Trending Holiday Travel Destinations in 2025

It’s hard to imagine winter snowflakes and frozen fingers when we are still in the thick of long summer days. However, it’s smart to get a head start on winter travel now. Booking in advance is key because flights, hotels, and special experiences fill up quickly. 

Planning now means more choices, better rates, and less last-minute stress. If you want to escape on a Christmas getaway without the last-minute scramble, it’s time to turn your dreaming into planning. We’ve taken care of the research for you, rounding up holiday travel destinations that are buzzing across social media and the web. Take a look!

Top Destinations for Christmas 2025

Below are five standout spots gaining buzz for the 2025 holiday season, each offering a special kind of festive experience:

1. Rovaniemi, Finland – Santa Claus Village & Northern Lights

Famous for the ultimate Christmas wonderland within the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village brings holiday cheer to life year-round. Visitors can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle line, send mail from the official post office, and, if skies cooperate, catch the Northern Lights.
Best for: Families and festive travelers seeking snow and holiday memories.
Where to stay: A snow chalet or luxury lodge near the Arctic Circle for Northern Lights views.

2. Aruba – The Caribbean’s #1 for 2025

Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean it has to be cold. Aruba was named the top destination in the Caribbean in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Expect golden beaches, warm waves, and laid-back luxury.
Best for: Sun lovers and those who want a relaxing beachside holiday with a festive twist.
Where to stay: A beachfront resort like The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, or Hyatt Regency.

3. Paris, France – Festive City of Lights

Paris is a classic holiday escape resplendent in lights, markets, and cozy cafés. Featured among TripAdvisor’s top global destinations for 2025. Stroll markets, sip vin chaud, or enjoy gourmet dinners with seasonal delights.
Best for: Culture lovers and romantics craving elegant, traditional festivities.
Where to stay: Hôtel Plaza Athénée or Le Meurice for iconic festive ambiance.

4. Italy – Florence, Lake Como, Sicilian Villas

Italy offers a rich palette of holiday celebrations: Florence’s lit piazzas, Lake Como’s tranquil winter retreats, and truffle hunts in Sicily. Beyond sightseeing, enjoy markets, intimate meals, and fewer crowds.
Best for: Culinary aficionados, families, and those after atmospheric charm and local culture.
Where to stay: A lakeside villa in Lake Como or a restored Tuscan villa near Florence.

5. Osaka, Japan – Rising Trending Spot

Osaka is a top trending destination globally for 2025, known for its vibrant food scene, lively nightlife, and access to cultural treasures across Kansai. Expect glowing streets, festive illuminations, and regional adventure.
Best for: Foodies, solo travelers, and those seeking a more cosmopolitan, cultural holiday adventure.
Where to stay: A modern high-rise hotel in Namba or Umeda district, close to food and entertainment.

Christmas in the Air Year-Round

Even as you’re braving the heat and breaking a sweat 10 times per day in the summer, you can always have Christmas on the brain. It just makes you feel happier. There is no better time than now to start planning your Christmas travel. 

If you’re dreaming of crisp northern lights, sizzling beach cheer, European holiday charm, or a food-lovers’ escape in Japan, these destinations offer a little something for every traveler. Start pairing destinations with hotels now, and you’ll savor the season all the more, without the rush.

For more time-saving holiday tips, including staying up to date on the best events, travel, and gifts in 2025, follow along at TheChristmas.com. We always have the scoop on the featured events for the upcoming holiday season. It’ll be here before you know it! Follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom, and you’ll never miss a moment.