday, Nov. 28, with a tree towering 65 feet tall. For one of the best ways to start the season in Tahoe, join this year’s Winter Festival of Lights, taking place December 12-13. Start by perusing artisanal gifts, sampling homemade delicacies, and enjoying sleigh rides through the region’s fairytale landscape, dotted with dazzling light displays. Unbeatable mountain views and a full-service spa await guests at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe as a base where they can truly relax.
7. Villa Roma, Catskills, New York
Do you want to celebrate a white Christmas in the Catskills? Villa Rome It will be one of your best bets. This all-inclusive family resort just outside Callicoon, New York, and east of the Delaware River, has plenty of winter activities to keep you and your loved ones entertained. Among them: three slopes for skiing and snowboarding, two snowboard slopes, a ski school for beginners and a ski chalet to enjoy après time with a hot drink by a fireplace. Be attentive to the events calendar—the property dresses as dictated by the holiday-filled fall and winter seasons, offering special family-friendly deals and packages so the brood can celebrate in style and comfort.
8. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado
There aren’t many things in the world more fun than a frosty white Christmas in the Rocky Mountains. Snow blankets are almost guaranteed and families can enjoy the festivities on sleigh rides, skiing, snowshoeing and scenic drives at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, an eco-luxury resort and spa spread across 6,500 acres of pristine, untamed wilderness in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Ice skating under the lights, enjoying a warm outdoor fire while wrapped in a cozy blanket under the stars, plus breakfast with Santa, Christmas karaoke and Christmas feasts all await you.
9. Deer Valley Mount, Park City, Utah
Festivities at perennial ski resort favorite (and newly renovated!) Montage Deer Valley begin over the long Thanksgiving weekend and include ornament decorating, a Christmas bazaar, gingerbread house displays, and the 11th annual tree lighting ceremony on November 30. In December, there will be a Candy Land-inspired experience, as well as a red mailbox where visitors can leave their letters to Santa bound for the North Pole. The annual resort reading It was the night before Christmas returns on Christmas Eve, when a three-course prix fixe dinner will be served (reservations recommended). On Christmas Day, a buffet and evening dinner will conclude the seasonal festive experiences, until the New Year’s events begin.
10. North Pole, New York
Visit the North Pole closer to home: in the Adirondacks. The village of North Pole, New York, takes advantage of its name (its slogan is “Santa’s home away from home”) and transforms itself into a vacation paradise each year. The small village is a real theme parkPacked with attractions: visit Santa’s blacksmith shop, where magical reindeer shoes are made; visit the popular reindeer stable (with live reindeer); stop by St. Nicholas Chapel for a quiet moment of meditation; and visit Santa at his house to visit the man himself.
11. North Pole, Alaska
If you want to go even further north than the North Pole, New York, you might be interested in the North Pole, Alaska? Like its New York counterpart, this small town of about 2,700 people in Alaska, approximately 1,700 miles south of the present-day North Pole, it is favored not only by its name, but also by its icy surroundings in the winter. It keeps Christmas decorations up all year round, even when it’s sunny in July. But when the snow falls, the place takes you to the Arctic and you can visit Santa Claus House (a Christmas decorations and toys store), many Christmas bazaars and Santa’s Letters & Gifts, where you can get personalized notes from Santa; There are even “Good Girls and Boys Certificates,” making it one of the best Christmas vacation ideas for young families.
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