Step Into Christmas: Booking.com Shares Some of The Most Festive Attractions Worth Traveling For this Holiday Season
The holiday season is fast approaching, and destinations around the world are gearing up to create magical, festive experiences for visitors. With nearly three-quarters 74%* of global travelers stating that they spend time on researching and finding suitable attractions before deciding on the final destination of choice and 41%* saying they plan to enjoy some leisure travel this winter, we delved into our more than 39,000 curated bookable attractions and experiences across more than 1,200 destinations worldwide to present six standout destinations based on Booking.com traveler recommendations** that offer unforgettable festive attractions and places to stay to make every traveler’s Christmas a season of joy, warmth, and unforgettable memories.
Stockholm's Festive Sights and Christmas Lights Tour - Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, the picturesque capital of Sweden, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Stockholm's Festive Sights and Christmas Lights tour invites travelers to explore the city's stunning seasonal decorations and markets, all while learning about Swedish traditions while being guided through the beautifully illuminated streets, historic squares, and the enchanting Old Town (Gamla Stan). Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit local Christmas markets to sample Swedish delicacies like glögg (mulled wine), pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies), and traditional saffron buns. It's a perfect way to experience the warmth of Swedish hospitality amid the winter chill.
Where to stay: Biz Apartment Hammarby Sjöstad is situated in the picturesque Hammarby Sjöstad district, these apartments provide modern, fully equipped accommodations with stunning views of the waterfront. With excellent transport links and nearby dining options, guests can enjoy a convenient and comfortable stay in one of Stockholm's most attractive neighborhoods whilst still being a short distance from the center of the city to explore the Christmas markets.
Vagabond Christmas Party Cruise - Sydney, Australia
Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before with the Vagabond Christmas Party Cruise in Sydney. Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable journey as travelers celebrate Christmas in style on the stunning waters of Sydney Harbor. This extraordinary cruise offers a complete package of joy and festivity, featuring a delectable Christmas buffet with all the traditional trimmings, including roast turkey and Christmas pudding. During dinner, travelers will be treated to live entertainment that will have everyone dancing the night away. And let's not forget the breathtaking backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, beautifully illuminated for the occasion. Whether looking to enjoy a festive night out with friends, family, or coworkers, the Vagabond Christmas Party Cruise is the perfect way to create lasting holiday memories and indulge in the spirit of Christmas.
Where to stay: The Bungalows at Bondi offer a uniquely intimate and luxurious beachfront escape in the heart of Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach. Nestled just steps away from the golden sand, this boutique accommodation exudes coastal charm and modern comfort. A short drive to Sydney Harbour (where the cruise kicks off) this property offers the perfect location for a sunny stay this festive season.
Cologne Christmas Market and Kölsch Beer Small-Group Tour - Cologne, Germany
Cologne is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, and this year promises to be no different. The Cologne Christmas Market is a dazzling spectacle with its grand cathedral as the backdrop. For a unique experience, indulge in the Kölsch Beer Small-Group Tour, whichcombines the best of German beer culture with the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market. Travelers will have the chance to taste Kölsch, the local beer, while exploring the market's hundreds of vendor stalls. Enjoy bratwurst, marzipan treats, and the famous stollen cake, a traditional German Christmas fruit bread or fruitcake. These are some of the simplest but best ways to get the German Christmas spirit.
Where to stay: Apartments Cologne is located within a short walk of Musical Dome Köln, Cologne Cathedral and the Cologne Christmas Market, making it a perfect location for guests to stay to really indulge in the magic of the festive season in the city.
Guided City Christmas Tour - Mexico City, Mexico
Travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the enchanting holiday spirit of Mexico City can do so with the Guided City Christmas Tour. Led by expert local guides, visitors can explore the heart of this vibrant metropolis as it comes alive with festive lights and decorations during the holiday season. The tour takes participants through bustling streets while sharing fascinating insights into Mexican Christmas traditions and culture. The journey includes visits to beautifully adorned squares and markets, where the air is filled with the aroma of traditional foods and hot beverages like ponche and champurrado.As travelers stroll through historic neighborhoods, they will witness stunning nativity scenes and colorful piñatas, and have the opportunity to join in the joyful posadas, reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph in search of shelter. This tour offers a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas in Mexico City, providing a blend of cultural immersion, festive joy, and the opportunity to savor the local holiday delights.
Where to stay: Baja California 279 Apartments offer a stylish and comfortable home living experience. These modern apartments are located in a vibrant neighborhood, providing easy access to the city's attractions and amenities, perfect to go to and from all of Mexico City’s festive offerings.
Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host - Manchester, United Kingdom
Manchester comes alive with festive magic during the Christmas season, and the Christmas in Manchester: Private Experience with a City Hos" is the perfect way for travelers to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. As the city decks itself with twinkling lights, charming decorations, and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, this unique experience allows travelers to explore the city's yuletide charm with a knowledgeable local guide. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the city's iconic Christmas markets, where they can shop for artisan gifts, indulge in seasonal treats, and sip on mulled wine. The host will regale participants with stories of Manchester's Christmas traditions and history, making this festive season in this vibrant northern city truly special. Whether a visitor or a local, this private tour offers everyone an unforgettable Christmas experience in Manchester.
Where to stay: Church Street by Supercity Aparthotels is located in Manchester’s city-center in the Northern QuarterWith its prime location in the heart of the city, guests can enjoy a comfortable home away from home and easy access to Manchester's top attractions including the Christmas markets.
Christmas Lights in Beverly Hills - Los Angeles , United States
For a completely different take on the Christmas market experience, head to the Beverly Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. The "Christmas Lights in Beverly Hills" tour offers a glitzy and glamorous holiday adventure. Beverly Hills is famous for its luxury shopping, and during the holidays, it becomes an extravagant display of lights and decorations. This private guided tour takes travelers through the opulent neighborhoods where they can witness lavish Christmas displays, celebrity homes, and designer boutiques. Along the way, enjoy complimentary coffee with dessert at a local café. It's the perfect tour for those looking to experience a celebrity-worthy Christmas with a touch of Hollywood glam.
Where to stay: Gorgeous Hollywood Apts are minutes to everything. This property is a home away from home and in the perfect location for visitors that want to make the most of their stay in the Hollywood hills. Only a short distance from the iconic Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory and the Walk of Fame, this is the perfect location for visitors that want to experience all that Los Angeles has to offer.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.
**Endorsement data from Booking.com based on the most recommended and relevant destinations by global travelers for Chocolate, Christmas Markets, New Year Countdown, Wine Travel, Winter Travel, Family, Food & Food Markets.