Best Winter Destinations for Christmas & New Year Vacations

The end of each year is filled with a variety of festive games, gatherings, and markets, and a huge amount of sparkle and fun! Christmas and New Year offer people a chance to get away from the normal routine and have unforgettable experiences, so it is more than just another holiday or event to share with friends and family.

Travellers today want to experience unique moments – viewing fireworks against the backdrop of famous landmarks, building snow sculptures in snow-covered villages, dancing at midnight on tropical beaches, or drinking champagne beneath the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). The way we celebrate this time of year has changed; instead of staying home, we now focus on creating lifelong memories.

Why People Love Traveling During Christmas & New Year

For most people, the holiday season brings plenty of joy, excitement, and oneness with each other as they celebrate worldwide during this time of year. Many global cities are transformed into winter wonderlands, while millions of people will travel for romantic getaways, time with family, or exciting ‘bucket list’ adventures too.

Celebrating holidays overseas is an exciting and liberating experience that allows you to expand your horizons – rather than putting up the same old, familiar Christmas tree, you’ll have the chance to check out the tallest Christmas tree in the world located in Dubai, enjoy the Rockefeller Tree lighting ceremony in New York City, or wander around snow-covered streets in Switzerland (around Christmas time) listening to carols.

When you travel to celebrate a holiday, you are essentially celebrating the journey itself.

Experience over celebration at home

While staying home feels safe and familiar, celebrating Christmas and New Year abroad transforms the occasion into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Travel gives you:

• New cultures and festive customs to explore
• Unique food, decorations, traditions & winter activities
• The chance to step out of routine and reconnect with loved ones
• Memories that feel richer than any material gift

Today, experiences matter more than possessions – and December is the most meaningful time to invest in experiences.

Travel Trends 2025

The global travel landscape is evolving rapidly, and the 2025 winter season is expected to be one of the biggest travel periods of the decade. Here are the most exciting travel trends shaping December 2025 vacations:

✦ Snow & Arctic travel boom
Travelers are increasingly drawn to cold destinations like Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, and Canada to chase snowfall, Northern Lights, and winter wonder landscapes.

✦ Festival & event tourism
Instead of regular sightseeing vacations, people plan trips around major events – New Year fireworks, Christmas markets, music festivals, theme-based experiences, and cultural shows.

✦ Digital Nomad slow travel
More professionals blend work + travel and choose longer itineraries across multiple destinations, especially during the holiday slowdown period.

✦ Experiential and immersive travel
Local cultural experiences, cooking workshops, festive parades, igloo stays, ski & snow adventure holidays, wine & Christmas market tours, and offbeat road trips are trending more than typical package tours.

✦ Multi-destination and multi-experience trips
Travellers combine 2 or more countries in one holiday – perfect for celebrating Christmas in one place and New Year in another.

Why Plan a Combined Christmas + New Year Vacation

Most people either travel for Christmas or New Year – but planning a single extended vacation that covers both festivals is now the smartest and most enjoyable trend. Here’s why:

Longer holidays & time flexibility

The end-of-year breaks, school holidays, and corporate closures create the ideal window to plan a 10- to 15-day vacation without taking excessive leaves.

Best global weather

December marks peak winter across Europe, UK, Canada, and parts of Asia – bringing postcard-perfect snow destinations. Meanwhile tropical beaches like Bali, Thailand, and the Maldives offer sunny escapes.

Better value for money

Instead of spending on two short trips separately, combine Christmas + New Year into one long adventure – better planning, smarter budget, lesser travel fatigue, and more experiences.

Perfect for every traveler type

Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family with kids, or a friends group wanting the biggest parties – extended festive vacations give everyone the time to enjoy themselves fully.

Key Highlights

Here’s what you’ll discover in this travel guide:

• The best places around the world to enjoy magical Christmas markets & spectacular New Year fireworks
• Destinations suitable for couples, families, party lovers, luxury travelers, and budget explorers
• Weather, budgeting, and travel tips for December vacations
• Detailed 7-10 day itineraries designed to celebrate Christmas & New Year together
• Local experiences, adventures, and must-attend events
• Options for multi-city and multi-country route planning

Top 6 Destinations in the World for Christmas & New Year Vacations

Below are six handpicked destinations-crafted to help you enjoy both Christmas & New Year in one epic vacation, with experience-rich itineraries, nearby excursions, markets, fireworks and seasonal events.

1. Switzerland & France (Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Paris)

Perfect for: Couples, winter lovers, first-time Europe travelers, Christmas markets, luxury holidays

Ideal Trip Duration: 10–12 days

Celebrate Christmas in the snow-filled Swiss Alps and ring in the New Year with fireworks under the Eiffel Tower – the ultimate magical winter route. Switzerland in late December turns into a postcard: frozen lakes, wooden chalets decorated with Christmas lights, fondue cafés, ski slopes, and scenic train journeys like the GoldenPass and Glacier Express. Begin in Zurich, exploring its traditional Christmas markets and Lake Zürich views; spend a white-Christmas in Lucerne or Interlaken, enjoying Mt. Titlis & Jungfraujoch snow activities; then travel to Paris for New Year countdown.

