Where are the best places for celebrating Christmas abroad?

The “best” depends on what Christmas means to you. If you dream of snow, reindeer, and cosy fires, Lapland in Finland is unbeatable. For storybook markets, Germany and Austria shine brightest. If you’d rather swap scarves for swimsuits, Mexico and Australia bring the sunshine. Japan offers a modern, light-filled twist for those who want something completely different.

Is it expensive to celebrate Christmas abroad?

Not necessarily. Costs vary depending on the destination and how early you book. European city breaks can be surprisingly affordable if you travel mid-December before peak dates. Long-haul destinations like Australia or Japan are pricier but offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Jamie Wake Travel designs bespoke holidays to match your budget, balancing festive luxury with smart value.

What are the most unique Christmas traditions around the world?

Each country has its quirks. In Finland, families sauna together before dinner. In Germany, children polish their boots for Nikolaustag. Japan’s festive fried chicken dinners have become iconic, while Mexicans break star-shaped piñatas during Las Posadas. In Australia, Santas surf! That’s the beauty of celebrating Christmas abroad — every tradition tells a different story.

How early should I plan my Christmas holiday abroad?

Ideally six to nine months ahead, especially for sought-after destinations like Lapland or central European markets. Flights and hotels fill up fast. Jamie Wake Travel can hold selected packages and notify you as early-bird offers go live, so you never miss out on festive savings.

Are Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?

Most European Christmas markets close on Christmas Eve, but decorations, lights, and ice rinks remain. In some cities, like Vienna or Berlin, smaller markets reopen for Boxing Day visitors. Your Jamie Wake Travel advisor will help time your trip so you catch the best festive atmosphere.

What should I pack when celebrating Christmas abroad?

That depends on your destination! For snowy Europe, layer up — thermal base, waterproof coat, gloves, and a good hat. For beach destinations, don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and a travel plug adapter for fairy lights or gadgets. And no matter where you go, bring a small British treat or decoration — it adds a comforting touch of home.

Can I still enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner while abroad?

Absolutely. Many hotels and resorts host festive menus or gala dinners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In Lapland, expect roast reindeer and mulled wine; in Australia, grilled seafood and pavlova; and in Mexico, tamales or roasted turkey with Latin spices. Celebrating abroad often means discovering new flavours of tradition.

What’s the best way to make Christmas abroad feel personal?

Bring small family rituals with you — stockings, a special playlist, or your favourite recipe. Some travellers volunteer locally or donate toys while overseas. Others collect ornaments from each destination to build a “travel tree” back home. It’s all about creating meaning wherever you are.

Is celebrating Christmas abroad suitable for families with children?

Definitely! Many destinations offer child-friendly experiences: Santa visits in Lapland, tobogganing in the Alps, beach picnics in Australia, or lantern parades in Mexico. Jamie Wake Travel specialises in family itineraries with flexible flight times, child discounts, and magical touches that make kids feel part of the adventure.

How does Jamie Wake Travel protect my booking?

Every booking is fully covered by ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance, ensuring your money and arrangements are secure. We also partner only with trusted suppliers and reputable airlines. When you book your Christmas abroad with Jamie Wake Travel, you can focus on festive joy — we’ll handle the rest.

Celebrating Christmas Abroad: Unique Festive Traditions

Nothing compares to the sparkle of Christmas lights, the scent of festive feasts, and the warmth of sharing the season with loved ones. Yet, there’s something truly enchanting about celebrating Christmas abroad.

From the snowy streets of Lapland to the sunny beaches of Australia, the world offers a kaleidoscope of holiday traditions that blend culture, history, and festive cheer.

In this guide, we’ll unwrap how different countries celebrate Christmas, explore stunning destinations for your next winter getaway, and share how Jamie Wake Travel can help you plan a Christmas holiday as unique as you are.

Celebrating Christmas Abroad: A New Kind of Holiday Magic

Every country celebrates the festive season in its own way—some with snowflakes and carols, others with fireworks and sunshine—but they all share one thing: a sense of wonder. For travellers seeking something special, celebrating Christmas abroad is more than a holiday; it’s a doorway into traditions that sparkle with authenticity.

Imagine tasting spiced wine beneath medieval rooftops in Germany, seeing the Northern Lights flicker over Lapland, or swapping your jumper for a swimsuit as you unwrap presents on an Australian beach. Each experience reminds you that Christmas is as much about where you are as who you’re with.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family, celebrating Christmas abroad invites you to rediscover the season through new cultures, cuisines, and connections—and maybe even start your own global festive tradition.

