The Best Christmas Tours for 2025: A Global Festive Experience
As the holiday season approaches, travelers are already planning their Christmas adventures for 2025. A comprehensive new analysis by Privacy Journal, using data from Tripadvisor and Kayak, has revealed the most enchanting destinations for Christmas tours around the world. The study evaluated cities based on four key criteria: number of available tours, median price per hour, language options, and average hotel rates during December. The findings showcase a predominantly European lineup, with London claiming the top spot as the ultimate Christmas tour destination.
London truly transforms into a magical winter wonderland each December, offering an impressive array of Christmas tours for every type of festive enthusiast. The British capital tied with New York City for the most Christmas tours available, providing experiences ranging from charming walking tours through Victorian-era markets in Greenwich and Southbank to exclusive behind-the-scenes visits at historic palaces adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations. What gives London its edge is the balance between organized tours and abundant free festive attractions, such as the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas tree and the breathtaking decorations at Covent Garden. While London doesn’t lead in language diversity, its relatively lower prices compared to other major destinations make it accessible to a broader range of international visitors seeking yuletide cheer.
European cities dominate the top rankings, claiming nine of the ten top spots. Amsterdam, Netherlands secured second place, followed by Nuremberg, Germany in third—a city renowned for its traditional Christmas markets and centuries-old festive traditions. The charming cities of Zagreb, Croatia and Strasbourg, France rounded out the top five, each offering unique cultural takes on Christmas celebrations. These European destinations excel at blending historical Christmas traditions with modern festive experiences, creating immersive environments where visitors can truly feel transported to a holiday storybook. Each city brings its own cultural twist to Christmas celebrations, from Amsterdam’s light festivals to Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, giving travelers diverse options to experience European Christmas traditions in authentic settings.
The sole non-European city to break into the top ten was Quebec City, Canada, landing at eighth place. With its cobblestone streets, French influence, and reliable snow cover, Quebec City offers North American travelers a European-style Christmas experience without crossing the Atlantic. The city’s Old Town transforms into a picturesque winter village during December, with twinkling lights reflecting off snow-covered 17th-century architecture. Quebec City’s inclusion highlights how Christmas tourism increasingly celebrates destinations that offer a perfect blend of old-world charm and accessibility, proving that the magic of a traditional Christmas experience has universal appeal regardless of continent.
New York City proudly represents the United States as the country’s highest-ranking destination, placing 14th globally. The Big Apple’s Christmas offerings are legendary—from the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the spectacular window displays along Fifth Avenue to the high-kicking Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and charming holiday markets throughout the city. New York tied with London for the most Christmas tours available, demonstrating its significant appeal as a festive destination. However, its overall ranking was affected by less competitive scores in other categories: 16th for median price per hour, 26th for available languages, and notably, 33rd (last place) for average hotel price in December. These factors combined to give New York City a total score of 49.8, reflecting the premium cost of experiencing Christmas in one of the world’s most iconic cities during peak season.
Two other American cities made appearances on the global ranking: Branson, Missouri at 16th place and Savannah, Georgia at 17th. Branson’s inclusion might surprise some international travelers, but this Midwest entertainment hub has built a reputation for elaborate Christmas productions and displays that attract domestic tourists seeking holiday cheer without big-city prices. Savannah’s ranking showcases the appeal of experiencing Christmas in the historic American South, where mild December temperatures combine with antebellum architecture adorned with tasteful holiday decorations. These rankings demonstrate that Christmas tourism extends beyond the snowy destinations typically associated with holiday travel, highlighting how different regions interpret and celebrate the season with their own unique traditions and atmospheres. As travelers plan their festive getaways for 2025, this analysis provides valuable insights into which global destinations offer the most comprehensive and accessible Christmas experiences.
