Our guide on alternative destinations to Christmas Markets for your next trips.
While Christmas markets are magical and festive, some alternative destinations offer equally enchanting experiences without the crowds or clichés.
These destinations offer unforgettable holiday experiences, far removed from the usual Christmas market crowds. Whether you’re seeking snow-dusted landscapes, sunny escapes, or cultural adventures, these spots promise a unique way to celebrate the season.
Here’s a guide to some unforgettable places to visit during the holiday season that deliver a unique twist on winter celebrations.
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Alternative Destinations to Christmas Markets
1. Lapland, Finland
Escape the crowds and dive into the ultimate winter wonderland. Lapland offers an authentic holiday vibe with Santa Claus Village, snowy forests, and the Northern Lights.
What to Do:
Meet Santa at Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus.
Go dog sledding or snowmobiling through snowy landscapes.
Stay in a glass igloo and watch the Aurora Borealis.
What to Eat:
Reindeer stew (Poronkäristys) with lingonberries.
Traditional Lappish bread with butter and salmon soup.
2. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto transforms into a serene and spiritual retreat during the holiday season, offering a peaceful alternative to the hustle of Christmas markets.
What to Do:
Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for its winter illuminations.
Experience a Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional tea house.
Wander the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, often dusted with snow.
What to Eat:
Kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meal).
Try Oden, a warm, comforting stew perfect for winter evenings.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Experience the raw beauty of Iceland in winter, where the focus is on natural wonders rather than traditional markets.
What to Do:
Soak in the Blue Lagoon surrounded by snow.
Take a day trip to see geysers, glaciers, and frozen waterfalls.
Hunt for the Northern Lights on a guided tour.
What to Eat:
Lamb stew or plokkfiskur (a fish and potato dish).
Enjoy festive Icelandic pastries like kleina or spiced Christmas cookies.
4. Quebec City, Canada
Why Visit:
This charming city feels like stepping into a snow globe, with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a cozy, festive vibe.
What to Do:
Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Quebec with its twinkling lights and snowy ambiance.
Stay at the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel).
Go ice skating at Place D’Youville.
What to Eat:
Warm up with poutine or traditional tourtière (meat pie).
Sip on hot maple syrup-infused cider.
5. Tromsø, Norway
Why Visit:
Tromsø offers a true Arctic experience, with endless snowy adventures and opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
What to Do:
Go whale watching or reindeer sledding.
Explore the Arctic Cathedral and Tromsø’s charming streets.
Take a fjord cruise under the winter stars.
What to Eat:
Fiskesuppe (Norwegian fish soup).
Try dried cod or rakfisk (fermented fish).
6. Sintra, Portugal
While Portugal isn’t synonymous with snow, Sintra’s magical castles and lush forests make for a dreamy winter escape.
What to Do:
Visit Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira for fairy-tale vibes.
Hike through Sintra’s mystical forests.
Explore Sintra’s cozy cafes and enjoy a mild winter climate.
What to Eat:
Enjoy queijadas de Sintra (sweet cheese pastries).
Sip on Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups.
7. Banff, Canada
Why Visit:
Banff offers an unparalleled winter adventure with stunning mountain landscapes and cozy lodges.
What to Do:
Ski or snowboard at Lake Louise.
Ice skate on the frozen Bow River.
Soak in the Banff Hot Springs surrounded by snowy peaks.
What to Eat:
Bison chili or venison stew for hearty meals.
Indulge in Nanaimo bars, a classic Canadian dessert.
8. Tenerife, Canary Islands
For those who want to escape the cold entirely, Tenerife offers warm weather, golden beaches, and unique volcanic landscapes.
What to Do:
Hike up Mount Teide for incredible views.
Relax on the beaches of Playa del Duque.
Explore traditional villages like La Orotava with festive lights.
What to Eat:
Fresh seafood and papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce.
Try local wine and Christmas sweets like turrón.
9. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is quieter during winter, but its dramatic coastline and festive decorations make it a magical getaway.
What to Do:
Visit Ravello and Positano for spectacular views.
Attend local nativity scene reenactments in Naples.
Take a cooking class to learn traditional Italian holiday dishes.
What to Eat:
Enjoy sfogliatelle, a ricotta-filled pastry.
Indulge in seafood risotto and local limoncello.
10. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Why Visit:
Experience summer in the Southern Hemisphere with Patagonia’s stunning landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
What to Do:
Hike in Torres del Paine National Park.
Cruise past glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park.
Stargaze in some of the clearest skies on Earth.
What to Eat:
Cordero al palo (Patagonian spit-roasted lamb).
Warm up with a cup of mate, a traditional Argentine herbal drink.
11. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh transforms into a magical winter destination with its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and Hogmanay (New Year’s) celebrations.
What to Do:
Explore Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Attend the Hogmanay torchlight procession.
Take a cozy whiskey tasting tour.
What to Eat:
Warm up with haggis, neeps, and tatties.
Try shortbread cookies or a Scottish cranachan dessert.
12. Bavarian Alps, Germany
Why Visit:
Swap bustling Christmas markets for peaceful Alpine villages surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
What to Do:
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a real-life fairy tale.
Ski or snowboard in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Relax in Bavarian spas and hot springs.
What to Eat:
Indulge in Käsespätzle (German cheese noodles).
Savor Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) with sauerkraut.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.