25 Dreamy Escape Destinations for the Holidays

Shannon Quinn - December 4, 2019
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Looking to get away this holiday season? When most people think of a vacation over winter break, their mind immediately goes to running somewhere tropical so that they can escape the frigid cold. Sure, we have plenty of warm weather destinations on this list if you want to lay out by the beach. However, many of us cannot feel the true spirit of Christmas unless we see snow and twinkling lights, just like we would at home. Here at Home Addict, we have gathered 30 of the best holiday escape destinations where you can still get into the Christmas spirit.

25. London, England

The red double-decker buses driving through London at Christmas time.  Credit: Shutterstock

One of the best places in the world to go during Christmas time is London, England. It’s the home of the famous story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, after all. Many of the traditions that we all know and love in America all originated in England. They take holiday festivities very seriously. Nearly every street in the city is illuminated by lights, shops have gorgeous displays, and there are multiple Christmas markets. You you can enjoy sipping mulled wine, and eating figgy pudding. It can be the perfect place to get your shopping done just before the holidays.

The iconic red telephone booths of London. Credit: Pexels

In the winter, England is very grey and wet, so be sure to pack your coat, hat, and gloves. There is always the chance that it may snow, and you could enjoy a White Christmas abroad. The good news is that flights to England are significantly cheaper in the winter time. And since the Underground is so well-organized, it should be easy for you to hop on a train and visit another country, even if it’s just a day-trip to Paris. So if you have ever wanted to visit Europe, this may be a great excuse to go.

24. Lapland, Finland

Your kids can meet the real Santa in Finland. Credit: Santa Claus Village

If you are a parent who is eager to keep the dream of Santa Claus alive in the hearts of your children, you may just want to visit Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland. You could just as easily tell your kids that you are flying to the North Pole to see him. Once you arrive, you will see the snowy lodge that is complete with Santa’s elves, and his toy workshop. When they go home, your kids can proudly tell their friends that they got to visit the real Santa.

The front of Santa’s village in Lapland, Finland. Credit: Shutterstock

You and your kids can go for a ride on a sled pulled by a reindeer, ride a snowmobile, and so much more. Of course, there are also cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops there, like most other major tourist attractions. One of the best parts of the village for a lot of people is that similar to a ski resort, they guarantee that there will be snow on the ground. So if you live in a warmer climate and your kids have never experienced playing in the snow before, this just might be a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

23. Las Vegas, Nevada

The Christmas display in the Bellagio botanical gardens. Credit: Vital Las Vegas

Going to Sin City may not be the first idea you have for spending your Christmas with the family, but it can actually be an amazing experience. If you walk along the Strip, you can see amazing Christmas decorations at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. There is also an ice skating rink at the Cosmopolitan, and the Chocolate Factory Holiday Cactus Garden. The Circus Circus Hotel and Casino is great for kids, because it has an indoor amusement park.

Las Vegas is lit up at night with all of its neon signs. Credit: Pexels

Of course, Las Vegas stays warm all year round. So it’s totally possible to go hiking nearby at the Frenchman Mountains, or walk up to the Las Vegas Viewpoint. Otherwise, have some fun and enjoy the casinos, restaurants, and endless entertainment options. In the winter time, a lot of hotels and entertainment tickets are cheaper than the summer time, So it should actually be a very affordable vacation over winter break.

22. Grindelwald, Switzerland

Guests take a train through the snowy mountains on their way to Grindelwald. Credit: Must Do Travels

For Harry Potter fans out there, you may be thinking, “Hang on…Grindelwald is a place?!” That’s right. It’s so much more than the name of a villain in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It’s a gorgeous town in the Swiss Alps. If you and your family love to ski, it could be an amazing place to experience a White Christmas like no other. According to Hostel World, there has been a 15% increase in bookings in 2019, maybe because people in the US are suddenly becoming aware of this winter wonderland.

