Festive Christmas markets. World-class skiing. The home of Santa. Pristine beaches and snorkeling.
A romantic December vacation is calling. And we’ve got 10 amazing vacation destinations that will tick your romantic boxes. You can stroll around European Christmas markets that ooze romance. You can flop on the beach in Bali, bask in the Maldives, or head to Prague for an unforgettable fairytale trip.
Best Christmas getaways for couples
Planning your trip around you
There are no rules for romantic Christmas vacations. If you want snow and skiing, you can get it in Aspen. If you’re after traditional Christmas markets and festive fairytale scenes, you’ll find it in Strasbourg and Prague. If a romantic trip to you is all about time together in one of the most beautiful beach vacation spots in the world, the Maldives is it. Bali offers a tropical break with some surfing thrown in. Whilst NYC is the perfect spot for holiday shopping and carriage rides through Central Park. And don’t forget Vienna for an elegant and classic Christmas trip together.
10 incredible Christmas trips for couples
Romance, Christmas markets and beaches
If you want traditional European Christmas markets or you’re looking for the best Christmas beach vacation destinations, these are 10 spots that are ideal for couples in December.
Vienna, Austria
Classical Christmas
Vienna, Austria
December
Classical music. Beautiful buildings. Wonderful Christmas markets. A Christmas vacation in Vienna is a dream. Stroll through the elegant and romantic Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace. Shop for unique gifts from over 100 stalls at the Christkindlmarkt – you’ll love the fairytale atmosphere at the city’s most famous market. And for a little romance, check out one of the many concerts happening throughout the city in December. Plus, if you’re here for New Year’s Eve, join locals and tourists welcoming in the new year with a traditional waltz.
Look out for:
- Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert.
- Vienna Boys’ Choir concerts.
- Christmas lights on the Ringstrasse.
Prague, Czech Republic
Fairytale wonder
Prague, Czech Republic
December
Travel to Prague for the epitome of a romantic European city break. This medieval city is full of fairytale wonder and delights around every corner. From its beautiful Old Town Square with the famous astronomical clock to Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle, look up and look around to take it all in. At Christmas, the city comes alive with festive cheer too. Stroll around Christmas markets in the Old Town Square, Prague Castle and Peace Square. And don’t forget to stop for a photo together on the iconic Charles Bridge. It’s what romantic memories are made of.
Look out for:
- St. Nicholas Day celebrations on 5th December.
- The Winter Festival at Prague Castle.
- The chiming of the Prague Astronomical Clock.
Cultural Fact File
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on 5th December in Prague with parades and gifts.
Vánoční cukroví are traditional Czech Christmas cookies.
Elaborate nativity scenes are displayed in homes and public spaces across the city.
Quebec City, Canada
Canadian Christmas
Quebec City, Canada
December
Make a quick hop over to Canada for a cultural vacation in a real winter wonderland. We’re talking horse-drawn carriage rides, snow-covered streets, and European-inspired architecture. Get festive with a trip to the German Christmas Market. Marvel at the beautiful, illuminated neighborhoods – don’t miss Petit-Champlain and Place Royale. Visit the Château Frontenac to snap some pictures. Take a trip to Montmorency Falls. Stroll around Old Quebec for all the romantic feels. And sample the Christmas treats on offer at the Grand Marché.
Look out for:
- Toboggan New Year’s Eve Festival.
- The Christmas market at the Grand Marché.
- The Gates and the Ramparts of Quebec City.
Strasbourg, France
The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg, France
December
They don’t call it the Capital of Christmas for nothing. Strasbourg is the home of Christmas in Europe and is just made for romantic Christmas vacations. Christmas markets? Check. The Christkindelsmärik dates to 1570 and is one of the oldest in Europe. Festival decorations? You got it. Jump on a boat tour to take in the city at night for a little romance. Christmas tree? Of course. The Grand Sapin Christmas tree is 30 feet high and has a light display every hour from 4 pm to 9 pm. And then there are the pretty half-timbered houses and delicious Alsatian cuisine.
Look out for:
- The Grand Sapin Christmas tree
- Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral and its nativity scene.
- The iconic Christkindelsmärik.
Insider tip:
The Christmas markets are super popular in Strasbourg, so the best time to visit is mid-week to beat the crowds. And when you’re there, don’t miss out on local favorites like choucroute and bredele biscuits.
