Get out of town and into the holiday spirit!

There’s holiday cheer all over the globe, and it’s always worth traveling to find it! Whether you like to shop, discover cultural experiences, get dazzled at holiday light shows, or indulge in local food during your getaway, these 5 festive destinations won’t disappoint.

1. Lisbon – See Europe’s Tallest Christmas Tree

There are so many impressive structures to see in Lisbon, like the famous Belem tower or the São Jorge castle. But that’s not all!

Located in the beautiful Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon is home to Europe’s largest Christmas tree. It’s almost 250 feet tall! It’s artificial, but that just means there’s no shortage of lighting designs that can be displayed across its 15,000+ bulbs!

The official lighting is usually accompanied by live music and fireworks, so there’s no better way to kick off the holiday.

2. St. Petersburg, Russia – Enjoy a Performance of The Nutcracker  

Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably heard (and hummed) the work of the great Russian composer, Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Not convinced? He’s famous for composing music for the ballets Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, but is best known for The Nutcracker!

In St. Petersburg, you can head to the famous, ornate Mariinsky Theatre (now in its 239th season!) and catch this Christmas classic right where it originated. There’s so much more to see before it leaves the port at 6 PM, like the quintessential Russian domes of the Church of The Resurrection of Christ, and the long red carpet going up the Winter Palace’s staircase, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

3. Germany and Scandinavia – Stroll Through the Christmas Markets

Cobblestone streets, lights strung across town squares, vendors selling artisan crafts, and hot chocolate… who wouldn’t want to bundle up and take a stroll through all that holiday magic?

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, often in historic city centers and squares. Right in front of the town hall in Hamburg Germany, you’ll find all the holiday cheer and one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list!

A lot of booths sell different goods, but many are designed with the cozy, peaked wood roofs of Bavaria. The decorations and lights of the markets make for a perfect romantic stroll! And if you need to warm up, grab some mulled wine—Prost!

Scandinavia is also a magical place to visit this time of year. After all, it is where Frozen is based. While the holiday markets are similar to those in Germany, there are plenty of unique items to score and sample, like the uber-warm Norwegian sweaters and tasty cured meats in Oslo, Norway.

Copenhagen, Denmark pulls out all the stops with real log cabins and reindeer in the markets. And you’ve got to try the spicy, sweet drink called “glogg” while walking along the picturesque waterfront.

Gothenburg, Sweden hosts its market inside an amusement park, where you can enjoy traditional Swedish food, like meatballs and mashed potatoes, and even take a glide on the ice skating rink!

 

4. Cozumel, Mexico – Celebrate Nochebuena in Style 

In Mexico and other Filipino, Hispanic, and Latinx communities across the world, Nochebuena (which translates to “Good Night” in Spanish) is one of the most cherished parts of the holiday season! It marks Christmas Eve, when families come together for tasty food, flowing beverages, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Celebrations vary across the world, but in sunny Cozumel, you can expect villancicos (Christmas carols), posadas (parties), plenty of local shops to browse, and restaurants offering delicious traditional Mexican dishes!

 

5. Charleston, South Carolina – Discover a Christmas Full of Southern Charm

If you hail from the United States, who said you have to leave the country to find that special holiday magic? If you’re looking for a Christmas with plenty of charm, we recommend heading over to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the country’s most picturesque and historic cities. In this beautiful city you’ll find everything from horse-drawn carriage rides to festive local markets. We recommend checking out the Holiday Festival of Lights, an annual show stopping display of over two million lights at James Island County Park!

Whether you’re standing under Europe’s tallest Christmas tree or celebrating Nochebuena with your toes in the sand, these holiday destinations bring the spirit of the season to life in unforgettable ways!

Let these destinations inspire you to choose from the locations on the Carnival Christmas cruise list and set sail on a journey you can enjoy just as much as the destination. From onboard activities to special performances, a cruise is an undeniably magical way to celebrate the holidays. The best part? You don’t have to lift a finger— just relax, indulge, and let the holiday cheer wash over you like ocean waves.

Click here to learn more about spending Christmas at sea with a Carnival cruise vacation!