20 Best Christmas Destinations for Solo Travellers (2024)
Wondering where to find the very best Christmas destinations for solo travellers? You’ve come to the right place, especially if you’re single and want to avoid being home alone on Christmas Day.
Being single over the festive season can be difficult, bringing everything from stressful family situations and ‘death by Netflix’ to invitations you’d rather eat your own eyeballs than accept.
It’s no wonder that so many singletons ask, “Where is the best place to spend Christmas alone?” If you’re looking to travel alone and enjoy the festive season on your terms, you might find these recommendations for solo Christmas getaways helpful.
The Best Christmas Destinations for Solo Travellers in The United States
Whether you’re naturally gregarious and would love to spend Christmas with others or crave peace and solitude away from home, these ideas for Christmas solo holidays in the US:
1. Christmas in New York City, USA
For one of the best Christmas destinations for solo travellers, spend Christmas in NYC. It’s a magical place during the holidays.
You could spend Christmas day checking out the tree at Rockefeller Center and enjoying the vibrant holiday-inspired window displays at Sak Fifth Avenue.
Both activities are perfect on Christmas day because everyone else is at home with their family. Therefore, you can enjoy some of the best decorations in the city without all the crowds.
You can also visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and meditate before digging into a delicious home-cooked brunch at Bubby’s Tribeca. How good does Roasted Duck Cranberry Hash, Steak Benedict and Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries sound? (Open on Christmas Day until 4pm).
Another great thing to do alone is visit the ‘luminaries’ at Brookfield Place – an assortment of stunning lanterns hanging from the ceiling of a well-lit, palm tree-laden glass atrium.
Pause for long enough to see the lanterns transform into a gorgeous assortment of colours, then go ice skating at the rink just outside, overlooking the Hudson River.
🏨 Stay at the sleek and social Ace Hotel New York near Madison Square Garden. You might meet like-minded guests enjoying Christmas getaways for singles over 50 here.
2. Helen, Georgia
As the third most visited destination in Georgia, Helen is easily one of the best Christmas destinations for solo travellers, with a wealth of stunning Christmas decor.
In this magical, Bavarian-inspired village you can walk the streets and discover a bit of European charm in the southern USA, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to take in the festive scenery.
If you arrive before Christmas Day, head for the Christkindlmarkt Christmas Market. This traditional German-style market is the perfect place to shop for crafts and unique gifts and to sample delicious foods.
Alternatively, the Christmas Shoppe and Christmas & More are great places to pick up some last-minute gifts, like classical nutcrackers.
Next, watch Santa drive by while handing out candy during the annual Helen Christmas Parade before grabbing some epic local fare at Cimmi’s Courtyard Cafe. Locals and tourists love their all-day breakfast since you can enjoy fan faves like biscuits, grits, hashbrowns, and more.
On Christmas Day, why not take an exhilarating ride on the fun and unique Georgia Mountain Coaster? Go as fast or slow as you want as you zip along and admire the forest scenery.
🏨 Book a room at the fantastic Black Forest Bed & Breakfast. It’s a charming, adults-only, Bavarian-inspired hotel that offers guests sweeping views over the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s one of the best winter vacations for singles you could have!
3. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, always looks a bit magical, thanks to its downtown full of Bavarian-style buildings. Christmas in Leavenworth is spectacular as the alpine village is transformed into a winter wonderland.
With half a million lights decorating the downtown area, carolers strolling the Bavarian-themed streets, and vendors purveying chestnuts that are roasted on an open fire, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a Hallmark Christmas movie!
Thanks to its high elevation, you’ll likely have a cold and white Christmas in Leavenworth, but there are plenty of wine bars to duck into for a mug of gluhwein by the roaring fire. It’s also the perfect excuse to wear your favourite winter woollies 🙂
The walkable downtown area is small and easy to navigate, with friendly locals. If you’re interested in making new friends, head into the closest bier hall!
➡️ Take an entertaining guided Christmas walk to learn a little local history, and be treated to some of the best holiday traditions that Leavenworth has to offer. Piping hot cocoa is included ☕
While Christmas Day in Leavenworth may be quiet, it’s the perfect chance to take a walk, snap some great photos for Instagram, and relax in your hotel.
🏨 Book the Turret Room at the Bavarian Lodge to take advantage of the huge soaker tub, relaxed sofas and oversized bed! If you want to socialise, you can soak in an outdoor hot tub and take in the snowy Cascades mountains around you. Heaven!
Perfect Places to spend Christmas alone in Europe
Here are some of the best places to go for Christmas as a solo traveller in Europe:
4. Spend a Solo Christmas in London, England
London is fabulous all year round, but it’s pure magic when the festive lights and decorations illuminate the most popular streets and tourist attractions.
