13 Uncrowded Christmas Destinations Worth Visiting

During the holidays, everyone wants to travel to the U.S. or the U.K. but this idea will cost you more in terms of crowded places. To enjoy the Christmas holiday without the crowded places, consider traveling to some of the uncrowded Christmas destinations for an amazing experience.

By choosing the lesser-known destinations for the Christmas holiday event, you not only cut down your accommodation costs but it’s also the best way to discuss the local Christmas traditions with the community to know about their cultural traditions.

When knowing where not to go you can easily get the idea of where people mostly visit during the Christmas holiday. New York City is one of the most visited and uncrowded places to visit in December.

After New York City, if the Christmas event is all about the lights then Paris is also the most jam-packed city for visitors to enjoy the Christmas trip. Visitor’s shopping, music, Christmas-related displays at the churches, and other seasonal arrangements make Paris more amazing. London, Finland, Germany, and Prague are also the best places to go for Christmas with family.

Most Researched Hidden Christmas Destinations

According to the studies, there is more than 100 million Americans gather to celebrate Christmas events and the numbers are increasing year by year. During the years 2021 to 2022, air travelers increased by approximately 10 to 12%. So, with the previous travel trends, there’s no way to think that the number of air travelers would be reduced this year. Also, there’s no possibility that there is any reduction in the percentage of crowded people.

Famous Uncrowded Christmas Destinations

As Christmas comes closer you must be thinking, about where to go on Christmas Vacations. Well, there are several places to travel at Christmas. You can select any one or two places to go on Christmas Day, don’t confuse yourselves while deciding just by assuming less popular or less exciting.

All of these destinations have their own importance in the Christmas holiday event delight. Book your flight to any one of the destinations to make your Christmas event delightful and enjoyable.

Following are the unusual places to spend Christmas:

1. Panama:

panama cities

Panama is a great place to travel for Christmas. You may find the different similarities between Panama and Costa Rica when you search both of the destinations on your own. But if you want to know which one to select for tourism, then the most famous one is the La Pura Vida of Costa Rica.

So, this means if you want to spend your Christmas event in Panama then you have the better option.  In Panama, you will find several festival activities as the month of November starts. So, be ready yourselves to different festive activities than the Christmas activities. Also, be ready to spend your time on the beach with the carnival feel.

Best time to Visit:

You can visit in early December (1st-15th) before the holiday rush. The weather is pleasing and the festive decorations begin without the peak tourist season.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia:

Dubrovnik, Croatia

You will find no more tourists in Dubrovnik, Croatia during December as it is just famous because of having beaches and summer fun. If you don’t want then there’s no need to avoid the European markets fully during Christmas.

You may visit Dubrovnik, Croatia with a smaller group which is considered the best place to travel for Christmas to make your Christmas holiday memorable. There’s no doubt that Dubrovnik, Croatia is the best option for a delightful event but with some space to breathe.

Best time to Visit:

Late December (the week after Christmas) can be a better time to visit as many tourists leave after the holiday. Explore the beautiful city and celebrate New Year.

3. Malmo, Sweden:

Malmo, Sweden

If you want to spend your Christmas vacation in Scandinavia without the crowded tourists then you can spend this Christmas in the southern Sweden city named Malmo is the best Christmas gateway. It is located approximately half an hour away from Copenhagen making it a great trip to Denmark. You can find a lot of locally owned restaurants in Malmo City.

Best time to Visit:

Visit from December 1-15. The Christmas markets are open, so it’s best to enjoy your trip.

4. Tallinn, Estonia:

Tallinn, Estonia

Among Uncrowded Christmas destinations, Tallinn, Estonia is also the best place to visit during Christmas. You can go for Tallinn, Estonia in favor of the medieval city further north. Tallinn Is the capital of Estonia with a medieval old town (well-preserved) that is a world heritage site of UNESCO. At this Christmas holiday destination, you can enjoy your Christmas event with the twinkling lights and other artistic decorations.

Best time to Visit:

Early to mid-December is ideal. The Christmas market opens in late November, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere with fewer tourists.

