Where to Travel for Christmas: My Favorite Destinations for a Magical Holiday Season

If you’ve ever looked up at twinkling Christmas lights in another country with a warm drink in your hand and your favorite travel buddy by your side, you already know… Christmas travel hits different.

Every December, my mom and I pack our coats, grab our scarves, and head out on our annual mother-daughter holiday trip. It’s become our sacred tradition: a moment to reset, reconnect, and soak in the pure joy of the season. Over the years, we’ve visited Christmas markets, sipped Glühwein in the snow, wandered through cathedrals, and found ourselves in some of the most beautiful winter destinations in the world.

If you’re planning your own holiday escape—whether solo, with family, or with your favorite girls—consider this your guide. After over a decade of traveling for Christmas, I’m sharing the best places to travel for Christmas, why each destination stands out, and what makes them perfect for Black women travelers who want beauty, culture, safety, and vibes.

Let’s get into it…

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Why Travel for Christmas? (And Why It Matters for Black Women)

For many of us, the holidays can feel hectic… Societal expectations, running around, hosting, navigating family dynamics…the list goes on.

But traveling during the holiday season has shown me something different:

✨ Christmas travel gives you permission to breathe
✨ It creates space for joy and ease
✨ It expands your traditions instead of replacing them
✨ It lets you see how the whole world lights up with wonder

And for Black women especially?

It gives us room to be soft, playful, curious, and fully present.

These destinations below have given me that gift again and again.

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Here are my top suggestions for places to travel this Christmas…

*It started as my Top 5 Christmas Destinations, but after Christmas in Vienna 2024, I had to add on to the list!
Updated 2025

1. Brussels, Belgium — A Christmas Wonderland for Food Lovers & Market Explorers

“Christmas in Belgium” is not just a phrase—it’s a whole experience. Brussels goes all out with Winter Wonders, one of the largest and most festive Christmas markets in Europe. My mom and I kicked off our 2023 Christmas adventures in Brussels, Belgium, and it did not disappoint! Brussels has some of the most festive Christmas markets, while nearby Bruges and Ghent add their own charm.

Best for: Christmas markets, Beer Spas!!, mother-daughter trips (obvi!)

Why I Love It:

• The food? Yummy! Think: frites, waffles, sausages, mulled wine, and AHMAZING beer.
• The market sprawls across the city center with local artisans, Christmas lights, a Ferris wheel, and a gorgeous tree. The square lights up at night with light shows and unparalleled Christmas energy.
• It’s a walkable city, making it easy to explore and feel safe as a traveler.

Brussels balances festive energy with calm, cozy moments, the perfect blend for holiday travel.

Sample Brussels Budget (per person, 5 days):

• Flights: $500 – $800 (from the US – East Coast)
• Accommodation: $100 – $150/night for a mid-range hotel
• Food & Drinks: $50 – $70/day
• Total: $1,200 – $1,500

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2. Dublin, Ireland: Cozy Christmas Vibes

If you want festive, Dublin is where it’s at! The city gets 5/5 for how it transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and intensely decorated by laid-back pubs. It was such a vibe warming up with hot whiskey and Irish coffee while wandering the festive streets.

Best for: Friendly locals, pub culture, festive but laid back vibes

Dublin has a different kind of magic. It’s not snowy, but the holiday energy is unmatched—warm, musical, and inviting.

Why Dublin Is Worth It:

• Irish pubs glow with fireplaces, live music, and friendly energy.
• The city lights feel whimsical, especially around Grafton Street.
• It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate good conversation and cultural immersion.

If your ideal holiday is less “silent night” and more “lively night,” Dublin delivers. They turn up just enough to ensure a fun holiday without overdoing it.

Just remember, the city shuts down almost completely on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so plan to relax and enjoy some downtime…

Sample Dublin Budget (per person, 4 days):

• Flights: $400 – $700 (from the US)
• Accommodation: $120 – $180/night for a 3-star hotel
• Food & Drinks: $60 – $80/day (those Irish coffees add up!)
• Total: $1,200 – $1,400

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3. New York City, USA: The Ultimate Christmas Experience

New York is loud, crowded, and electric but when it comes to the holidays, few places do it better. Full transparency, New York City‘s Christmas atmosphere is a large part of the reason I love Christmas. It is unmatched! The city is lit up with festive energy, and every corner feels like a movie scene.

Best for: Big city energy, iconic holiday experiences

Must-Have Moments:

• The Rockefeller Christmas tree
• Bryant Park’s Winter Village
• Holiday windows on Fifth Avenue
• Ice skating in Central Park or Rockefeller Center
• The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

My mom and I hit up Radio City for the Rockettes and an Alvin Ailey show every year—NYC is our go-to for holiday magic. We always make time to go and just walk the city either before or after our international excursion.

