Solo journey locations for Christmas will be tough to decide on and a puzzle to plan however oh, such a pleasure to get pleasure from.
The world has opened up once more. The pandemic and all its associated restrictions aren’t as massive a difficulty as they had been a yr in the past.
Still, Christmas and New Year’s Eve will be difficult holidays for solo vacationers. That’s what makes the suggestions that comply with so particular: they’re all from members of the Solo Traveler neighborhood who’ve personally spent the vacations alone in locations all over the world.
Over the previous few years, now we have compiled suggestions for over 45 solo journey locations for the vacations. Please needless to say not one of the suggestions under are endorsements from Solo Traveler, as now we have not visited all of them ourselves.
Let’s begin with an enthusiastic vacation journey memory from Linda.
I like being away for Christmas to flee the household festivities. I am unable to bear in mind once I was house final time over the Christmas holidays. I’ve been to Namibia, Kenya, Ivory Coast, India, Taiwan, Florida, Australia, China, and so forth. I’m nonetheless searching for a journey vacation spot for this yr. I won’t need to go that far, so I’m considering Europe or the Middle East, or possibly a yoga vacation.
Christmas in London or Paris? A Difficult Choice.
Below are dozens of vacation season locations for solo vacationers listed by continent.
The two cities on this part might have been included there as properly however they’re price some particular consideration. The attraction of London and Paris will be skilled all yr spherical, however in the course of the December holidays, they every gown up in a particular method and supply extra magic than ever. Hence, they get some further profile.
London Over Christmas and New Year’s
Special London actions for Christmas and New Year’s embrace:
- Covent Garden. Covent Garden is a car-free space for purchasing, eating, and leisure positioned in London’s West End. Learn extra about Christmas in Covent Garden right here.
- Kew Gardens. Their annual after-dark festivities embrace glowing tunnels of sunshine, dancing lakeside reflections, and the fireplace backyard. Learn extra.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral. Whether you are Anglican or not, St. Paul’s Cathedral is unquestionably price a go to. They maintain live shows all year long. Here’s what they’ve happening over the vacation season.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It begins mid-November and ends January 2nd and tickets should be bought on-line, prematurely. There are reveals and rides.
- Oxford Street to Carnaby Street. Oxford Street is all the time accomplished up for Christmas. From there, wander down Argyle Street (you possibly can take Regent Street, however on Argyle you will go the London Palladium) to Liberty London (their well-known prints are making a pleasant comeback). Then head down Carnaby Street, which is for pedestrians solely, for fashionable, Soho purchasing.
- St. Martin-in-the-Fields. New Year’s Eve Opera and Operetta Matinée by Candlelight with highlights from many operas. Tickets on sale right here.
- City cruises and excursions. A fast google search will ship open-top buses and cruises on the Thames to take you thru London to soak within the Christmas spirit.
For extra choices, learn Solo Travel London on a Budget.
Where to remain in London for Christmas? I recommend making it particular. My high advice is Montague on the Gardens, positioned in Bloomsbury close to the British Museum and strolling distance to the West End and Covent Garden. It is cozy and really, very British. Have dinner there and you will not must seek for what’s open on Christmas and New Year’s in London. For extra choices learn Best Places to Stay in London: Accommodation for Solo Travelers.
What our readers say:
Suzanne, who spent the vacations in London final yr, says that town properly celebrates the vacations with meals festivals, carnivals, ice skating, and extra. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve fireworks, the largest annual fireworks show within the UK, go on sale in October, and Suzanne says it’s a tremendous expertise to see in particular person.
London additionally comes extremely really useful as a solo journey vacation spot for Christmas by Bev, who has spent the vacations there 5 occasions. A bit tip she shared with us is to “bring your own holiday music–the songs you really love to hear and that make you smile, not just what you think is traditional.”
Bella suggests that you simply “take a night tour of London and see it all lit up, especially the lovely tree at Buckingham Palace.”
We even have some insider suggestions from Ann, a really enthusiastic native!
