Most people use the holiday season to go home and watch the movie Elf on repeat for two weeks. While that sounds great to me (read: like death) I prefer spending the holidays traveling!
So I'm sharing five interesting, quirky, and absolutely-on-my-bucket list Christmas trips found around the world.
Santa’s hometown of Rovaniemi, Finland 🇫🇮
Nothing screams Christmas quite like going to Santa's birthplace! If you want a charmingly cheese holiday vacation, Rovaniemi, Finland should be top of your list.
Rovaniemi is full of festive activities geared towards families and all holiday lovers. You could start the day by visiting the Santa Claus Village where you can meet Santa and some of his reindeer! A great photo op for the family or for the solo female traveler looking for the perfect picture.
As a full-time adventurer, I would personally opt for the snowmobile safari—zooming around the snowy fields sounds like a dream. But if you're a bi slower paced, Finland is full of relaxing hot springs and saunas to relax on.
And of course if you are in Finnish lapland you've got take your chances and try to get a glimpse of a true wonder of the world on journey to see the Northern Lights.
Wondering where you should stay in this winter wonderland? I recommend the Arctic SnowHotel. If you're really feeling adventurous you can sleep in a bed carved from snow and ice. It's a little rugged, but for campers and nature lovers it's a rare hotel experience that will literally melt away in a few months.
The Christmas markets in Munich, Germany 🇩🇪
The Christmas markets in Munich are world famous for a reason, and even a non-religious Caribbean-sun loving girl like myself can resist their charms. First thing I would do touching down in Munich in December is sign up for an all-inclusive Christmas market food tour. The one in Marienplatz square is among the best and oldest in the world, so definitely add that to your itinerary!
Shopping in Munich doubles as a little history lesson… so any money you spend is technically for educational purposes, right? Girl Christmas math.
Munich also hosts an annual Krampus festival called Krampuslauf if you're into dark tourism or just find it super freaking weird yet intriguing, like me. Krampus is the scary demon that punishes children in German lore (basically, Santa's evil twin). Hundreds of adults come to Munich every year to dress up in costumes and run through the city. It's strange and scary, but also kind of hilarious and make for an interesting Christmas card.
💡 If you visit Munich as part of a greater tour of Germany, be sure to check out my favorite spots in Berlin. Solo female traveler approved, too.
Go to London's premiere Christmas drag show (Yep, you read that right) 🇬🇧
There are a lot of similarities between the American and British holiday seasons. Christmas caroling, themed pop up bars, Christmas food market tours (this one is the best in London, btw), etc.
But there's one British tradition you may not know about: a full-blown drag performance also known as Pantomime. Each year Pantomime shows are put on in theaters for families looking for a little extra fun during the holidays. The wild performances star men in drag recreating a hilarious, melodramatic version of a well-known childhood story. Think of Cinderella, but the evil stepmom and stepsisters are 6 feet tall in campy full glam.
Some of the past exciting shows include Jack and the Beanstalk at the London Palladium and Mother Goose at the West End theatre. Anyone who lives for chaos and comedy will love this experience!
A Maori Christmas in New Zealand 🇳🇿
Sun babies, unite! Who says Christmas has to be cold? Winter in the northern hemisphere means it's summer down unda, so why not get out of the cold with a Christmas trip to New Zealand?
Locals often take advantage of the warm summer weather by lounging on the beach enjoying a big family barbecue, or “Hangi” as it’s called in Maori, the local indigenous culture.
Hangi is a cooking technique that involves burying meats, fish, veggies, and potatoes underground and cooking for several hours. Hot stones and earth cover the dish, and the slow roast produces a tender, rich final product that should be savored.
Make some friends with the locals to earn a Hangi invite, or book a Mitai Maori Village tour which is complete with an authentic feast! Cultural experiences like this have always been my favorite part of traveling, and a trip to New Zealand will give you a chance to learn all about indigenous holiday traditions.
