Top Destinations for Families and Solo Travelers This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a magical time of year, especially for travelers looking for a festive adventure.
Whether you’re planning a small-town, snowy-white getaway with your kids in tow or seeking a solo retreat to recharge, there are countless international destinations that offer unique Christmas and cultural experiences. Families are often looking for kid-friendly fun and group outings, while solo travelers tend to prioritize the opportunity to go off-grid and explore something new.
In this article, we’ll explore the best places to visit over the holidays for families and the best places to explore the festive season for solo travelers. Find your perfect holiday!
Best Places to Go for Families
Rovaniemi, Finland
There’s no better place to spend Christmas than the “official” hometown of Santa Claus: Rovaniemi, Finland. Families are welcomed to visit Santa Claus Village, where kids will meet Jolly Old St. Nick himself. Send postcards from the Arctic Circle, and enjoy reindeer sleigh rides through snow-covered forests.
For an educational moment, don’t miss Arktiktum, an interactive science museum that focuses on the Arctic region. And want a jar-dropping night? Catch the dazzling Northern Lights.
Fredericksburg, Texas, USA
Sometimes, celebrating the holidays in a small-town in Texas Hill country is just the ticket. Head to this charming southern berg to enjoy a German-inspired Christmas — or Weihnachtszeit.
Explore the nightly lighting ritual and carols at the Marktplatz on Main Street. There are festive markets with plenty of handcrafted goods and holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. The town’s 26-foot-tall German Christmas Pyramid is a must-see.
Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo — Japan’s fifth-largest city — is a global skiing destination. East meets West at Odori Park and is host to a series of family-friendly festivals. From a German Christmas market in celebration of Sapporo’s sister city, Munich, to the annual Sapporo White Illumination display which features over 800,000 twinkling holiday lights. At Shiroi Koibito Park, you and the kids can enjoy festive chocolate-making workshops.
Lake Tahoe, California, USA
Lake Tahoe is fantastic for families seeking an active holiday packed with outdoor fun. With its stunning snowy landscapes, Lake Tahoe offers adventurous families spectacular skiing, snowboarding, and even ice skating on frozen lakes. Don’t miss the whimsical and oh-so-fun Santa Ski Day, ending with the classic Ugly Sweater contest.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen embraces the cozy spirit of hygge over those long Christmas nights. The city’s famous Tivoli Gardens transforms into a frosty fairyland. Families can enjoy amusement rides, delicious Danish pastries, and warm drinks while exploring world-famous Christmas markets.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg (and nearby Pigeon Forge) offers a cozy mountain escape. Kids will adore the Winter Magic Ride of Lights — a 45-minute trolley tour of the city’s lights displays. Why not head off to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for peaceful winter hikes or find heart-warming entertainment at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas? Your kids will remember this trip for a lifetime.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, is an alternative to more conventional family holiday destinations. Starting on December 7 — the Day of the Little Candles — the historic streets are decked out with lights, poinsettias, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes. Street parties, local food vendors, and parades rule the day during the height of the season of joy.
Best Places to Go for Solo Travelers
Quebec City, Canada
Entering Quebec City feels like stepping into a snowglobe. Historic Old Quebec City transforms into a festive hub with its European-style markets selling warm treats and handmade crafts. Solo travelers can wander this UNESCO World Heritage treasure as you take in over 400 years of history or go ice skating on Place d’Youville.
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
Every year, the iconic Bentonville Square is gorgeously decorated with thousands of lights and a Hallmark movie-worthy ice skating rink. Arts and culture lovers will enjoy shopping for unique gifts at local shops and visiting the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s medieval old town becomes a fairy tale setting during Yuletide. The city hosts one of Europe’s finest Christmas markets in Town Hall Square, where solo travelers can sip mulled wine and browse handmade crafts. The cobblestone streets are an enchanting backdrop for architectural wonders.
Lübeck, Germany
Known as the “Christmas City,” Lübeck features stunning medieval architecture and charming markets with plenty of traditional German holiday treats like marzipan and stollen cake. If you’re looking to go on long, contemplative solo winter walks, the city is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Bali, Indonesia
Looking for a raucous Beach Party Christmas? Say no more. Bali is the place to be. Christmas feasts, late night concerts, and beach club events are all on Bali’s vibrant menu. Enjoying live music on the sand while sipping your favorite drink is an unforgettable way to toast the end of the year and ring in the new!
Bled, Slovenia
Photographers and nature lovers will find plenty to appreciate in idyllic Bled, Slovenia, for Christmas. The majestic Lake Bled — with its picturesque island and charming church at the center — is framed by Bled Castle, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Solo travelers will find solace in Bled’s serene atmosphere and the opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking around the lake. You’ll be glad you escaped the holiday mayhem
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA
Steamboat Springs provides an exhilarating holiday experience with its beautiful mountain backdrop and vibrant community spirit. Solo travelers can hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding at one of the area’s many ski resorts. Unique activities like Santa’s Horseback Procession — where Santa saddles up and rides through town on horseback — bring an extra touch of excitement and charm to solo travel adventures.
