Twinkling lights, crackling fireplaces, warm mugs of hot chocolate with star shaped marshmallows, and slow, snowy mornings are what a cozy Christmas vacation is all about. With soft blankets, festive treats, and charming towns, whether you’re tucked into a mountain lodge or wandering through a winter market.
If you’d rather swap the snow for sunshine and spend the holidays with warm ocean breezes, palm-lit sunsets, and sandy-toed celebrations choose a tropical Christmas vacation destination which is all about sunny beaches, festive cocktails, twinkling palm trees, and a cheerful, laid-back holiday vibe that feels like a pure escape. Sit back and dream about your ideal Christmas vacation travel. Here is Marneys Tidbits list of top Christmas vacation spots this year.
Best Vacation Spots During Christmas 2025
Marneys Tidbits published this article on the top places to travel for Christmas this year, whether your looking for a tropical escape, or a cozy winter ski trip, your sure to love Marneys Tidbits top picks.
Links to all the Beautiful Christmas resorts in this article can be found in Marneys Tidbits Expedia Shop’s, Christmas curation.
Iceland – The Blue Lagoon, Nesjavellir And Reykjavik
Iceland offers a stunning winter-holiday atmosphere: snow-dusted landscapes, geothermal spas, and the possibility of the aurora borealis dancing overhead. In December, Reykjavik’s city center glows with holiday lights, local markets, and festive cafés. Add a day excursion or stay at the famous Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa for an amazing experience.
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a famous geothermal spa set in a dramatic lava field near Reykjavík. It’s milky-blue, mineral-rich waters are naturally heated and known for their skin-healing properties. Visitors can soak in the waters, enjoy in-water massages, or relax in saunas and steam rooms, all while surrounded by striking volcanic scenery. The Silica Hotel, one of my favs in Iceland, is a minimalist retreat on the Blue Lagoon, featuring rooms with volcanic views, a private geothermal Silica Lagoon, and premium Blue Lagoon access.
The ION Adventure Hotel is a stylish, eco-conscious retreat located in Nesjavellir, on the slopes of Mount Hengill in southwest Iceland, less than an hour from Reykjavík. The hotel sits amid a dramatic lava field and is partially powered by the nearby Nesjavellir geothermal power plant. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Golden Circle, with easy access to iconic sites like Thingvellir National Park, where visitors can snorkel or dive in the Silfra Rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. My favorite part about staying here is the long haired goat and wild horse sightings.
Surrounding the hotel, guests can enjoy hiking trails, geothermal activity, and natural hot springs, as well as a Lava Spa and an outdoor Northern Lights Bar for relaxing under the aurora. Adventure seekers can arrange glacier treks, snowmobiling, fly-fishing, and 4×4 tours, while summer brings hiking and scenic exploration. The area is also rich in birdlife, making ION Adventure Hotel a perfect mix of luxury, nature, and adventure. If you’re staying at the stylish ION Adventure Hotel, you get to experience comfort in the wild. Because nights are long, you’ll have more time for northern-lights tours.
The French Alps – Chamonix & Megève, France
For a classic alpine Christmas, the French Alps deliver quaint villages, festive Christmas markets, and snow-covered slopes. Imagine sipping vin chaud in a pedestrianized town square while anticipating fresh powder the next day. Many resorts open ski lifts by late December and host holiday events. Enjoy torch-lit descents and gourmet mountain-restaurant dinners.
Megève, France
Megève is a chic French Alpine village known for its luxury lodges, elegant boutiques, and charming cobblestone streets. Set against snow-capped peaks, it’s a winter wonderland for skiing and après-ski relaxation. In summer, the surrounding mountains offer scenic hikes, golf, and fresh alpine air. With fine dining, spas, and timeless village charm, Megève blends sophistication with classic French Alps beauty. Book a stay at The Four Seasons Resort Megève a luxury alpine retreat in the French Alps, offering elegant rooms, ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service spa, and gourmet dining amid stunning mountain scenery.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix sits at the base of Mont Blanc, offering breathtaking Alpine views and endless adventure. Ski in winter, hike in summer, and take in the mountains via scenic trails or the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Cozy cafés and charming lodges complete this classic French Alps experience. I recommend staying at The Hôtel Mont-Blanc in Chamonix. This historic luxury hotel, in the heart of Chamonix, France, offers elegant rooms with Mont Blanc views, refined dining, and easy access to skiing and alpine adventures.
Warm-Weather Break, Maui, Hawaii
For travelers who prefer warmth over snow, Maui is an excellent holiday destination in December. Enjoy fun in the sun in Hawaii. Enjoy sandy beaches, golf, spas, shopping, and Christmas festivals. The Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua offers holiday celebrations, an extraordinary Christmas buffet and special Christmas events. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a luxury resort on Maui’s northwest coast, set amid lush gardens and oceanfront cliffs. It offers elegant rooms, world-class golf, a spa, and easy access to beaches and tropical adventures.