I admit I dwell right here, however among the finest occasions of the yr to be in London is between Christmas and New Year as there are subsequent to no vacationers and many the locals depart town to stick with kinfolk outdoors of town or overseas. Last yr I noticed the Nutcracker ballet within the Coliseum on Christmas Eve and strolling house afterwards was magical, so quiet and only a trace of frost within the air. Should we be fortunate sufficient to get a white Christmas, it’s even higher because the snow muffles all of the sounds and with all of the previous buildings and alleyways within the metropolis, it actually appears like you might be in Dickens’ London in A Christmas Carol. You nearly count on to run into Scrooge and Cratchit!
Paris Over Christmas and New Year’s
Special Paris actions for Christmas and New Year’s embrace:
- Champs Élysées. Naturally, it is a required cease because the boulevard is lit with thousands and thousands of glowing lights in celebration of the season.
- Tuileries Garden Magie de Noël. This is Paris’ largest Christmas market. It features a Christmas-themed carnival–a continuation of the custom of “fun fairs” in Paris since Medieval occasions–an “Artisan Village,” and, naturally, scrumptious meals and drinks. Starting in November, Christmas markets pop up throughout Paris.
- Skating. While on the Tuileries Garden, take part or simply watch the skating.
- Holiday window shows. Paris’ well-known malls placed on the Christmas ritz of their window shows. Go to Printemps Haussmann or Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann for the shows. Go to their rooftops for excellent views of Paris.
- The arts. This is a nice record of live shows, operas and ballets in Paris over the vacations. The fantastic factor about music and ballet is that you simply need not perceive French.
- City cruises and excursions. A fast google search will ship open-top buses and cruises on the Seine to take you thru Paris to soak within the Christmas spirit.
For extra choices, learn Solo Travel Paris on a Budget: Now Is the Time.
Where to remain in Paris for Christmas? I recommend treating your self for an evening or two on the Parisienne boutique lodge Hotel Saint-Louis en l’Isle. It’s within the thrilling Marais district within the 4th Arrondissement and simply 250 m from Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris and the Latin Quarter. Newly renovated, it is trendy however with previous world character. However, whereas it provides breakfast, it doesn’t have a restaurant.
Another choice is Hôtel l’Echiquier Opéra Paris. It’s positioned on a facet avenue within the tenth Arrondissement away from the crowds and noise however near Paris’ highlights. Built within the 1850’s and embellished in a phenomenal Belle Époque fashion, it has a full restaurant and bar.
For extra choices, learn Best Hotels in Paris for Solo Travelers: Reader Recommendations.
What our readers say:
Paris is really useful as an exquisite solo journey vacation spot for Christmas by Micheline. “Paris is festive at Christmas. Try to arrive a day or two ahead, so you can get your bearings and figure out your plan for the holiday. Before Christmas, you can see the fascinating Buche de Noel displays in bakery windows. While many restaurants close for Christmas itself, hotel restaurants serve dinner and Paris has some wonderful ones. Be sure to take a stroll or a cab ride to see the lights.”
It’s additionally really useful by Sonja. “I loved it. I spent the 24th in Versailles and the Louvre and had a lovely dinner. The 25th was for walking only. It’s a bank holiday in Paris as well so everything was closed. But the Christmas service in Notre Dame was breathtaking. I left on the 26th so I don’t know how it would have been over New Year’s, but it’s probably great.”
December Holiday Destinations Around the World
Antarctica and Arctic Regions
Reykjavik, Iceland at New Year’s is totally unbelievable, says Natalie. “There’s a constant supply of fireworks, even in daylight. When I went, I headed to the top of the hill where the Hallgrimskirkja Church is, as there is a big gathering of locals where the fireworks are set off. When I left to walk back to the hotel at about 12:30 pm, the fireworks were still going off and it was just the best, happiest atmosphere. It has to be my favorite new year.”