Seeing the Season Through New Eyes

Travelling over Christmas often changes how you see the holiday altogether. When you’re far from the familiar rhythm of home, small moments—like sharing mulled wine with strangers in a snowy market or lighting candles at a village chapel—take on new meaning.

Many travellers find that celebrating Christmas abroad strips the season back to its essentials: kindness, community, and gratitude. Without the rush of shopping lists or office parties, you can truly be present.

It’s also the perfect time for solo travellers. Christmas overseas doesn’t mean being alone—it means being part of a bigger global story. Around the world, you’ll find hostels hosting festive dinners, hotels arranging cultural celebrations, and locals eager to share their traditions.

And if you’re travelling with family, the experience of seeing your children play in the snow for the first time or meeting Santa in Lapland creates memories that become part of your own family folklore.

Few destinations capture the spirit of Christmas like Finland’s Lapland. This snowy wonderland is home to reindeer, the Northern Lights, and—most importantly—Santa Claus himself.

Beyond Santa’s workshop and snowy safaris, Finland’s Christmas traditions go back centuries. Most homes light a single candle in the window on Christmas Eve — a beacon of welcome to travellers in the dark Arctic night. Families visit cemeteries to leave lanterns for loved ones, and entire hillsides glow with flickering light. Dinner often includes joulukinkku (roast ham), rosolli beetroot salad, and spiced glögi wine.

In Finnish saunas, families gather for a ritual steam before sitting down to dinner — an ancient tradition symbolising purification and peace. This serene blend of snow, silence, and warmth captures the spirit of celebrating Christmas abroad in its purest form.

Where to Stay: Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi

Located on the Arctic Circle, this charming resort offers cosy log cabins, glass igloos, and festive activities from husky sledding to meeting Father Christmas in person. It’s the perfect place for families and couples dreaming of a Christmas abroad filled with magic and snow.

Jamie Says: “Lapland isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. Watching the Northern Lights dance over the snow while sipping hot chocolate is a memory that will stay with you forever.”

Explore more magical winter escapes with Jamie Wake Travel—your independent travel agency offering ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance for peace of mind.

For an in-depth look at what makes Lapland so special, our guide to the Lapland Winter Wonderland dives deeper into reindeer safaris, Santa experiences, and the Northern Lights.

Germany’s Christmas markets are world-famous for a reason. Stalls overflow with handcrafted gifts, twinkling lights, and the comforting aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

Every German town brings its own flair to Advent. In Nuremberg, the Christkindlesmarkt has run since the 16th century, with stalls selling hand-carved nutcrackers and gingerbread hearts. In Dresden, bakers compete to make the biggest Stollen cake — a fruit bread so symbolic that the city holds an annual parade just for it.

Children place shoes by the door on 6 December for Nikolaustag (St Nicholas Day), waking to find them filled with sweets. Church bells ring through cobbled streets, choirs sing O Tannenbaum, and locals gather to share mulled wine under star-tipped rooftops. Few places capture Christmas as completely as Germany does.

Where to Stay: Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Munich

A luxurious base just steps from the iconic Marienplatz market. Enjoy elegant rooms, rooftop views, and festive concerts nearby.

Why it’s special: You’ll experience Advent the traditional way—with carols, glühwein, and centuries-old customs that make celebrating Christmas abroad in Germany a storybook experience.

Discover more European winter breaks with Jamie Wake Travel, where we tailor every itinerary to your festive wishes.

If you’d like to explore the authentic markets that inspired many of these traditions, the German National Tourist Board’s Christmas Market Guide offers a wonderful overview of the most enchanting towns to visit.

If Germany’s festive markets have you inspired, explore the best European Christmas markets for more glowing squares, traditional crafts, and seasonal flavours across the continent.

In Japan, Christmas isn’t a religious celebration but a joyful cultural event filled with lights, romance, and unique traditions—like sharing a festive bucket of fried chicken! Tokyo’s illuminations rival any in the world, and the country’s mix of East and West creates a dazzling spectacle.

Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Tokyo

This iconic hotel offers panoramic city views, world-class dining, and easy access to Shinjuku’s winter light displays.

