Best Holiday Destinations 2023/2024: Where to Book for This Year & Next

Italy is a popular destination year-round, and one of the best places in Europe for a Christmas vacation. Travelers hoping to spend their December holiday in Italy need to book their trip immediately as it will likely book out in the coming weeks.

Speaking with our Italy travel specialists, most recommend traveling off the beaten path to Italy’s hidden gems for a truly memorable and magnificent festive season. Smaller towns like Siena, Pisa, Bologna, Verona, and Turin are lively during this time of year with Christmas markets springing up around piazzas, celebrations showcasing enchanting nativity scenes and seasonal delicacies, and lights twinkling along streets filled with spirited locals and visitors.

Naples in the south is a must-visit for a traditional Italian Christmas, while Trentino-Alto Adige, around the corner from the Dolomites, is a snow-capped gateway to one of Italy’s best destinations for ski-lovers wishing to visit Cortina ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Highlights: Celebrate Christmas with Midnight Mass • Sample delicious seasonal cuisine • Visit the elaborate Christmas markets • View the artisan nativity scenes in Naples

Italy Holiday Trip Idea

Experience the iconic celebrations of the peninsula with our Christmas in Italy: 14-Day Luxury Celebration that combines local customs, private traditions, and the notable opulence that makes Italy such a popular destination.

Learn more: Italy Tours & Vacations • Italy Travel Guide

Christmas is a massive celebration in Spain as locals and tourists come together to honor traditions and enjoy the vibrant ambiance spreading from Madrid to southern Spain.

As everyone takes part in the seasonal celebrations, travelers should expect closures on Christmas and the following day, though the festive spirit sweeps the streets as locals and visitors embrace the music, culture, and cuisine.

Popular cities become very crowded at this time, so be sure to book within the coming weeks before July, and expect slightly cooler weather even when visiting the warmer south of Spain during winter.

Highlights: Partake in authentic Spanish Christmas traditions • Savor traditional Spanish Christmas cuisine • Explore the historical sites • Witness exciting Christmas parades

Spain Holiday Trip Idea

From enchanting Christmas markets to captivating nativity scenes, the lively streets of Spain during our Magical Christmas Season in Spain Tour: New Year’s Eve & Three Kings’ Day offer a splendid backdrop to immerse yourself in local traditions and share in the joyous holiday spirit. From the bustling cities to quaint villages, this tour takes you on a magical journey through Spain's rich cultural heritage.

Learn more: Spain Tours & Vacations • Spain Travel Guide

Like Spain, Portugal enjoys festive Christmas celebrations where closures can be expected but a traditional atmosphere continues to sweep the main cities and towns.

The weather is typically warm during winter, rarely dipping below 57°F in the capital city, Lisbon. Instead of navigating the chilly conditions elsewhere in Europe, travelers can embrace the winter warmth that Portugal is known for while enjoying the seasonal seafood cuisine and partaking in the traditional festivities.

Winter is also an excellent time to head for the Portuguese countryside, as destinations like Alentejo and Portugal’s best wine regions offer a unique opportunity to experience the hidden gems during the celebratory season.

Highlights: Spend time sipping wines in Portugal’s best wine regions • Tuck into traditional Portuguese cuisine • Visit breathtaking Portuguese castles • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Lisbon

Portugal Holiday Trip Idea

From charming cobblestone streets in historic cities to breathtaking coastal cliffs, our Best of Portugal's Endearing Charm Tour offers a captivating journey through the best of this enchanting country. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage as you explore centuries-old castles and picturesque villages. Indulge in the flavors of traditional cuisine and savor world-renowned wines in idyllic vineyards.

Learn more: Portugal Tours & Vacations • Portugal Travel Guide

Greece is one of Europe’s most relaxed destinations during Christmas, with major celebrations only truly starting on Christmas Eve. It is an incredible option for the festive season, especially for travelers looking for a unique celebration in a Mediterranean country famous for its breathtaking landscape and hospital culture.

Our specialists highly recommend Athens, though booking now is essential as it is one of the first spots to fill up, with in-land trips ideal for escaping the crowds and celebrating the season against a backdrop of mountains and countryside villages.