Iceland can also be really useful by Emily. “I did Christmas in Iceland solo a few years back. I would definitely recommend it. It was my first white Christmas – it actually snowed on Christmas Day. I was terrified before getting there but it turned out to be absolutely amazing!”
Solo Holiday Destinations in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa is really useful by Lize. “For the winelands, beaches, forest, and mountains.”
Djibouti and Ethiopia are the locations the place Catherine spent final Christmas and New Year. “In Djibouti on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day I used to be on a two-day journey to Lakes Assal and Abbe, which was unbelievable. I spent New Year’s Eve in Ethiopia climbing Dallol Volcano within the Danakil Depression as a part of a 3-day tour. Both had been glorious experiences and yielded nice recollections to mark the times.
Marrakech, Morocco is really useful by Riad. “You’ll get to enjoy the wonders of the city, the monuments, the souks, the food, a camel ride, skiing in the Atlas Mountains, or a day trip to the surrounding villages. All that in one city–and it’s sunny even in December.”
Tunisia is Rebekah’s suggestion “for a nice sunshine resort break and lots of relaxing in the sun.”
Asian Destination Recommendations
Japan Aaron tells us that Christmas shouldn’t be a public vacation in Japan, so every little thing is open, which is nice for vacationers. He says, “the Japanese do love celebrating it, so there are loads of Christmas decorations and festivals. I spent the last 2 Christmases in Tokyo and Hokkaido, and it was awesome.”
Says Joleen, “Japan is lovely during the New Year season as many families are out in full force in their beautiful kimonos visiting the temples. However, many eateries and attractions are closed during this period, so that’s something to look out for!”
Hiroshima and Kyoto are really useful by Nancy for Christmas solo journey locations. “It was wonderful. I ended up in Hiroshima on Christmas Day. The city was lit up with winter lights, and beautiful. New Year’s in Kyoto was incredible, listening to all the many temple bells ringing in the year. I travel alone very often and always have great experiences.”
Tokyo is really useful by T.C. “There are decorations everywhere, but everything is much more low key and uniquely Japanese.”
Korea is really useful by Wulan. “Last Christmas and New Year, going to South Korea, alone but feeling good, I went to Bosingak to count down the new year. It is full with people, so you can’t easily move your body but it was a great experience.”
Singapore Victoria selected Singapore as one in all her solo vacation locations. “As it’s a Buddhist nation, they weren’t too bothered by December twenty fifth. I used to be! The finest locations I discovered had been really 5* accommodations as they had been stuffed with vacationers celebrating Christmas. We had such enjoyable as there have been a lot of different solo vacationers there too.
Southeast Asia is usually recommended by Jules. He spent “two weeks Eco Volunteering with Bamboo Young at Heart. Week one was in Surin province Thailand, working with elephants, then Siem Reap, Cambodia to work with Water Aid. Then I was on my own meandering through Cambodia and back to Thailand for 5 weeks. I’m 62, and it was my first solo backpacking experience. I didn’t want to come home!”
Vietnam is Jennifer’s advice. “I’d go just about anywhere in Vietnam solo, but specifically Hoi An & Hue are lovely.”
Solo Holiday Destinations in The Americas
Quebec, Canada is really useful by Ron. “I went skiing around Quebec a few years back. It has relatively cheap skiing and it’s not very crowded. You definitely will get a white Christmas to boot!”
Galapagos, Ecuador is really useful by Jasmine. “I’m going to the Galapagos for New Year’s. I will be solo, but with like-minded adventurers on a boat.”
Antigua, Guatemala is really useful by Casey. “I loved it. I never felt alone since my hosts included me. It’s best to stay with a family here. They don’t hype up Christmas but it is a spectacular Christmas Eve.”
Guadalajara, Mexico is really useful by Jenny who “spent Christmas at a homestay where they celebrate their Christmas dinner and opening of gifts on December 24th. It was an experience to remember.”