Suggested Itinerary

• Dec 21–23: Zurich – Old Town walks, Bahnhofstrasse Christmas market, Rhine Falls day trip
• Dec 24–26: Lucerne / Interlaken – Christmas celebrations, Mt. Titlis ice cave, Jungfraujoch Top of Europe
• Dec 27–30: Scenic train to Paris, Disneyland Christmas Parade
• Dec 31: Eiffel Tower fireworks & Champagne cruise on the Seine

Seasonal Highlights

✔ Magical snowy Christmas & European festive charm
✔ Luxury winter trains & alpine adventures
✔ Iconic Paris New Year celebration

2. New York + Niagara + Washington DC (USA East Coast)

Perfect for: Families, city lovers, festive atmosphere, shopping & big fireworks
Ideal Duration: 10 days

If Christmas has a global capital, it’s New York City. From ice skating at Rockefeller Center to giant store displays on Fifth Avenue, and the iconic giant Christmas tree lighting – it feels straight out of a movie. After celebrating Christmas in NYC, take a winter road-trip to Niagara Falls and finish in Washington DC, then return to Times Square for the legendary New Year countdown.

Suggested Itinerary

• Dec 22–26: New York – Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Brooklyn Light Show, Broadway show, Central Park Winter Village
• Dec 27–28: Niagara Falls frozen views + firework show
• Dec 29–30: Washington DC museums, national monuments night tour
• Dec 31: Times Square New Year Ball Drop

Seasonal Highlights

✔ World’s most famous NYE celebration
✔ Christmas shopping festivals & winter attractions
✔ Road-trip adventures + frozen Niagara views

If you love festival travel, explore more New Year inspiration here:
Top International Destinations for New Year Celebrations

3. Finland + Norway (Lapland → Tromsø Northern Lights Route)

Perfect for: Couples & families, snow adventure lovers, bucket-list travelers
Ideal Duration: 10–11 days

Celebrate Christmas in Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa in the Arctic Circle-reindeer rides, husky safaris, snowmobile trails, ice hotel stays, and aurora domes. After Christmas, travel to Tromsø (Norway), one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights, and welcome New Year under the dancing aurora sky.

Suggested Itinerary

• Dec 22–26: Rovaniemi – Santa Village Christmas Eve dinner, Arctic zoo, Reindeer farm
• Dec 27–30: Tromsø – Aurora camp, whale watching, fjord cruise
• Dec 31: New Year fireworks beneath the Northern Lights

Seasonal Highlights

✔ White-Christmas like a fairytale
✔ Bucket-list aurora experience
✔ Igloo & glass-dome stays

4. Dubai + Abu Dhabi (UAE)

Perfect for: Luxury travelers, families, party lovers, warm-weather December travel
Ideal Duration: 8–10 days

If winter snow isn’t your thing, Dubai offers the most extravagant New Year celebration on the planet. Enjoy Christmas brunches, global Christmas markets, fireworks across the Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and celebrations continuing until sunrise. Combine it with Abu Dhabi for theme parks & desserts.

Suggested Itinerary

• Dec 22–25: Dubai – Global Village Christmas market, Miracle Garden, Desert safari
• Dec 26–28: Abu Dhabi – Louvre Museum, Ferrari World, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Dec 29–31: Dubai – Atlantis The Palm beach party / Burj Khalifa fireworks show

Seasonal Highlights

✔ World-record fireworks & drone light shows
✔ Luxury celebrations & theme parks
✔ Ideal for families & party vacations

5. Bali + Gili Islands + Nusa Penida

Perfect for: Budget & mid-range travelers, couples, beach lovers, friends groups
Ideal Duration: 9–11 days

Swap cold winters for sunny beaches and sky-blue waters. Visit temples decorated for Christmas, enjoy Bali culture, tropical markets, ocean swings, diving and beach sunset dinners. Celebrate New Year on the beaches of Seminyak, Uluwatu, or Gili Trawangan where parties last all night.

Suggested Itinerary

• Dec 22–25: Ubud – rice terraces, cafes, waterfalls, Balinese Christmas dinner
• Dec 26–28: Nusa Penida – Kelingking, Broken Beach, snorkeling with manta rays
• Dec 29–31: Gili T / Seminyak – beach parties, night markets, fireworks on the shore

Seasonal Highlights

✔ Warm & tropical festive vacation

✔ Affordable accommodation & travel

✔ Perfect for groups & young travelers

6. Amsterdam + Belgium Christmas Market Trail

Perfect for: Culture lovers, market enthusiasts, couples & foodies
Ideal Duration: 8–10 days

Begin in Amsterdam, known for canal-side light shows and winter magic (don’t miss the Amsterdam Light Festival). Then travel to Brussels, Bruges and Ghent – three of Europe’s most romantic Christmas towns. Finish with fireworks by the canals of Amsterdam for New Year.

