For many people Christmas is all about tradition and family, being surrounded by loved ones, but have you ever dreamt of ditching tradition and heading off to spend Christmas somewhere different? I have, so here are my top 10 dream Christmas destinations. 

As we head out of the Christmas period and into a new year I’m already thinking about what I might do next year for the festive period.

In the UK we are rarely guaranteed a white Christmas, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the festive season: Shopping at Christmas markets, wrapping up in cosy pyjamas or thick jumpers/gloves/ scarfs etc. enjoying delicious hot drinks or taking a wintery walk wherever you are.

These are just some of the things I love about Christmas (or Winter at least) but I can’t help but dream about experiencing these magical moments somewhere different, to see how other people and places celebrate the festive period.  

London

I’ve done Christmas shopping in London, but I’ve never actually celebrated Christmas in the city. Maybe 2018 will be the year I see the tree at Trafalgar Square, wander through the Christmas market on the Southbank, admire the beautiful decorations at Covent Garden or hear some carol singers.  

New York

Do I even need to list reasons why I would want to spend Christmas in the Big Apple? Admiring the tree and ice rink at Rockefeller Centre, enjoying the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, shopping on 34th Street, or walk through the wintery wonderland of Central Park. Surely this city appears on everyone’s list of dream Christmas destinations.

Paris

I don’t know much about Christmas celebrations in Paris, but I love the idea of traipsing round French Christmas markets and seeing decorations along the Champs-Élysées.

Rome

Italian Christmases are a complete mystery to me. I have no idea how they celebrate Christmas in Rome but as I would love to visit the city anyway I don’t see why it wouldn’t be magical.

Budapest

It wasn’t Christmas, but the one time I did visit this beautiful city was at the beginning of December – it was stunning, freezing and I fell in love with it’s fabulously festive atmosphere. Christmas markets with delicious tradition winter treats, the chance of witnessing a white Christmas, and admiring the stunning views over the Danube.

Prague

Most of the images I’ve seen of Prague have come from Instagram, and to be honest I’m in love before I’ve even visited. It looks like the perfect Winter/Christmas destination. I’m a complete sucker for old towns, traditional architecture, places with character and personality and Prague seems filled with all of this. Surely this is the epitome of a dream Christmas destination.

Sydney

Christmas doesn’t have to be about snow, festive markets and elaborate decorations. As much as I love these aspects of the Christmas period I can’t help but be intrigued by the idea of spending it in a totally different part of the world and finding some Winter sun. There’s something slightly odd and interesting about the prospect of experiencing Christmas in Australia – and surely Sydney would be the perfect choice to add to your list of dream Christmas destinations.

Tokyo

Christmas Day is just another day in Japan. No big family dinners, no public holiday, no real celebration to speak of at all. Of course they aren’t completely dismissive of the festive period, but if you’re looking to experience a completely different kind of Christmas I can’t help thinking that Tokyo could be the ideal destination.

Aspen

I’m not one for Winter sports, in fact I’ve never tried them myself so they wouldn’t be the main interest for wanting to visit such a destination. However, I’m a sucker for a breath-taking landscape and if it’s a Winter Wonderland you’re looking for I can’t imagine a more fitting place.  

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known for it’s appreciation of British culture, so it’s understandable that you’ll still be able to get into the spirit of Christmas during you’re time there. Although you won’t find turkey and trimmings you still be able to enjoy plenty of Christmas markets, decorations and light shows.

These were my top 10 dream Christmas destinations. One day I hope to tell you I visited them all.

Don’t forget to check out my Christmas gift guide selection.

Where do you like to spend Christmas? Home or Away?

How do you choose where to spend the festive period?

Let me know in the comments.