Grindelwald looks like a snowy village out of a fairytale. Credit: Pinterest

Visitors have to take a train through the mountains of Switzerland, which will feel almost like taking the Hogwarts Express. Once you arrive, you will be inside of a snow picturesque village. The entire town is decorated for the holidays. They have a Christmas Market where you can eat and drink some Swiss holiday treats. Since you’ll be in the mountains, it is perfect for skiing, ice skating, curling, and pretty much any winter sport.

21. Hong Kong

The Hong Kong signs lit up at night. Credit: Pixabay

Since Hong Kong was once an English territory, they have adopted most of the Christmas traditions that we know and love in the west. You will find many English speakers who live there while you are shopping, but most people speak Chinese. Walking through the streets, you will find massive Christmas displays. If you have kids, you may want to take them to see the elaborate Christmas celebration in Hong Kong Disneyland. If you are huge fans of Disney, this can be a great experience, especially to compare to the parks we have here in the USA.

If you have kids, consider visiting Hong Kong Disneyland. Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

One of the best parts about visiting Hong Kong in December is the fact that the average weather will be between 60 and 70 degrees. So you can enjoy the cool weather and escape any snow or ice there might be back home. It is also very affordable to go shopping there for gifts. (After all, a lot of what we buy online here in the US is manufactured in Hong Kong.) You can spend as much or as little as you want on luxury hotels, or be thrifty by eating from local food vendors.

20. St. Croix

One of the many boats in the St. Croix Boat Parade. Credit: At Sea

So far on this list, we have given options where you can experience a festive Christmas abroad. But if you are looking for something more tropical, consider St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. They have warm weather all year round, a rainforest, mountains, and gorgeous beaches. During December, they have a one-month long St. Croix Christmas Festival. Nearly every day, there is live music and events revolving around the holidays. And, of course, you can still do your typical tropical vacation activities like scuba diving, golfing, and swimming.

Several people choose to participate in the boat parade. Credit: PinIMG

At the beginning of the month, there is an event called the Christmas Boat Parade . This is where the boardwalk and streets of the town are fully decorated for Christmas, while boat owners slowly motor by complete decked out for the holidays. (Because who needs floats when you have yachts?) At the end of the parade, there is a fireworks show. If you plan to stay through New Years Eve, you can also see the Three Kings Day Parade in the first week of January.

19. Bali, Indonesia

A bird’s eye view of the gorgeous Bali landscape. Credit: Burst by Shopify

In case you didn’t know, Bali is a gorgeous tropical paradise all year long. There are sandy beaches, jungles, yoga studios, amazing restaurants, and so much more. One of the best parts is that there are plenty of affordable places to stay. If you’re a young traveler who doesn’t mind sharing accommodations, HostelWorld has listings that start at just $5 per night. Or, you can really splash out on an entire villa on AirBnB for just $15 per night. The US dollar goes a very long way in Bali, so you can easily afford to live like royalty during your vacation. 

The beach at sunset in Bali. Credit: Pixabay

Even though most people practice the Hindu religion in Indonesia, there are so many tourists that come to visit. So they have begun to celebrate some western Christmas traditions, and it is recognized as a national holiday in Indonesia. So all of the hotels are decorated with lights, and so are the major shopping centers. On Christmas Day, there are parties on the beach, as well as fireworks.

18. Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Credit: Pixabay

Cape Town, South Africa is yet another English-speaking country that is warm all year round. So you can experience the beauty of Africa with ease. The city is absolutely gorgeous with beaches and mountain views. There are luxury 5-star hotels, wineries, and so much more. If you go during the holidays, the Cape Town Christmas Markets begin in November, and go until the New Year. The Christmas Village has Santa’s house, as well as the Elves Clubhouse nearby.

The beaches in Cape Town. Credit: Pixabay

They have the epic outdoor Festival of Lights. Unlike Christmas light festivals in Europe or America, you can walk around at night without freezing your butto ff. It also has a recreation of the Nativity Barn, plus a section called Fantasyland. Don’t forget the “Carols by Candlelight” outdoor concert. They also have events and a Christmas Parade throughout the month of December. On Christmas Day, most of the restaurants will provide a traditional turkey dinner, so you and your family do not have to worry about cooking a feast for your family.