Cusco, Peru A memorable Christmas for Carole was spent in Cusco. “They have an amazing market on the 24th where locals buy everything needed to create a nativity scene. On Christmas Day they are all on display on church steps or entryways, from miniatures to full size. And that’s just the start of the festivities!”
United States
Disney World, Florida is really useful by Tania, “for a magical experience – hands down.”
Hawaii is the place Delma has spent the vacations for the final two years. “I love my aloha Christmas! When on Christmas Day people are having dinner and opening presents, I am swimming at the beach and drinking Mai Tais!”
Chicago, Illinois delighted Rachel. “I went to Chicago for the first time for five days over Christmas last year. I was more than pleasantly surprised by the city and its people. I lucked out with the weather (the second warmest on record), was impressed with the architecture and with how much the city was decorated for the holidays, and I have to say, the people are some of the friendliest I’ve come across in the United States. I didn’t have enough time to see everything I wanted to, but it felt so Christmassy I didn’t mind. It was the first time I’ve gone on vacation for Christmas, and definitely won’t be the last.”
New Orleans, Louisiana is the place to be, in keeping with Micheline. “Throughout the vacations, eating places maintain Reveillon Dinners, that are prix fixe, festive dinners with particular dishes. The climate is delicate, decorations are up and individuals are extremely pleasant. Because it’s a Catholic metropolis, there are many providers with nice music. Bonus: in case you can keep via Jan. 6, carnival season formally begins.
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona is really useful by Micheline. “I definitely recommend the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. The botanical garden and the zoo are decorated in festive lights. The winter sky is a beautiful color. The temperature is just right, usually in the 70s. Many restaurants have outdoor patios and it’s great to watch the pretty sunsets.”
San Juan, Puerto Rico is really useful by Suzanne. “I flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico a few days after Christmas. I stayed in the old city. I loved all the decorations that were up for Christmas! There was lots of activity going on and I always felt safe. I took a tour with Spoon Food Tours and loved it! After a few days in San Juan, I did a one week cruise (also solo) on Celebrity’s Summit — also fabulous!”
San Diego, California is really useful by John for folks searching for a solo journey vacation spot for Christmas. “Last year, I did a quick trip to San Diego for a few days between Christmas & New Year’s. I stayed in a boutique hotel in Little Italy. I used the trolley the whole time I was there. I took the Coaster up to Oceanside for the day to see the Surf Museum. The weather was phenomenal! There are very good restaurants on India Street in Little Italy and the Old Town area. I highly recommended this city.”
Sedona, Arizona Trina says, “Christmas in Sedona: it’s a lovely time of year to visit, not too cold, and you’re still able to go hiking!”
Tucson, Arizona Miraval Resort & Spa within the Santa Catalina Mountains in northern Tucson is really useful by René. “You can be as active or as chill as you want at this resort. The location is beautiful, and the food is fantastic!”
Washington, DC is really useful by Micheline. It’s “wonderful at the holidays. The city is beautifully decorated, and the White House is gorgeous during Christmas. It’s become a great restaurant town, too, and there are lots of holiday dishes on menus. Don’t worry about cold weather, it’s a temperate place.” Rebekah agrees, including that in the week between Christmas and New Year’s, she discovered “bright sunshine and got to look around all the sights and museums with hardly any crowds. I loved it!”
While it wasn’t the week of Christmas, I visited DC in December one yr, indulging in a few of my favourite issues: meals, wine, and artwork.
European Solo Travel Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s
A Grand Tour Greta spent this previous Christmas and New Year’s in Europe on a month-long grand tour. “I visited 17 different countries and 36 different cities. I also experienced snow for the first time, and met so many new friends. I think I am going to start this as a new tradition for myself and pick a new country every holiday season.”
River Cruise Trina actually loved a European river cruise in the course of the vacation season. “They stopped at all ports that had Christmas Markets. I highly recommend AMA Waterways, everything that was included was wonderful: the service, food, and tour offers. Plus, they offer to waive the single supplement fees.”
A Northern Tour is really useful by Cheri.
