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Summary:
- Warm or snowy alternative Christmas destinations.
- Tropical, polar or desert experiences.
- Calm retreats or lively celebrations.
- Simple ideas to enjoy Christmas your own way.
- Perfect if you want a holiday that finally feels right for you.
Christmas tends to follow the same rhythm every year, and it is easy to feel like you are repeating the exact same evening. Changing the scenery, even slightly, brings a different energy to the holiday. A sunny beach, a snowy forest or a quiet night under the stars can shift the mood in a way that feels natural and grounding. You do not need an extravagant plan, just a place where the season makes sense to you.
This article highlights destinations and ideas for anyone looking for a Christmas that breaks with the usual script. From summer weather in the southern hemisphere to polar nights in the far north, or something unexpected like a desert camp or a transparent dome, each option offers its own kind of comfort. Let’s explore where your next Christmas could feel a little more like you.
Iceland’s south coast: a fresh way to explore fire, ice and quiet wild lands
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Christmas in the sun: where december feels like summer
Australia: Christmas with sand between your toes
In Australia, Christmas arrives with heat, long days and gatherings by the water. Families cook on the barbecue, play beach games and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that feels naturally festive. A barbecue on the sand becomes the centre of the celebration, with decorations adding small touches rather than setting the tone.
Getting there: flights to Sydney or Melbourne.
New Zealand: a laid-back Christmas between sea and nature
New Zealand embraces Christmas in full summer. People spend the day swimming, hiking or relaxing by the coast. A decorated tree under a bright blue sky creates a contrast that feels playful and refreshing. It is ideal for anyone wanting a simple, nature-filled holiday.
Getting there: flights to Auckland (about 24 hours with connections).
Christmas in the snow: places where winter becomes part of the charm
Lapland: a Christmas that feels like a story
Lapland offers everything you imagine from a winter holiday. Snowy forests, wooden cabins and long blue hours create a peaceful setting. Activities such as dog-sledding or snowmobile rides give the trip a fun and immersive feel. People come here for the stillness and the sense of being surrounded by winter.
Getting there: flights to Tromsø or Rovaniemi.
Iceland: deep nights and warm geothermal pools
December in Iceland is quiet, atmospheric and perfect for slow-paced days. Reykjavik glows with lights, while the countryside invites travellers to discover frozen landscapes and natural hot springs. Being in a steaming geothermal poolsurrounded by cold air is a moment you do not forget easily.
Getting there: frequent flights to Reykjavik (around three hours from Europe).
Tropical Christmas: warm weather and festive streets
Cuba: a colorful and friendly holiday
In Cuba, Christmas blends music, warmth and street life. Havana and Trinidad are especially lively in December, with decorated streets and a generous atmosphere. Days shift between bright beaches and evenings filled with local rhythm.
Getting there: direct flights to Havana.
Brazil: a vibrant Christmas on Rio’s beaches
December marks the start of summer in Brazil. Rio’s beaches become natural gathering spots where music, warm nights and friendly crowds set the tone. Celebrating Christmas on Copacabana or Ipanema brings a sense of joy and openness.
Getting there: flights to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.
Want something different? three unusual Christmas ideas
A night in a transparent dome
Sleeping in a dome under the stars offers a quiet, contemplative holiday. You stay warm while enjoying an open view of the sky. It is perfect for anyone wanting a minimalist, nature-focused Christmas.
Christmas in the desert
In Morocco or Jordan, Christmas can be spent around a fire under an immense sky. The silence of the desert creates a moment that feels far removed from the usual holiday rhythm. A great option for a simple and deeply different experience.
A mountain cabin for a slow and cosy Christmas
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A small cabin in the mountains brings a break from everything. No rush, no noise, just snow, cooking and a warm evening inside. It is the kind of Christmas that feels quiet, intimate and timeless.
Which Christmas fits your mood? (quick overview)
| Style | Destinations | Atmosphere | Budget |
| Warm and beachy | Australia, New Zealand, Brazil | Summer feel, relaxed | €€€€ |
| Winter magic | Lapland, Iceland | Snowy, peaceful | €€€ |
| Tropical and cultural | Cuba, Morocco | Warm, lively | €€ |
| Slow and nature-based | Iceland, mountain cabins | Intimate, quiet | €€–€€€ |
Stepping outside the usual routine can make Christmas feel new again. Whether you choose sunshine, snow or a silent night in the desert, the essential thing is feeling exactly where you want to be. Everything else is just scenery.