17. Taipei, Taiwan

Songshan Ciyou Temple in Taipei. Credit: Nick Kembel

During your holiday break, you might want to get away from your normal everyday life. So you just might want to explore Taipei to see their gorgeous temples and natural splendor. You can truly have a vastly different experience than what you normally see in the states, so it truly earns its title as an “escape destination”. For more tips on what you and your family can do for fun, check out this list of 50 activities by Nick Kembel.

The Christmasland market in Taipei. Credit: Business Wire

Even though Christmas is not designated as a public holiday in Taipei, there are still plenty of places where you can go to get in the holiday spirit. If you visit the Banqiao train station, there is a “Christmasland” Market. There is also the Mega City Department Store, where you can see a lit Christmas tree and buy presents for your family. If you want to eat traditional western Christmas food, be sure to visit an American hotel chain like the Grand Hyatt. 

16. Orlando, Florida

Disney World is one of the most wonderful places on Earth. Credit: Pixabay

Flying to Florida may not be an escape from the US, but if you live in a colder climate, you can get away with the rest of the “snowbirds” and lay on the warm, sandy beaches. There are also golf courses, shopping, and much more. If you have kids, going to Disney World or Universal Studios during the holidays really does help you escape reality, at least for a little while. 

Check out the Magic Kingdom during Christmas Time at Disney World. Credit: The Disney Tourist Blog

You and your kids could walk through Hogsmeade just like Harry Potter and his friends did at Christmas time. Or, they can visit Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. This begins in November, and continues on through the New Year. Keep in mind that these parks will charge more close to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Try to plan out your trip accordingly. If you have a flexible schedule, consider waiting until later in the winter if you want to get a cheaper deal. 

15. Siargao, Philippines

Enjoy the gorgeous weather escaping to the island of Siargao. Credit: Be My Travel Muse

Siargao Island in the Philippines has been voted one of the best islands to take a vacation in the entire world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. People love it because it’s not overrun by tourists. And if you even want to get there, you will need to fly to a nearby airport and take a smaller plane onto the island. This extra step to get there is what keeps most people away. But for those who arrive there, they say it’s a dream come true. Siargao has been called the surfing capital of the Philippines, so it’s the perfect place to hang ten. 

Villas that are available for rent in Siargao. Credit: Booking

There are plenty of cute cafes, restaurants, and shopping to keep you well-fed and happy during your stay. The one and only downside is that there is not very much to do there along the lines of traditional Christmas celebrations. This is truly meant to be a location where you get away from everything, including the Christmas music on the radio. If you want to spend the holiday season truly relaxing without much else to worry about, Siargao just may be the place for you.

14. Grand Cayman

The lights and the tree in Grand Cayman. Credit: Nick Harvey on Facebook.

If you want to spend Christmas in Grand Cayman, make sure you book your reservations early, because loads of people rush to spend their holidays in this tropical island paradise. Grand Cayman is famous for being a tax haven, which means that you will spot plenty of millionaires there on vacation. This is an amazing place to escape your troubles, especially since everyone speaks English.

Your kids can visit the tropical version of Santa. Credit: Dr. Nicole Eastman on Facebook

The island has a 40-foot tall decorated Christmas tree, and boats covered in lights have a parade around the harbor. There is also a place for the kids to meet Santa. Twice a week, there is even a boat you can visit to find Santa wearing his tropical shorts and a t-shirt. Your kids will probably laugh at the idea that Jolly Old St. Nick is taking a nice vacation before traveling around the world with presents. There is even a Christmas Light Tour where you can hop on a bus and drive past all of the mansions that are elaborately decorated for the holidays.

13. Cartagena, Colombia

A light display to celebrate the Day of the Little Candles. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking to spend Christmas in the warm weather of South America, look no further than Cartagena, Columbia. In early December, they have a holiday called “The Day of the Little Candles”. This is an event where families light candles and put them in the street to honor the Virgin Mary. So you can experience the city with beautiful candle light. As you can imagine, this city also takes Christmas very seriously. They put up Christmas decorations, and you can feel like you are truly experiencing the magic of the holidays.

