The holiday season is a time of year when people seek to escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in a world of enchantment and luxury. If you’re looking for the best luxury Christmas destinations to make your holidays unforgettable, here are five exquisite options to consider.
1. Iceland: A Winter Wonderland of Festive Delights
Iceland is a dreamy Christmas destination for those in search of holiday spirit enveloped in natural beauty. The country comes alive with lively Christmas markets, where wooden stalls brim with delectable food, exquisite gifts, and warm drinks. Against the backdrop of wild lava fields and snow-capped mountains, the scenery is nothing short of magical. When the chill sets in, immerse yourself in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. For a touch of adventure, take a self-drive journey into the mountains to witness the mesmerising northern lights and explore the Snaefellsjokull glacier.
2. The Rhine: Festive Cruising Amidst Historic Splendour
Spend your Christmas season aboard a cruise along the Rhine, sipping local wine as you glide past steep vineyards and historic castles. Rhine cruises make for a serene way to celebrate the holidays, with stops at enchanting Rhineland cities such as Cologne, Koblenz, and Bonn. These cities come alive with twinkling lights, charming Christmas markets, and the joyful sounds of skaters on ice rinks and carollers singing.
3. Courchevel, France: A Lavish Alpine Retreat
Courchevel in the French Alps is the ultimate gathering spot for the world’s elite. Here, easy-skiing slopes blend seamlessly with Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels. The period from Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve brings an unmatched social buzz, complete with champagne bars and glamorous revelry against the stunning backdrop of the Alpine Ridge. To maximise your experience, book a central self-catering apartment and enhance your skiing skills with the New Generation Ski School.
4. Salzburg, Austria: A Fairy-tale Christmas Escape
Salzburg, Austria, embodies the epitome of a traditional and magical Christmas break. Drenched in baroque elegance and surrounded by snow-covered peaks, Salzburg exudes the charm of a bygone era. Stroll through the Old Town streets, venture into ancient beer cellars and shop for traditional lederhosen. Warm up with a visit to Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s opulent shopping alley, where Renaissance houses provide shelter from the winter chill. Explore its quaint passages and discover hidden gems like Balkan Grill Walter or Seppo’s intimate wine bar.
5. Finnish Lapland: An Authentic Christmas Wonderland
For an authentic Christmas experience filled with winter activities, head north to Finnish Lapland. Smaller resorts like Levi, Yllas, or Saariselka offer a paradise for snowmobiling, skiing, and reindeer rides. Levi, just 20 minutes from the airport, is an ideal family destination with Santa’s village nestled in a wilderness of twinkling log cabins. Here, children can engage in festive activities, decorate gingerbread cookies with Mother Claus, and even have a private meeting with Santa himself. The focus is on wholesome holiday fun, and commercialism takes a back seat.