While you might not get a snowy white Christmas, you’ll get a stylish island holiday with holiday décor, luaus, and a relaxed vibe perfect for both families and couples.
The Swiss Alps – My Top Three Picks
Zermatt, Switzerland
Towering beneath the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a snow-guaranteed winter wonderland. The car-free village and high-altitude snowy terrain make it an especially beautiful white-Christmas experience. In winter, it offers world-class skiing and stunning glacier views; in summer, it’s filled with scenic hikes, lakes, and wildflowers. With cozy chalets, great dining, and unforgettable mountain excursions like the Gornergrat Railway, Zermatt delivers year-round Alpine fun.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a glamorous Alpine retreat known for luxury hotels, chic boutiques, and stunning mountain views. In winter, it shines with world-class skiing and iconic events on it’s frozen lake; in summer, it offers sunny hikes, lakeside walks, and crisp mountain air. It’s a sophisticated escape year-round.
Montreux, Switzerland
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is a charming Alpine village known for luxury resorts, chic boutiques, and beautiful chalets. Winter brings world-class skiing, and family friendly sledding, while summer offers hiking, biking, and scenic mountain adventures, all paired with elegant dining and Swiss charm. Take the Belle Époque train from Montreux to Gstaad to journey through Swiss history and scenery. Its restored wooden carriages and elegant interiors evoke early 20th-century charm, while the route offers stunning views of Lake Geneva, vineyards, and the Alps. A perfect blend of nostalgia and breathtaking landscapes.
Crans Montana, Switzerland
Crans-Montana is a sunny Alpine resort known for skiing in winter and hiking, golf, and lakeside relaxation in summer. With luxury hotels and lively dining, it offers both adventure and elegance year-round.
Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland
Villars-sur-Ollon is a charming Alpine village in the Vaud region, offering stunning mountain views and a welcoming atmosphere. Winter brings skiing and snow sports, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and scenic walks. With cozy chalets, family-friendly activities, and local dining, Villars-sur-Ollon is a classic Swiss mountain escape.
Big Sky, Montana
For a U.S. option that still feels remote and festive, Big Sky delivers. Lone Mountain Ranch offers a “Holiday Discovery” package with Nordic trails, sleigh-ride dinners and candle-lit log-cabin experiences. This is one of the best Christmas vacations for families that like the snow but want to say closer to home. Enjoy a day trip to discover the wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. The wide open “Big Sky” under a starry Montana night gives you a true winter escape.
The Montage Big Sky, offers a luxurious mountain escape with stunning views of the Rockies. Guests can ski in winter, hike and mountain bike in summer, relax at the spa, or enjoy fly-fishing, horseback riding, and golfing. This luxurious spot is perfect for adventure and relaxation alike.
Japan – Tokyo & Beyond
Japan offers a unique holiday experience, with cities lit with spectacular LED illuminations and romance-infused December dinners. In Tokyo, the Marunouchi area lights up in champagne gold, and major shopping districts host Christmas markets.
Meanwhile, if you travel further north or to Japan’s ski areas, you’ll experience snowy landscapes and winter sports. Because Christmas in Japan blends shopping, Christmas lights and winter activities, it’s ideal for travelers seeking a less-traditional but highly stylish holiday escape.
The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, offering sleek, modern rooms with panoramic skyline views. It features world-class dining, a serene spa, and easy access to Tokyo’s shopping and cultural districts.
Paris, France
Paris is a perennial favorite for holiday travel, the grand boulevards adorned in lights, charming Christmas markets (like the Tuileries), and gourmet food, add to the elegant urban flair. A New Years Eve Firework show at the Eiffel Tower is a must see! The festive windows along the Champs-Élysées, hot chocolate with whipped cream, and seasonal treats make December here very special. With direct flights from the U.S. and plenty of boutique hotel deals early in the holiday season, Paris remains a top pick for stylish winter travel.
Be sure to eat at my favorite Paris restaurants Ralph’s, Verde, and Le Drugstore. See Marneys Tidbits article titled, “Our Top 7 Restaurants In Paris” for more iconic Paris restaurant recommendations.
The Paris Marriott Champs-Élysées Hotel is a chic, modern retreat steps from the iconic avenue. It features stylish rooms, contemporary dining, and easy access to Paris’s top attractions and shopping.
The Peninsula Paris is a luxury hotel near the Arc de Triomphe, combining Parisian elegance with modern sophistication. It features spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, fine dining, and a world-class spa. Don’t miss the iconic Christmas Day buffet. Be sure to make time for some rest and relaxation at one of the best spas in Paris.