Last yr, I did Germany (Triberg-the black forest, Frankfurt, and Hamburg for the Christmas markets). I had loads of enjoyable, and loved good meals and decor. I additionally went to Denmark, Copenhagen space at Christmas and loved the meals and markets there additionally. I took the practice to “Hamlet’s castle” and took the ferry to have lunch in Sweden. I completed up my journey in Holland, seeing the pageant of lights from the canals, a rustic tour of windmills, and having fun with cheese and biscuits. I had a good time. The costs had been decrease than in the summertime, the decorations had been nice, and there the place fewer folks–besides possibly in Amsterdam.
Budapest, Hungary is really useful by Arlene. “I went to Budapest last year. It was fabulous. I got one of the last tickets for the Nutcracker ballet at the Opera House on Christmas Day. I recommend it for a solo trip.”
It’s additionally really useful by Alison, together with Prague and Brussels. “I went to Prague, Budapest, and Brussels last year. It was beautiful. It was nice to spend the holiday time being productive and exploring rather than sitting around in a food coma.”
Germany
Christmas Markets in Germany are really useful by Karla. “I go every year to the Christmas Markets. I absolutely love them–and I’m never lonely.”
Munich Janice visited six Christmas Markets in Munich alone. “Most run to December 23rd or 24th. The Tollwood Festival, which includes a Christmas Market, runs to December 31st and concludes with a big event on New Year’s Eve. I think that would be a perfect place for a solo traveler to celebrate the final night of the year.”
Nuremberg is really useful by Shannon. “The traditional Christmas market is an amazing experience.”
Ireland I spent every week touring round Dublin, Cork, and Galway simply earlier than Christmas final yr. It was very festive and welcoming, and regardless of the truth that I’m accustomed to snowy Canadian winters, the rain did not hassle me one bit. I attended Christmas live shows in church buildings in two completely different cities, admired the twinkling lights within the streets of Dublin, and loved a pot of tea by the fireplace within the glow of the Christmas tree lights at my lodge. It was the proper place to get into the vacation spirit! You can examine my journey in Dublin, Cork & Galway: Exploring Ireland Solo.
Prague, Czech Republic is likely one of the hottest solo journey locations for Christmas. I’ve solely been away from house at Christmas twice in my life, and a type of years it was to spend A Solo Christmas in Prague.
Gabriella additionally spent Christmas in Prague a number of years in the past. “I recommend the chimney cake stalls, short daytime classical concerts in churches, Charles Bridge at dawn on Christmas/Boxing Day, riverside walks, and if you want to brave the crowds, the Christmas Tree in the Old Town Square.”
Rudy additionally extremely recommends Prague as a solo vacation vacation spot.
I stayed in a lodge suite within the metropolis heart for consolation and brief distances. On Christmas Eve, I loved the Mozart dinner on the Grand Hotel, sharing a desk for socializing. The meals was little to put in writing house about, however the crimson and white rococo cake environment had been! On December 25th, I took in a classical live performance on the Rudolfinum. On the twenty sixth, I went to the Baroque citadel Zamek Liblice, 1 hour by practice from Prague Central Station. Back in Prague once more, one other night time was spent indulging in tradition, although I do not bear in mind if it was within the National Theatre or a tacky pub crawl! Needless to say, I did go to the Christmas markets, and actually felt the spirit of Christmas regardless of the shortage of snow (usually a should for a Scandinavian).
Prague can also be loaded with occasions. There is hardly a day with out palace live shows. Some issues are closed throughout Christmas, however the metropolis is filled with internationals, and websites like Tripadvisor, MeetUp, InterNations, AirBnB (occasions) and Couchsurfing (occasions) supply a big selection of issues to do. Public transportation capabilities properly, and I personally suggest the tram in case you’re not strolling. Enjoy your journey – I certainly did!
