Looking for the 5 best places to go for Christmas holidays? December brings a mix of glowing markets, snowy escapes, and cities that sparkle a little brighter, making it the perfect time to plan a festive getaway. Whether you imagine wandering through candle-lit streets, tasting seasonal treats, or experiencing cultures that celebrate Christmas in their own unique way, these destinations capture the true magic of the season.
For travelers leaving the UAE, checking different winter holiday packages from Dubai can help you understand which places are easiest to reach, what kind of weather to expect, and how each destination celebrates Christmas. From European classics to modern city lights, this list helps you choose the Christmas experience that feels right for you.
Zurich, Switzerland
Why prefer Zurich, Switzerland for Christmas holidays
Zurich is the picture-perfect European Christmas destination, elegant lights on Bahnhofstrasse, warm wooden stalls, and the scent of roasted chestnuts around every corner. It’s compact, safe, and ideal for people who want markets plus museums or short mountain options.
Zurich smells like roasted chestnuts and warm caramel. Imagine stepping from a tram into a tunnel of fairy lights, the low murmur of choirs around a giant tree, and wooden stalls that feel handcrafted by a kindly old uncle who also sells perfect chocolate. It’s intimate, you can hop through three markets, eat raclette, and still have time to sit in a quiet café and watch snowflakes land on a shop window.
Best For:
Couples seeking romantic lights, families after easy walkable markets, travelers who want classic Christmas without long transfers.
Things to do in Zurich recommendations
- Visit Christkindlimarkt (Zurich HB), a giant indoor tree and artisan stalls.
- Stroll Bahnhofstrasse after dusk for window displays and lights.
- Try raclette or fondue in Niederdorf and stop at a side-street chocolatier.
- Optional: short rail trip to Lucerne for a mountain postcard afternoon.
One Thing not to miss
The Christkindlimarkt beneath the Zurich HB tree, sensory, central, unforgettable.
Insider tip
Go weekday evening to avoid crowds; duck into a small chocolatier on a side street for better service and a quieter moment.
Quick, useful facts
- Avg December temperature: 0-4°C (approx. 2°C).
- Typical flight time from Dubai (non-stop): about 7 hours.
Paris, France
You can explore our: Switzerland Tour Packages from Dubai
Why prefer Paris, France for Christmas holidays
Paris transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, with illuminated avenues, world-class museums, and charming neighborhood markets filled with the aroma of mulled wine. The city effortlessly blends culture, shopping, and romance into a seamless holiday experience.
At Christmas, Paris feels cinematic, window displays resemble miniature theater sets, cafés serve warm pastries to passersby, and the streets glow with twinkling lights that turn every stroll into a romantic escape. The city’s rhythm balances leisurely museum visits with sparkling evening walks, offering travelers a perfect mix of culture and festive charm in one unforgettable trip.
Best For:
Romance, shoppers, museum lovers who want a festive city vibe.
Things to do in Paris recommendations
- Walk the Champs-Élysées lights and browse seasonal stalls.
- Ice skate at Hôtel de Ville or seasonal rinks.
- Reserve an evening Seine dinner cruise or a theatre performance for a special night.
- Explore Marais markets for artisanal gifts and pastries.
One Thing not to miss
An evening under the Champs-Élysées lights, quintessential Parisian holiday magic.
Insider tip
Book museum early-entry slots and combine them with market time, less queueing, more calm.
Quick, useful facts
- Avg December temperature: roughly 5°C (day) and low single digits at night.
- Typical flight time from Dubai (non-stop): about 7-7.5 hours
You can explore our: Paris Tour Packages from Dubai
Gudauri, Georgia
Why prefer Gudauri, Georgia for Christmas holidays
Gudauri offers a true winter adventure, featuring expansive slopes, breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains, and exceptional value compared to the Alps. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking authentic skiing experiences without the crowds or long lift lines.
Best For:
Skiers and snowboarders (all levels), freeride fans, groups who want value-packed winter deals.
Things to do in Gudauri recommendations
- Ski groomed runs and try a guided off-piste session.
- Ride the cable car for panoramic Caucasus photos.
- Day trip possibility: Kazbegi and Gergeti Trinity Church for dramatic scenery.
One Thing not to miss
A sunrise run morning light on the Caucasus is a memory that stays.
Insider tip
Hire a local guide for off-piste runs, safety + local knowledge find the best snow.
Quick, useful facts
- Avg December temperature (mountain conditions): around 0°C daytime, dipping below at night (freezing conditions common).