Suggested Itinerary

• Dec 22–25: Amsterdam – canal cruises, Christmas markets, ice rink, Christmas Eve concerts
• Dec 26–28: Brussels–Bruges–Ghent Christmas village trail
• Dec 31: Amsterdam New Year canal fireworks & street celebrations

For a complete experience guide, explore:
Amsterdam Light Festival Travel Guide

New Year Travel Planning Guide

Planning a combined Christmas + New Year vacation requires strategy because it’s one of the busiest global travel periods. Here’s how to plan efficiently and get the best value.

When to Start Planning & Booking

Budget Planning & Cost Guide

Costs depend heavily on the destination, style of travel & trip duration.

Approx. Budget Comparison (per person)

Money-Saving Tips

✔ Fly December 19–21 for cheaper fares, avoid Dec 23–26 & 30–31
✔ Choose multi-city flights instead of round-trip
✔ Use city passes (Paris Pass, Go City Dubai, New York Explorer Pass)
✔ Consider group travel to reduce transfers & accommodation costs

Visa Planning Tips

Schengen Visa (Europe Christmas trips)

• Required for France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium etc
• Apply at least 45–60 days before travel
• Documents: ITR, bank statement, NOC from employer, confirmed itinerary

USA Visa

• Requires valid B1/B2 visa
• Interview scheduling time may be long – apply early

Dubai On-Arrival / E-Visa

• Quick and simple processing – ideal for last-minute travelers

Indonesia Visa

• Visa on arrival (VOA) for most nationalities

Winter & Festive Travel Packing Checklist

• Thermal layers + down jacket / waterproof jacket
• Snow boots + warm socks
• Gloves, scarf, beanie
• Universal travel adaptor & power bank
• Important documents (passport, visa copies, insurance)
• GoPro / Camera with ND filters
• Small backpack + TSA-approved liquids

Tip: If traveling to snowy regions such as Switzerland or Norway, pack traction crampons for safe walking and carry warmers.

Why Travel With The Tarzan Way

The Tarzan Way (TTW) specializes in experiential & personalized festive travel, creating seamless journeys customized to preference, budget, interests & pace.

What Makes TTW Different?

• Curated holiday experiences instead of standard packages
• Comfortable accommodation options (from igloos to chalets to apartments)
• Local cultural experiences & Christmas/New Year event bookings
• 24×7 on-ground support team
• Visa, flights & planning handled end-to-end
• Budget-based planning without compromises

If you want expert support in planning your Christmas & New Year vacation, TTW offers personalized consultation & curated festive itineraries.

FAQs

1. Which destination is best for celebrating Christmas and New Year together?

Switzerland-Paris, New York, Norway-Finland Northern Lights route, Dubai, Bali and Amsterdam are among the top options for a combined festive vacation.

2. When should I book flights for December travel?

Book 3–6 months in advance for the best price. The most expensive window is Dec 23–31.

3. Is Europe too cold during December?

Yes, temperatures often drop below freezing, especially in Switzerland & Norway, but the snowy festive atmosphere is magical and worth the experience.

4. Which destination is best for families?

New York, Dubai and Switzerland are the most family-friendly, with many Christmas events, attractions & safe, comfortable infrastructure.

5. Which destination is best for couples?

Switzerland-Paris, Finland Northern Lights, Bali & Amsterdam Christmas trail.

6. What’s the best place for New Year parties?

Dubai, New York Times Square & Bali beach parties.

7. Are visas difficult to get in December?

Slots fill early, so apply at least 45–60 days before travel, especially for Schengen and USA.

8. Is it cheaper to travel right after Christmas?

Yes – flying Dec 26–28 is usually cheaper than flying before Christmas.

9. Can I celebrate Christmas in one country and New Year in another?

Yes-Europe routes like Zurich → Paris or market trails like Amsterdam → Belgium are perfect for cross-country festive trips.

10. Does TTW help with visa & bookings?

Yes – TTW handles full travel planning, visa, accommodation, experiences & support.

Conclusion – Let This Winter Be Your Most Memorable Yet

A Christmas and New Year vacation is more than a trip – it’s a celebration of new beginnings, magical winter landscapes, festive lights, cultural traditions, and experiences that stay with you forever. Whether you dream of white snow in the Alps, Northern Lights, skyline fireworks in New York or Dubai, or tropical beach sunsets in Bali, the world is full of unforgettable celebrations waiting to be discovered.

Plan early, choose experiences over rush, travel slow, savor unique traditions, and welcome the New Year in a place that inspires you.

Ready to plan your Christmas & New Year dream vacation?

Get a free customized trip plan with The Tarzan Way today.
Let’s turn your festive travel into unforgettable memories.