Fun fact: Instead of a family dinner, couples often celebrate Christmas Eve as a romantic date night—proof that celebrating Christmas abroad can be whatever you make it.

Let Jamie Wake Travel craft your perfect Japanese adventure, from city lights to snowy mountains.

Beyond Christmas lights and temples, winter adventurers can discover the thrill of snowboarding in Japan — one of the world’s most scenic and culturally rich snow destinations.

In Mexico, Christmas begins with Las Posadas, nine nights of processions, music, and feasting leading up to Christmas Eve. It’s a vibrant, community-centred celebration that embodies warmth and hospitality.

In Mexico, Christmas is a joyful marathon of song, food, and community. The celebrations begin on 16 December with Las Posadas — nine nights of processions that reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Children carry candles and sing carols as they visit neighbours’ homes, finally breaking open a star-shaped piñata to symbolise triumph and generosity.

Families prepare bacalao a la vizcaína (salt-cod stew) and ponche navideño, a warm fruit punch with cinnamon and guava. On Christmas Eve, fireworks light the sky before midnight Mass.

For visitors, celebrating Christmas abroad here means joining a community that opens its doors and hearts — proof that hospitality is Mexico’s true language.

Where to Stay: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, Cancún

Overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, this luxurious resort is ideal for travellers who want sunshine, culture, and festivity all in one place.

Why you’ll love it: Mariachi music, fireworks, and delicious tamales bring a festive flair to celebrating Christmas abroad in Mexico.

Find your perfect winter sun destination with Jamie Wake Travel and escape the UK chill in style.

Swap snow for sunshine and celebrate Christmas Down Under! Australians embrace the festive spirit with outdoor concerts, seafood feasts, and picnics on the beach.

Australia’s Christmas turns tradition on its head — yet feels wonderfully familiar. Instead of snow, there’s sunshine; instead of puddings, pavlovas piled with fruit. Streets fill with the scent of eucalyptus and barbecue smoke as families gather outdoors.

Carols by Candlelight events take place in every major city, with thousands of people singing under the stars. In Melbourne and Sydney, Christmas Day barbecues spill onto beaches, while surfers in Santa hats ride the waves. Even Santa swaps his sleigh for a surfboard.

It’s festive fun with a laid-back twist — proof that celebrating Christmas abroad doesn’t need snow to feel magical.

Where to Stay: QT Sydney

A quirky, stylish hotel in the heart of Sydney—perfect for exploring the city’s Christmas markets and joining locals for a festive beach day at Bondi.

Highlight: Watching fireworks light up Sydney Harbour on Christmas Eve or New Year’s is an unforgettable part of celebrating Christmas abroad.

Jamie Wake Travel can help you plan your Australian escape, ensuring your holiday blends festive fun with relaxation and discovery.

Making Your Christmas Abroad Meaningful

When you’re celebrating Christmas abroad, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about connection. Many travellers choose to volunteer at local shelters, visit children’s charities, or support eco-friendly tours that give back to local communities. Even something as simple as buying handmade gifts at local markets supports artisans and keeps traditions alive.

If you’re travelling as a family, consider bringing your own small customs—like hanging stockings in your hotel room or exchanging gifts under a palm tree. These personal touches blend your home traditions with your destination’s spirit.

And when the season winds down, you’ll realise that the greatest gift wasn’t the destination or even the adventure—it was the time you spent together, discovering joy in unexpected places.

Making Your Christmas Abroad Meaningful

When you’re celebrating Christmas abroad, it’s not only about where you go, but what you take with you. Many travellers now use their holidays as a chance to give back — whether that’s donating gifts to local children’s charities, supporting sustainable tours, or buying handmade decorations that help preserve traditional crafts.

It’s also about blending your own family rituals with those of your destination. Imagine hanging stockings in your ski chalet in Finland, lighting a candle for loved ones back home in a German church, or decorating a seashell tree on an Australian beach. These small gestures help you feel at home no matter how far you roam.

And when the lights dim on Christmas night, you’ll realise that the greatest gift isn’t the destination itself — it’s the experience of seeing the world’s many faces of joy, and carrying a little of each one home with you.

Booking with Confidence – Your Travel Protections

When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, you’re not just securing your dream holiday—you’re booking with complete peace of mind. As an ATOL-protected and Supplier Failure Insured agency, your booking is safeguarded against unforeseen disruptions. That means you can focus on enjoying the magic of celebrating Christmas abroad, knowing your investment is protected.

