Are you looking for some inspiration for winter/Christmas travels? There are so many cheerful, festive destinations to visit this time of year. Take a look at these great destinations to add to your Christmas travel bucket list.

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1-Amsterdam-Netherlands

Amsterdam is full of Christmas cheer with opportunities for all to enjoy the happiest time of year. Amsterdam comes to life with Christmas markets where Christmas treats, jewelry, and homemade crafts are sold. Be sure to try some Dutch Hapjes (snacks), such as olieballen and appelbeignets. Ice skating is another popular attraction and the ice rink at Museum Square becomes a popular place for both locals and tourists. Visitors can also participate in the Amsterdam Light Festival in December and January, which features different displays of artwork. Many churches also offer Christmas Services and Christmas caroling is a popular activity that visitors are welcomed into.

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2-Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a popular destination for the Christmas holiday. Enjoy ice skating at the Reykjavik Pond or Ingolfstrog Square. Enjoy a hike on a glacier. Take a riding tour on an Icelandic Horse and enjoy some winter views. Learn about Iceland’s thirteen Yule Lads. Spend an afternoon shopping at a Christmas market. Spend an evening relaxing in one of Iceland’s hot springs. And of course-don’t forget a trip to see the Northern Lights!

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3-New York City, USA

The city that never sleeps-and this is no different at Christmas time. NYC has lots of great Christmas activities to offer to get you in the Christmas Spirit. Visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Enjoy the Christmas Spectacular by the Radio City Rockettes. Visit Dyker Heights and take in the magnificent Christmas lights. Take part in the Christmas walking tour and take in some of the city’s most notable Christmas decorations. Visit the Bryant Park Winter Village for ice skating, shopping, and food. Go ice skating at Rockefellar Center or Central Park.

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4-Paris, France

Visit the City of Lights when it has a little bit extra to offer. Spend time time exploring the city and viewing all the festive lights. Visit a Christmas market and pick up some unique Christmas gifts and of course some delicious snacks. Don’t forget to try some Vin Chaud-a French drink with red wine, sugar, orange, and spices. Ice skate below the Eiffel Tower at the Champs de Mars Christmas market. Visit a local church for a concert or step inside the Effiel Tower on Christmas eve for a concert. Pack up the family and spend the day celebrating Christmas with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Paris.

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5-Rome, Italy

Rome is another great Christmas destination. Visit a local church, enjoy a Christmas service, and spend some time enjoying their spectacular nativity scenes. View the Christmas trees in Saint Peter’s Square, Piazza Venzia, and the Colosseum. If you are in Rome on Christmas eve you can view the mass lead by the pope on big screens surrounding Saint Peter’s Basilica. Visit the Piazza Navona Christmas market, enjoy some shopping and snacks, take a ride on the merry-go-round, and visit with Father Christmas. Visit the permanent Nativity scene in Santa Maria Maggiore. Enjoy some chestnuts as you enjoy Christmas lights along Rome’s main streets. Enjoy some ice skating at Castel Sant’Angelo.

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6-Edinburgh, Scotland

Christmas is Edinburgh is celebrated over a 6 week period from early November through December. The Princes Street Gardens turns into a large Christmas market offering crafts, clothing items, accessories, personalized gifts, snacks, etc. Enjoy one of the many food vendors and grab a glass of Glayva, a local whiskey. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden for some Christmas light displays. Grab some skates and enjoy an evening of ice skating. Grab an afternoon holiday tea at the Dome. Participate in a Christmas Charity event such as the Edinburgh Santa Run and Walk.

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7-Quebec City, Canada

Okay, so Christmas markets may be a little repetitive, but they are a major attraction is many countries for the holidays. While in Quebec City, visit the Grand Marche Christmas market for some shopping and treats. Take a stroll through some of the city’s most decorated locations, including Rue de Petit-Champlain an Place-Royale or Place D’Youville. Enjoy classic holiday songs and visit a local church. Visit Miracle for some drinks- a pop-up Christmas themed bar with plenty of holiday drink options and great snacks. Enjoy at evening of ice skating at Place D’Youville. Visit a life sized nativity and listen to some caroling at Notre-Dame de Quebec. If you are visiting in January spend a night in the iconic Ice Hotel.

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8-Copenhagen, Denmark

Go ice skating at Frederiksberg Runddel outside of Frederiksberg Garden. Enjoy a show with a visit to The Crazy Christmas Cabaret. Spend some time shopping at a Julemarked (Christmas market). Try a glass of Glogg-a traditional warm spice mulled wine. Take part in the Saint Lucia day canal parade as you cruise the canals in a kayak. Catch a live show of the Nutcracker. Visit the Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park.

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9-Berlin, Germany

Berlin offers many great Christmas markets for shopping and food. Visit Christmas Garden Berlin, botanical gardens that are lit up with Christmas displays. Shop for chocolate in Berlin’s supermarkets when special Christmas assortments become available. Try some Glühwein, Berlin’s version of mulled wine. Take is some Christma slights at Unter den Linden.

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10-Prague, Czech Republic

Visit the Old Town Square Christmas market and climb the Old Town Tower for some great views. Try the famous dessert Trdelnik. Take in some great views of the city and Christmas lights along the Vltava River. Try some Svařák, Czech’s version of mulled wine.

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This is not an all-inclusive list by any means. There are so many great Christmas destinations around the world. Take advantage of the extras each destination offers at Christmas time! I would love to hear from you-What are your favorite Christmas destinations?

Published by Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa (or Missy). I'm a nurse by day, but my true passion is travel. I'm a part time traveler, travel blogger, and photographer. Travel blogging allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with you as well as allows me to share in your experiences and learn from you. View all posts by Melissa