The holiday season often brings massive crowds and inflated prices to iconic Christmas destinations. If you want to enjoy a magical Christmas experience without the hassle of overcrowded hotspots, consider these alternative destinations that are just as festive and enchanting.
Avoiding the typical Christmas hotspots doesn’t mean sacrificing festive cheer. These alternative destinations offer unique holiday experiences with fewer crowds, authentic charm, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re after snowy landscapes, historic towns, or vibrant markets, these places ensure a magical Christmas season.
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Alternative To Popular Christmas Destinations
1. Avoid: New York City, USA
Visit Instead: Quebec City, Canada
Why:
Quebec City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, with its cobblestone streets, historic Old Town, and European charm.
The German Christmas Market and snowy landscape make it a magical escape.
Highlights:
Ice skating at Place d’Youville.
Enjoy mulled wine at the German Christmas Market.
Visit the iconic Château Frontenac for holiday tea.
Best Time to Visit: Late November to early January.
2. Avoid: Paris, France
Visit Instead: Colmar, France
Why:
While Paris dazzles during Christmas, the crowds can be overwhelming. Colmar offers a more intimate, fairy-tale-like experience with half-timbered houses and twinkling lights.
Highlights:
Explore Colmar’s five distinct Christmas markets.
Stroll along the canals, illuminated with holiday décor.
Savor Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée and mulled wine.
Best Time to Visit: Early December to Christmas Eve.
3. Avoid: London, England
Visit Instead: Bath, England
Why:
While London is vibrant during the holidays, Bath offers a quaint and cozy atmosphere with its Georgian architecture and famous Christmas market.
Highlights:
Visit the Bath Christmas Market for handmade gifts and local treats.
Enjoy a holiday-themed Roman Baths tour.
Take part in the festive atmosphere of the city’s carol services.
Best Time to Visit: Late November to mid-December.
4. Avoid: Vienna, Austria
Visit Instead: Graz, Austria
Why:
Graz offers the charm of Vienna’s Christmas markets without the overwhelming crowds. It’s a hidden gem filled with festive cheer.
Highlights:
Wander through the Hauptplatz Christmas Market.
Visit the stunning ice nativity scene at Landhaushof.
Try local Styrian specialties like pumpkin seed oil dishes.
Best Time to Visit: Early December to Christmas Eve.
5. Avoid: Tokyo, Japan
Visit Instead: Kanazawa, Japan
Why:
Tokyo’s holiday lights are spectacular, but Kanazawa offers a serene and snowy Christmas experience steeped in Japanese tradition.
Highlights:
Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, illuminated with lights and snow.
Explore the Higashi Chaya District with its preserved Edo-era teahouses.
Enjoy traditional Japanese Christmas cakes in cozy cafés.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-December to early January.
6. Avoid: Prague, Czech Republic
Visit Instead: Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Why:
While Prague’s Christmas markets are famous, Český Krumlov offers a quieter, storybook setting with medieval charm.
Highlights:
Visit the town square’s small but festive Christmas market.
Attend a holiday concert in a historic church.
Explore the Český Krumlov Castle in its winter glory.
Best Time to Visit: Early December to Christmas Eve.
7. Avoid: Munich, Germany
Visit Instead: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Why:
Skip the crowded Munich markets and head to Rothenburg, a charming Bavarian town that feels like stepping into a Christmas card.
Highlights:
Explore the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village for festive decorations.
Enjoy traditional German treats like bratwurst and stollen at the Reiterlesmarkt.
Take a stroll through snow-covered medieval streets.
Best Time to Visit: Late November to Christmas Eve.
8. Avoid: Reykjavik, Iceland
Visit Instead: Tromsø, Norway
Why:
Tromsø offers a unique Arctic Christmas experience with the Northern Lights, dog sledding, and Sami cultural experiences.
Highlights:
Take a Northern Lights tour on Christmas Eve.
Visit the Tromsø Christmas Market for handmade crafts and reindeer meat.
Enjoy a traditional Norwegian Christmas dinner.
Best Time to Visit: December to early January.
9. Avoid: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visit Instead: Bruges, Belgium
Why:
Bruges offers a magical holiday setting with canals, medieval architecture, and festive markets, without the overwhelming crowds of Amsterdam.
Highlights:
Ice skating at the Grote Markt.
Sip Belgian hot chocolate and try freshly made waffles.
Wander the historic streets lit with festive lights.
Best Time to Visit: Early December to early January.
10. Avoid: Zurich, Switzerland
Visit Instead: Lucerne, Switzerland
Why:
Lucerne offers a quieter, picturesque setting with a stunning lake and mountain backdrop, plus charming holiday traditions.
Highlights:
Explore the Franziskanerplatz Christmas Market.
Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne.
Hike the nearby snowy trails for stunning alpine views.
Best Time to Visit: Late November to Christmas Day.
11. Avoid: Rome, Italy
Visit Instead: Bologna, Italy
Why:
Rome is iconic during Christmas, but Bologna offers authentic Italian charm with delicious food and vibrant traditions.
Highlights:
Visit Fiera di Santa Lucia, one of Italy’s oldest Christmas markets.
Enjoy seasonal dishes like tortellini in brodo and panettone.
Explore the beautifully lit porticoes and historic piazzas.
Best Time to Visit: Early December to early January.
12. Avoid: Sydney, Australia
Visit Instead: Tasmania, Australia
Why:
While Sydney is packed during Christmas, Tasmania offers serene landscapes, unique wildlife, and festive events.
Highlights:
Explore Hobart’s Salamanca Market for local crafts and food.
Attend the Taste of Tasmania food festival.
Spend Christmas Day on a pristine Tasmanian beach.
Best Time to Visit: December to January.
13. Avoid: Lapland, Finland (Rovaniemi)
Visit Instead: Levi, Finland
Why:
Levi offers a quieter alternative to Rovaniemi with snowy landscapes, skiing, and a chance to meet Santa without the crowds.
Highlights:
Stay in a glass igloo to watch the Northern Lights.
Go dog sledding or snowmobiling through pristine forests.
Visit Santa’s cabin in a more secluded setting.
Best Time to Visit: Late November to early January.
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.