Last Updated on 06/12/2025

Most people picture Christmas in the same familiar way: snowy markets, gingerbread, mulled wine, city lights, pine trees. And it is magical — but sometimes you just want something different.

Maybe you want sunshine instead of snow. Maybe you’re tired of the packed European markets. Maybe you just want to see how the rest of the world celebrates (or doesn’t celebrate) December 25th.

Whatever your reason, there are incredible places around the world where Christmas feels refreshingly unusual — and unforgettable.

Here are the most surprising, magical, and offbeat destinations to celebrate Christmas this year.

I. What Actually Makes a Christmas Destination “Unusual”?

Not every place that has snow or lights is unique. An unusual Christmas destination is one that surprises you. Maybe because of:

• Climate (snowy Arctic → tropical beaches)

• Culture (Catholic celebrations in India, radish festivals in Mexico)

• Setting (quiet Alpine villages, Arctic wilderness, jungle hideaways)

• Traditions (or the total absence of them)

• Vibe (peaceful, adventurous, ultra-festive or minimalist)

These destinations are for travelers who want to shake up the season — to step outside the “hot chocolate in a Christmas market” stereotype and try something new.

II. The 12 Best Unusual Places to Spend Christmas This Year

1. Rovaniemi, Lapland (Finland) — The Arctic Fantasy Christmas

If you’ve ever wanted to spend Christmas inside a snow globe, this is it.

Rovaniemi — officially the hometown of Santa — sits right on the Arctic Circle. It’s a place where December feels like a cozy dreamscape: frozen forests, reindeer, auroras, glowing log cabins, and more snow than you can imagine.

Why It’s Unusual:
Because nowhere else celebrates Christmas with such commitment. This is the ultimate winter fantasy.

What to do:

• Visit Santa Claus Village

• Try a reindeer or husky sled ride

• Chase the northern lights

• Stay in a glass-roof Arctic igloo

• Warm up in a sauna (a must in Finland)

Good for: Families, couples, and anyone who wants a truly magical white Christmas.

Tip: Book early — cabins and tours sell out fast.

2. Gramado, Brazil — Christmas Lights in the Middle of Summer

If snow isn’t your thing, head to the southern hemisphere where December = summer.

Gramado, in southern Brazil, hosts one of the world’s largest Christmas festivals: Natal Luz (“Christmas of Lights”). The whole town becomes a glowing theme park of lights, music shows, parades, fireworks, and warm tropical nights.

Why It’s Unusual:
You get full Christmas cheer — but in T-shirt weather.

What to do:

• Watch the street parades and evening performances

• See the giant illuminated parks

• Enjoy Brazilian holiday foods

• Explore nearby alpine-style villages (yes, in Brazil!)

Good for: Warm-weather travelers, families, festival lovers.

3. Bali, Indonesia — A Tropical, Laid-Back Christmas

Not everyone wants turkey and snow. Some of us want beaches, sunsets, and a poolside mojito.

Christmas in Bali is simple: sunshine, surf, tropical fruit, chilled-out café culture, and beautiful resort dinners on the beach. Many hotels put on special Christmas menus, and the island has a big expat community — so you’ll find plenty of festive events.

Why It’s Unusual:
Christmas with palm trees instead of pine trees.

What to do:

• Spend Christmas morning surfing

• Enjoy sunset seafood in Jimbaran

• Do a spa day in Ubud

• Join a Christmas brunch at a beach club

• Explore waterfalls without winter crowds

Good for: Couples, solo travelers, digital nomads, anyone escaping winter.

4. Seefeld or Hall in Tirol, Austria — Quiet Alpine Magic

If the usual European Christmas markets are too crowded for your taste, head deeper into the Alps.

Small towns like Hall in Tirol or Seefeld feel like peaceful winter postcards — cobblestone streets, mountain views, tiny Advent markets, and charming cafés. Think of it as the “anti-tourist” Christmas: all the coziness, none of the chaos.

Why It’s Unusual:
A peaceful, slow, authentic alpine Christmas far from mainstream city markets.

What to do:

• Visit tiny local Advent markets

• Go snowshoeing or do mountain walks

• Drink hot chocolate in quiet cafés

• Enjoy spa days and heated outdoor pools

Good for: Couples, introverts, slow travelers.

5. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina — History, Culture & Mild Winter

Christmas in Mostar is unlike anywhere else: palm trees + stone bridges + Ottoman architecture + mountain views + a melting pot of religions and cultures.

It’s mild in December, making it perfect for walking around the old town or exploring local cafés.

Why It’s Unusual:
Where else can you enjoy a Christmas setting influenced by Slavic, Ottoman, and Mediterranean cultures all at once?

What to do:

• Walk the iconic Stari Most bridge

• Enjoy cozy cafés in the Old Town

• Visit Blagaj Tekke monastery

• Explore wine country nearby

Good for: Travelers who love history, culture, and unique architecture.

6. Oaxaca, Mexico — The Night of the Radishes

Yes — it’s exactly what it sounds like.