On Christmas Day, there’s no public transport in London, so you’ll want to stay in the city centre. Enjoy a leisurely brunch at your hotel, grab your comfiest trainers, and head for St. Paul’s Cathedral to experience a traditional English church’s sound, colour and carols.
💡 Local Tip: Aim to arrive at least 90 minutes early to get a seat!
After the service, you could stroll past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Southwark Cathedral across the Millennium Bridge and along the South Bank.
Continue your walk across London’s most iconic bridge – Tower Bridge for a peek at the Tower of London before heading back to your hotel to relax or pop into the hotel bar.
Limited places will be open for lunch or dinner on Christmas Day (and those that are will likely be booked up with large groups). I recommend making dinner reservations in your hotel to guarantee a table.
On Boxing Day (26th December), treat yourself to a walking tour of London’s impressive Christmas lights. You’ll want to check out Bond Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Oxford Street, and you may also enjoy visiting the fantastic Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.
💡 Local Tip: Pantomime (or Panto) is a great British institution and London puts on a great show! Check Time Out for recommendations and book early!
Christmas is the perfect time to photograph London, as fewer people will be around than usual.
Great places to stay in London
- Dukes London is an English country house style hotel in the heart of the upmarket St James Mayfair district. Elegant yet cosy, it has a convivial bar, great dining options and serves fabulous afternoon tea.
- Astors Belgravia is a real find! It’s stylish, budget friendly and close to Westminster Abbey.
- Club Quarters, St. Pauls is moments away from St Paul’s Cathedral. Rooms are comfortable and stylish, and the casual French-style bistro serves excellent food.
5. Vienna, Austria
Spending Christmas in Vienna, the beautiful capital of Austria, is very special. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with decorations and fairy lights everywhere for the festive season.
Not only is Vienna incredibly beautiful at this time of year, but Austria is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, making it one of the best choices for Christmas solo holidays.
For the perfect Christmas day in Vienna, a visit to one of the city’s Christmas markets is a must. Unlike many other European cities, several of Vienna’s Christmas markets are open all day on the 25th and 26th of December!
Christmas days are national holidays in Austria, so other shops will likely be closed.
Find all the Vienna Christmas market locations and opening hours here.
The most beautiful market, located in the town square, is a special place to drink hot mulled wine and eat chestnuts by the fire.
Book a spot in one of the various Christmas concerts around town and enjoy classical music in a historically significant location.
🏨 Le Meridien Hotel. in the First District is the best place to stay in Vienna for Christmas, as all the major Christmas markets will be within walking distance of your hotel.
6. Gothenburg, Sweden
Sweden’s second-largest city is one of the best Christmas destinations for solo travellers. Several Christmas markets across Gothenburg are accessible by foot or tram, making it easy for a solo traveller to explore all of them.
🏨Explore all your hotel options here.
The best Christmas market for foodies is in Haga, with rows of stalls selling Swedish sweet treats like cinnamon rolls and hot drinks to warm you up. Festive must-tries include glogg (sweet mulled wine) and Pepparkaka (thin and crispy gingerbread biscuit).
The most traditional Christmas market is in Kronhuset, a great place to purchase gifts and trinkets.
However, the most popular Swedish Christmas market is found at Liseberg Theme Park. The area is lit up by 5 million sustainably powered Christmas lights. You can expect a festive ice skating show, 80 market stalls and all the rollercoasters you can handle!
If you want to enjoy a traditional Swedish Christmas dinner, book the Christmas table dinner at Gothia Towers and try out the pickled herring, saffron buns, cured salmon and traditional gottebord for dessert.
🏨 One of the best places to stay during Christmas is Hotel Bellora, centrally located and only a short tram ride from each Christmas market in Gothenburg.
7. Wicklow, Republic of Ireland
If you plan to spend Christmas alone in Europe, the Wicklow Mountains might be the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the holiday in solitude. Located about an hour south of Dublin, County Wicklow is considered the Garden of Ireland, known for its lush green spaces.
Some of the best things to do in Wicklow, include hiking, exploring charming small towns, wandering through elaborate gardens, and visiting a blustery beach.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here.
On Christmas Day, you can brave the chilly December air and hike the Spinc trail around Glendalough or walk from Greystones to Bray with sweeping views over the Irish Sea.
If you’re feeling brave, a quick swim in the ocean will clear your mind and invigorate you. Then, blast the heat in your car until you return to your hotel.
Finish the day curled up with a great Christmas movie and a comforting Christmas dinner. If you don’t want to cook for your holiday, pick up pre-made portions of classic Christmas dishes at Avoca in Kilmacanogue, including some vegetarian and vegan options.
