Best 10 Christmas Holiday destinations in 2024
Sparkling lights, dazzling decorations, and the magical aroma of festive cheer—Christmas is truly in the air! It’s no surprise that so many of us call it the most wonderful time of the year. But while you’re busy sipping hot cocoa and singing carols, millions of travellers are plotting their perfect holiday escape. After all, doesn’t the season just fly by? One moment, you’re untangling fairy lights; the next, you’re popping champagne to welcome the New Year.
As one of Europe’s largest online travel agencies, eDreams is here to make your festive travel dreams come true. To help you sleigh (pun intended) your holiday plans, we’ve crunched the numbers from an internal study to reveal the most booked destinations for Christmas 2024 among UK travellers. Whether you’re enchanted by twinkling European markets overflowing with mulled wine and gingerbread or daydreaming of a sunny escape where a “white Christmas” means soaking up the rays, we’ve got all the inspiration you need for your next adventure.
So, are you the sentimental snow globe type, longing for family traditions and cosy nights by the fire? Or the bold globetrotter, eager to swap sleigh bells for off-the-beaten-path adventures that turn the holiday season into your next great story? Whatever your style, this Christmas is your moment to create new unforgettable memories. Let eDreams whisk you away to the best 10 Christmas holiday destinations in 2024. Ready to unwrap your perfect holiday? Let’s dive in and make this season one to remember!
Top 10 destinations for Christmas holidays and New Year’s
Using our booking data for 2024, we’ve put together an exclusive list of the top Christmas and New Year’s holiday destinations to spark your wanderlust and help you get inspired. Discover where travellers are heading this year and get inspired for your own magical journey!
Amsterdam
Dreaming of a charming winter escape? Amsterdam is pure magic during the Christmas season, with its twinkling canals, cosy cafés, and festive markets. Stroll through the illuminated streets of the Amsterdam Light Festival, ice skate in front of the Rijksmuseum, and warm up with traditional Dutch oliebollen (fried doughnuts). Whether you’re sipping mulled wine or soaking in the holiday charm, Amsterdam promises a memorable festive getaway.
Paris
Christmas in Paris—need we say more? The City of Light truly shines during the festive season, with dazzling displays on the Champs-Élysées and the iconic Eiffel Tower twinkling even brighter. Explore enchanting Christmas markets, enjoy seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts, and experience Parisian magic at its finest. Whether you’re strolling through snow-dusted streets or indulging in a decadent holiday dinner, Paris is an unforgettable destination for the holidays.
Barcelona
For a warmer Christmas holiday, Barcelona delivers! This Mediterranean gem pairs festive cheer with mild weather, offering the best of both worlds. Wander through the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market near the stunning Sagrada Família, enjoy traditional Catalan treats like turrón, and marvel at the city’s twinkling lights. Barcelona also celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks, live music, and the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight—one for each chime of the clock!
Madrid
Madrid comes alive with festive spirit during Christmas and New Year! The city’s squares are decked out with dazzling lights, and the Plaza Mayor hosts one of Spain’s most beloved Christmas markets. Treat yourself to churros with hot chocolate, explore Nativity scenes across the city, and join the lively celebrations in Puerta del Sol as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Madrid is the perfect mix of tradition, culture, and holiday cheer.
Rome
Experience a magical Christmas steeped in history in Rome. From the Vatican’s breathtaking Nativity displays to the sparkling lights of Piazza Venezia, Rome offers a festive atmosphere like no other. Attend a Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, feast on panettone and other Italian delicacies, and explore the city’s ancient landmarks decorated for the season. Rome’s blend of tradition and holiday magic makes it a top choice for the festive season.
Bucharest
Looking for an underrated Christmas gem? Head to Bucharest! Romania’s capital transforms into a winter wonderland, with its iconic Christmas Market in Constitution Square stealing the show. Enjoy ice skating under twinkling lights, savor traditional Romanian treats like cozonac (sweet bread), and soak in the festive atmosphere. Whether it’s carols, crafts, or cozy cafés, Bucharest is full of holiday charm.
Zurich
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Zurich is your answer! This Swiss city blends snowy landscapes with holiday magic. Explore the Christkindlimarkt inside Zurich’s main train station, featuring a towering Christmas tree adorned with Swarovski crystals. Sip on steaming glühwein (mulled wine) and enjoy a romantic stroll along the snowy shores of Lake Zurich. Zurich is the perfect mix of festive cheer and alpine charm.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a Christmas market lover’s paradise! Its iconic Römerberg market is one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful, offering handmade gifts, warm pretzels, and cups of fragrant mulled wine. Take in the festive decorations, enjoy ice skating, and let the holiday cheer sweep you away. Frankfurt is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Christmas experience.
Istanbul
Looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays? Istanbul offers a fascinating mix of culture and festivities. While Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated, you’ll still find twinkling decorations, festive shopping streets, and even themed events in popular areas like Nişantaşı. For New Year’s, the city truly shines with fireworks over the Bosphorus and lively celebrations. Istanbul offers a magical blend of East and West to make your holiday unforgettable.
Malaga
Swap snow for sunshine with a holiday in Malaga! This Spanish city boasts a dazzling light display on Calle Larios that draws visitors from around the world. Explore festive markets, enjoy the mild Mediterranean weather, and savour holiday treats like polvorones and mantecados. Malaga’s blend of warm weather, vibrant traditions, and holiday cheer makes it a top pick for Christmas and New Year.
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Why book your Christmas holidays with eDreams
eDreams makes planning your festive getaway easy, affordable, and stress-free—because the holidays should be about joy, not juggling travel headaches. With a stellar Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5, millions of travellers trust us to deliver unbeatable deals, a seamless booking experience, and exceptional service from start to finish.
Here are some other reasons why eDreams can be the best choice for your Christmas holiday:
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Unbeatable savings
Comprehensive options
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Best price guarantee
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Trusted by travellers
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Stress-free booking
Unbeatable savings
Save £100s on flights and up to £220 on accommodation, making your holiday budget go even further.
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The destination insights featured in this article are based on a comprehensive analysis of booking data from eDreams and its associated brands. This analysis includes all bookings made between August 1 and November 15, 2024, for travel dates spanning the peak holiday period of December 20th, 2024, to January 6th, 2025.
By analysing this dataset, we identified travel preferences and trends for the Christmas and New Year season. This method ensures the findings accurately reflect the booking patterns of travellers during one of the busiest times of the year.