Celebrate Christmas… radishes? en Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽
In Mexico, Christmas happens for the entire month of December with big community get-togethers. Because Mexico is a predominantly Catholic-Christian country, the holiday is an especially important cultural event for locals.
One of the most fun things to do in Mexico during this season is to attend the “posadas” which take place from December 16 to 24. While posadas started as a way for Spaniards to tell the nativity story, they evolved into big fiestas with all the essentials. Get ready for piñatas, tamales, ponche navideño (AKA spiced punch with some tequila or rum), and tons of music!
The state of Oaxaca is famous for it's interesting festivals and holiday celebrations so you know they have some fun in store for Christmas. I stayed at the Selina Hostel Oaxaca in a private room and loved my experience! The weather will be amazing and the prices should be super low during this slower season when everyone is at home. And if you make it here, you’ll be able to see the one-of-a-kind “Noche de Rábanos” or the “Night of the Radishes.”
Yup, a tradition dedicated to just radishes is a real thing. And it's amazing. Locals sculpt tons of festive figurines out of radishes, showing off their skills with edible art. The festival doubles as a contest, and whoever presents the best radish displays can win a few prizes and the prestigious title of best radish carver.
While traveling through Oaxaca, treat yourself to some rest and relaxation. I recommend a visit to Hierve el Agua hot springs where you can soak up some wellness before the new year. (Bonus perk, this is a great spot to grab some photos to update everyone back home where you're spending the holiday!)
🎁 Download my FREE Travel Holiday Gift Guide for non-cliche gift ideas for the avid traveler in your life!
Midnight mass in the center of Catholicism, Vatican City 🇻🇦
One of the most common Christmas traditions around the world is attending a church service. So why not do so in the city at the center of Catholicism, Vatican City? There’s a glittering Christmas tree in front of the church and a life-like nativity scene that is crafted by different artists every year.
Every year, there is a stunning midnight mass in Vatican City and Christmas concert to honor the story of the birth of Jesus. But, you don’t have to be religious to appreciate this incredibly ornate ritual. It's beautiful experience to feel like part of a community and witness something magical. Next to the election of a new pope, this is one of the most popular events hosted in the Vatican.
If you don't make it to midnight mass, don't worry. Any tour of Vatican City in this time will be Christmas themed and offer a lot of insight into the religion and the city's traditions. As an alternate idea, I love this morning breakfast tour of the Sisitine Chapel!
Christmas With > Old Saint Nick, in Urbania, Italy 🇮🇹
Did you know Italy has their own version of Santa too? Except swap the older jolly man with a good-willed witch! Her name is La Befana, and she’s a witch who delivers presents while riding on the back of a broom on January 5th. You'll have to travel from Rome to Urbania if you want to celebrate the La Befana festival.
The enormous holiday carnival has dancing, juggling, singing, and delicious festive treats you can enjoy while watching hundreds of people dressed as La Befana wander the streets.
Let travel become your new Christmas tradition ✈️✨
There’s something really special about spending Christmas in a new place every year. I’ve spent a few holidays solo traveling around the world, and while it may not be the most “normal” Christmas, it's such a fun way to spend the season!
And, if you don’t want to spend Christmas day away from family, use the holiday to prepare for all your adventures in the new year. Start by bringing some of these Christmas traditions from around the world into your home so you can explore different cultures without booking a flight.
Wherever you are for the holidays, remember to surround yourself with good people and do something you love.
If you're looking for some holiday travel plans that give off festive Christmas vibes, then head to some of the world's most jolly destinations like Finland, Germany, and London. But if you're looking for something a little less Hallmark, try traveling solo to some places where Christmas is less popular, like Dubai.
If you're spending the holidays solo, give yourself the gift of a solo travel adventure. Learn everything you need to know about solo travel here, and then book a trip that will make your season extra special.
Are you traveling this holiday season?
Let me know where you're going in the comments below!