Dresden, Germany

Christmas in Europe is a time for centuries-old traditions with all the trimmings and you really haven’t experienced the festive season until you’ve experienced it at an enchanting German Weihnachtsmarket, the oldest Christmas market in Germany. With a blaze of lights glittering over the river, a thick scent of mulled wine in the air, the sound of festive music and the twirling of carousels, Dresden Striezelmarkt sets the atmosphere for Christmas cheer. Amongst the snow-dusted market stalls selling handcrafted trinkets, fir trees adorned with ornaments, and the cinnamon scent of glühwein, the romance of the holiday season truly comes alive. While exploring the stalls, keep an eye out for traditional handcrafted nutcrackers that are favorites at the market, as well as the Dresden Pflaumentoffel – a small chimney sweep made out of dates. Aside from miniature statues, visitors can indulge in Germany's classic stollen fruit loaf. Visitors can also try their own hand at making some at the Stollenfest baking stand!

Nuremberg, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt also consistently rank in top lists for the best and biggest Christmas market.

Prague, Czech Republic

During December, the capital of the Czech Republic turns into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights blanket the city's medieval architecture and its Christmas markets are some of the best in the world. Don’t miss the markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square and be sure to try the trdelník (cinnamon rolls) and svařák (mulled wine). Afterwards, head to Café Mozart for a five-course meal complete with live classical music by The Mozart Quartet.

Vienna, Austria

This Austrian city is teeming with markets during the holiday season. The most unforgettable market is held in Rathausplatz Square, which is set in the neo-Gothic city hall as its backdrop. Breathe in the aroma of frying sausages, the sweet tang of toffee apples, and the fragrance of countless scented candles. Unique gifts include artist’s snow globes which were actually invented in Vienna in 1900. Also remember to buy a hot mug of Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch) to keep you warm as you check out the various vendors' wares. And for those who want to twirl and glide through the crisp Viennese air, the Christkindlmarkt offers otudoor ice skating.

Reykjavik, Iceland

While Icelanders do not believe in Santa Claus (the 13 Yule Lads are the ones who dole out gifts to well-behaved children), their country's capital is awash with holiday spirit every December. Adventurous travelers can feast on a seasonal meal of fermented skate - a fish dish with a particularly pungent aroma that permeates the air on Christmas Eve. Other must-dos include ice skating at festive Ingólfstorg Square and looking for the mesmerizing northern lights.

Rome, Italy

Rome's charming piazzas, streets and buildings are even more stunning when decorated for the holidays. Admire the impressive Christmas trees in Piazza Venezia, next to the Colosseum and in Vatican City's St. Peter's Square before checking out the world's oldest permanent nativity scene at St. Mary Major Basilica. Or visit the tremendous Hanukkah menorah at Piazza Barberini. Then, shop for holiday treats, decorations and gifts at Piazza Navona's sprawling Christmas market and go ice skating near Castel Sant’Angelo. Attending the Pope's Christmas message and blessing outside of St. Peter's Basilica is an incredibly popular event - so much so that you'll want to apply for free tickets two to six months in advance.

Quebec City, Canada

Can't hop across the Atlantic pond for a European holiday? This Canadian city is the next best thing. Come December, the quaint stone buildings and narrow, winding streets of Old Québec are outfitted with holiday decorations and lights. Take your kids to meet Santa in the Petit Champlain District, try seasonal German delicacies like gingerbread and mulled wine at the German Christmas Market or go ice skating at Place D'Youville.

Taos, New Mexico

For a twist on the traditional Christmas, consider spending the holidays in this small town 70 miles northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Snow-covered adobe buildings dot the historic downtown, and handmade gifts are available at the Taos Folk pop-up store. The roster of unique events includes bonfires and traditional Aztec dancing on Bent Street; caroling and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Taos Plaza; and a Christmas Eve parade of skiers making their way down the area's slopes with nothing but flares guiding them.

Rio de Janerio, Brazil

Head to Rio this season to soak up some sun, explore tropical rainforests and see iconic sights. The Marvelous City's location in the Southern Hemisphere means you'll enjoy temperatures in the 80s in December, the perfect weather for lounging on its world-renowned stretches of sand. Should you crave a traditional taste of Christmas, attend the Festival de Presépios, where you'll find the world's largest life-size nativity scene, or venture to Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon to check out the world's largest floating Christmas tree.

Deplar Farm, Iceland

It doesn’t get more off-the-grid than the Fljót Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. Located on a converted sheep farm in a remote area, Deplar Farm blends into the natural landscape with its black timber cladding and living roof.

The holiday season may be short on sunlight but the days are still packed with adventures. Guests can whale watch in the surrounding fjords, astro-tour the celestial events in our backyard, and heli-ski with the legendary Ian McIntosh. Back at the lodge, many guests choose to spend entire days in the spa, hopping from the geothermal-heated indoor/outdoor pool to our Isopod flotation tanks and outdoor Viking sauna. And this time of year, the pool provides front-row seats to view the ghostly Northern Lights.

Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee

Located in east Tennessee in the town of Walland, sits Blackberry Mountain. Spend the holidays in a stone cottage or a watchman’s cabin at this sophisticated and secluded luxury resort and pick from thoughtfully curated activities and offerings this holiday season.

Start the festivities off by toasting the season with a Christmas tree lighting, a holiday hike through the Great Smoky Mountains, a holiday hand-built ceramics class, a ‘naughty list’ wine tasting, a visit with Santa at the lodge or a reindeer race.

Sun Valley, Idaho

We’ve written about how much we love Sun Valley before. There are so many activities no matter the season. If you’re traveling here during the holidays, taking a classic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy hills is a must. Enjoy the scenic views from Bald to Proctor Mountain during the day, or a ride to dinner this festive way!

Park City, Utah

Park City hosts the 16-day Snowfest, featuring everything from live music to ice sculptures. Festive singalong shows at Park City’s iconic Egyptian Theatre are guaranteed to get even the most Grinch-like travelers into the holiday spirit. One of the city's most memorable events is Santa's ride down the Town Lift into Town Lift Plaza in the Main Historic District but if you’re in the mood for a train ride yourself, jump on the Heber Valley Railroad for their special North Pole Express train ride. Passengers are served hot cocoa and cookies and receive a special gift from Santa on the 90 minute ride.