There’s no single right answer to where to spend Christmas — and that’s exactly what makes the holidays such a joy to explore. Over the years, I’ve traded snow boots for sandals, swapped fireplaces for fireworks, and learned that Christmas magic shows up wherever you are — from the cobblestone plazas of Mérida to the snowy pines of Ontario. These are my best Christmas vacations (and a few hidden gems) — each one offering its own kind of wonder, whether it’s warm breezes and street festivals or cozy cocoa after a day in the snow.
Best Christmas Vacations: Ontario, Canada
Growing up in Kingston, Ontario, Christmas meant snow toffee and sledding until our legs gave out. My grandmother would pour hot toffee into fresh snow — a Canadian tradition dating back generations — and we’d watch it harden before devouring it in sticky bliss.
Later, in Wasaga Beach, I discovered the beauty of an entire season of snow. With ski hills like Blue Mountain nearby and miles of cross-country and snowmobile trails, there was always something active to do before cozying up with hot chocolate. There’s a quiet charm to small-town Ontario in winter — the kind of stillness that lets you actually hear the snow fall.
Where to Spend Christmas: Texas, USA
Texas might surprise you as a Christmas destination, but it’s full of festive charm.
Fredericksburg, TX
In Fredericksburg, the German heritage shines through with its Christmas market, glühwein, and streets decked with twinkling lights — it’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie, minus the snow.
Waco, TX
Waco. Yes, that Waco — home to Magnolia Market at the Silos, where Joanna Gaines’ team transforms the property into a farmhouse-chic Christmas dream. Wreaths, garlands, and trees fill every corner, while Magnolia Press serves up steaming lattes that taste even better with twinkle lights overhead.
It’s a little slice of cozy creativity, and the perfect stop for anyone chasing that blend of design inspiration and holiday spirit. Or, at the very least, an awesome holiday selfie.
San Antonio, TX
Down south, the San Antonio River Walk turns magical as more than 100,000 lights drape the trees and reflect on the water. And if you’ve ever wondered what 70 degrees and mink look like together, go to The Nutcracker. Southern women don’t let the weather ruin a good outfit.
Big Bend National Park, TX
If you’re up for something more off-grid, Big Bend National Park offers an unforgettable wilderness Christmas — I spent Christmas Eve camping solo under a sky full of stars and Christmas Day soaking in a natural hot spring along the Rio Grande.
Best Christmas Vacations: Mérida, Mexico
If you’re not feeling the snow and cold this season, Mérida is the perfect warm-weather escape. There’s no shortage of Christmas spirit here — the city sparkles with lights, music, and culture. Stroll down Paseo de Montejo or Calle 47, where the historic mansions are wrapped in garlands, and the streets glow beneath sparkling lights declaring “Feliz Navidad!”
Locals celebrate with Las Posadas — candlelit processions re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter — and you’ll find families gathering in every plaza. My favorite display was at Parque de las Américas, where food trucks, music, and laughter filled the air. Add to that the perfect December weather — highs around 86°F — and you’ve got a Christmas that feels joyful, vibrant, and effortlessly warm.
(Want to plan your own trip? See my full post on Christmas in Mérida — with a map of my favorite stops and restaurants.)
Where to Spend Christmas: Vancouver Island, BC
I’m fortunate to have family in Chemainus, a charming town famous for its murals and small-town hospitality. At Christmastime, it feels like stepping into a snow globe — twinkling lights, murals dusted in snow, and performances at the Chemainus Theatre Festival.
North of the Malahat, the island transforms into a winter wonderland, with fluffy snow blanketing the pines. If you’re visiting, check out the Ladysmith Festival of Lights — or if staying in Victoria, don’t miss Butchart Gardens – it’s pure magic.
Best Christmas Vacations: Virginia Beach, VA
For an unexpected seaside Christmas, Virginia Beach offers Holiday Lights at the Beach, where you can drive your car along the boardwalk under a canopy of more than half a million lights.
One of my favorite off-season stays was watching the light show from a beachfront balcony, wrapped in a blanket with a mug of cocoa. The contrast of ocean waves and holiday cheer is a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to come with snowflakes to feel special.
Where to Spend Christmas: Whistler (and Other Ski Resorts)
If you’re craving a classic white Christmas, Whistler Village delivers — even if you never strap on skis. The pedestrian paths glow with thousands of lights, and the mountain backdrop makes it feel straight out of a Christmas card.
Prefer something smaller? Try New York’s Jay Peak or Ontario’s Blue Mountain, where you’re likely to find horse-drawn sleigh rides and outdoor spas surrounded by snow.
Best Christmas Vacations: The Philippines
I wasn’t there during Christmas, but I learned something remarkable during a September visit — the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world! Decorations appear in early September and stay up through January.
You’ll see star-shaped lanterns called parols glowing outside homes, hear Christmas songs in the malls, and feel the community joy of Simbang Gabi, nine dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve. The enthusiasm is contagious — even months in advance.
Where to Spend Christmas: Panama City Beach, Florida
My first nomadic Christmas was spent here, and it was unforgettable. My sons joined me for a relaxing, sunshine-filled holiday with palm trees wrapped in lights, beach parades, and cozy seaside meals.
There’s a special kind of joy in opening gifts with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves replacing sleigh bells. We swam with dolphins, played laser tag, and watched the sky light up with fireworks — it was equal parts peaceful and playful.
Wrapping up my Best Christmas Vacations:
From Mexico’s palm-lined promenades to the frosty hills of Ontario, every Christmas has given me something different — a new view, a new flavor, a new way to celebrate. Some sparkle with lights and mariachi music, others with falling snow and the smell of maple toffee — but all reminded me that the magic of the season isn’t tied to geography.
So if you’re wondering where to spend Christmas this year, maybe the answer isn’t on a map at all.
Maybe it’s where you feel most at peace, connected, and full of gratitude — whether that’s under the northern lights or beneath a canopy of twinkling palm trees.
So, wherever you decide to unwrap Christmas this year — may it sparkle with wonder, warmth, and maybe a little adventure, too.
