Best Christmas destinations worldwide

21.07.2023 - 07:39 / roughguides.com

Looking for inspiration on Christmas destinations? We can help, with our list of the 20 top Christmas places. Some have snow, almost all have glitter and Christmas spirit is guaranteed. Take a look.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Pick Copenhagen for Christmas. The affordable and friendly capital of Denmark has a glittering city centre and it's easy to get around. If you want full festive fantasy, book tickets in advance for Tivoli Gardens. It's one of the world's oldest amusement parks and magical at Christmas.

Copenhagen is famous for its castles, which take on a special magical charm at Christmas time. Among the most famous are Kronborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle.

If you're travelling to Copenhagen with children, take a look at our list of the best kids' activities in Copenhagen.

This hotel is within 5 minutes’ walk of Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens. All the spacious rooms have a flat-screen TV and city or Sydhavnen Harbour views. Free WiFi is available.

Located in Copenhagen’s old Latin Quarter, this stylish hotel offers free WiFi, and designer rooms. Just 4 minutes’ walk away is the main shopping street, Strøget.

Tivoli Gardens is one of Denmark's top Christmas destinations © Vlad Andrei Nica/Shutterstock

Find Christmas craic in Dublin during December. The streets feel festive, there are ice rinks and carol singers at St. Patrick's Cathedral. And when you want to get cosy, Temple Bar pubs have you covered. If that sounds like fun, stay at Castle Hotel near Temple Bar.

What also makes Dublin one of the best Christmas destinations is the 12 pubs of Christmas. It's a world-famous competition challenging groups of friends to visit 12 pubs by the end of the night. Needless to say, only the most resilient participants make it to the end.

Explore Dublin and its castles and cliffs with our tailor-made 5-day trip

Situated 5 minutes' drive to Dublin city centre and 15 minutes' drive from Dublin Airport, Egans House offers home-cooked breakfasts and affordable rooms. Croke Park is 10 minutes' walk from the property.

Located in Dublin city centre and a short stroll from St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College, this Georgian townhouse offers free Wi-Fi and free guest car parking.

Dublin is especially Christmassy in December © David Soanes/Shutterstock

Experience the festive and very Austrian city of Salzburg. Its famous Baroque architecture looks even lovelier with a snowy mountain backdrop. And it's the birthplace of Mozart so expect a lot of music wherever you go.

It's also home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe which is awash with charming traditions and smells like warm gingerbread. If you want