Top 10 Destinations Around the World to Celebrate Christmas & New Year 2025-26

Christmas and New Year destinations 2025-26: After a year packed with the chaos of daily routines, there’s no better way to wrap up 2025 and welcome the fresh beginnings of 2026 than with a special trip. Celebrate the enchanting festivals of Christmas and New Year in a way that truly feels unforgettable. Because honestly, the joy of these holidays only gets better when paired with a memorable getaway.

So, to make your festive escape absolutely perfect, here’s a curated list of the best places in the world to enjoy a Christmas and New Year trip!

Why Celebrate Christmas & New Year Abroad in 2025–26?

India is incredible—no doubt about that. But celebrating Christmas or New Year overseas brings a whole different kind of magic. Imagine waking up to real snowfall on Christmas morning, wandering through festive markets, or counting down to midnight under some of the world’s most spectacular New Year fireworks.

Christmas and New Year destinations 2025-26

Late December also falls into the shoulder season for many international destinations. That means better prices, fewer crowds (except in the major hubs), and the perfect festive vibe without the chaos of peak tourist months.

Best Places for a Christmas Trip

And here’s the bonus: with the rupee gaining strength against several global currencies, international travel is more affordable for Indian families right now. So if you’ve been dreaming of a bucket-list Christmas getaway, 2025–26 is the perfect time to make it happen.

1. Vienna, Austria – A Real-Life Christmas Fairy Tale

My friend Sarah visited Vienna with her parents last Christmas, and even her mom—who is almost impossible to impress—said it was “the most breathtaking Christmas experience ever.” And honestly, she wasn’t exaggerating. Vienna in December feels like a city pulled straight out of a classic holiday movie. Over 20 sparkling Christmas markets, snow-dusted palaces, warm cups of glühwein on chilly evenings, and postcard-perfect baroque architecture everywhere you look.

Who Should Visit: Families, honeymoon couples, culture lovers
Temperature: –2°C to 5°C
Budget: ₹1,80,000–₹2,50,000 per couple (7 days with flights)

Christmas Experiences

• Vienna’s iconic Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz

• The world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir singing carols

• Beautiful decorations at the Imperial Palace

• Classic Austrian feast with roast goose and desserts

New Year Celebrations

• The energetic Silvesterpfad street festival (free for everyone)

• Imperial Ball at Hofburg Palace—very royal, very magical

• Fireworks bursting over Prater Park

• Elegant classical concerts at Musikverein

Why You’ll Love It: Vienna is safe, walkable, and incredibly romantic. Kids love the cookies and hot chocolate; couples love the horse-carriage rides through snowy lanes.

Pro Tip: Stay near Stephansplatz to be close to the major attractions. And book the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas concert at least 2–3 months ahead.

2. Swiss Alps (Interlaken / Zermatt) – The Ultimate Snow Paradise

If your dream Christmas includes real snowy mountains, cozy chalets, and adventure-filled days, then the Swiss Alps are unbeatable. Interlaken is fantastic for families, while Zermatt offers ultra-romantic winter escapes with Matterhorn views and a magical car-free village.

Best For: Families, couples, adventure lovers
Temperature: –5°C to 2°C
Budget: ₹2,50,000–₹3,50,000 per couple (8–9 days)

Christmas Fun

• Visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, decorated for Christmas

• Enjoy authentic Swiss fondue in mountain huts

• Attend Christmas services in historic alpine chapels

• Glide through forests on a horse-drawn sleigh

New Year Events

• See a stunning torchlight ski parade

• Massive fireworks at Interlaken Höhematte

• A luxurious New Year dinner at Piz Gloria

• Toast with champagne on snowy peaks at midnight

Adventure Bonus: Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, paragliding over snowy valleys, Glacier 3000 bridge walk, and more!

Family Tip: Stay in Grindelwald—more affordable and beginner-friendly slopes.
Honeymoon Tip: Book a chalet in Zermatt with direct Matterhorn views. Unreal romance!

3. Lapland, Finland – Where the Real Santa Lives

If you’re traveling with kids, Lapland will feel like stepping into a magical storybook. Your children get to meet Santa in his Arctic home. A colleague took his 6-year-old daughter here, and even three years later, she still calls it “the best trip of her life.”

Best For: Families with young children
Temperature: –10°C to –3°C
Budget: ₹2,00,000–₹2,80,000 for a family of four (6–7 days)

Christmas Highlights

• Meet Santa at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

• Reindeer sleigh rides through snowy landscapes

• Chase the Northern Lights

• Sleep in magical glass igloos

New Year Adventures

• Reindeer safaris

• Visit the stunning Ice Hotel

• Husky sledding and snowmobile tours

• Stargazing under the Arctic sky

Why Kids Love It: Santa, reindeer, snow, and colorful auroras—pure magic.

Pro Tip: Book glass igloos (Apukka or Kakslauttanen) 4–5 months early.

4. Iceland – Snow, Hot Springs & Northern Lights

Iceland isn’t your typical Christmas destination, but it’s unforgettable. Cities glow with fairy lights, geothermal pools steam in the cold air, and the Northern Lights frequently dance across the night sky.

Best For: Honeymooners, adventure seekers
Temperature: –1°C to 4°C
Budget: ₹2,20,000–₹3,00,000 per couple (7–8 days)

Christmas Magic

• Reykjavik’s Christmas markets

• Iceland’s book-gifting tradition Jólabókaflóð

• Smoked lamb and other Icelandic festive dishes

• Blue Lagoon spa surrounded by snow

New Year Celebrations

• Giant bonfires across Iceland

• Midnight fireworks (everyone buys fireworks here!)

