Christmas looks different depending on where you are in the world. It might be a frosted garden outside an Irish manor, a family suite transformed into a tropical holiday playground or a mountain lodge where the season settles in with firelight, glittering snow and the kind of quiet you only find in the Rockies. These places each offer a distinctive way to experience December, proving that the month can feel magical whether you’re surrounded by candlelit tradition or bright, sun-drenched coastlines.
More travelers are heading out for Christmas, and they have one goal in mind: to find new destinations that surprise them. Photo credit: Cashel Palace.
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What sets these destinations apart isn’t a single definition of celebration but the personality they bring to it. Some lean into centuries-old architecture and culinary craftsmanship, others build fun environments for families and many let their landscapes lead the mood. Each creates a holiday atmosphere that feels uniquely its own, but all manage to capture the spirit of the season in ways that feel authentic rather than manufactured.
Christmas at Cashel Palace Hotel, Ireland
In County Tipperary’s Golden Vale, Cashel Palace Hotel spends December wrapped in elegance. The Palladian manor glows with firelight, evergreen garlands and the soft shine of antique decor, all set beneath views of the Rock of Cashel rising just beyond the grounds. Inside, the staff builds a holiday experience that feels warm and thoughtful, from artfully decorated common rooms to well-placed details that show genuine affection for the season.
Guests move easily between festive afternoon teas, Michelin-starred dining, winter wellness treatments and walks through the gardens, where the crisp air and quiet, meandering pathways bring a sense of calm. When the property is dressed for Christmas, it becomes one of those rare places that looks exactly like the holiday postcards people save in drawers for years.
Holiday escapes in Kananaskis, Canadian Rockies
Kananaskis in Alberta delivers Christmas in its most cinematic form. Snow settles deep in the valleys, trails wind through hushed forests and the lodge lights glow against the mountains as if someone scripted the scene. People here take winter hospitality seriously, and it shows in the atmosphere: fires crackle, the pace softens and families and couples alike settle into a slower, unhurried way of moving through the day.
At Black Diamond Club, a part of Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, the holidays take on a refined tone. Guests meet attentive service, elevated dining and a sense of privacy that makes the stay feel restorative. Nothing feels rushed; the experience focuses on comfort and the quiet luxury of being tucked into the mountains in December.
The main lodge brings a more energetic holiday mood. Children move between seasonal activities and play spaces while adults gather over cocktails or sip something warm by the fire. It’s an easy, joyful environment where tradition meets fresh mountain air, and where a simple moment, like roasting s’mores or watching the snowfall, can feel like the highlight of the trip.
The festive season at Beaches Turks and Caicos
For families dreaming of a holiday that trades snow for surf, Beaches Turks and Caicos creates a bright, spirited Christmas by the sea. The resort’s new Elf on the Shelf Caribbean Vacation Suite is a standout experience, turning a stay into a playful holiday story complete with Scout Elf-themed decor, games, books and a cocoa bar designed for wide eyes and early mornings. Outside, the patio pops with candy-colored accents and views of the turquoise water.
Photo credit: Beaches Resorts.
The Jingle Shell Butler adds an element of surprise that kids remember long after the trip ends, delivering treats, shimmering bubble baths and small magical moments that shape the holiday experience. The wider resort carries that festive energy with Candyland-style Sweet Island Soirees, outdoor movies, crafts and storytime events that keep families entertained without overwhelming them. It’s a sunny take on Christmas that feels both easy and memorable.
A Parisian holiday on the Seine with Uniworld
Uniworld’s new Magical Parisian Holiday itinerary brings December in France to life with a mix of cultural depth, elegant design and winter charm. The seven-night sailing starts and ends in Paris, guiding guests from the city’s glowing boulevards to festive countryside towns where chateaus shine with lights and Christmas markets bustle with vendors selling ornaments, pastries and handmade gifts.
Guests join a private tour of Versailles, including access to secret apartments rarely seen by the public, along with a choral performance inside Rouen Cathedral and an evening at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, one of the most elaborately decorated estates in France. The S.S. Joie de Vivre elevates the experience with Parisian-inspired interiors, seasonal menus and warm service that encourages travelers to slow down and take in the holiday atmosphere. It’s a Christmas journey built for people who appreciate history, culture and the quieter beauty of winter in France.
S.S. Joie de Vivre. Photo credit: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Coastal calm in Costa Mujeres, Mexico
North of Cancun, Costa Mujeres offers a softer, more relaxed version of a tropical holiday. Wide white-sand beaches, clear water and a growing collection of modern luxury resorts give the area an easygoing feel that pairs well with December travel. It’s close enough to Isla Mujeres and the cultural landmarks of the Yucatán for meaningful day trips, yet far enough from the busier hotel zones to keep the pace peaceful.
Five-star all-inclusive properties, including SLS Playa Mujeres, bring a polished edge to the region. Guests find spacious rooms, stylish design, abundant dining options and the kind of service that makes a holiday week feel genuinely restful. Families appreciate the balance of kid-friendly amenities and grown-up spaces, while beach lovers get warm breezes and bright blue water in place of winter chill. It’s the kind of destination that reminds travelers how different and refreshing Christmas can feel when celebrated under the sun.
A holiday experience wherever you go
No matter where you find yourself in December, the setting has a way of shaping the season. Snow, sand and city lights; each offers a special place to enjoy the season with family and friends. Whether it’s the hush of winter in the mountains, the glow of a historic city or the sound of waves on a warm coastline, the holidays often feel most memorable when discovered somewhere new.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
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