Beyond Athens, the Peloponnese, and Greece’s hidden gems, festive season travelers can explore the best islands, including Crete, for relatively mild temperatures and enchanting Christmas spirit.

Highlights: Escape to the Peloponnese • Discover the highlights of Athens, including the Acropolis • Cruise from Crete to other famous Greek islands • Indulge in delicious Mediterranean flavors

Greece Holiday Trip Idea

From ancient ruins to picturesque coastal towns, the vibrant city of Athens to the serene tranquility of the Greek countryside, our 2-Week Luxury Tour of Mainland Greece offers a captivating journey through a land steeped in history and natural beauty.

Learn more: Greece Vacations & Tours • Greece Travel Guide

Austria is one the best places to travel in December as the seasonal snow turns its famous cities and charming towns into winter wonderlands for festive travelers.

Across the country, especially in and around Austria’s top places to see during Christmas, the holiday season takes shape in aromatic winter treats, snow-covered rooftops, and holiday markets twinkling with lights. In Vienna, the sounds of Mozart fill the concert halls with holiday greetings, while in mountain towns like Salzburg, snow caps the surrounding peaks and the streets fill with the scent of mulled wine.

From skiing to scenic train rides, enjoying a crackling fire to winding through a snow-covered forest, Austria can feel like a holiday destination of storybooks and fairytales.

Highlights: Enjoy elaborate Christmas markets • Sample delicious seasonal treats • Witness the grand architecture of the Hapsburg dynasty • Find alluring concerts featuring famous Austrian composers

Austria Holiday Trip Idea

Snowy Alps and Emerald Countryside: 15-Day Tour of Austria and Switzerland embraces the seasonal charisma of the mountains and cities, allowing you to explore cultural history, indulge in charming heritage, and wander through celebrated nature.

Learn more: Austria Tours & Vacations • Austria Travel Guide

Ireland during Christmas connects the beauty of the winter season with the charms of local culture for a traditional holiday experience unlike any other.

Festive markets and fairy lights around the cities and towns create a welcoming ambiance, turning the streets into vibrant winter villages where seasonal songs create a cheerful soundtrack. Families also return home for the holidays, and a jovial spirit washes over the country as locals and travelers mingle in cozy countryside pubs.

To escape the winter chill, indoor activities become a special way to embrace old customs and new experiences, from Dublin to Galway, while the landscape dotted with Ireland’s breathtaking castles takes on an untouched and mythic quality, perfect for exploring on cool winter days.

Highlights: Enjoy lively Christmas markets • View the customary Light in the Window • Listen to the traditional caroling procession • Visit Ireland’s largest Christmas festival in Waterford

Ireland Holiday Trip Idea

Explore nature and indulge in traditions on our Magnificence of Ireland Luxury Tour: Cultural Charm to Natural Beauty for a discovery accentuating holiday traditions in connection to the island’s diverse wonders.

Learn more: Ireland Tours & Vacations • Ireland Travel Guide

Germany is the embodiment of an exciting winter escape, becoming one of the best destinations to visit during the holiday season not only for Christmas, but for the legendary New Year’s Eve celebrations.

December and early-January has become a high season second only to the warm mid-summer months, and travelers need to book now for the best options at the end of this year. Our travel specialists also recommend being flexible as you plan your holiday vacation, encouraging travelers to consider options outside of Germany’s popular destinations for a truly unique and life-changing experience.

Wherever you decide to embrace the festive season spirit in Germany, local Christmas markets create a charming ambiance with a history dating back to the 17th century, and vendors fill plazas with the aromas of freshly-baked bread and visions of handmade decorations or comfy wool clothing. The celebrations combine contemporary customs with unforgettable traditions, making the festive season iconic across Germany.

Highlights: Visit the artisanal Christmas markets • Listen to the melodic holiday choirs • Enjoy the ambiance of snow blanketing the landscape • Enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides

Germany Holiday Trip Idea

Christmas in Germany: Picturesque Villages and Enchanting Castles reveals the essence of a cozy winter getaway, where the scent of mulled wine fills the marketplace, snow blankets the ground and trees, and holiday customs add endless charisma among the villages, towns, and cities.

