Christmas Is Coming, The Top 6 Locations to Consider For 2023

These are the top 6 locations to consider for Christmas 2023.

Christmas is the most magical time of the year and is best celebrated in a fantastic location.

Festive celebrations are different in every part of the world. These varied destinations offer diverse experiences with plenty of luxury, Instagrammable moments and great fun. 

From a dreamy, traditional white winter Christmas to exotic turquoise waters and warm tropical weather, there is a place for everyone to enjoy Christmas in style.

These are some of the best places to spend Christmas in 2023. 

French Alps

The French Alps is the ideal Christmas trip for all snow and skiing lovers. Christmas in the French Alps is celebrated with a magical atmosphere. The commune, La Clusaz, has put on their amazing ‘’Pestacles du Père Noël’ for the past 20 years. This is the largest street art festival in the mountains, filled with magicians, storytellers, musicians, artists and fantastic dance shows. It is the perfect adventurous and cosy Christmas trip.

What to do: There is no better answer than skiing. The French Alps are one of the best locations to have an amazing ski trip, and Les 3 Vallées is the largest and one of the most beautiful ski areas, comprised of 7 ski resorts, including the Meribel.

Due to its high altitude, size and multiple exposures, high-quality snow is guaranteed throughout winter. There are options for skiing for beginners to very experienced skiers. Perfect for families, there is also the family sky area with playgrounds and toboggan runs.

Where to stay: The Ski Resort, Meribel in France was founded by Scottsman Peter Lindsay in the 1930s. Today, it is a resort that is frequented by some of the world’s most famous actors to F1 drivers. It is a perfect place for skiing as the resort is in the heart of the three valleys so you can ski to seven different resorts from Meribel. This is also a perfect stay for families, with great skiing options and snow playgrounds for children.

The Rhine

Spend an unforgettable Christmas season along the Rhine in Switzerland and Germany. The Rhine is one of the major European rivers, beginning in the Swiss canton of Graubünden in the south-eastern Swiss Alps. Part of the Swiss-Liechtenstein, Swiss-Austrian, and Swiss-German borders, it is a perfect choice for a European Christmas. 

What to do: The Cologne Cathedral Christmas markets are some of the most celebrated in this part of the world. From 23 November to 23 December. There are arts and crafts from all over Europe, high-quality goods and culinary delights that’ll make it the best Christmas to experience.

Where to stay: Viking River Cruises has a luxurious Christmas on the Rhine, cruising through unique storybook villages. You can enjoy regional delicacies, browse colourful stalls with special gifts or even admire the gorgeous lights of Cologne. The 8-day cruise is a perfect picture of festive cheer this Christmas. 

New York City

New York City is an excellent choice for a movie-perfect white Christmas in a luxury five-star hotel. There is always a supply of magical Christmas energy in New York. Whether it’s the snow falling in Central Park, window shopping on Fifth Avenue or the famous ice skating at Rockefeller Centre, it feels like movie magic. Although the chances of snow aren’t as high in the movies, New York City really is magical at Christmas. 

What to do: No one does festive window displays like in New York City. Here is the perfect Christmas New York Tour. Start at the glittery Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue and enjoy a luxurious shop from Prada, Jimmy Choo or Gucci. Head past Tiffany’s and then to Saks to enjoy the stunning lights. End the day at the Rockefeller Centre for an enjoyable mulled wine and a peak at the famous Rockefeller tree. 

Where to stay: There is a multitude of glamourous upscale hotels in New York City, but  The Plaza is the classic five-star hotel to stay in New York City. Many celebrities have graced the halls of The Plaza, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe, The Beatles and even fictional characters like Kevin Mcallister from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. 

All the rooms have freshly elegant interiors, from quietly floral wallpaper to grey velvet sofas and armchairs. The 5-star hotel’s Guerlain Spa is the star of the show, with Paris-trained therapists offering customised treatments based on an in-depth analysis of your skincare needs. Other services include babysitting, pet amenities and house car service. 

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City served as the backdrop of Robert Wise’s musical film The Sound of Music. Roots date back to the 15^th century of sing-alongs and traditional wind music, which still occur during the festivities, as well as mulled wine and market stands. It is also the hometown of the world-famous composer Mozart.

What to do: The Salzburger Heimatwerk is a must in Salzburg. The Salzburger Heimatwerk promotes regional folk culture, including costumes, customs and handicrafts. It is particularly special during Christmas time. The Salzburg Advent Singing is the most well-known event during Salzburg Advent, with around 36,000 visitors in the Great Festival Hall. Salzburger Heimatwerk stages it and is a perfect Christmas experience. 

Where to stay: The Hotel Sacher is considered one of the world’s best luxury hotels in Mozart’s hometown, Salzburg. With 110 uniquely designed and furnished rooms and suites, there are so many options, including balconies with a fantastic view of Salzburg’s old town and Hohensalzburg Fortress. It is also home to worldwide renowned restaurants, including the Sacher Bar & Grill and Café Sacher Salzburg. 

Mauritius

If you’re looking for a beachy and relaxing Christmas, you cannot go wrong with visiting Mauritius. It is located in the southwest of the Indian Ocean, 855 kilometres east of Madagascar. Food is one of the most central parts of a Mauritian Christmas, and many hotels and resorts, including Grand Baie and Flic-en-Flac, offer unforgettable gala dinners and festive brunches. It is an excellent vacation for families to relax and enjoy a sunny vacation by the water.

What to do: End-of-year shopping in Mauritius is livelier than ever. The centres are filled with decorations and shows to entertain crowds during the day and late-night shopping. Bagatelle Mall is one of the best places for luxury shopping in Mauritius. If you want stylish clothes and one-off artisanal goods, this is the place to be during Christmas time. 

Where to stay: You can always have a luxury experience staying at a Four Seasons Hotel, and the one in Mauritius is breathtaking. Surrounded by turquoise waters on the East Coast of Mauritius, the Four Seasons Resort at Anahita is filled with vibrant tropical gardens, their exclusive beach on Ile aux Cerfs, and a private garden and pool with every stylish villa and private retreat.

The Maldives

Trade the typical Christmas colour palette for a blue and white sand landscape a short plane ride from Sydney. Although the island doesn’t officially celebrate Christmas, many luxurious resorts cater to Western visitors with themed dinners and festive decorations. You’ll be occupied with countless activities, including spa treatments, snorkelling trips and enjoying seasonal fruits. The Maldives is known for the villas on stilts above the clear blue waters.

What to do: Even though the warm waters and magnificent views are enough to keep you occupied during Christmas, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island holds a tree lighting ceremony every 21 December, followed by cocktails on the beach. Their last Christmas celebration had the theme “Enchanted Forest – a tropical festive celebration”, filled with unique culinary experiences, curated events, dazzling entertainment and a themed New Year’s Eve Circus Party. 

Where to stay: The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is perfect for a traditional Maldives experience. It is one of the best resorts in the country, known for its luxurious suites and underwater restaurant, Ithaa. The holidays are one of the best times to visit with champagne and lobster beach barbecues, pool parties and underwater meals on Christmas day. A range of villas is catered to your liking, including beachfront views and the famous overwater haven on stilts.