Recently updated on August 13th, 2023 at 10:52 am
It’s time to start planning your Christmas vacation… for 2022! Hopes of travel to far flung destinations is looking up for 2022 and as interest in bigger vacations peaks, you can expect to see a hike in demand too. So our advice is to get in early while availability is good.
But where to go for a magical Christmas getaway? The first step in planning your holiday travel is choosing your dream destination and vacation style. While some travellers can’t wait to see the Christmas festivals and markets in Europe, others would love nothing more than to escape to a beach and soak up the winter sun. And while many of these places might be closed to visitors in 2021, a Christmas vacation there for 2022 is more than a possibility.
So to help inspire your next Christmas vacation, we’ve put together all the different types of Christmas vacations and where to go for your winter holidays.Â
Christmas markets in Europe
Nothing says Christmas like the traditional Christmas markets in Europe. These enchanting winter wonderlands are filled with Christmas stalls, twinkling lights, handcrafted toys, festive food, beautiful carols and old Christmas traditions. If you’re planning your Christmas vacation to the Christmas markets in Europe, you’ll have plenty to choose from.Â
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In Germany, there are magical German Christmas markets all over the country including Dresden, Berlin and Cologne. And don’t miss the magical Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, famed as one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world.
We also love the beautiful Christmas markets in France including Paris, Strasbourg and Colmar. We’ll take you to the gorgeous Christmas markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. And you’ll even find some of Europe’s best Christmas markets all over the UK, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovenia.
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If you head to Rovaniemi in Finland, you’ll get the ultimate Christmas experience at Santa’s Village. You can send a letter from Santa’s Post Office, see the reindeer, go dog-sledding, explore the Christmas markets, cross the Arctic Circle, and even meet the jolly big man himself. It’s a truly enchanting experience for kids – and adults!
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US Christmas vacation destinations
Domestic travel has been tapped as one of the biggest travel trends in 2021 and it looks set to continue into 2022. So if you’re planning your Christmas vacation, why not consider a local destination?
Boston
A trip to Boston will have you feeling like you’re in the old world with gas lamps lighting the historic streets, and a magnificent Christmas tree at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.Â
New York
If you want a big city Christmas, head to New York to see the festive markets, incredible shop displays, ice skating rinks, and the Rockefeller Center’s gigantic Christmas tree.Â
New Orleans
New Orleans is another great city destination with amazing festivities like riverboat carolling cruises, decked out streetcars, and restaurants serving up mouthwatering Christmas feasts. Â
Aspen
If you prefer to retreat into nature, why not head to a cosy alpine lodge in the famous mountain and ski town of Aspen in Colorado.Â
US National Parks
Or take a trip around some of the best national parks in the US to bask in the winter landscapes, like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Smoky Mountains, Bryce Canyon, Rocky Mountains, Grand Teton, Zion, or even Denali in Alaska. You’ll have to prepare differently for the snowy weather, but the winter wonderland magic will make it all worth it.Â
Montreal
You could even hop the border into Montreal, Canada, where the cobbled streets and European-inspired architecture get even more magical under a blanket of snow.Â
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Winter sun destinations
Prefer to swap the snow for the sun? Why not chase the winter blues away with a dose of Vitamin D this Christmas. While the Northern Hemisphere may be frosted over at Christmas time, the Southern Hemisphere is drenched in sunshine.Â
Australia
A Christmas in Australia could definitely be back on the cards for 2022, relaxing on the golden beaches of Sydney or snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. While you might be used to spending your Christmas wrapped up in a warm sweater with a mug of hot cocoa, many Aussies spend their hot Christmas day at the beach or having backyard barbecues.Â
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Thailand
Or why not swap the sweaters for the swimmers and go island hopping in Thailand. This Buddhist-dominated country doesn’t traditionally celebrate Christmas, but you’ll still find the shopping malls illuminated in bright lights and Christmas trees. You can also simply escape to the lush tropical islands where you can spend your Christmas soaking in crystal blue waters… It sure sounds better than battling the Christmas crowds at home!Â
Hawaii
If you’d prefer to stay closer to home, you can always jet off to Hawaii for your Christmas vacation. It’s usually warmer than the mainland plus December marks the start of whale watching season in this Pacific Island paradise. Or hop over the pond to experience winter on the beaches of Turkey, the Dead Sea in Jordan or the deserts of Egypt.Â
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Winter wonderland destinations
Planning your Christmas vacation and dreaming of a white Christmas? There are plenty of destinations where you can embrace the beauty of winter.Â
RELATED CONTENT: 15 European destinations that really come into their own in the winter
Russia
Russia is a spectacular Christmas destination with whole towns and cities blanketed in thick snow. We’ll take you to festive St. Petersburg and Moscow with fairytale palaces, Christmas markets and ice skating across frozen lakes. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
RELATED CONTENT: Five Reasons You Should Visit Russia in Winter
Scandinavia and Iceland
Christmas is also a great time to see the dancing northern lights in Scandinavia and Iceland, and you’ll also marvel at the icy fjords, bubbling hot springs and ancient volcanoes of this beautiful region.Â
RELATED CONTENT: Where to find the best Christmas markets in Scandinavia
UK and Ireland
You’ll also find magical landscapes in England, Scotland and Ireland. Imagine rolling green hills dusted in snowy and cosy pubs serving up delicious warm meals… It’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Planning for an iconic 2022 trip? Request the latest Trafalgar brochure and start dreaming
Are you planning your Christmas holiday travel? What’s at the top of your Christmas vacation bucket list? Let us know in the comments below…