Learn more: Germany Tours & Vacations • Germany Travel Guide

Celebrating the holiday season in India is a stark contrast to Europe, but the diverse opportunities during the festive period can make it a truly memorable destination to visit in December.

While the vast majority of India follows Hinduism, centuries of trade and imperialism have brought Christmas celebrations and traditions to the country. Outside of the best luxury accommodations for first-time trips to India spurring on the festivities with traditional spices that meet European flavors, certain cities glow with seasonal charm, specifically Goa’s gorgeous holiday demonstration in Portuguese-style churches.

During this time, carolers sing, Midnight Mass creates a communal ambiance, and Christmas decorations adorn houses and streets from Kolkata to Mumbai. Find surprising yule log cakes or enticing mulled wine while exploring the staggering wonders of the country.

Highlights: View decorations combining traditional and regional perspectives • Sample unique, traditional holiday flavors • Experience Midnight Mass • Enjoy a large community feast

India Holiday Trip Idea

15 Days Golden Triangle with Vineyard Tour is a discovery of India from different angles, revealing the distinctive beauty of ancient cities, captivating architecture, and surprising delights that connect to the beauty of Christmas celebrations across the country.

Learn more: India Tours & Vacations • India Travel Guide

Selecting a destination for Christmas can be challenging, especially as the season welcomes hundreds and thousands of travelers to popular winter spots, but Argentina’s mix of private holiday traditions and community-oriented celebrations make it a fabulous destination to visit for during the festive season.

As the holidays become an increasingly popular time to visit Argentina, many top accommodations have minimum stay requirements which our travel specialists can advise on when you start planning your December stay. With this in mind, you can take advantage of the Argentine traditions reveling in a variety of holidays around Christmas.

You can watch fireworks from rooftops, indulge in a traditional barbecue at a family-run estancia, or ranch, embrace an alluring tango show, or view the stunning decorations veiling the country’s famous cities.

Highlights: Take part in the lighting of lanterns on Christmas Eve • Watch seasonal fireworks • Participate in the traditions of the December holidays leading up to Christmas Day • Enjoy a customary Christmas meal

Argentina Holiday Trip Idea

Delight in passion, seasonal summer flavors, and the grand expanse of famous landscapes with our Patagonia and Tango Adventure in Argentina to embrace the country’s celebrated flavors, scenery, and legends intertwined with seasonal festivities.

Learn more: Argentina Tours & Vacations • Argentina Travel Guide

Colombia is one of the top places to spend Christmas as dancing, traditional celebrations, and the temperate weather provides the perfect conditions for a unique and exciting festive season trip.

Local holiday festivities take place throughout December, beginning with the Day of Little Candles, when streets and homes glow with warm light. Medellin features a dazzling light show, small villages offer picturesque views and enticing traditional dishes, and Cartagena erupts with tropical celebrations to bring in the New Year.

Our Colombia travel specialists encourage travelers to escape the bustle of high season at this time of the year in favor of traveling off the beaten path to experience the real Encanto or taking advantage of their exclusive access to hidden gems across the country.

Highlights: View Medellin’s traditional Christmas light show • Partake in the Day of Little Candles • Visit the traditional Andean villages and estates around Medellin • Enjoy tropical beaches along the Caribbean coast

Colombia Holiday Trip Idea

Tailored 2-Week Luxury Colombia Tour is a grand way to explore the charming colonial structures, enchanting scenery, and welcoming culture, while enjoying the exciting ways to celebrate the holiday season with local and personal traditions.

Learn more: Colombia Vacations & Tours • Colombia Travel Guide

In the heart of the southern hemisphere’s summer, with the promise of lush scenery, and views of stunning water, New Zealand is one of the best countries to visit at Christmas for travelers chasing summer in winter.

Over December, native plants become the holiday symbols, featuring ferns and flaxes alongside customary mistletoe. Traditional hangi cooking methods may fill the countryside with aromas of roasting lamb and potatoes, while Auckland celebrates with a Santa Parade down Queen Street or carolers enchant as they parade by candlelight.