Every December 23rd, Oaxaca hosts La Noche de Rábanos, an event where locals carve giant radishes into elaborate scenes and sculptures. Add warm weather, festive food, fireworks, and artisan markets… and you have one of the world’s most unexpected Christmas traditions.

Why It’s Unusual:
It’s the only place in the world with a radish-carving Christmas festival.

7. Cape Town, South Africa — Christmas in Summer With Mountain Views

Beaches. Wine country. Stunning hikes. Penguin colonies. Sunset picnics.

Cape Town delivers sunshine and scenery, plus a fun local Christmas atmosphere that blends African, European, and summer traditions.

Why It’s Unusual:
Christmas = beach BBQs + vineyards + Table Mountain views.

8. Svalbard, Norway — A Christmas in Polar Night

Want a completely surreal Christmas?

In Svalbard, December is 24 hours of darkness. The sun won’t rise. The sky glows in deep blues and purples. Stars and northern lights shimmer all day long.

Why It’s Unusual:
A Christmas without daylight — about as otherworldly as you can get.

9. Madeira, Portugal — Flowers, Fireworks & Warm Weather

Madeira hosts one of the world’s best New Year’s fireworks shows — but Christmas is just as enchanting.

Think:

• Spring-like weather

• Ocean cliffs

• Flower markets

• Outdoor concerts

• Beautiful holiday food

Why It’s Unusual:
A tropical-feeling Christmas in Europe — no long flights needed.

10. Goa, India — Beach + Catholic Christmas

India may be Hindu-majority, but Goa — once Portuguese — celebrates Christmas with:

• Midnight Mass

• Street decorations

• Beach parties

• Fusion holiday food

• Warm weather

It’s a lively, colorful, unexpected Christmas mix.

11. Iceland’s Countryside — Fairy Tales & Northern Lights

Iceland has its own quirky traditions, from the 13 Yule Lads to the giant Christmas cat that supposedly eats people who haven’t received new clothes for the holiday. (Yes — really.)

Add hot springs, snow landscapes, and auroras… and it becomes magical.

12. Kyoto, Japan — Christmas Lights & Zen Atmosphere

Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas traditionally, but cities like Kyoto and Osaka go big on illuminations. You get a mix of:

• Zen gardens

• Winter lights

• Hot baths (onsen)

• Incredible food

• Calm, peaceful streets

A beautiful non-religious, wintery Christmas option.

III. How to Choose the Right Unusual Christmas Destination

Ask yourself:

1. Cold or Warm?

Do you want:

• ❄️ Snowy cabins

• 🌴 Beaches

• 🌤️ Mild, spring-like winter

2. Active or Relaxed?

• Adventurous: Svalbard, Lapland, Iceland

• Relaxed: Bali, Goa, Madeira

3. Cultural or Festive?

• Cultural: Mostar, Oaxaca, Kyoto

• Festive: Gramado, Lapland, Austria

4. Solo, Couples, or Families?

• Solo: Bali, Kyoto, Cape Town

• Families: Lapland, Austria, Gramado

• Couples: Madeira, Iceland, Mostar

IV. What to Expect When Spending Christmas Abroad

1. Different Customs

Some destinations barely acknowledge Christmas. Others go all in.

2. Holiday Closures

Restaurants, shops, and buses may run limited hours on:

• Dec 24

• Dec 25

• Dec 26

3. Booking Early

Snow destinations and tropical islands fill up fast.

4. Weather Extremes

Svalbard: –20°C
Bali: +30°C
Madeira: +22°C

5. Food Differences

Turkey dinner? Maybe. Maybe not. Embrace the local cuisine.

V. Sample “Unusual Christmas” Itinerary Ideas

A. Arctic Christmas (Lapland — 5 Days)

• Day 1: Santa Village + ice sculptures

• Day 2: Husky safari

• Day 3: Reindeer farm + sauna

• Day 4: Aurora night tour

• Day 5: Snowmobile ride + forest café

B. Beach Christmas (Bali — 5 Days)

• Day 1: Pool day + Christmas dinner

• Day 2: Surfing

• Day 3: Ubud rice terraces

• Day 4: Spa + beach club

• Day 5: Waterfalls + sunset seafood

C. Quiet Alpine Christmas (Austria — 4 Days)

• Day 1: Arrival + small market

• Day 2: Winter hike + spa

• Day 3: Christmas concert

• Day 4: Scenic train ride + pastries

VI. Tips for Making Christmas Abroad Feel Special

• Bring a small gift or tradition from home

• Join expat events or communal dinners

• Buy local handmade gifts

• Do something memorable (spa, hike, tour)

• Embrace the difference — don’t compare it to “home” Christmas

VII. Conclusion

Spending Christmas somewhere unusual doesn’t mean ditching the holiday — it means reinventing it.

Whether you choose snow, sunshine, culture, or adventure, these destinations offer unforgettable December experiences far beyond the typical European market trip.

So… where will you spend Christmas this year?