A light display along the Medellin River. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Besides the Christmas cheer, you could relax at the beach, or go shopping at the Mercado de Bazurto marketplace. Food in Cartagena is very cheap, and you can get a large lunch for around $5. If you are a tourist who cannot speak very much Spanish, we recommend staying at one of the larger hotels or resorts instead of an AirBnB. This will guarantee that you and your family are completely safe, and can enjoy your vacation. 

12. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The floating Christmas tree has been decorated in a number of different ways. Credit: The Rio Times

Looking for a gorgeous, warm vacation spot to lay on the beach and relax? Consider going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s home to the famous statue of Jesus  called “Christ the Redeemer”, so it only makes sense that they would want to celebrate his birthday by going all out on Christmas festivities. Traditionally, Brazilians eat a turkey or chicken dinner with salad and fruit. If you want to eat more of a traditional American meal, you can visit the Gringo Cafe for all of your comfort holiday foods.

The Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro. Credit: Conde Nast Traveler

One of their most famous decorations in Rio is the floating christmas tree that stands over 85 meters high in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Every year, the tree has a new theme. It is lit from December 1st through January 6th, so you have well over a month to check it out. Official town buildings like the churches and city square are all lit up with Christmas lights starting December first. There are also plenty of spots to go shopping, ice skate, and so much more.

11. Sydney, Australia

The Christmas Bauble at Darling Harbor. Credit: Sydney KIIS

Since it’s on the other side of the world, December is actually summertime in Australia. Whether you like spending time in nature or visiting a more cosmopolitan area, Sydney has a little bit of everything. You can enjoy Bondi beach, take some surfing lessons, or visit the famous Sydney Opera House. On November 25th, the mayor of Sydney officially lights the Christmas Tree at Martin Place. The Darling Harbor has Christmas celebrations all of December with fireworks every Saturday, Christmas movies played out on the lawn of the park, a market, a ferris wheel, and plenty of food to eat.

Your kids will not need their coats to walk around Darling Harbor. Credit: Ella List

Australia was once an English colony, just like us here in the United States. So the Aussies celebrate many of the same traditions that we do…Except, they apparently decorate with a “Christmas Bush”. And instead of having a hot turkey with all the trimmings, Australians usually celebrate Christmas similar to how we would do the Fourth of July. People have outdoor barbecues, cold cut sandwiches, and shrimp. 

10. New York, NY

The famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Credit: New York Latin Cultures

For most people, when they think of an iconic American Christmas experience, they might think about New York City. This is probably because so many of our favorite holiday movies like Home Alone 2, Elf, and Miracle on 34th Street all take place in the Big Apple. Being there in person truly is a magical experience. You could go shopping on 5th Avenue to see all of the amazing displays in store windows. There are flagship stores for nearly every fashion brand in existence, and it’s a paradise for fashion lovers. 

If you are in New York for the holidays, you might as well see Frozen on Broadway. Credit: Frozen on Broadway

If you are going with your whole family, consider ice skating in front of Rockefeller Center. If you are looking to see a show, consider the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, or the Nutcracker Ballet. And if you have kids (or you’re just a huge Disney fan) then you might want to consider seeing Frozen on Broadway. The one and only downside is that spending Christmas in New York will be very expensive, especially if you stay in Manhattan. Restaurants along Broadway are going to be very pricey. So, if you can, try to find places to eat in cheaper areas. Also remember to bring plenty of cold-weather gear, because you never know if it may snow.

9. Quebec City, Canada

The Christmas Market in Quebec. Credit: The City of Quebec

While we can’t promise that you will have a white Christmas in Quebec, the odds are very high, since you would be spending time in chilly Canada. Quebec is a very European style city where nearly everyone is bilingual in French and English. If you live in the United States, this can be a much more affordable way to experience a European style Christmas and still stay in North America.

They go all out with Christmas lights in Quebec. Credit: The City of Quebec

Walking down the streets of Old Quebec will make you feel as though you have gone back in time, and it just might remind Harry Potter fans of Hogsmeade. Every year, the city has a Winter Carnival with ice sculpture contests, sleigh rides, and more. And, of course, you will see plenty of lights, Santa Claus, and decorations in nearly every shop window. You can even visit the Ice Hotel and have a cocktail, or cuddle up in your hotel room to keep warm.

8. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo holiday lights are out of this world. Credit: Minato City

Christmas in Japan is a unique experience you are not likely to forget. Since the country was introduced to the concept of Christmas from American soldiers who were stationed in Japan during World War II, they picked up on some of the traditions in an odd way. Back then, there was no turkey dinner for the soldiers to eat. So they had to resort to eating Kentucky Fried Chicken. That tradition stuck, and now, every family in Japan eats KFC on Christmas. Going into Starbucks, you won’t find your traditional flavors of holiday beverages, either. While the decorations may be Christmassy, it’s kind of like experiencing a very odd (but fun) version of the holiday.

In Japan, families traditionally eat KFC on Christmas. Credit: The Culture Trip

If you are in the city with your kids, Tokyo Disneyland has a lot to do for Christmas. It could be a great way to check off your global Disney park checklist. There is a train that takes you straight into Disneyland from central Tokyo. So, no matter where you are staying, you should be able to find where to go. Since the Winter Olympics is coming in 2020, the city has put in more of an effort to add signs all over the city for English-speakers. So together with Google Maps, it should be easy for you to navigate, even if you do not speak or read Japanese.

7. Rome, Italy

The Christmas tree right outside the Roman Colleseum. Credit: Getty Images

Since Rome is a mostly Catholic city, it should be no surprise that they love celebrating Christmas. If you visit Rome during the holiday season, you can expect to see huge Christmas Trees near the Colosseum and Saint Peter’s Square. There are large nativity scenes all over the city to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. While you are looking at the sights, you can enjoy eating delicious Italian food, and take a walk through some of the famous historic landmarks and museums. 

One of the large Nativity scenes in Rome. Credit: Getty Images

The Piazza Navona has their holiday market in the Baroque Square. You can buy gifts, souvenirs, food, and ornaments. There is also an outdoor ice skating rink. For anyone who is devoutly religious, you would enjoy the live nativity scene, as well as Christmas mass said by the Pope himself. Rome could be a perfect place to go for anyone who is trying to escape all of the commercialism we experience in the United States, since they are so good at “Keeping Christ in Christmas”.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

Christmas decorations outside of a mall in Bangkok. Credit: Getty Images

Christmas is not a national holiday in Thailand, since Buddhism is the official religion in the country. However, there are plenty of Christians who live there and brought the holiday traditions there. Most families do not actually have a celebration on December 25th to exchange gifts with one another. So when you go to Bangkok for Christmas, you are getting one hundred percent commercialism when you see all of the lights and decorations.

Enjoy warm Thai beaches in the winter time. Credit: Getty Images

Winter is actually the best time to travel to Thailand, because the windy and rainy weather of November is over. The weather is normally dry and warm, which makes it perfect for spending time on the beach or walking outside to do some shopping. So it’s great for both a warm weather getaway, and you can also enjoy seeing decorations that will help keep you in the holiday spirit. While Bangkok is not always considered to be family-friendly, it is far more laid back than Phuket, which we will get to in just a second…

5. Phuket, Thailand

The center of Phuket at night. Credit: Phuket Radio

We already mentioned Bangkok, Thailand on this list, but the city of Phuket is also a popular destination for the holiday season. This city is famous for its nightlife, so it’s perfect to go there if you are single or a young couple looking to have a ton of fun in a warm environment. During the months of December and January, you will find that all of the popular beaches like Patong and Karon will have massive parties that is essentially clubbing on the beach. If you Google Image Search Phuket at Christmas, you will see loads of photos of girls wearing sexy Santa costumes, which gives you a good idea of what the vibe is like when you go there. 

