28.11.2025
Where to travel for Christmas 2025–2026: top European Christmas markets (Vienna, Strasbourg, Prague), light festivals in Asia, and winter holidays in the UAE. Event dates and visa‑free destinations.
Christmas travel offers a chance to experience the world through lights, festivals, and seasonal traditions. Choosing the right destination ensures a magical, stress-free holiday filled with authentic wonder. Popular routes combine Christmas markets, cultural events, pleasant weather, and straightforward visa requirements. When planning a trip, consider not only the popularity of the destination, but also unique December events that rarely repeat from year to year.
European cities begin their Christmas preparations long before December, transforming historic centers, squares, and waterfronts into festive spaces. Vienna, Prague, Munich, and Strasbourg consistently rank among the most visited destinations. Their Christmas markets typically open in late November and run until Catholic and Protestant Christmas Eve (December 24th). During this period, major concerts, light shows, parades, and gastronomic events take place. Europe remains a top choice for Christmas travel due to its well-developed infrastructure and unique festive atmosphere.
Cities and key events to consider when planning your trip:
Vienna, Austria — Vienna Christmas Dream at Rathausplatz: November 14 – December 23, 2025. One of Europe’s most famous markets with an ice rink, concerts, and the brightly decorated Rathaus.
Strasbourg, France — Christkindelsmärik: November 26 – December 24, 2025. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” with over 300 chalets, festive avenues, and spectacular lighting displays on building facades.
Nuremberg, Germany — Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt: November 24 – December 24, 2025. A classic Bavarian market with artisans, street orchestras, and traditional sweets.
Basel, Switzerland — Basler Weihnachtsmarkt: November 27 – December 23, 2025. One of Switzerland’s largest markets with gastronomic zones and festive workshops for children.
Cologne, Germany — Cologne Cathedral Market: November 21 – December 23, 2025. Set by the Cologne Cathedral, the market is famous for its music program and wide selection of winter drinks.
The Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral is one of the most atmospheric holiday destinations in Europe.
Asian metropolises are increasingly embracing the Christmas season, enhancing traditional decorations with technology, multimedia installations, and large-scale light shows. Most 2025 events start in late November or early December, with the peak of the festivities falling between December 20 and 26.
Tokyo, Japan — Tokyo Winter Illuminations: November 15, 2025 – January 8, 2026. Top spots include Shibuya Blue Cave and Roppongi Hills. The city transforms into a vast illuminated landscape.
Seoul, South Korea — Seoul Christmas Festival at Cheonggyecheon Stream: December 13, 2025 – January 5, 2026. Light tunnels, wishing lanterns, concerts, and installations along the stream.
Singapore — Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay: December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026. A massive illumination park with themed zones, attractions, and nightly light shows.
Hong Kong — Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Light projections on Victoria skyscrapers, boat parades, and evening light shows.
Bangkok, Thailand — ICONSIAM Christmas Lighting Ceremony: Approximately from November 24, 2025 through early January. The main Chao Phraya River transforms into a festive boulevard of lights.
ICONSIAM’s Christmas lights are one of the signature sights of Bangkok’s winter season.
For travelers looking to celebrate Christmas in a mild climate, the Middle East remains one of the most convenient options. It’s important to keep in mind that Christmas is not a traditional holiday in most countries of the region, and winter programs are created primarily for visitors. As a result, the main festive events are concentrated in major tourist hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain. In December 2025, these cities host markets, food festivals, theater projects, and open-air evening shows. The weather stays pleasant for walking and enjoying the coast, which makes the region especially appealing during the winter season.
Dubai, UAE — Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market: December 6 – 27, 2025. The city’s main Christmas zone with an ice rink, stage, and cable car.
Dubai Winter City at Expo City: December 8, 2025 – January 6, 2026. A large holiday village, concerts and themed kids’ zones.
Abu Dhabi, UAE — Winter Wonderland on Yas Island: December 10, 2025 – January 2, 2026. A parade of characters, shows, and festive evening lights.
Doha, Qatar — Lusail Winter Festival: approx. December 1, 2025 – January 7, 2026. An open-air market, concerts, waterfront light shows, and family events.
Bahrain — Manama Souq Christmas Week: December 18–26, 2025. The old market streets are decorated in European style, with concerts and folklore performances.
Bahrain in December: Manama Souq is decorated with lights, garlands, and lively street performances.
For travelers who want to experience a “movie-style” Christmas, North America offers some of the world’s most iconic holiday events. The region is known for its parades, ice festivals, outdoor shows, and musical performances. Most celebrations begin in late November and continue through early January.
New York, USA — Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: December 3, 2025. The nation’s most famous Christmas tree and an open-air skating rink.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn): November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026. The most famous holiday light district in the United States.
Chicago, USA — Christkindlmarket: November 21 – December 24, 2025. A classic German-style market with street musicians and artisans.
Toronto, Canada — Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District: November 14 – December 31, 2025. A festive area with live music and Canadian delicacies.
Montreal, Canada — Montréal en Fêtes: December 19, 2025 – January 2, 2026. A large holiday village with concerts, parades, and evening fire shows.
Montréal en Fêtes: a holiday village and a spectacular fire show set in the heart of Old Montreal.
For travelers who prefer last-minute trips or make decisions quickly, there are destinations you can fly to even just a few days before Christmas. In this case, logistics matter most: direct flights, fast visas or e-visas, and minimal entry requirements.
UAE — visa on arrival, numerous direct flights, and the Dubai Shopping Festival starts on December 10, 2025.
Turkey — visa-free entry, winter markets in Istanbul, including the Karaköy Christmas Market, held from December 13 to 29, 2025.
Bahrain — quick e-visa, Christmas programs in Manama from December 18 to 26, 2025.
Malaysia — e-visa, Kuala Lumpur Christmas Festival at Pavilion KL from November 20, 2025, through early January.
Christmas 2025 offers countless scenarios — from European markets and Asian light shows to the warm waterfronts of the Middle East and major North American festivals. Each destination provides its own unique atmosphere: a classic winter fairytale, modern technological marvels, or mild December sunshine.
To choose the right destination and catch the key events, it’s important to consider specific dates, flight routes, and visa requirements. If you need help verifying visa requirements or selecting a destination, Terrana can assist you in navigating the details and preparing for your trip with confidence.
Christmas is short but memorable — and in 2025, you have every opportunity to spend it exactly as you wish.
