Zermatt, Valkenburg, Cabo San Lucas, and Alsace, Discover the Best Christmas Travel Destinations That Will Make Your Holiday Unforgettable

Published on December 3, 2025

As the Christmas season nears, the allure of festive travel is more compelling than ever. The Michelin Guide has compiled a curated list of nine exceptional destinations that are ideal for the upcoming holiday season. These locations, ranging from traditional European Christmas markets to sun-soaked beaches in Mexico, promise to offer travelers a unique blend of cultural experiences, dazzling lights, festive cheer, and Michelin-starred dining. Whether seeking the magic of a snowy Christmas or desiring a relaxing retreat by the sea, these destinations are sure to offer something for everyone, making them the perfect holiday escape.

With carefully selected locations across Europe, Asia, and other regions, these destinations deliver not only exciting festive traditions but also world-class culinary experiences. The Michelin Guide presents these as top choices for travelers wanting to make the most of the holiday season, each promising a distinct and memorable experience.

Markets, Lights, and Michelin-Star Dining: A Magical Christmas Experience

The Michelin Guide highlights some of the world’s most enchanting Christmas destinations, combining the charm of the holiday season with world-class dining and dazzling holiday markets.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, stands out as a perfect holiday destination. Senate Square is transformed into a festive market, with over 100 stalls offering everything from handcrafted decorations to traditional holiday treats. Beyond the market, the city’s restaurant scene is equally impressive, featuring Michelin-starred establishments like Palace and Grön, both of which offer world-class meals blending local Finnish ingredients with international flavors, making them must-visit spots for culinary enthusiasts.

Just as charming is Tallinn, Estonia’s medieval capital. Surrounded by UNESCO-protected walls and ancient towers, this city looks like something out of a Christmas fairytale. During the holiday season, Tallinn’s Christmas market offers local specialties such as blood sausage and sauerkraut. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, NOA and Lore Bistroo are Michelin-recommended, offering gourmet meals that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions.

Traditional Christmas Markets with Rich Culinary Traditions

In Nuremberg, Germany, the Christkindlesmarkt—one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe—takes center stage every holiday season. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, luring them with traditional market stalls brimming with festive decorations, hand-crafted goods, and seasonal treats. A particular highlight of this market is the bratwurst, a famous sausage that is a must-try for both tourists and locals. Bratwursthäusle, a local restaurant, has been grilling these sausages over beechwood for centuries, offering a true taste of Nuremberg’s culinary heritage.

Although Tokyo, Japan, may not traditionally be seen as a Christmas destination, it has emerged as an unexpected gem. The city comes alive with winter illuminations, turning its districts into magical landscapes. Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants further enhance its appeal, providing a blend of traditional and modern Japanese dishes that attract food lovers. For those who wish to indulge in world-class dining while enjoying the city’s festive ambiance, Tokyo is an increasingly popular Christmas destination.

A Dream Christmas in Zermatt

For those desiring a white Christmas, Zermatt in Switzerland is a top choice. Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt guarantees snow, creating the perfect environment for winter sports enthusiasts. The ski resort caters to skiers, snowboarders, and other snow lovers, offering exceptional après-ski experiences. After a day on the slopes, visitors can unwind at restaurants like La Muña and The Omnia, both recommended by the Michelin Guide for their diverse and refined menus. With its combination of scenic snow-covered landscapes, lively après-ski culture, and world-class dining, Zermatt is a must-visit destination for Christmas travelers.

Enchanting Christmas Experiences in Valkenburg and Alsace

Valkenburg, a town in the Netherlands, affectionately known as the “Christmas Town,” offers one of the most unique holiday experiences. The town features an underground Christmas market set inside caves, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping environment. Valkenburg also showcases dazzling light shows and offers the “Route d’Amuse” culinary walk, allowing visitors to sample local delicacies at various stops. For those looking for refined dining, Ambrozijn, a Michelin-recommended restaurant set in a former church, serves French cuisine with a creative twist, offering a memorable culinary experience during the holiday season.

In the region of Alsace, France, visitors can experience fairy-tale-like Christmas markets filled with holiday cheer. Strasbourg, the largest city in Alsace, offers picturesque holiday scenes, complete with seasonal decorations and festive vibes. Travelers can indulge in traditional treats like bredele biscuits and enjoy the vibrant food scene. In Kaysersberg, another town in Alsace, the two-star Michelin restaurant La Table d’Olivier Nasti offers a truly unforgettable dining experience, adding to the region’s charm as a top destination for holiday travel.

Tropical Escapes: Cancún and Cabo San Lucas

For those seeking to escape the cold, Cancún and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico offer perfect warm-weather Christmas getaways. In Cancún, visitors can savor a Michelin-starred tasting menu at Le Chique, which showcases a variety of flavors from Mexico’s diverse regions. On the Pacific coast, Cabo San Lucas offers stunning ocean views, abundant fresh seafood, and an impressive selection of dining options. Cocina de Autor Los Cabos, another Michelin-recommended restaurant, offers sophisticated dishes, while Metate, a Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant, serves casual yet exceptional meals, making Cancún and Cabo San Lucas ideal destinations for a warm, festive escape.

Gdańsk: Poland’s Baltic Charm

Gdańsk, located along the Baltic Sea in Poland, is another top destination for Christmas travel. Known for hosting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Gdańsk offers a festive atmosphere complete with a Venetian carousel and a wide array of delicious food. The market offers an immersive holiday experience for all visitors. For a memorable dining experience, Arco, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Gdańsk, provides a unique blend of Polish ingredients and Spanish influences, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to enjoy both cultural heritage and exceptional cuisine during the holidays.

Impact on the Travel Industry

The release of the Michelin Guide’s list of top Christmas destinations is expected to have a considerable impact on the global travel industry. As travelers flock to these curated locations, it is anticipated that the demand for both holiday experiences and Michelin-starred dining will see a notable increase. Cities like Gdańsk, Nuremberg, and Helsinki are expected to witness a surge in tourism, as travelers seek out exceptional holiday experiences combined with high-end dining. These destinations, particularly those with Michelin-rated restaurants, will likely see greater interest from tourists looking to enjoy both festive traditions and gourmet food.

Furthermore, the spotlight on Michelin-starred dining is expected to influence travelers to prioritize these destinations for their culinary offerings, driving demand for high-end luxury travel and gourmet dining experiences. As more people seek unique high-quality experiences, destinations like Zermatt, Cabo San Lucas, and Tallinn will likely see a growth in visitors, contributing to the long-term development of these cities as prominent tourist spots.

The increasing interest in luxury travel combined with cultural experiences means that Michelin Guide destinations will continue to benefit from global tourism trends, further elevating their status as must-visit holiday destinations. Whether travelers are drawn to festive markets, winter sports, or world-class dining, the influence of the Michelin Guide will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of holiday tourism.

The Michelin Guide’s list of top Christmas destinations offers an impressive variety of locations that cater to different types of travelers. Whether it’s experiencing traditional Christmas markets in Europe, enjoying a white Christmas in Switzerland, or escaping to the warmth of Mexico’s beaches, these destinations provide exceptional experiences for everyone. With a mix of festive traditions, Michelin-star dining, and stunning locations, these places are sure to create lasting memories for holiday travelers. As more people seek unique and memorable experiences during the holiday season, these destinations will likely continue to attract growing numbers of tourists, leading to a boost in the global travel industry.