Christmas decorations in Central Phuket. Credit: Timeout

If you’re staying during New Years Eve, your best bet is to go to the Cafe del Mar or the Catch Beach Club for a huge party. And, of course, if you want to find beaches to relax on, you totally can. Like we said earlier, you can find Christmas decorations in some of the big malls and shopping centers, but don’t expect people to exchange gifts of understand what you mean by the “true meaning of Christmas”. If you are going as a solo traveler who is ready to party and make some new friends on winter break, we recommend finding affordable accommodations on Hostelworld, where they have options for as low as $12 a night.

4. Hawaii

Hang ten with Santa Claus in Hawaii. Credit: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

If you want to stay inside of the United States and still have an amazing tropical holiday season, look no further than Hawaii. You can stay on any island you like, and you will find that there are parades, Christmas lights, and holiday concerts. And, of course, you can still go on hikes, visit a volcano, swim with sea turtles, surf, and so much more. A lot of people like to go to a traditional Hawaiian Luau, which will be extra festive during the holidays.

Instead of snowmen, your kids can make sand men. Credit: Hawaii Magazine

In Honolulu, you will find a 50-foot tall Christmas tree with live entertainment. Of course, since it’s still America, it should be easy for you to find a restaurant that will serve you the traditional Thanksgiving turkey with the trimmings. You can go shopping all day long, and come back to the hotel to turn on cable TV and probably find some of your favorite movies playing. But since it is so warm outside, most people go on the beach after their Christmas dinner to watch the sunset.

3. San José, Costa Rica

The Christmas parade in San Jose, Costa Rica. Credit: Q Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been a popular vacation destination for a very long time. The main language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish, but many people also speak English, especially if you are staying at a resort. The month of December is one of the cheapest times to fly there, so visiting the city of San Jose will actually be affordable for you to go there. Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most idyllic tropical paradises in the world. People love to do yoga, go on spiritual retreats, and everyone is incredibly laid back. So it should be a perfect play to escape the stress of everyday life.

The Children’s Museum on San Jose. Credit: The Tico Times

If you are worried about missing the Christmas spirit, don’t worry. You will find plenty of Christmas trees, as well as some of your favorite foods. There is also the addition of Costa Rica’s “Tres Leches Cakes”, which are amazing. They have an annual Christmas parade with elaborate floats, outdoor Nativity scenes, and live entertainment. The Children’s Museum already looks like a castle, but they make the effort to string lights all around it. So, at night, the museum truly looks like something out of a fairy tale. 

2. Puerto Rico

The gorgeous water of Puerto Rico. Credit: Pixabay

Since it is technically a territory of the United States, you should find plenty of our same Christmas traditions in Puerto Rico. The main language spoken is Spanish, but most people also speak English, especially since many tourists and expats visit the island on a regular basis. They have beautiful beaches, delicious food, and villas with ocean views. 

Santa and the Three Wise Men getting ready for Midnight Mass. Credit: Why Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is predominantly Catholic, so people love to sing “Aguinaldos”, which are Christmas Carols. And on Christmas Eve, most people will go to mass to pray.  The Midnight Mass includes a reenactment of the first Christmas with a huge Nativity scene. Dinner is usually roasted pork, rice, and beans. Keep in mind that the island is still recovering from Hurricane Maria, but they have begun to let tourists back slowly, but surely. They would truly appreciate your tourism dollars. If you have any concerns, please do you research ahead of time and contact the resort where you are staying.

1. St. Georges, Grenada

The colorful houses in St. Georges, Grenada. Credit: Pixabay

If you want to escape to some white sandy beaches during your holiday break, you may want to consider Grenada. This is an English and French speaking island in the Caribbean that is especially popular among expats and sailboat cruisers. They have an underwater sculpture park that you can scuba dive through. You can visit waterfalls, eat delicious food, and enjoy talking to friendly locals. During the Christmas season, you should be able to get ahold of turkey and macaroni pie at one of the local restaurants or hotels.

The Grenada Parang Festival. Credit: Pinterest

In December, you can enjoy the Carriacou Parang Festival. In case you didn’t know, “parang” is their traditional music of Grenada with pans, guitars, and spoons. This is a cultural presentation with free concerts and entertainment. On Christmas Day, most people are doing the tradition of exchanging gifts, displaying their nativity, and waiting for their visit from Santa.

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