Have you always wanted to jet-set somewhere fabulous over Christmas?

Here are 6 destinations I recommend for a holiday getaway:

Barcelona, Spain

Anyone who can extend their holiday until the 12th day of Christmas- Three Kings Day or Epiphany- can catch up with Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar in Barcelona.

The three wise men arrive on their ship, the Santa Eulalia, at Barcelona’s port on January 5.

Fireworks are lit, cannons are fired, and the Magic of the Magi officially commences, with the mayor awarding them with the keys to the city.

Finally, there is a luxuriant parade through the streets of Barcelona with a magnificent display of floats and dazzling costumes.

Nuremberg, Germany

The Nuremberg Christmas market, dating back to 1628, is a German institution that traditionally pulls in more than 2 million visitors annually.

Visitors to the Christkindlemarket booths find traditional, handmade Christmas decorations, wooden toys, and sweet treats such as spicy gingerbread, Spekulatius almond cookies, and mugs of mulled wine.

A visit to the Nuremberg Christmas market is a charming and romantic experience where tourists and locals celebrate the season together. 

To put it simply, it is an absolutely enchanting experience.

New Zealand

The traditional Christmas has a New Zealand twist for those seeking something different.

Join Santa in his surf shorts in Queenstown to enjoy the warm summer temperatures. Enjoy the sunny weather by jet skiing, surfing, or paragliding on Lake Wakatipu.

When you are done enjoying a day of activities, enjoy a hearty Christmas meal of lamb, seafood, and chicken on the barbie while overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

This is a Christmas to remember!

London England

London famously goes all out for Christmas with a timeless appeal. Dazzling Christmas lights, lively pubs, and a dash of Dickensian charm make London a top destination for Christmas travel. 

Make sure to visit Regent Street to see the famous ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ angels lining the street.

Go ice skating at Somerset House’s iconic ice rink,

Admire the lovely Christmas window displays at Harrod’s and Fortnum & Mason, or visit one of the charming Christmas Markets overflowing with handmade wooden toys, festooned gingerbread, and beautiful traditional decorations.

There is a reason London is an iconic Christmas destination.

Rome, Italy

It’s not surprising that Romans take Christmas very seriously. For travelers, it’s the perfect time to visit. 

The streets around Rome are festooned with Spectacular Christmas decorations, and the markets will have plenty of gifts for last-minute shoppers.  

The Pope will deliver midnight mass on Christmas Eve and the blessing on Christmas morning at St. Peter’s Basilica. This is a unique experience even non-Catholics would appreciate. 

For an extraordinary, uniquely Roman experience, hear hymns echoing off 1,900-year-old walls during midnight mass at the Pantheon. (December 24 into the 25th).

Cape Town

If you’re looking to escape winter during Christmas, Cape Town is a wonderful destination—it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere, after all, and Cape Town offers a totally different Chrimbo vibe. 

Think sunny beach days, hikes up Table Mountain for spectacular views, and jaunts out to South Africa’s wine country without wearing a coat and scarf.

Visit one of Cape Town’s holiday markets or enjoy a Festive picnic atop Table Mountain or in the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Or, for a very unique Cape Town experience, visit the penguins at Boulder Beach and enjoy the antics of these charming birds.

Which of these 6 would you visit?