5. Manchester, England:

Manchester, England

Want to make your Christmas special but don’t know where to go for Christmas? Fear not! Manchester, England can be your smart choice to collect memories and enjoyment. England is famous just because of the amazing decorations and celebrations of the Christmas holiday event, especially in the UK’s capital.

You can explore the different markets of Manchester during the Christmas event and most of the Manchester markets are still open till the 22nd of December. So, you can enjoy the last-minute shopping in Manchester city and enjoy your Christmas holidays. You can check out hotels for accommodations in Manchester.

Best time to Visit:

Early to mid-December is ideal. The Christmas market opens in late November, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere with fewer tourists.

6. Sydney, Australia:

Sydney, Australia

Most People show less interest in the Land down under places during the Christmas event, but on the other hand, not all travelers are searching for White Christmas activities. This destination not only attracts solo travelers but arranges Christmas trips for families as well.

If you want to enjoy your Christmas holidays in the warm Christmas destinations then Sydney, Australia is the best option. Also, you will not find an overcrowded place. Usually, some of the Australian residents celebrate the Christmas event during the middle of the summer.

Best time to Visit:

Aim for early to mid-December. The weather is warm, and the holiday crowd peaks closer to Christmas and New Year.

7. Nijmegen, Netherlands:

Nijmegen, Netherlands

In the Netherlands, there is the oldest town named Nijmegen and there are different markets in Nijmegen that you can explore at the Christmas event.

One benefit is that the Nijmegen is located behind the German border, allowing travelers to visit the different German Christmas markets. By visiting the Nijmegen, Netherlands, you will easily enjoy the Christmas event without any rush.

Best time to Visit:

Early December is great, especially before the holiday festivities ramp up. The city has charming decorations without overwhelming crowds.

8. Akureyri, Iceland:

Akureyri, Iceland

It’s best to visit Akureyri, Iceland during the winter season and you will be able to see the Northern lights illuminate the sky. There’s no lie in this and there are many travelers who have experienced and you may also experience these incredible Christmas destinations. You will find this place more enjoying the stargazing, northern lights, and whale watching.

Best time to Visit:

Visit in early December. It’s a beautiful time to see the lights and enjoy the winter scenery before the holiday rush

9. Hamburg, Germany:

Hamburg, Germany

Thinking about where to go for Christmas vacation at the Christmas event?  Well, the whole world is welcoming and filled with breathtaking Christmas getaways. But, what about Hamburg, Germany?  It’s a great place to spend your Christmas holidays, here you will find German markets more decorative, different shopping options, and food vendors.

Many people know about only Munich and Berlin cities but Hamburg is a famous city for the Charismatic event. So, you can enjoy your Christmas holidays with your family in Hamburg.

Best time to Visit:

The first two weeks of December are ideal, with less tourist traffic and vibrant Christmas markets to explore.

10. Lajitas, Texas, USA:

Lajitas, Texas, USA:

Families who want to spend their Christmas holidays as a group will definitely find everything they want to look for an amazing experience. It’s a desert that stays cool in the night but you can also enjoy pleasant temperatures in the day, too.

It’s a great idea to stay at the Lajitas, Texas, USA for a Christmas family vacation. This dessert is specially decorated on the Christmas event to give travelers an amazing Christmas event feeling. You can enjoy the zip lining, hiking, and horseback riding activities. If you are willing to plan the best Christmas vacations for families, nowhere else can be a great idea than Lajitas, Texas, USA.

Best time to Visit:

Late December (after Christmas) sees fewer visitors. You can enjoy the best Christmas vacation USA in Lajitas without ample crowds.

11. Toronto, Canada:

Toronto, Canada

On the Christmas event, Toronto is usually not considered a high-end destination for Christmas celebrations. It is known as a cheap place to travel during Christmas. Canadian city will give you a splendid experience during the Christmas holiday. You can capture beautiful memories in Toronto as well.

The Toronto Christmas market streets are lined with different vendors that sell artisan craft products, local products, and delicious turkey food. From mid-November to December, the market closes on Monday and is open six days a week.