New York City, USA
December in the Big Apple
New York City, USA
December
Whether you’ve been to NYC before or not, you simply can’t beat it at Christmas. As soon as you set foot in New York City in December, the festive magic washes over you. There are romantic carriage rides through Central Park. You can hop on the ice together for a spin at the Rockefeller Center. Stroll hand in hand down 5th Avenue for a peek at the incredible window displays. And don’t miss a festive Broadway show either. Plus, a walk through Times Square too.
Look out for:
- Santaland at Macy’s.
- Union Square Holiday Market.
- Bryant Park Winter Village.
Lapland, Finland
The home of Christmas
Lapland, Finland
December
Think you’ve experienced the best of the holidays before? Reckon you’ve got the festive magic down to a tree? You haven’t seen anything yet. This year, bring the romance and festive feelings with a trip to the home of the Big Guy himself. Lapland is a true Christmas cracker. Not only is there the chance to meet Santa, but Lapland is full of fun things to do at this time of year. Hop on the back of a husky sled. Go snowmobiling. Drink in the epic scenery together. And for the most romantic thing of all? Chase the aurora borealis on a Northern Lights tour.
Look out for:
- The Northern Lights.
- Glass-roofed igloos to take in the sky at night and spot the aurora borealis.
- The famous ice hotel.
Maldives
Ready for romance
Maldives
December
For the ultimate fly-and-flop vacation together, it must be the Maldives. Escape the wintery weather at home and treat yourselves to romance like you’ve never seen it before. The temperatures sit between 77 and 90° and the sun will shine. You’ve seen the photos and now you can experience it for yourselves. Relax on a pristine beach. Snorkel or dive into the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. And stay in a luxurious bungalow over the water for instant ocean access and the ultimate romantic experience.
Look out for:
- Dolphin-watching trips.
- Romanic sunset cruises.
- Snorkeling at Banana Reef.
Bali, Indonesia
Tropical getaway
Bali, Indonesia
December
What does a romantic trip look like for you? If you’re talking beautiful white sand beaches, lush tropical islands, sublime sunsets and parties, then Bali ticks all the boxes. Experience a tropical Christmas at this Indonesian island getaway. Relax on some of the best beaches in Indonesia – including Padang Padang, Balangan, Pandawa and Jimbaran Beach. Learn to surf together and catch a wave. Take a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. Party all night for NYE in Seminyak, Kuta, or Canggu. Or rent a motorbike and head out into the country to take in rice paddies and scenery for some peace and tranquility together.
Look out for:
- The Bali Safari and Marine Park.
- Shopping at Ubud Market.
- Beginners surfing at Baby Padang Padang.
Cultural Fact File
Bali is predominantly Hindu, so they don’t officially celebrate Christmas.
Bali has two active volcanoes and multiple black sand beaches.
Bali isn’t just one island – it’s made up of four islands.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
World-class winter sports
Aspen, Colorado, USA
December
Hit the slopes in Aspen for world-class skiing and snowboarding, and a romantic trip you’ll never forget. If you’re confident on skis or a snowboard, test yourself on Aspen Mountain, The Bowl, and Snowmass. And if it’s your first time, learn together on the gentler slopes of Buttermilk. When you’re done on the slopes, ice skate under the lights at night, enjoy a gondola ride to take in the winter scenery, and stay the night in a cozy cabin.
Look out for:
- Magical and romantic sleigh rides.
- The open-air ice skating rink near the Aspen Mountain Gondola.
- Après ski at Ajax Tavern.
Stowe, Vermont, USA
Classic New England Christmas
Stowe, Vermont, USA
December
It doesn’t get more festive or romantic than a visit to Stowe, Vermont. This classic early-19th-century New England village is made for strolling, shopping, dining, and photo-snapping. Downtown Stowe is picture-postcard-perfect with lights aglow on Main Street, snowflakes in the air, traditional buildings decked out for the holidays, and fireplaces crackling. Enjoy ice skating together, take a trip out of town to discover the beautiful New England landscape covered in snow, or hit the mountain for skiing.
Look out for:
- The annual holiday festival: A Traditional Christmas in Stowe.
- The Winter Solstice Sunset Hike.
- Skate with Santa.
The Indian Ocean. The beaches of Bali. Romance in Central Park at Christmas. A festive trip to Stowe. The romantic vacation you choose is all down to you.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that sometimes opening times and dates of Christmas Markets may change locally after we have published our article.