The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching and we are super excited!
Busy streets, seasonal drinks, bright lights, it’s all ahead of us for Christmas.
If you’re planning a getaway this festive season, we couldn’t blame you.
Christmas is a magical time and there are many fantastic destinations for a Christmas vacation!
Why not experience the festive season in an exciting new destination and make Christmas one to remember?!
Whether you’re planning a trip to escape the manic Christmas period or a city break to experience some of the incredible Christmas markets, we are here to help!
Choosing a destination for your Christmas getaway can be a tough decision. That’s why at Visa First, we have put together this guide to the Top 10 Christmas destinations.
So…if you’re thinking of getting away on a trip this Christmas, check out the article below for the top 10 Christmas destinations.
Dreaming of a white Christmas?
If so, Reykjavik in Iceland is certainly one of the best choices for a Christmas getaway!
The country is winter wonderland.
At this time of the year, Iceland’s Northern Lights make for spectacular viewing as they light up the dark winter sky. If you’re in Iceland in December, taking a tour of the Northern Lights is a must-do!
If you decide to visit Reykjavik at Christmas, we recommend bringing plenty of warm clothes as temperatures tend to be below 4℃ in December.
Located in the heart of Europe, Brussels is an ideal destination for a city break this Christmas.
Brussels is home to the Winter Wonders Christmas Market every year which is a must-visit.
The atmosphere in Brussels at Christmas is so festive and cheerful.
The city hosts many fun Christmas events that take place during the festive season from ice-skating to Christmas light parades.
The city of Quebec transforms into a snowy winter wonderland during the Christmas season!
Christmas trees, glistening lights, and beautiful decorations can be seen throughout the city.
You will find the German Christmas market in Old Quebec with 80 stalls, selling a range of products from delicious food to quirky crafts.
Here you will also find lots of outdoor entertainment and free shows!
When the snow falls in Quebec from December to March, you can go tobogganing down the snowy slopes on a sled, or even go skiing, or snowshoeing.
If a Christmas break to Quebec city is appealing to you, you should keep in mind that you may need to secure the Canada ETA before your trip.
To find out more about this visa, check out our detailed Canadian ETA guide.
During the festive season, the streets of Edinburgh become one big Christmas market.
This city resembles a Christmas card during the festive season with stunning lights, the big wheel at Princes Street, and Christmas markets in every corner.
The atmosphere in Edinburgh at Christmas can only be described as magical as the whole city comes to life.
If you’re in search of some Christmas cheer and fabulous Christmas markets, Edinburgh is the perfect destination for you this year!
Escape the winter weather this Christmas with a trip to Cape Town, South Africa’s leading Christmas destination.
The weather in Cape Town in December is warm and sunny, so if the cold wintery weather does not appeal to you, Cape Town is ideal.
Even without the typical wintery weather, it is still infused with festive cheer and Christmas spirit.
Cape Town’s popular Edgemead Christmas market is a popular attraction during the holidays with lots to offer shoppers.
So, dust off the winter blues with a getaway to Cape Town this Christmas!
Festive spirits are high in Dublin’s fair city during the busy Christmas season.
The build-up to Christmas is particularly special in Dublin with many festive events, beautiful Christmas lights, and beautiful Christmas shop displays.
If you enjoy a cozy warm pub and a fun-filled night out, you should definitely give the popular tradition “The 12 pubs of Christmas” a go.
To put it simply this is a pub crawl of 12 pubs in the city, which is sure to put one in the Christmas spirit!
The Big Apple at Christmas is truly breathtaking.
Shops host beautiful window displays which make walking through the busy streets like walking through a gallery.
There are so many fun festive activities to enjoy including ice skating, Christmas markets throughout the city, and much more.
And…no trip to New York during the holidays is complete without visiting the fabulous New York Christmas tree at Rockefeller centre!
If New York is catching your eye for a Christmas getaway, you may need to secure the ESTA USA before your trip.
The home of Santa Claus, Lapland is the ideal Christmas destination, especially for families.
Snowy weather, Christmas trees in every corner, and festive lights, you won’t find any place that so closely resembles a winter wonderland like Lapland.
Like in Reykjavik, you can watch the Northern Lights dance in Lapland which is a truly special experience.
The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is home to Santa Claus himself, so it is certainly worth a visit. You might even meet the man himself!
There is an incredibly warm and festive atmosphere in Budapest at Christmas.
The Budapest Christmas markets take place every year where you can buy lots of festive food and drinks.
If you’re in Budapest at Christmas, we recommend checking out the Christmas fair at Vörösmarty Square and the Advent Feast at the Basilica for some festive fun.
You can even celebrate the holidays at one of the city’s thermal baths which are open throughout the festive season.
Sydney is a great destination for a Christmas break as the city shines bright with beautiful fairy lights during the festive season.
The Christmas spirit can be felt in Sydney throughout the entire month of December.
There are lots of fun Christmas activities in Sydney like shopping at the festive markets, Christmas carolling at Bondi beach, and more.
If you’re staying in Sydney for Christmas day, why not head to the big BBQ on Bondi Beach for a very different Christmas experience.
If you’re planning on swapping the snow for sunshine this Christmas with a trip to Sydney, you should know that you may need to get an Australia eVisitor visa before your trip.
So, there we have it, the top 10 destinations for a Christmas getaway.
Planning a trip to one of the above destinations? Be sure to plan in advance as you may require a visa for your trip depending on your nationality and your country of choice.
Securing a visa can be a complicated and stressful task.
But don’t worry – Visa First can help you obtain your visa for your upcoming trips!
We are the world’s leading provider of visa and immigration services.
With 20 years of experience, Visa First provides customers with a fast, convenient, and reliable service.
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