- Typical travel time from Dubai: fly Dubai to Tbilisi (3h 30m), then a 2-hour road transfer to Gudauri.
You can explore our: Georgia Tour Packages from Dubai
Rovaniemi, Finland
Why prefer Rovaniemi, Finland for Christmas holidays
Rovaniemi is a storybook vision of winter, the gentle jingle of reindeer bells, huskies racing through the snow, and letters from Santa’s Village marked with the Arctic Circle postmark. Nights are deep and velvety, and when the sky cooperates, the Northern Lights sweep across the horizon in a breathtaking display of green and gold.
Best For:
Families with children, Northern Lights chasers, anyone wanting a storybook Christmas.
Things to do in Rovaniemi recommendations
- Visit Santa Claus Village and post a letter from Santa’s post.
- Book a husky sled or reindeer sleigh experience.
- Join a guided Northern Lights chase on a clear night.
- Try a snowmobile safari or visit Snowman World.
One Thing not to miss
Meeting Santa (and getting a specially postmarked letter), the small ritual that becomes a big memory.
Insider tip
Plan two aurora nights; weather is unpredictable so extra chances matter.
Quick, useful facts
- Avg December temperatures: commonly well below freezing; guides list ranges like -20 to -10°C in deep winter, local averages vary by source (plan for serious cold).
- Typical travel time from Dubai: Dubai to Helsinki (7-7.5 hours), then Helsinki to Rovaniemi (1h 20m domestic). Total door-to-door usually 10+ hours depending on connections.
You can explore our: Finland Tour Package From Dubai
Tokyo, Japan
Why prefer Tokyo, Japan for Christmas holidays
Tokyo’s Christmas is a showcase of light and culinary creativity, synchronized illuminations, exquisite pop-up desserts, and streets designed for joyful evening strolls. It’s a celebration of modern elegance without snow, transforming the city into a vibrant, food-focused winter wonderland.
Best For:
City lovers, foodies, couples who want modern illuminations and unique gifts.
Things to do in Tokyo recommendations
- Walk Omotesando, Roppongi Hills and Marunouchi illuminations.
- Hunt seasonal desserts in Ginza and pop-up winter markets.
- Reserve a skyline restaurant for a lights + dinner pairing.
One Thing not to miss
An illumination route that ends at a rooftop view, modern, romantic and very Tokyo.
Insider tip
Reserve restaurants and map your evening route, Tokyo’s transport is fast but sequencing saves steps.
Quick, useful facts
- Avg December temperature: daytime highs around 8-12°C, chilly evenings (pack a coat).
- Typical flight time from Dubai (non-stop): about 9-9.5 hours.
You can explore our: Japan Tour Packages from Dubai
Why people always prefer traveling in Christmas
People travel at Christmas for ritual and memory. Markets, lights, special menus and family time compress into trips that feel different from a regular holiday. Travelling this season often answers three needs: reconnecting with loved ones, chasing a seasonal experience (lights, snow, Santa) and making one big shared memory. That’s also why bundled options that include flights, visa assistance, and insurance are popular, they switch the job of logistics to the operator so your holiday can be mostly about wonder. If you’re booking from the UAE, our wider Tour packages from Dubai are designed to do exactly that with flights, visa support (98% approval track record) and travel insurance, plus curated itineraries. For later planning, see our 2026 tour packages from dubai, UAE collection.
Final Thoughts
The 5 best places to go for Christmas are carefully selected to match every holiday mood: Zurich for traditional markets, Paris for lights and culture, Gudauri for ski adventures, Rovaniemi for Arctic magic, and Tokyo for modern urban sparkle. Choose based on your travel style and how much planning you prefer to handle or opt for a Holiday package to simplify logistics and enjoy a truly relaxed, festive getaway.
FAQs
What is the #1 best Christmas town?
It depends on what you want. For storybook charm, small towns in Germany or Austria (Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Salzburg) top many lists. For full Santa magic, Rovaniemi is a unique choice. For classic markets in a city, Zurich often ranks very high.
Which country has the most beautiful Christmas?
“Most beautiful” is personal, Switzerland and Finland deliver snowy, traditional scenes, France offers romantic lighted cities, Japan crafts spectacular urban illuminations. Pick by the scene you dream of.
Where should I go on vacation in December?
Choose by mood: markets and culture choose Zurich or Paris, ski and snow choose Gudauri, family Arctic experience choose Rovaniemi, lights + food + shopping choose Tokyo.