Not only a favorite for December travel, local families and friends come together for domestic trips around the islands during summer break, making New Zealand incredibly busy over the festive season. For this reason, our New Zealand specialists recommend booking by early-July at the latest.

Highlights: Enjoy a traditional holiday-season barbecue • Embrace the summer weather with active exploration • Trek the stunning landscape • Hear the atmospheric music of traditional carolers

New Zealand Holiday Trip Idea

Focusing on the treasures of summer, our Marvels of New Zealand Tour in Three Weeks is a celebration of the islands, contemporary, and historic culture across the country, and a perfect way to connect with local Christmas traditions.

Learn more: New Zealand Tours & Vacations • New Zealand Travel Guide

Depending on your preferences for the festive season, Australia can be a tropical getaway or a bustling city vacation.

The warm weather welcomes decorative lights, trees, and ornaments connected to Western European tradition, while also bringing in localized customs revealing native flora. Carolers fill the nights with candlelight and song, the beaches invite locals and visitors to cool down in the pristine water, barbecues fill the air with mouthwatering aromas, and the country’s streets host festivals and parades.

Sydney sees an influx of tourists and local holidaymakers enjoying the cosmopolitan spoils and partaking in the extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations. Instead, our Australia specialists recommend escaping to the Great Barrier Reef’s secret islands or exploring the famous national parks. They also encourage travelers to be open-minded and flexible, while expecting higher prices and limited availability during this incredibly busy time of year.

Highlights: Enjoy the festive ambiance accentuated by holiday lights • Visit Christmas markets • Embrace the beach ambiance across the country • Celebrate Australia Day alongside Christmas and New Year

Australia Holiday Trip Idea

From famous beaches to idyllic vineyards, the edges of the Great Barrier Reef to wildlife and scenery on a rugged island, Australia Highlights to Off-the-Grid Discoveries Tour provides a marvelous landscape in which to uncover local customs and share your holiday traditions.

Learn more: Australia Vacations & Tours • Australia Travel Guide

Croatia has become a must-visit destination in Europe, and winter trips in Croatia are an unforgettable seasonal experience complete with breathtaking frozen landscapes, thrilling winter sports, and enchanting Christmas markets.

The cities come alive during the holiday season as festive lights cover the streets, musical performances create a cheerful atmosphere, and the aromas of freshly-baked cakes spill out across the plazas. The alpine reaches welcome winter sport enthusiasts and adventure-seekers can capture mesmerizing photographs of Plitvice National Park’s waterfalls frozen in motion.

While traveling to Croatia may involve a lengthy flight or connection, the exceptional value and top winter experiences make the journey well worth it for the holiday break. The mountainous regions of Croatia, including Zagreb and Slavonia, welcome snow in the winter for a traditional white Christmas, while the coastal cities and towns experience a milder winter with temperatures averaging between 41° and 59°F.

Highlights: Explore Croatian Christmas markets • Photograph Plitvice National Park when its waterfalls are frozen • Discover the snow-capped mountains • Visit ancient Roman ruins

Croatia Holiday Trip Idea

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our Highlights of Croatia Tour: Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik & Plitvice. From the vibrant streets of Zagreb, where history meets contemporary charm, to the sun-kissed shores of Split, renowned for its ancient Roman ruins, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural wonders.

Learn more: Croatia Vacations & Tours • Croatia Travel Guide

Iceland may not be top of mind when considering a Christmas vacation, but the combination of stunning frozen landscapes, chilly evenings around the fire, and the array of winter sports make it a top contender for a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.

Festive season celebrations in Iceland run the length of December into early January, and the towns dressed in decorative lights are a shining beacon of joy during the days of limited sun. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend Christmas in Iceland, experiencing the melting pot of cultural traditions that culminate in the top places to visit.

Whether chasing the Northern Lights or unwinding in the geothermal pools, ice-skating or tasting local seasonal dishes, Iceland invites travelers to savor special moments during the season.

