There is an undeniable magic to Christmas that sweeps across the globe, filling every corner with warmth and wonder. And while cozying up in festive pajamas with a cup of hot chocolate, enjoying time with loved ones is often considered the ideal yuletide tradition; experiencing how different cities transform into winter wonderlands has a charm of its own. Imagine sipping mulled wine at a bustling Christmas market or catching a glimpse of Santa gliding over a moonlit lake—Sounds magical already, right? Well, here’s a list of the world’s most enchanting places to experience Christmas this year.
Montreux, Switzerland
Renowned as the “Pearl of Lake Geneva,” Montreux transforms into a fairy-tale village during its month-long festivities, locally known as Montreux Marche de Noel. At the heart of it is the largest open-air Christmas market stretching along the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva. The scent of spiced mulled wine fills the air, blending with aromas of roasted chestnuts and warm gingerbread, creating a festive spirit that feels timeless. But what truly sets Montreux Marche De Noel apart is Santa flying over Lake Geneva in his sleigh, a mesmerizing spectacle that feels straight out of a Christmas storybook. Visitors can also take train rides to Rochers de Naye Mountain to Santa’s house, which offers magical views.
Auckland, New Zealand
If cozying up by a fireplace isn’t your idea of yuletide fun, Auckland’s sun-soaked Christmas will surely warm your festive vibe. Since New Zealand is on the other side of the planet, Christmas for Kiwis is a unique blend of sun, sea, and Santa, with festive picnics under New Zealand’s special Christmas trees with red flowers—the Pohutukawa trees. Considered sacred to the Māori culture, these trees add a gorgeous red summery cheer to Auckland’s Christmas. Enjoy the iconic Santa Parade, a merry display with colorful floats, and the Sky Tower Observatory, which offers 360-degree jaw-dropping views of the gleaming city below. For a real Kiwi-style Christmas twist, one can head to the beach for Auckland’s legendary Christmas Eve beach parties.
Quebec City, Canada
Want to celebrate Xmas European style but hate long flights? Well, head straight to the gorgeous French-speaking Quebec City, which offers a Christmas experience that rivals even major European towns. Nothing embodies the festive spirit like the Christmas market and Quebec City has not one, but two lively Xmas markets—The German Christmas Market and the Grand Christmas Market, where wooden stalls with live music, mulled wine, holiday treats, and artisanal crafts invite you to wander and wonder. There is also the Château de Père Noël by the Château Frontenac, where Santa himself greets everyone, and not to miss is the grand Toboggan Festival, which takes place between December 28 to 31.
Rome, Italy
A Roman holiday is always mesmerizing, and the ancient city transforms into an eternal enchantment during Christmas. With the Vatican City nestled within its bounds, Rome’s festivities are not only magical but also profoundly sacred. The life-size nativity set up at Saint Peter’s Square, with an astonishing Christmas tree, and the Christmas Eve Mass at the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica is an experience beyond words. Rome’s Christmas markets are the perfect spot to tantalize your tastebuds with Italian delicacies and the quintessential Italian Christmas treat—panettone. For something unique, head to Villa Borghese for ‘Christmas World,’ an immersive festival with live performances, ice skating, and a captivating display of Christmas traditions from around the globe.
Lapland, Finland
It is hard to imagine a place more enchanting than this Arctic wonderland for celebrating the holiday season. Beautifully adorned snow-covered Christmas trees, streets sparkling with twinkling lights, and the chance to cross paths with Santa himself—Christmas magic is happening at every bend, and Lapland offers a perfect postcard-worthy setting for a surreal celebration. Visit Santa in his hometown in Rovaniemi, click selfies with the Jolly Man, explore his workshops, mail off wish lists from his post office, and even hop on a reindeer sleigh ride. You can even feed Rudolph here and learn about the Sámi people's deep connection to these gentle animals. End your night in a glass-roofed igloo, gazing up at the mesmeric northern lights as Christmas carols play softly in the air.