Much of Ireland shuts down for the Christmas holiday, so stock up with all your favourite goodies and plan to stay put for Christmas Day and the next few days.
Top Tip: Rent a car with Rentalcars.com because the Wicklow Mountains are remote. Having a car is the best way to explore the area – one of the most uncrowded Christmas destinations!
The Croneybyrne Courtyard, surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains, is a great place to stay over Christmas. Rooms have kitchens to prepare meals.
8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the best Christmas destinations for solo travellers, as almost everything is open without shortened hours!
You see, the Netherlands celebrates its main winter holiday on December 6th, Saint Nicholas Day, when Sinterklaas visits the children of the Netherlands. Christmas Day on the 25th isn’t even a thing in Amsterdam!
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here.
Spend your day wandering around the city. Shop down the Kalverstraat, enjoy the Christmas Market in Dam Square, and take a canal cruise in the evening to see the UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring lit up for the Festival of Lights.
💡 Top Tip: Create an itinerary for Amsterdam before you arrive so you can fit everything in and enjoy a beautiful Christmas in the Netherlands!
🏨 Eden Hotel Amsterdam is a stunning hotel in a safe neighbourhood two minutes from the fantastic restaurants and nightlife in Rembrandtplein. With large, comfortable rooms, a great breakfast and two excellent restaurants, it’s a great choice.
9. Paris, France
If you’re travelling solo and don’t want to feel alone during the Christmas holiday, Paris is a great choice. Travellers from all over the world flock to Paris to see the city decked out in festive lights.
🏨 Explore the best hotel options here.
Head to Les Halles or Les Tuileries to wander around a Christmas market and try local foods. You’ll find many stalls selling handcrafted goods, souvenirs, and toys.
Ice skating at the Patinoire Arena is a must-do and Christmas music fans can enjoy concerts in the Saint-Germain district!
🏨 The Plaza Tour Eiffel Hotel offers beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. But be sure to book fast, as there’s high demand during the holiday season!
10. Bled, Slovenia
Picture postcard pretty Bled is one of the most visited cities in Slovenia and an idyllic destination for solo travellers looking for a magical yet unique Christmas destination.
The city is built around the stunning Lake Bled, which has a little island in the middle and is overlooked by the Bled Castle.
🏨 Check out hotel options here.
Top Tip: One truly unique thing to do on Christmas Day in Bled is to go to Bled Castle for the festive event called “Dance with the Lord and Lady of the Castle”.
This one-of-a-kind experience is held only twice a year – on the 25th of December and the 1st of January. It offers incredible lake views, sword fights and traditional dances in a medieval setting. You can book tickets here.
Bled’s charming Christmas market serves mulled wine, traditional sweets, and roasted chestnuts, and is a lovely place to browse. A guided walking tour of Bled is also a great way to find out more about local history and culture.
🏨 Garni Hotel Savica and Garni Hotel Berc are great places to stay.
11. Malaga, Spain
Malaga isn’t only a fantastic city to visit in summer, but at Christmas too. The city comes alive with beautiful festive lights and decorations, and there are plenty of holiday events and activities to enjoy as a solo traveller.
On Christmas Day, you can head to the Cathedral of Malaga, for a special morning mass, or visit one of the city centre’s Belen (nativity scenes). In the afternoon, enjoy Malaga’s traditional food at El Pimpi, one of the most popular restaurants in the city. And in the evening, walk on Larios Street to see the Christmas Light Show. The lights show is often three times a day between 6 pm and 9 pm.
Winter in Malaga is very mild, so you can also probably enjoy a nice walk in the Paseo Marítimo (the beach promenade). Alternatively, buy some Christmas souvenirs at the Christmas Market in Paseo del Parque.
If you are going to spend more than two days in Malaga and you love hiking, there are many scenic hiking trails near Malaga too.
🏨 The best place to stay in Malaga during Christmas is Room Mate Valeria. This centrally located boutique-style hotel is perfect for solo travellers and offers excellent city views. Plus, it’s just a short walk from the best Christmas activities and attractions.
12. Lapland, Finland
Lapland is one of the best places to go for Christmas as a solo traveller. You could stay in a glass igloo with the northern lights dancing above you if you’re looking for some time alone to immerse yourself in Finnish Lapland’s nature.
Alternatively, you could book a memorable Lapland tour, such as snowmobiling, reindeer or husky safaris!
The fun doesn’t stop on Christmas Day. Whilst most people around the world tend to hunker down on Christmas Day, those in Lapland enjoy one of the many activities on offer before heading out for a meal and then onto a fireworks display in the local town or village.
