The Best Travel Destinations to Spend Christmas

Summer tends to be prime time for travel plans, but just because the weather’s cooling down doesn’t mean you have to wait until 2020 for your next big vacation. The holiday season is a great time to experience some of the world’s most stunning locations during a time that’s not captured as often. Whether you’re dreaming of tropical getaways or cozy cabins in the snow, these are some of our favorite travel destinations to visit during the holidays.

Malta

Located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta takes the Christmas Spirit to a whole new level. Natives open their doors to show off their carefully designed nativity scenes to passersby, while a stroll through the city of Valletta guarantees lengths of sparkling lights and groups of carolers singing outside the Baroque St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

New York

If you’re planning on spending your Christmas in the states this year, New York is the epitome of the holidays in the city. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree and famous ice rink are iconic throughout the country, and once you’re done there, be sure to take a stroll down Fifth Avenue to see the most extravagant Christmas displays for the high-end fashion stores.

Barcelona

Take the chance to extend your holiday through the New Year and witness Three Kings’ Day in Barcelona, Spain. At its heart, the holiday is a tribute to the three wise men in the Christmas story, but walk the streets here on January 5^th and you’ll witness cannons firing, fireworks going off and a parade of camels, elephants, giraffes strutting through the city.

Nuremberg, Germany

Known worldwide for its Christmas market, Nuremberg brings in a couple million tourists every year. But you won’t find cheap plastic knockoffs at this market — the Christmas Market Council only allows traditional handmade toys to be sold, so it’s an incredible opportunity to buy local, authentic souvenirs. The market vendors also compete for the Most Beautiful Stall Design award, so even if you’re not up for spending cash, it’s worth wandering the aisles.

Salzburg, Austria

If the holiday celebrations are simply a reminder for you that Halloween is long gone, then Salzburg might be the perfect Christmas trip for you. Throughout December, locals dress up as terrifying horned monsters who, as the folklore goes, charge through the streets in search of naughty children to punish.