The Best Destinations to Celebrate the Holiday Season 2024!

The holiday season is here with huge festivals to celebrate such as Christmas and New Year! The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner and you definitely can’t waste it by being at home! Plan an amazing trip to one of the fabulous destinations mentioned below and explore the unexplored. December holidays are the perfect embodiment of the festive spirit and plan your trip ASAP. Have a safe trip abroad with all the Covid19 details and travel restrictions.

The best destinations to celebrate the holiday season are –

1. Colmar, France
2. Berlin, Germany
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
4. Prague, Czech Republic
5. Innsbruck, Austria
6. Grindelwald, Switzerland
7. Rovaniemi, Finland
8. Valkenburg, Netherlands
9. New York City, New York

1. Colmar, France

France is no doubt a great destination to have a dream-come-true vacation! This holiday season, visit a well-preserved 13th-century village, Colmar. Explore the half-timbered houses, romantic canals, beautiful cobblestone medieval streets and delicious food. You can experience the magic of Christmas in the purest form here. The city also hosts multiple Christmas markets, traditional toy exhibitions, guided tours and so much more for its tourists. It is a romantic and colourful destination that should not be missed this holiday season! France is open for tourism from India without quarantine, so now, you can easily plan a trip to your favourite destination. All you need is a health pass with you.  A health pass has all the information relating to the history of either you vaccinated, recovered from the virus recently or a negative PCR test result.

Also read – 10 Best Reasons to visit France: History, Beauty And Beyond

2. Berlin, Germany

To be a part of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration, then visit Berlin. Millions of tourists from various parts of the world visit Berlin to be a part of the occasion. This holiday season, visit the focal point Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the New Year in a grand way. The city hosts street parties with amazing fireworks, delicious food, entertainment events, musical performances, live concerts, and so on. Be a part of this vivacious event and create some unforgettable memories. Fully vaccinated people can easily travel to Germany from India.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

The land of fire and ice is a great holiday season destination. It brings the opportunities to see the brilliant aurora borealis, a breathtaking natural light show, unique Christmas and New Year celebrations. Reykjavik hosts the famous Yule Town Christmas market on Ingolfstorg, which has a lot of souvenirs to offer to its guests. The colourful city with tiny, picturesque huts, holiday decorations, gifts and treats make you feel like you are in a fairytale. Besides celebrations, you can also go on fabulous excursions like ice cave tours or go whale watching. This winter season, plan a trip to Iceland, celebrate the holiday season and experience the inexperienced.

Also read – 10 Unique Things to Do in Iceland – Every Traveller’s Wish!

4. Prague, Czech Republic

When winter takes place in Prague it turns into a fairytale! It is one of the spectacular destinations to visit at Christmas time. Explore the city’s magnificent architecture, famous Christmas markets; savour mulled wine and delicious delicacies. Visit the impressive Christmas market at Old Town Square decorated with holiday lights and complete the vibes with music. Prague is a fairy-tale city and cannot be missed! Fully vaccinated Indians can travel to the Czech Republic without any restrictions.

5. Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is surrounded by dramatic, snow-covered mountains, making you feel like you are in paradise. It is one of the top destinations to visit this holiday season. The most wonderful time of the year is even better in Innsbruck as it offers festive Christmas markets, medieval streets with twinkling lights, delicious punch and local specialities. Other than Christmas vibes, you can explore the historic castles and palaces, beautiful gardens, churches and so much more. People from India who are fully vaccinated can visit Innsbruck, Austria after 12 December 2021. Those who are not fully vaccinated have to produce a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. You will have to undergo a quarantine procedure for 10-days.

Also read – 10 Best Reasons To visit Austria

6. Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald is a lovely village and surrounded by the two dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps. The place particularly stands out for the winter season holiday and Christmas celebrations. Gorgeous decorations, Christmas trees with fairy lights, plenty of mulled wine and handcrafted goods is what you will get here! The city is also known for the filming location for Star Wars and James Bond movies. Not to forget about the delicious delicacies Switzerland has to offer to its visitors! Switzerland has opened its borders for ‘fully vaccinated’ Indians, all you need is a valid Schengen Visa, your vaccination certificate, and your backpack and a camera!

7. Rovaniemi, Finland

There is no Christmas without Santa Claus, so, don’t wait for Santa Claus to come to you, why not visit his house instead? Rovaniemi in Finland is his official hometown. This dreamy winter wonderland is a great destination to explore for people of all ages. Indulge in husky-dog rides and reindeer safaris, children can make gingerbread cookies with Mrs Claus, and explore the deep snow and pine forests. Have a stay at an ice hotel of snow and ice. Enjoy the hot tubs and saunas.

This holiday season explores the unexplored and makes some fantastic memories. If lucky enough, you can even get to watch the stunning aurora borealis. This Nordic country is open for fully vaccinated (Covisheild) Indians. People who are partially vaccinated must have negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours of arrival and also undergo a PCR test on arrival.

Also read – 10 Top Attractions in Helsinki, Finland to Visit

8. Valkenburg, Netherlands

The Netherlands is a great place to explore this holiday season. The city of Valkenburg hosts its Christmas market in a cave! You heard it right, Strange yet fantastic! People here can explore the residence for Santa Claus, his reindeer sleigh, and a room full of gifts. Buy some amazing Marlstone products, traditional Polish handicrafts, mural drawings and so much more! The entire city sparkles with festive lights and serves some of the amazing and delicious delicacies. Other than this, you can explore the castles, gardens, and bike around the streets. The Netherlands is open for fully vaccinated (Covisheild) Indians. People who are partially vaccinated must have negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours of arrival and also undergo a PCR test on arrival. People vaccinated with Covaxin must go through the same procedure.

9. St Petersburg, Russia

St Petersburg is the second-largest city in Russia. Russian Christmas celebration is a mixture of old and new traditions. Also, not to forget that in Russia, Christmas Day falls on 7th January, according to the Julian calendar rather than the Western Gregorian calendar. Isn’t this something new to explore! Visit the cathedral and watch an enormous Christmas tree. Try delicious dishes such as stuffed pig’s head, roasted goose with apples, pirogi, and so much more! All travellers are required to submit an RT-PCR test and this test is required to be taken three days prior to your arrival in Russia.

Also read – Russia Releases 1st Covid Vaccine “Sputnik V”

10. New York City, New York

New York City is a great place to celebrate the holiday season. Explore the open-air holiday markets with your family and friends and make some stunning memories. There is truly nothing more magical than spending your holiday in New York City. One thing which cannot be missed here is snow! Walkthrough the bustling streets shining a bit brighter with twinkling lights. The city has a lot to offer to its guests, and you definitely won’t regret it. You will have to show proof of full vaccination before boarding a plane to the US. Those who are not vaccinated or vaccinated with Covaxin must have a negative Covid-19 test within 3 days of arriving in America.

This holiday season visit, one of the best destinations mentioned above. This December experience the magic of Christmas and New Year in the purest form. No need to waste your time while surfing on the internet, Choose Pickyourtrail as it provides amazing travel package deals at great prices. Here, you can also customise your itinerary as you want and have a perfect trip! I know your hand is already on the doorknob, isn’t it?