Norway is really useful by Annabel. “I flew to Norway to board the Hurtigruten coastal ferry (MS Lofoten) for a cruise up and down the west coast of Norway. Things didn’t go according to plan due to high seas, but departure delays, cancelled excursions, etc. were not holiday dampers. I went to see the Northern Lights and I saw them and had an incredible experience and met some really amazing people.”
Spain
Seville is really useful by Sarah. “I went last year and loved it. So tapas Christmas for us!”
Barcelona is really useful by Amanda. “Barcelona was brilliant at Christmas. They don’t make a big fuss and the local shops and the eateries remain open. I stayed in a lovely little B&B whose breakfast was enough to keep me going all day. The weather was mild and the sights not too crowded. It was my best solo Christmas ever!”
Vienna, Austria is really useful by Grace. “I would definitely recommend Vienna as a Christmas destination. Aside from being solo-friendly with a phenomenally efficient and navigable transport system, the whole city has a wonderful traditional Christmas feel to it, especially after dark when the light displays come into their own! Throw in the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, and you’ve got yourself a magical Christmas experience.”
Christmas Travel within the Middle East
Jordan is really useful by Catherine. “It’s my favorite country and I had a fantastic tour there over Christmas a couple of years ago. There is so much to see and do, the food is amazing, the people are friendly, and Petra is absolutely fantastic. Sadly, due to the situation in the Middle East, tourist numbers have dropped drastically but I understand it’s still perfectly safe. You may even get Petra almost to yourself.”
A Solo Christmas in Oceania
“I spent the holidays in Australia one year and New Zealand another,” says Meaghan. “If you are looking to escape the cold weather, those destinations are perfect during December!”
Australia
Alice Springs to Darwin by practice is really useful by Joanne. “I did the Ghan train trip on Christmas from Alice Springs to Darwin-but it does go from Adelaide then to Alice Springs and up to Darwin.” To get a really feel for this iconic practice journey, learn Solo Aboard the Ghan.
Melbourne is really useful by Sarah. “I went to Melbourne one year. It was awesome. I flew from Brisbane on Christmas Day, spent 6 days in my favorite Aussie city just wandering the streets and catching up with some friends down there. It was the longest I’d ever spent there and I went with no plans in mind.”
Sydney is really useful by Les for Christmas/New Year’s. “The weather is a little different there that time of year than it is in the Upper Midwest.”
New Zealand is really useful by the bloggers at Indie Travel Podcast. “I’d have to recommend New Zealand for Christmas, it’s summer and lovely! If you’re traveling solo, you could hop on the Stray Backpacker bus for an instant group of friends but with the flexibility to hop on and hop off when you like.”
Will You Feel Lonely Being Alone for the Holidays?
It’s a typical and completely legitimate query: placing apart how fantastic all of those solo journey locations for Christmas are, will you are feeling lonely touring in the course of the festive season?
Readers weigh in.
Emily “At Christmas two years ago, I was pretty terrified about it and really not looking forward to spending Christmas alone–but it was awesome! Those Nordic countries really know how to keep Christmas festive!”
Panache “Once you realize how peaceful and interesting it is to spend time with yourself, you are ready to go, no matter what the season, festive or not. I feel totally blessed.”
Catherine “I never feel lonely traveling over Christmas but then I started doing it to escape my family! Maybe you’d feel less that way by doing a group tour. I’ve met some amazing people doing that who have become firm friends.”
Sherryl “As a single, childless adult with family in far flung places in the world, it became quite normal to go off by myself on a diving vacation almost every year. I quite enjoy it and often pick out something spectacular to do on the 25th.”
Jill “Traveling means being alone and not being judged and compared to others.”
The last phrase on solo journey locations for Christmas goes to Carrolyn, who, after spending vacation seasons in China and New York, says, “I feel yow will discover the Christmas spirit practically all over the place you journey.“
While you are considering solo journey locations for the vacations, do not forget to browse our Tours Especially for Solo Travelers web page or slim your search on our Trips for Solo Travelers web page for no or very low single complement choices or click on right here to obtain our new record by e-mail every month.
Last up to date: twenty first September, 2022