Best time to Visit:

Early December is best, as the holiday festivities begin, but the peak tourist crowds don’t hit until closer to Christmas.

12.  Galway, Ireland:

Galway, Ireland

You can visit Ireland in any month of the year but Ireland is one of the best countries to spend the Christmas holidays. Because it’s such an inviting place during the Christmas that offers special Christmas vacation packages as well.

In the start, travelers explore Dublin when they travel to Ireland but the real place to visit during the Christmas event is the Galway. In the Galway, you will find the Light up Galway festival and Galway continental Christmas market, both of the events took place between the middle of November to December.

Best time to Visit:

Visit in early December. The city’s Christmas market is enchanting, and it’s generally less crowded before the holiday week.

13.  Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio:

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio:

Among all the uncrowded Christmas destinations, the final unusual place to spend Christmas is the Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio. Logan, Ohio is not a larger city but it is considered to be an understated natural beauty. In the winter, you will enjoy the waterfalls and quiet hike through gorges.

You may get the chance to capture a winter-season photograph. So, don’t miss a chance to enjoy your Christmas event in Ohio, this season.

As mentioned all places are the best places to go for Christmas with family without crowded visitors. You will not be disappointed after visiting these least crowded Christmas destinations.

Best time to Visit:

Late December (after Christmas) is quieter, allowing for peaceful hikes and enjoying the winter scenery without large crowds.

Manage Expenses on the Holiday Travel

When you want to travel during the Christmas holidays then there’s a chance that you will spend more and it’s a normal thing. But, if you want to manage it, you can easily do it. The expenses cover the flight tickets, fuel for the road trip, and other expenses like hotel rent, etc. Also, you may get gifts for your family and friends and definitely, you have to purchase the extra meals and tasty treats.

It’s not easy to manage or avoid the unusual expenses on the Holiday travel, but if you try making some adjustments then you can easily save money on your Christmas holiday event.

Is it Inexpensive to Travel for Vacation During the Christmas Holidays?

If you want to travel on the right day, then you may save a few dollars by not traveling on rush days. If you are planning to travel and want to enjoy your Christmas holiday vacation, then it’s best to choose the mid-week flight. Mid-week flights are the cheaper flights on any occasion.

This year, Christmas is on Monday and you have the better option to adjust your traveling expenses and avoid overcrowds. But if you prefer to reserve your flight on the weekend then you may face an overcrowded situation and it may be heavy on your pocket.

If you want to travel only on December 25 then it’s also the best day to book a flight. People who want to enjoy the Christmas holidays are eager to go earlier rather than arriving on the same Christmas day. So, it’s also the cheapest way to fly on December 25.

Final Words!

Do you want to make your Christmas more amazing, exciting, and memorable, then this travel guide will help you choose the fun places to visit for Christmas with the top 13 uncrowded Christmas destinations.

We’ve listed the top 13 places you can visit this Christmas that not have too many visitors on the Christmas event but will give you a charming and joyous experience. So, why are you waiting, grab your ticket now and enjoy this year’s Christmas with your family, friends, or loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is best to go away for Christmas?

The best destinations for a Christmas getaway include New York City, Vienna, and Lapland in Finland.

2. Where is the cheapest place to go for Christmas?

Mexico is another destination that offers cheaper places for Christmas, with Cancun or San Jose del Cabo being popular choices.

3. Where to go if you don’t like Christmas?

If you do not enjoy Christmas, then you may prefer to go somewhere warm like Panama or the Maldives.

4. Where is Christmas least celebrated?

Christmas is the least observed mainly in non-Christian countries like Afghanistan and North Korea.

5. What are the best cities to escape Christmas and New Year’s?

Among the best places to flee Christmas and New Year’s are Panama City, Dubrovnik, and Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio.

6. What are some Uncrowded Christmas destinations on a budget?

Panama, Dubrovnik and Malmö, Sweden could be considered countries to visit as an uncrowded Christmas destination on a shoestring budget.


Ferona Jose

Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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