Luckily, you’ll not encounter any transport issues with Christmas travel to Lapland since this is the high tourist season.
Rovaniemi, Kitilla, Ivalo and Kuusamo are some of the best locations to enjoy Lapland in winter. Pick a fabulous lakeside Skyfire Glass Igloo for a touch of luxury, or stretch your budget further at the Motelli Rovaniemi.
13. Rome, Italy
Rome in winter is spectacular, and during the Christmas season, it’s even better. Solo travellers will love the vibes whether you prefer to spend time by yourself taking in the ancient Roman ruins or you want to hang out with other travellers – whether you’ve chosen to stay at a hostel or a stylish hotel.
Christmas lights cover the city’s cobblestoned streets and all the little pizza shops. Book a table at a nice restaurant in Trastevere for dinner. If you have ever wondered how it is to have pizza for Christmas, Rome is the place to test it out!
On the 25th of December, most of Rome’s attractions will be closed, so it is a good day to take it slow, stroll in the city’s parks, eat lots of amazing food or drink with new found friends.
Stay at the gorgeous Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá for a taste of paradise for Christmas. Just 800 metres from St Peter’s Basilica, this classy hotel has great views of the Vatican and superb facilities.
14. Seville, Spain
Seville in winter is a wonderful destination for solo travellers at Christmas, with plenty of impressive attractions to visit.
Besides visiting the Alcazaba, Cathedral and Giralda, head to the Plaza de España and walk along the Guadalquivir River. Get chestnuts at any of the stalls throughout the city and try the traditional Roscon de Reyes cake that is typical for Christmas in Seville. Attend a flamenco show and book a table for dinner in the old town.
Seville, like the rest of Spain, celebrates more on the 6th of January for the 3 Kings Day than they do on Christmas Day. If you happen to be there for the first week of January, you’ll see several processions walking through the city with floats of the Three Kings and other fairy tale figures throwing candy to the kids in the crowds.
Hotel Casa del Poeta is a gorgeous boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century mansion.
15. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is Poland’s most magical city at Christmas, and CNN called the market one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world (next to Vienna and New York). It’s a welcoming Christmas destination for solo travellers.
Stroll among stalls serving traditional Polish Christmas dishes, souvenirs, mulled wine and beer. Then pop into Sukiennice, the historic cloth hall that now houses souvenir and folk-art shops. You can also climb the St. Mary’s Basilica tower or learn about the torture chambers once located in the Town Hall Tower’s basements.
The best thing to do in Krakow on Christmas Day is to lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the historic old town or walk down the Vistula River boulevards. Pop into Magia Café or Café Camelot for lunch and a hot brew.
Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, has popular hip cafes, bars, great restaurants, Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum, and the Galicia Jewish Museum. It’s a relaxed place for a delicious meal and a good beer at Alchemia or Singer, with plenty of solo travellers around.
Christmas Eve is the most important celebration. Locals disappear to dine with their families around 6 pm, and some shops and businesses close early. A couple of hours later, everyone reappears for the festivities, which last until late evening and continue for two days! If you plan to dine out during Christmas in Krakow, you must book a table!
Stay at the Santi Hotel right in the town centre.
Solo Holiday Destinations in Africa for Christmas
16. Botswana
Botswana is the best gift you could give yourself! Spend your holiday on an amazing camping safari in one of the best destinations for solo travel at Christmas.
You’ll have a guide to take you to the top wildlife viewing spots and a cook to deal with your meals.
December is summertime in Botswana, Africa – low season. The landscape is becoming lush and green, and the temperatures are warm, with only occasional rains. It’s also prime time to see the baby animals in Botswana and the best time to see the wildlife without a crowd of land cruisers sprouting tourists.
Spend Christmas Eve on a bushwalk in the Okavango Delta, watching the elephants bathe and wait while their kids play in the water. Christmas dinner is a quietly festive meal cooked on a fire and eaten in the open air under the setting African sun.
One of your fellow safari goers might sing Silent Night softly, and you join in with the others. Your favourite gift is feeling the slight tremble of the ground as a lion in the distance roars in the middle of the night.
You will congratulate yourself on choosing the best Christmas destination for your solo travels.
17. Sahara, Morocco
Spending Christmas Day in the Sahara desert in Morocco is one of the most authentic experiences you can have, far away from the shopping pressure of the developed world. The true message of Christmas – of loving one another – will touch you deeply as you admire the swarms of stars to the rhythm of Berber drums around a Sahara desert campfire.