Sample NYC Budget (per person, 3 days):

• Flights: $100 – $300 (domestic, depending on location)
• Accommodation: $200 – $350/night for a mid-range hotel in Manhattan
• Food & Drinks: $70 – $100/day (especially with holiday treats)
• Total: $1,000 – $1,500

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4. Prague, Czech Republic: Budget-Friendly Christmas

Prague was one of the most affordable European destinations we’ve visited for Christmas. The markets are magical, the food is amazing, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. If you’re looking for a Christmas market experience without breaking the bank, Prague is definitely the top choice.

Best for: Architecture lovers, budget-friendly European Christmas trips

Prague in December is incredibly photogenic. The medieval architecture mixed with Christmas markets feels like stepping into another era.

Why You Should Go:

• The Old Town Square market is one of the most visually stunning in Europe.
• The prices are more budget-friendly than many Western European countries.
• The skyline—those spires!—feels straight out of a fairy tale.

Prague definitely gives “holiday Disney movie.”

Sample Prague Budget (per person, 4 days):

• Flights: $500 – $900 (from the US)
• Accommodation: $70 – $120/night (mid-range hotel)
• Food & Drinks: $40 – $60/day
• Total: $900 – $1,200

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5. Zurich, Switzerland: A Winter Wonderland

Zurich during Christmas is another charming experience defined by the festive energy of European Christmas Markets! The whole city is like a holiday dream. Seriously! Every thing is lit up and there are Christmas markets on every corner, just imagine strolling through streets lined with twinkling lights, sipping hot cocoa or Glühwein, and sampling all sorts of festive treats. They even have markets inside train stations!

Best for: Scenic beauty, snowy Christmas destinations, cozy vibes

Why Zürich Stands Out:

• The Christkindlimarkt inside the main train station features a Swarovski crystal tree.
• The Old Town sparkles with lights and boutique shops.
• It’s one of the safest and cleanest cities you’ll visit—especially appreciated if you’re traveling solo or with family.

Zürich gives luxury winter vibes without trying too hard.

There is also plenty to do! The city, for the most part, stays open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you’re up for an adventure, take a day trip to the Swiss Alps offers stunning snowy vistas and cozy chalets.

Sample Zurich Budget (per person, 5 days):

• Flights: $600 – $1,000 (from the US)
• Accommodation: $150 – $250/night for a mid-range hotel
• Food & Drinks: $60 – $80/day
• Total: $1,500 – $2,000

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6. Vienna, Austria — The Classical, Elegant Christmas Experience

Vienna is the city that made me understand why people romanticize Europe in the winter. Everything feels grand, intentional, and wrapped in a quiet kind of elegance—from the architecture to the Christmas markets to the way the city lights glow against the cold night air. It’s the kind of place where slowing down feels natural, where every corner looks like a postcard, and where the holiday season carries a softness that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Yes, it does get crowded during the holidays, but collecting those beautifully designed Christmas market mugs makes every moment worth it. Vienna is elegance, holiday tradition, and culture all wrapped in a chic winter coat.

Best for: Culture, classical music, elegant Christmas markets

Why Vienna Should Be on Your List:

Sample Vienna Budget (per person, 5 days):

Flights: $650 – $1,050 (from the US)
Accommodation: $140 – $230/night for a mid-range hotel
Food & Drinks: $55 – $85/day
Christmas Markets & Activities: $50 – $120 total
Total: $1,450 – $2,050

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Tips for Planning Your Christmas Trip

1. Book early—ideally by late summer.
Christmas travel gets expensive fast, especially in Europe.

2. Pack layers you actually enjoy wearing.
You’ll be taking photos. You’ll want to feel warm and cute.

3. Don’t skip travel insurance.
Winter weather & crowds = delays… Pack your patience and your insurance.

4. Choose accommodations in walkable areas.
This is key for safety and convenience. The city can get crowded and transportation can be a headache, being in the city centre definitely helps!

5. Think about your travel traditions (and if you don’t have one yet, create one!)
Maybe it’s sipping hot chocolate with your mom…
Or, attending a Christmas concert solo…
Or, kicking back with friends cozy international café…
Whatever it is, let it anchor your experience.

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Forget Consumerism… Christmas Travel Is an Act of Rest & Joy

If you’re looking for the best places to travel for Christmas, let this list be your inspiration—but let your spirit guide the final choice. These destinations have given me memories I’ll hold forever, especially the “are we lost?” moments with my mom, drinking mulled wine in the cold, making new memories, and laughing together under twinkling lights. The joy of creating moments—the laughter, the adventures, the new cultures—are exactly what the Christmas Spirit is about.

Wherever you decide to go this Christmas—or next Christmas—may it bring you peace, joy, and the freedom to wander without limits.

So if you’re thinking about skipping the gifts this year and investing in travel, these spots are perfect to start making memories.

Until next time, wishing you all a magical holiday season filled with love, joy, and travel!

Happy holiday travels, sis.
Your next Christmas memory is waiting.

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If you want more Christmas travel inspiration or videos from these destinations, tap into the Traveling Black Women YouTube channel (@travelingblackwomen) where I share behind-the-scenes moments from every trip.

*Sample budgets are all suggestions based on budget-mid range averages.
The post contains affiliate links. Using our links to plan your adventures helps to support the Traveling Black Women Network at no cost to you!