The Heart of Holiday Traditions

Every country celebrates in its own way, yet the message remains constant — warmth, kindness, and connection. Travelling during the festive season reminds us that these values are universal. Whether it’s the hum of a market choir in Munich, the glow of candles in Reykjavik, or the laughter of families on a Mexican street, the essence of Christmas shines everywhere.

That’s why celebrating Christmas abroad is so powerful — it shows us that the world is full of shared joy, waiting to be discovered.

Why Book with Jamie Wake Travel

At Jamie Wake Travel, every journey is personal. We take the time to understand what makes your ideal holiday unique—whether it’s meeting Santa in Lapland, toasting with glühwein in Munich, or basking under the Australian sun.

Our expert team crafts bespoke itineraries that combine trusted partners, financial protection, and exceptional service. With our easy-to-use online search tool, you can create a holiday that’s as unique as you are.

Call us on 01495 400005 or use our enquiry form to start planning your festive getaway today.

Share the Joy

Loved discovering these traditions? Share this post with friends and family who dream of celebrating Christmas abroadand make this festive season one to remember.

Where are the best places for celebrating Christmas abroad?
The “best” depends on what Christmas means to you. If you dream of snow, reindeer, and cosy fires, Lapland in Finland is unbeatable. For storybook markets, Germany and Austria shine brightest. If you’d rather swap scarves for swimsuits, Mexico and Australia bring the sunshine. Japan offers a modern, light-filled twist for those who want something completely different.
Is it expensive to celebrate Christmas abroad?
Not necessarily. Costs vary depending on the destination and how early you book. European city breaks can be surprisingly affordable if you travel mid-December before peak dates. Long-haul destinations like Australia or Japan are pricier but offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Jamie Wake Travel designs bespoke holidays to match your budget, balancing festive luxury with smart value.
What are the most unique Christmas traditions around the world?
Each country has its quirks. In Finland, families sauna together before dinner. In Germany, children polish their boots for Nikolaustag. Japan’s festive fried chicken dinners have become iconic, while Mexicans break star-shaped piñatas during Las Posadas. In Australia, Santas surf! That’s the beauty of celebrating Christmas abroad — every tradition tells a different story.
How early should I plan my Christmas holiday abroad?
Ideally six to nine months ahead, especially for sought-after destinations like Lapland or central European markets. Flights and hotels fill up fast. Jamie Wake Travel can hold selected packages and notify you as early-bird offers go live, so you never miss out on festive savings.
Are Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?
Most European Christmas markets close on Christmas Eve, but decorations, lights, and ice rinks remain. In some cities, like Vienna or Berlin, smaller markets reopen for Boxing Day visitors. Your Jamie Wake Travel advisor will help time your trip so you catch the best festive atmosphere.
What should I pack when celebrating Christmas abroad?
That depends on your destination! For snowy Europe, layer up — thermal base, waterproof coat, gloves, and a good hat. For beach destinations, don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and a travel plug adapter for fairy lights or gadgets. And no matter where you go, bring a small British treat or decoration — it adds a comforting touch of home.
Can I still enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner while abroad?
Absolutely. Many hotels and resorts host festive menus or gala dinners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In Lapland, expect roast reindeer and mulled wine; in Australia, grilled seafood and pavlova; and in Mexico, tamales or roasted turkey with Latin spices. Celebrating abroad often means discovering new flavours of tradition.
What’s the best way to make Christmas abroad feel personal?
Bring small family rituals with you — stockings, a special playlist, or your favourite recipe. Some travellers volunteer locally or donate toys while overseas. Others collect ornaments from each destination to build a “travel tree” back home. It’s all about creating meaning wherever you are.
Is celebrating Christmas abroad suitable for families with children?
Definitely! Many destinations offer child-friendly experiences: Santa visits in Lapland, tobogganing in the Alps, beach picnics in Australia, or lantern parades in Mexico. Jamie Wake Travel specialises in family itineraries with flexible flight times, child discounts, and magical touches that make kids feel part of the adventure.
How does Jamie Wake Travel protect my booking?
Every booking is fully covered by ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance, ensuring your money and arrangements are secure. We also partner only with trusted suppliers and reputable airlines. When you book your Christmas abroad with Jamie Wake Travel, you can focus on festive joy — we’ll handle the rest.