Zagora is a chilled-out town in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco that can be reached from Marrakech by plane or bus. You can unwind while visiting the local zouk and climbing its iconic mountain, the “Jbel Zagora”.
Four desert spots are reachable from Zagora desert town, and one of them, Erg Chegaga, is located in the Sahara desert. This beautiful and secluded spot features the tallest desert dunes in Morocco, and it is only a two-hour drive from Zagora. You can reach Erg Chegaga on Christmas Eve and stop in an oasis.
Spend Christmas Day riding a camel on the dunes, sand boarding or riding a quad bike and discovering the surrounding area. Alternatively, take a private guided tour from Zagora!
It’s essential to go with a local guide as the camp is located 50 km into the Sahara desert, and you could get lost without a local guide.
Dar Hnini is a huge luxurious villa in Zagora with amazing rooms, excellent food and a great pool. If you’re on a tighter budget, Oasis Tilogui is a highly-rated 4-star hotel with a lovely pool.
Asia: Christmas Solo Travel to Forget It’s Christmas
Here are some of the best places for solo travel for Christmas 2022 in Asia
18. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for solo travellers, especially during Christmas, because the city is as vibrant as ever.
Restaurants, shops, and other attractions are open on Christmas Day, so you’ll encounter minimal travel challenges.
Even though Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand, Christmas is still a big deal due to the large ex-pat community and December being the peak tourist season.
One of the best things to do in Bangkok on Christmas day is to visit Asiatique. This open-air night market has a festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations and lights, and it’s filled with shops and restaurants.
Also, many hotels and restaurants in Bangkok offer traditional Christmas day brunch and dinner options so you can enjoy delicious food and great company with other travellers who are away from home for the holiday.
Another fun place to visit in Bangkok on Christmas day is ICONSIAM. This upscale mall is decked out in festive decorations and has an impressive Christmas tree. It won’t take much for you to get in the Christmas spirit while looking at the impressive Christmas displays.
Lastly, visit one of Bangkok’s many Buddhist temples on Christmas day to learn about another culture and religion. The best temples include Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Traimit.
The best place to stay when visiting Bangkok solo for Christmas is DoubleTree by Hilton in Sukhumvit.
19. Goa, India
Goa is one of the best Christmas destinations for solo travellers because this former Portuguese colony celebrates Christmas with lots of pomp and festivities. Goans bring in Christmas with festive songs and cheer.
The houses of Goa are decorated, and there are constant church services: most Goans troop out for midnight mass with their families. There are loads of churches to visit during the season, but you should not miss the UNESCO Churches of Old Goa.
Christmas dances are also a thing! All ages head to these dances to tap their shoes to the beat of popular songs. These spots always have a lot of good food and drink, which is part of the festivities.
If you’re not into the celebrations, Christmas is the best time to head to the beach. The weather is perfect, the water is warm, and you can kick back and enjoy the sun.
Goa is also pretty safe, making it a great Christmas travel destination for solo travellers. There are great spots to mingle with locals and other travellers so you will never feel alone.
The best place for solo travellers in Goa to stay is undoubtedly the Goa Grand Hyatt or you could try the Vivanta Goa, Panaji. You will feel very pampered in either!
Oceania
20. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. It can be stunning at Christmas can be stunning, but it’s also high season, so expect crowds at popular spots. The good news is that the most popular Queenstown activities will operate as usual, even on Christmas Day.
Top Tip: It’s a good idea to book restaurants in advance!
For Christmas dinner, you could grab a picnic (or a Ferg Burger) and eat outside by Lake Wakatipu in the heart of Queenstown.
For something fancier, the best options are a four-course tasting dinner at Nest Kitchen or Christmas Day Lunch at the Skyline restaurant. The latter includes gondola rides up Bob’s Peak and two luge rides – a full-on day that will keep any solo traveller occupied.
The town is usually decorated, and there are often Christmas events throughout the festive period in Queenstown. While many are more oriented towards families, Santa’s Grotto, a market running in the nearby town of Wanaka, is worth visiting.
My favourite places to stay in Queenstown are the Sherwood Hotel for mid-range travellers and The Rees for affordable luxury. Make sure to book in advance over Christmas – they’re popular because they’re amazing!
Wrap Up – Best Christmas Destinations for Solo Travellers
So, there you have a diverse selection of inspiring Christmas and New Year travel destinations for singles of all ages. You don’t have to spend Christmas alone – unless you want to.
There are so many options for solo travel during the Christmas period, whether you want to wrap up and enjoy the cold weather or escape to warmer climates.
Now you have some ideas for where to go for Christmas when you are alone; all you need to do is decide which sounds like your cup of tea 🙂
MORE CHRISTMAS TRAVEL POSTS
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