Between caroling, decorating trees, and enjoying the beauty of winter, the Christmas season comes with so many travel opportunities to enjoy the holidays. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply just want to shop under Christmas lights at charming town markets, this season brings people together under a spell that cannot be explained. Here are the top holiday travel destinations for you and loved ones to experience:

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, Norway is just the beginning of your holiday travel experience around the world. This stunning Arctic city offers romantic views of the Northern Lights. Here, you’ll be able to see unforgettable sights, hike its beautiful wilderness, venture into its city life, kayak, watch reindeer, snowshoe, and more.
Tromsø, Norway

Christmas in Tromsø. Photo: Lee Dyer via Flickr

One of the most unique holiday stays is at the Tromsø Ice Domes. It’s about 75 minutes away from center-city, perfect for relaxing under the stars in nature’s silence. So, if breathtaking nature and wildlife adventures are what your holiday travel dreams are made of, Tromsø, Norway is definitely the place for you.
Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø Christmas Tree Lights. Photo: Lee Dyer via Flickr

Aix-en-Provence, France

There’s nothing better than a fairytale holiday in Europe! Treat yourself to holiday travel for Christmas in Aix-en-Provence, France. Though the weather is mild, this region shares unique holiday traditions like nowhere else in the world. Aix-en-Provence has become famous for their santons (“little saints”), small hand-painted terracotta figures. What started as traditional creche scenes has grown to feature as many as 55 figures. They’re sold at quaint Christmas markets across Provence at Place Jeanne d’Arc, which also hosts an olive oil and truffle fair during the holiday season.
Aix-en-Provence, France

Christmas Market Figurines. Photo: Ludovic Lubeigt via Flickr

While in Aix, celebrate like the locals! On Christmas Eve, feast on Le Gros Souper (“the big supper”) which is seven meat-free courses. Then, they attend midnight mass and return home for Les Treiz Desserts (“13 desserts”). The desserts are in three categories: dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruits, and sweets. From mid-December to December 31, you can buy all the treats for your own dessert celebration at Marche des Treize Desserts at the Place Jeanne d’Arc. Enjoy food, fun, and holiday travel joys!
Aix-en-Provence, France

Photo: Jean-Claude Carbonne via VisitPaysD’Aix.com

Castleton, England

For truly special yuletide holiday travels, Castleton has so much to offer. This pretty little stone Victorian village comes alive at Christmas. How does caroling by candlelight inside caves sound for a different Christmas experience? On the weekends before Christmas, two of the four wondrous local caverns are lit by people carrying candles and caroling among stalactites and stalagmites. And, the acoustics are just perfect. The village of Castleton is a beautiful sight; its colored fairy lights turn on November 18, decorating its streets for a magical wonderland.
England, Europe

Christmas Snowfall in England. Photo: Edmund Gall via Flickr

You can visit Santa’s grotto every weekend in December, watch as Father Christmas parades the village in a horse-drawn cart, hike up the hill to Perevil Castle, shop for holiday gifts, and more during your holiday travel experience in England. Spend your holiday travel adventure in a Victorian dream!
Castleton, England

Photo by peakdistrictonline.co.uk

Quebec City, Canada

Beautiful 17th century stone houses, cobblestone streets, snow, and Christmas lights everywhere in a 400-year-old walled city. Quebec City is a beautiful holiday travel destination for the winter season. Shop at one of Quebec City’s Christmas Markets for delicious treats, homemade gifts, live performances, and more. You can also rent a pair of skates and skate-dance to the music in front of the Théâtre Capitole, Palais Montcalm, and Saint-Jean Gate.

Quebec, Canada

Notre Dame des Victoires, Quebec Christmas. Photo: Colin Knowles via Flickr

On your holiday travels, don’t miss the toboggan run at the foot of the Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac. You’ll be sliding down icy runs at speeds up to 70mph. Treat yourself to maple sugar pie at the Ferme Line & Steve Morency stand, Le Marché de Noel in the Old Port area or leisurely stroll through this city’s Christmas Village decorated in holiday splendor. Christmas in Quebec will linger in your memories for years to come on this holiday travel experience.

Quebec, Canada

Rue St-Pierre, Quebec Holiday Season. Photo: Colin Knowles via Flickr

Travel to these top destinations for Christmas for an unforgettable holiday!

Also Read:

Most Magical Christmas Markets Around the World

6 Incredibly Magical Christmas Breaks in Europe

For more holiday destinations, check out our Travel Ideas section for fairytale trips!