Traveling to a popular destination like London or New York City for the holidays is exciting, but it also means being engulfed in crowds of people with the same idea. For a more relaxed Christmas getaway this year, consider traveling to some of these underrated spots that still turn on the charm for the holiday season.
Not only can choosing lesser-known holiday destinations help travelers save money on accommodation costs, but it also provides a better opportunity to discuss local Christmas traditions with members of that community to gain a better understanding of the culture. These 10 destinations are the ideal place to spend a quiet, cozy, charming Christmas.
10 Tallinn, Estonia
Planning to go to Europe for the holidays? Consider skipping tourist hubs like Amsterdam in favor of a medieval city further north.
In Estonia, the capital city Tallinn is a historic gem with a well-preserved medieval old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old-world charm is awe-inspiring and Christmas is the perfect time to visit for holiday markets, twinkling lights, or other beautiful decorations.
9 Malmö, Sweden
Travelers who want to spend the holidays in Scandinavia without being surrounded by tourists will love the quaint city of Malmö in southern Sweden. This city is located approximately 30 minutes from Copenhagen making it a great addition to any trip to Denmark.
Malmö might fly under the radar compared to Stockholm, but it’s got an incredible food scene with lots of locally owned restaurants and boutique stores where travelers can do their holiday shopping.
8 Manchester, England
The English are known for their lavish Christmas celebrations and beautiful decor, especially in the capital City of London.
However, further north is a less popular Christmas spot with just as much charm: Manchester. Manchester has plenty of Christmas markets to explore, with many of them remaining open until December 22nd.
It’s a great city for last-minute Christmas shopping in the UK before visiting family for the holidays.
7 Sydney, Australia
The Land Down Under doesn’t get a lot of love during the Christmas season, but the reality is that not all travelers are seeking a white Christmas.
For those who want to enjoy the sunshine and warmth at Christmastime but still want to be surrounded by holiday festivities, Sydney, Australia, is the ideal destination.
A significant portion of the Australian population celebrates Christmas in the midst of their summer, meaning that Christmas trees, presents, and mistletoe are all around despite the balmy temperatures.
6 Nijmegen, Netherlands
Many travelers choose to visit Amsterdam for the holidays and the city goes all out to decorate for Christmas. However, those who want to escape the bustle of the capital can hop on a train and visit the town of Nijmegen instead.
Nijmegen is the oldest town in the Netherlands and at Christmastime, there are plenty of nearby markets to explore. Nijmegen is close to the German border, enabling travelers to visit German Christmas Markets like Klever Weihnachtsmarkt Germany.
5 Akureyri, Iceland
Is there any experience more magical than seeing the Northern Lights illuminate the sky on Christmas Eve? In Iceland, this is a reality for many people and travelers can get this experience (if they’re lucky) by visiting during the winter.
Leave the capital of Reykjavík behind and venture further North to Iceland’s second city at the top of the island. This is a more remote location that’s perfect for stargazing, looking for the Northern Lights, and even whale watching.
4 Hamburg, Germany
German Christmas markets are virtually unmatched regarding impressive decorations, shopping options, and a variety of food vendors. Many people are more familiar with German cities like Berlin or Munich, but Hamburg deserves just as much recognition for its Christmas charm.
The city boasts more than 30-holiday markets to choose from. The Hamburg City Hall Christmas Market is a must-visit!
3 Lajitas, Texas, USA
Families looking to get away for the holidays as a group will find everything they’re looking for in Lajitas, West Texas. This small town in the Chihuahuan Desert is located approximately 5 hours outside of El Paso and sits right on the border with Mexico, separated only by the Rio Grande.
The desert can be cool at night but during the day, travelers can still enjoy pleasant temperatures. Staying at Lajitas Golf Resort is a great option; the resort is decorated for Christmas with a beautiful tree in the main lobby and garland wrapping the historic wooden beams of the building's exterior.
The entire family will have a blast partaking in outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and zip lining.
2 Toronto, Canada
Toronto isn’t necessarily on the top of travelers’ bucket lists as a Christmas destination, but the Canadian city is a truly magical place during the month of December.
The Toronto Christmas Market takes place in the historic Distillery District, in the heart of the city.
The cobblestone streets are lined with vendors selling everything from artisan crafts to local products, and delicious food like turkey legs or grilled cheese sandwiches.
The market is open six days a week, closed on Mondays, from mid-November to December.
1 Galway, Ireland
Visiting Ireland is a charming experience at any time of year, but during the Christmas season, it’s especially inviting. Many travelers simply explore Dublin for a few days on their way to mainland Europe, but the real treat for the holidays is crossing the country to Galway.
There, travelers will find the Galway Continental Christmas Market and the Light Up Galway Festival, both taking place from mid-November to December.