• Hot spring parties

• Northern Lights sightings if weather supports

Adventure Suggestions: Ice caves, glaciers, Golden Circle, tectonic plate snorkeling, waterfalls, black sand beaches.

EPIC NEW YEAR DESTINATIONS WITH HIGH ENERGY

5. New York City, USA – The Legendary Times Square Countdown

If there’s one global New Year celebration everyone recognizes, it’s Times Square. The ball drop, the confetti storm, the insane excitement—NYC turns into a dream.

Best For: Couples, groups of friends
Temperature: –3°C to 5°C
Budget: ₹2,80,000–₹4,00,000 per couple (7–8 days)

Christmas Experiences

• The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

• Ice skating in Central Park or Rockefeller

• Beautiful Fifth Avenue displays

• Christmas-themed Broadway shows

New Year Events

• Times Square Ball Drop (Arrive by 2 PM!)

• Fireworks near Brooklyn Bridge

• Rooftop celebrations across the city

• Midnight Manhattan cruise

Honest Note: It’s long, cold, and crowded—but the electric atmosphere is unforgettable.

Alternate NYE Options:
Central Park fireworks, Brooklyn parties, rooftop lounges, river cruises.

Family Tip: Avoid Times Square with kids—Central Park is better.

6. Dubai, UAE – Fireworks Like You’ve Never Seen Before

If comfort and celebration are your priorities, Dubai wins hands down. The Burj Khalifa fireworks are jaw-dropping—almost cinematic.

Best For: Families, couples, luxury travelers
Temperature: 14°C to 24°C
Budget: ₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000 per couple (5–6 days)

Christmas Touches

• Huge Christmas trees in malls

• Winter carnival at Global Village

• Ski Dubai snow park

• Festive brunches at premium hotels

New Year Celebrations

• Burj Khalifa light & firework show

• Atlantis fireworks

• Beach parties at JBR and Kite Beach

• Desert safari New Year celebrations

Why Indians Love It: Visa-on-arrival(Christmas and New Year destinations 2025-26), direct flights, friendly environment, and unforgettable fireworks.

Pro Tip: Book hotel & restaurants months in advance.

7. Sydney, Australia – The World’s First Big New Year Celebration

Sydney rings in the New Year before almost everyone else, and their harbour fireworks are iconic worldwide. December is summer here—perfect for travelers who want warm weather.

Best For: Families, honeymoon couples
Temperature: 18°C to 28°C
Budget: ₹2,50,000–₹3,50,000 per couple (9–10 days)

Christmas Fun

• Bondi Beach Christmas BBQs

• Christmas lights around Sydney Harbour

• Carols by Candlelight events

New Year Highlights

• Sydney Harbour fireworks (9 PM + midnight shows)

• Special viewing zones around the harbour

• Boat cruises

• New Year sunrise at Bondi Beach

Family Tip: Taronga Zoo has one of the best family-friendly firework viewing areas.

TROPICAL GETAWAYS FOR ROMANCE & RELAXATION

8. Maldives – The Ultimate Overwater Celebration

For couples seeking luxury, privacy, and crystal-clear water, the Maldives is unbeatable during the holiday season(Christmas and New Year destinations 2025-26).

Best For: Honeymoon couples
Temperature: 25°C to 30°C
Budget: ₹2,00,000–₹4,00,000 per couple (5–7 days)

Christmas Experiences

• Candlelit dinners on the beach

• Santa arriving by seaplane

• Underwater Christmas trees for divers

• Romantic spa treatments

New Year Vibes

• Fireworks over the lagoon

• Beach parties

• Private villa dinners

• Champagne breakfasts

Budget Tip: Choose all-inclusive resorts to save big.

9. Bali, Indonesia – Where Culture Meets Celebration

Bali gives you beaches, temples, nightlife, and nature in one beautifully balanced holiday.

Best For: Families, couples, adventure travelers
Temperature: 24°C to 32°C
Budget: ₹1,20,000–₹2,00,000 per couple (7–8 days)

Christmas Activities

• Beach parties in Seminyak

• Temple tours with cultural ceremonies

• Cliff-top candlelit dinners

• Festive markets in Ubud

New Year Fun

• Seminyak beach club celebrations

• Tanah Lot sunrise

• Ubud cultural shows

• Gili Islands parties

Family Tip: Stay in Sanur or Ubud for peace and comfort.

10. Thailand (Bangkok + Phuket) – Fun, Festive & Budget-Friendly

Thailand is the perfect Christmas–New Year destination if you want amazing food, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches without spending a fortune(Christmas and New Year destinations 2025-26).

Best For: Groups, families, budget travelers
Temperature: 22°C to 32°C
Budget: ₹80,000–₹1,50,000 per couple (8–10 days)

Christmas Highlights

• Bangkok’s stunning festive lights

• Beachside Christmas celebrations

• Thai fusion festive meals

• Night markets with decorations

New Year Celebrations

• Central World countdown

• Phuket beach parties

• Rooftop sky bars

• Phi Phi Islands boat parties

• Chiang Mai lantern releases

Pro Tip: Do Bangkok for Christmas → Phuket/Krabi for New Year(Christmas and New Year destinations 2025-26).

Also Read: Top 10 Winter Destinations to Visit in India