We’re all for cozying up with loved ones at home, but we also love seeing how cities around the world transform every December. The best places to spend Christmas, in our book, run the gamut from European towns with storybook Christmas markets to Asian megacities with over-the-top light displays—and even merry mainstays right here in the U.S. And in case your idea of a perfect holiday includes lounging by the pool with a cocktail, we’ve included some spots in the southern hemisphere where temperatures hover in the 80s on December 25.
While the jollity may look a bit different from city to city, these global destinations keep the holiday cheer going year after year. And if you already have your plans solidified for this upcoming season, it’s never too early to start planning a fabulous winter vacation for 2024.
This gallery has been updated since its original publish date.
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