Amsterdam Joins London, Zagreb, Strasbourg, Quebec City, New York, and More Revealing Must Visit Christmas Capitals and Unmissable Holiday Destinations for 2025

Published on December 24, 2025

Amsterdam joins London, Zagreb, Strasbourg, Quebec City, New York, and more as the world’s top Christmas capitals for 2025, offering travelers an extraordinary blend of festive spirit, historic charm, and unforgettable seasonal experiences. These cities have earned global recognition for their vibrant holiday markets, dazzling decorations, and immersive cultural traditions, along with a wide selection of tours that cater to families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. Streets, squares, and landmarks are transformed into enchanting winter wonderlands, creating magical experiences that make each city a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

From London’s iconic illuminated landmarks and bustling markets to Amsterdam’s glowing canals, Nuremberg’s legendary Christmas market, Zagreb’s lively winter festivals, Strasbourg’s storybook streets, Quebec City’s snow-covered historic quarters, and New York’s towering Christmas trees and spectacular festive shows, each city offers a unique holiday atmosphere. With accessible tours, multilingual options, and diverse accommodation choices, these destinations combine visual splendor with convenience and variety, confirming their status as the most unmissable and captivating Christmas destinations worldwide for 2025.

The review examined a wide range of international cities using travel and accommodation data sourced from major booking platforms. Destinations were evaluated across four core measures that shape the holiday travel experience. These included the volume of Christmas themed tours available, the median hourly cost of those tours, the diversity of languages supported for international visitors, and the average nightly hotel rates during December. Combined, these indicators provided insight into both the richness of festive experiences and the financial accessibility of each destination during the busiest time of the year.

European cities dominated the rankings, claiming nine of the top ten positions worldwide. Their success reflects a strong tradition of Christmas markets, historic town centers, pedestrian friendly layouts, and deeply rooted seasonal customs that continue to resonate with travelers. The only non European city to enter the global top tier was Quebec City in Canada, which stood out for its snow covered streets, preserved architecture, and well organized seasonal tours that create an old world winter atmosphere.

Despite their popularity during the holiday season, cities in the United States did not place within the global top ten. However, several destinations still performed strongly in regional rankings. New York City emerged as the leading American city for Christmas tours, securing a solid position in the upper half of the global list. Its appeal remains driven by large scale seasonal attractions, elaborate decorations, and a dense concentration of holiday activities spread across iconic neighborhoods.

New York stood out in one key category, ranking at the top globally for the number of Christmas tours available, a position it shared with London. From walking tours and seasonal performances to themed experiences tied to shopping districts and entertainment hubs, the city offers unmatched variety. However, higher hotel prices in December and a narrower range of language options for guided tours affected its overall standing. While tour prices remained relatively moderate, accommodation costs placed the city among the most expensive destinations during the festive period.

Beyond New York, two other US cities earned recognition for their Christmas offerings. Branson, Missouri achieved a respectable mid range ranking, supported by its concentration of holiday shows, family oriented entertainment, and purpose built seasonal attractions. Savannah, Georgia followed closely, benefiting from its historic streets, warm winter climate, and guided walking tours that combine festive storytelling with architectural and cultural heritage.

Globally, London claimed the top position for Christmas tours in 2025. The city matched New York in the number of available tours but distinguished itself through lower average prices and a broader mix of accessible experiences. During December, London becomes a citywide celebration, with decorated landmarks, traditional markets, illuminated shopping streets, and a wide selection of free public displays that enhance its appeal for both budget conscious travelers and luxury visitors.

Amsterdam secured second place worldwide, supported by its canalside winter events, citywide light installations, and competitively priced guided tours. The city’s compact layout and efficient transport make it especially attractive for short festive breaks. Nuremberg ranked third, continuing its reputation as one of Europe’s most traditional Christmas destinations, renowned for its historic market culture and deeply rooted seasonal customs.

Zagreb placed fourth, reflecting its growing reputation as a value driven Christmas destination that combines affordability with strong visual appeal and lively public events. Strasbourg completed the top five, reinforcing its status as one of Europe’s most authentic Christmas cities, where historic squares and timber framed buildings provide a classic backdrop for seasonal celebrations.

Amsterdam joins London, Zagreb, Strasbourg, Quebec City, New York, and more revealing why these cities are the must-visit Christmas capitals of 2025, offering festive markets, dazzling decorations, iconic holiday attractions, and unforgettable seasonal experiences.

Taken together, the 2025 rankings underline Europe’s continued leadership in Christmas tourism, particularly for travelers seeking traditional markets, historic settings, and immersive cultural experiences. At the same time, North American cities continue to attract visitors through scale, spectacle, and distinctive regional traditions. While higher seasonal costs influence rankings, destinations such as New York and Quebec City remain powerful draws, offering memorable holiday experiences that appeal to global audiences year after year.