La Jolla, California
A Christmas vacation in La Jolla feels like a sunny, seaside celebration, and staying at the iconic La Valencia Hotel makes it even more special. The “Pink Lady” overlooks the sparkling blue Pacific, dressed in festive décor that pairs perfectly with it’s classic Hollywood charm. Spend your days exploring La Jolla Cove, watching sea lions, browsing holiday-lit boutiques, and enjoying coastal walks in mild winter sunshine. Then return to La Valencia for ocean-view dining, cozy lounges, a meal at The Whaling Bar, and a warm, elegant holiday atmosphere that captures the essence of Christmas, California style. To explore activities, restaurants and resorts along the CA coast check out Marneys Tidbits blog post, “Travel The Southern California Coast.”
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, is a festive Christmas vacation destination, perfect for snowy escapes and cozy luxury. Hit the slopes at The Montage Deer Valley, where world-class skiing meets charming alpine style, or indulge in ultimate comfort and service at The St. Regis Park City, with its ski-in/ski-out access and warm, festive ambiance. Beyond skiing, the town sparkles with holiday lights, boutique shopping, and charming restaurants, such as my fav, Chimayo Restaurant, making Park City, Utah, a winter wonderland for both adventure and relaxation.
To Browse Marneys Tidbits Adventures, Day Trips, And Excursions Curated For The Christmas Travel Spots, In This Blog Post, Click Here.
Final Thoughts On Great Christmas Vacation Spots To Visit in 2025
For December 2025, these ten spots range from snowy alpine wonderlands to sun-soaked beaches. Whether you dream of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, elegant Parisian holiday scenes, ski runs in the Swiss Alps, or a beachside Christmas in Maui, there’s something special at each spot. Mix and match snow and sun if you’re ambitious, or pick one standout location for a truly memorable festive escape.
FAQ: On Christmas Vacation Spots
What makes Montreux, Switzerland a great Christmas destination?
Montreux becomes a lakeside winter wonderland with one of Europe’s most charming Christmas markets. Montreux offers cozy chalets, festive lights, and easy access to snowy Alpine excursions.
Why visit Chamonix, France for Christmas?
Chamonix is a special Christmas vacation place because it delivers classic Alpine ambiance with world-class skiing, snowshoeing, views of Mont Blanc, and a festive village full of lights, Christmas markets, and cozy après-ski spots.
Is Paris good for a Christmas vacation?
Absolutely, Paris glows at Christmas with dazzling lights, iconic window displays, Christmas markets, skating rinks, and warm cafés perfect for holiday strolling. Paris remains one of the best Christmas spots to visit in 2025.
What can I expect in Big Sky, Montana during Christmas?
Big Sky offers a serene mountain escape with incredible skiing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, a sleigh ride dinner, festive events, and that warm, rustic, cozy-lodge Christmas feeling.
Is La Jolla, California a good warm-weather Christmas option?
Yes! La Jolla offers sparkling ocean views, mild weather, coastal walks, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed holiday vibe, perfect if you want sunshine instead of snow.
Why is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland popular at Christmas?
The Blue Lagoon is stunning in winter, with warm geothermal waters surrounded by snowy lava fields. This is one of the best Christmas vacation spots because it’s peaceful, relaxing, and pairs perfectly with Reykjavík’s holiday lights and northern lights excursions.
Why is Tokyo a great Christmas destination?
Tokyo goes all out with illuminated districts, themed pop-ups, festive desserts, and sparkling cityscapes. While Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, the lights, decorations, and winter atmosphere make it incredibly fun and unique.
What’s special about Kapalua, Maui during Christmas?
Kapalua brings tropical luxury to the holidays, think of golden sand beaches, palm trees wrapped in lights, oceanfront dining, warm breezes, and festive resort events. It’s perfect if you want a Christmas filled with sunshine and relaxation.
Why is Deer Valley, Utah a Great Christmas Spot to Visit?
Deer Valley offers upscale mountain charm with perfectly groomed slopes, elegant lodges, festive décor, gourmet dining, and family-friendly holiday activities. It’s a refined and cozy option for a snowy Christmas.
Which Christmas destination is best for families?
Montreux and Big Sky are fantastic for families, while Deer Valley offers a luxurious, family-friendly ski experience.
What’s the best romantic Christmas getaway on Marneys Tidbits list?
Paris is timelessly romantic, but Chamonix, Tokyo’s illuminated streets, and the Blue Lagoon also set a dreamy holiday mood for couples.
Where is snow almost guaranteed for a Christmas trip?
Chamonix, Deer Valley, Big Sky, and Iceland’s winter landscapes are your most reliable snowy picks.
Which spot is best for travelers who want to avoid cold weather during Christmas?
La Jolla, in San Diego, California, and Kapalua Bay in Maui, Hawaii, are the best Christmas vacation places offering warm weather.
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