For unforgettable holiday experiences, explore the best countries to spend Christmas and New Year’s. Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland filled with snow and Christmas markets, a tropical escape to celebrate in the sun, or a city that knows how to throw an unforgettable New Year’s bash, these destinations have something special for everyone. Wherever you decide to go, make sure to soak in the magic, create unforgettable memories, and start the New Year with a bang! After all, there’s no better way to close out the year than with adventure, joy and a little bit of holiday sparkle.
1. Austria: A Classic Winter Wonderland
- Why it’s great: Austria especially Vienna and Salzburg, transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. The Christmas markets are some of the most magical in Europe, with stalls selling mulled wine, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts. The charming alpine towns offer a perfect backdrop for a cozy, traditional Christmas.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: The New Year’s concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is world-renowned, and Vienna’s streets light up with fireworks and outdoor celebrations.
Flights to Austria: Find the Best Deals on Flights to Vienna
2. Finland: The Home of Santa Claus
- Why it’s great: Finland is the official home of Santa Claus! Visit Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, where you can meet Santa, ride reindeer sleds, and experience the Northern Lights. It’s perfect for a white Christmas, complete with snow-covered forests.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Finnish saunas, ice swimming, and celebrating midnight with fireworks under the northern lights make for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
Flight Deals to Finland: Check Flights to Finnish Lapland
3. Japan: Unique Celebrations with a Festive Twist
- Why it’s great: While Christmas in Japan is more about romance and lights than tradition, it’s a dazzling spectacle. The light displays in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are some of the most elaborate in the world. The Japanese also have a unique tradition of eating KFC for Christmas!
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Japan celebrates Oshogatsu (New Year’s) in a peaceful and spiritual way. Visit a shrine or temple, listen to the 108 bells ringing to purify the soul, and experience the tranquil yet exciting atmosphere as the nation transitions into the New Year.
Flights to Japan: Best Flight Deals to Tokyo
4. Iceland: Northern Lights and Midnight Fireworks
- Why it’s great: For those craving an adventure, Iceland is one of the best countries to spend Christmas and New Year. Iceland during Christmas is like stepping into a fairy tale. The holiday season here features long, nights illuminated by the Northern Lights, Yule Lads (Iceland’s version of Santa), and stunning natural landscapes. If you’re lucky, you may even get a white Christmas.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Reykjavik’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are legendary, with bonfires all around the city and one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the world.
Book Flights to Reykjavik: Search Flights to Iceland
5. Germany: Traditional Markets and Big Celebrations
- Why it’s great: Germany is famous for its traditional Christmas markets, especially in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Nuremberg. Stroll through charming markets filled with twinkling lights, mulled wine, gingerbread, and handcrafted gifts, while enjoying the cozy winter vibe.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Berlin throws one of Europe’s biggest street parties at the Brandenburg Gate, with live music, food stalls, and a jaw-dropping fireworks display.
Flight Deals to Germany: Find Flights to Berlin, Munich, or Nuremberg
6. Switzerland: Alpine Magic and Festive Celebrations
- Why it’s great: Switzerland offers a magical Christmas experience with picturesque alpine villages, skiing, and some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Stay in places like Zurich or Lucerne, and enjoy a cozy, snow-filled holiday with the Alps as your backdrop.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Watch fireworks over Lake Zurich or celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Alps, sipping mulled wine and listening to the sound of church bells ringing through the valleys.
Best Flights to Switzerland: Search Flights to Zurich or Lucerne
7. United States – New York City: Iconic Celebrations
- Why it’s great: New York City is one of the most iconic places to spend Christmas and New Year. The city lights up with holiday cheer, especially around Rockefeller Center, where you’ll find the famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink. The window displays on Fifth Avenue are a must-see, and Central Park looks like a holiday postcard if it snows.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Times Square on New Year’s Eve is the ultimate celebration, with the famous ball drop, confetti, and a street party like no other.
Flight Deals to NYC: Book Flights to New York City
8. Australia: A Sunny Twist on Christmas
- Why it’s great: For a Christmas that’s anything but traditional, head down to Australia for a summer Christmas. Australians celebrate by heading to the beach (think Christmas BBQs), with Bondi Beach in Sydney being a popular spot.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Sydney is known for one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the world, lighting up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in a stunning display.
Best Flights to Sydney: Book Flights to Australia
9. Philippines: The Longest Christmas Season
- Why it’s great: The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world, starting in September! The country goes all out with festive lights, Simbang Gabi (night masses), and elaborate feasts. Filipinos take Christmas seriously, with strong religious and family traditions.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Expect lots of fireworks, lively parties, and a feast known as Media Noche, featuring traditional Filipino dishes to welcome the New Year.
Find Flights to Manila: Best Flight Deals to the Philippines
10. Brazil: Tropical Celebrations and Samba
- Why it’s great: Last but not least, Brazil is definitely one of the best countries to spend Christmas and New Year’s. In Brazil, Christmas is a tropical affair. The streets are decorated with bright lights, and the giant floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro’s Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is a sight to behold. The holiday spirit is lively, with samba and tropical weather replacing snow and carols.
- New Year’s Eve highlight: Rio’s Copacabana Beach hosts one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, with millions of people dressed in white enjoying live music, fireworks, and beach parties.
Flight Deals to Rio de Janeiro: Book Your Flight to Brazil
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a wonderful New Year!