Highlights: Experience unique Christmas traditions • Enjoy ice-skating in the main towns • Relax and unwind in geothermal pools • Chase the Northern Lights

Iceland Holiday Trip Idea

From majestic glaciers to fiery volcanoes, our Adventurer's Tour of Iceland's Volcanic and Glacial Landscape offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for intrepid explorers. Traverse the dramatic terrain, where icy glaciers meet bubbling hot springs and ancient lava fields stretch as far as the eye can see. This tour takes you on a thrilling journey through Iceland's untamed wilderness.

Learn more: Iceland Tours & Vacations • Iceland Travel Guide

Peru is ready to welcome travelers searching for a unique destination for Christmas, with fewer crowds expected as travelers return to Peru after recent political discord.

The cities and towns shimmer with color as locals celebrate traditions in authentic garments. Traditional meals are topped off with Panettone following the festivities, and the Misa de Gallo, or Rooster Mass, is a marvelous traditional twist on Midnight Mass that is held on Christmas Eve.

Now is the opportune time to plan a festive vacation in Peru, and we recommend setting aside a higher budget to secure sensational accommodations for your trip. Whether hiking Machu Picchu, exploring colonial Cusco, or seeing Incan relics of the Sacred Valley, Peru’s top places to visit are worth discovering after navigating flight arrangements with our specialists.

Highlights: Climb to the summit of Machu Picchu • Attend the traditional Rooster Mass • Embrace the festive atmosphere of Cusco • Discover the Incan sites and relics

Peru Holiday Trip Idea

From vibrant cities to ancient citadels, and the breathtaking Lake Titicaca in between, our Cultural Peruvian Adventure: Cities and Citadels with Lake Titicaca tour offers a captivating journey through Peru's rich heritage.

Learn more: Peru Vacations & Tours • Peru Travel Guide

The following list highlights our top destinations that are nearly sold out for 2023/24, and need to be booked well in advance for travelers hoping to visit during the holiday season of 2024/25. As our travel specialists are already seeing an influx of interest in these festive favorites, we recommend getting your plans started today for the next holiday season.

• France: Experience the charming Christmas markets, indulge in delicious French cuisine, and enjoy the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
• Switzerland: Immerse yourself in breathtaking alpine scenery, engage in various winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, and cozy up in charming mountain chalets.
• African Safari (South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya): Enjoy comfortable temperatures for game drives and the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitats.
• Patagonia: Explore stunning glaciers, while enjoying activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking in a pristine and untouched wilderness.
• Chile: Visit the picturesque Lake District and enjoy hot springs, or embark on a magical adventure to witness the otherworldly beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park.
• Costa Rica: Explore lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, and relax on beautiful tropical beaches.
• Belize: Experience fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling in the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef, explore ancient Mayan ruins, and enjoy a laid-back Caribbean setting.
• Brazil: Visit vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, enjoy carnival celebrations, bask in the sunshine on beautiful beaches, and explore the breathtaking Amazon rainforest.
• The Galapagos Islands: Witness unique wildlife, such as marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins, and indulge in snorkeling and diving adventures.
• Egypt: Explore ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and cruise the Nile River.
• Morocco: Wander through bustling souks, explore the vibrant cities of Marrakech and Fez, and experience the cultural richness of the country.
• Japan: Witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in southern regions, go skiing in world-class resorts like Hokkaido, indulge in hot springs, and experience unique winter festivals like the Sapporo Snow Festival.
• Thailand: Visit stunning beaches in the south, explore cultural gems like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and take part in colorful festivals like the Lantern Festival.
• Bhutan: Experience a serene and mystical atmosphere in the Himalayas, explore ancient monasteries and fortresses, enjoy clear mountain views, and take part in vibrant religious festivals.

The holiday season offers endless charm and wonder, with festive markets and lively music, quiet retreats and jovial cultural celebrations during the heart of the southern hemisphere’s summer or the serene nights of the northern hemisphere’s winter. As these destinations are expected to book out in the coming weeks, now has never been a better time to start planning your holiday season travel vacations and tours.

Find more possibilities for great destinations during the holiday season with our list of the best places to travel in December. You can also enjoy more inspiration on where to travel during the season with our winter vacation ideas.