Nothing gets us more excited about the holidays than the Christmas markets. Looks like we’re not the only ones. The world’s top Christmas markets attract millions of visitors every year. An estimated three million people flock to Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market, every year, and that number will only increase this winter.
However, there is one thing that tends to compete with our desire for a cozy Christmas market… and that’s the appeal of the winter sunshine!
As soon as the weather turns colder, many of us start dreaming of traveling to warmer climes. According to ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), nearly half (46%) of respondents have booked or considered a holiday in 2021.
So what if we combined the two? A trip to a Christmas market also allows us to escape the cold and enjoy a bit of winter sunshine while still feeling the joy and excitement of the holidays! What could be better?
Our team decided to see if it was possible. To do this, we rated cities based on the number of Christmas markets and the hottest temperatures in November and December, then gave each destination an average score out of 10.
Here are the best destinations to celebrate Christmas in the sun.
- United Arab Emirates, Dubai (average score 10)
- Miami, United States (average score 7.87)
- Portugal, Porto (average score 7.54)
- Barcelona, Spain (average score 7.38)
- Cannes, France (average score 7.19)
- France, Grimaud (average score 6.70)
- Florence, Italy (average score 6.57)
- Nice, France (average score 6.15)
- Milan, Italy (average score 5.75)
- Dublin, Ireland (average score 5.73)
- Brussels, Belgium (average score 5.60)
- Berlin, Germany (average score 5.67)
- Graz, Austria (average score 5.57)
- Paris, France (average score 5.54)
- Austria, Salzburg (average score 5.52)
- Bruges, Belgium (average score 5.50)
- Israel, Jerusalem (average score 5.49)
- Lyon, France (average score 5.45)
- Austria, Vienna (average score 5.37)
- Belgium, Ghent (average score 4.95)
- Cologne, Germany (average score 4.90)
Dubai
Dubai’s hot desert climate means you can enjoy sunshine all year round – even in mid-December. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the festive spirit while traveling here.
The city of Dubai has 12 Christmas markets, which means there is one Christmas market for every 3 square kilometers in the area. This makes it our top-rated festive winter sun destination.
Where to stay in Dubai.
Miami
Miami is another popular destination for enjoying the winter sunshine. The average high temperature in December is a balmy 24 degrees, but of course, Miami residents still go all out for Christmas!
This year, Miami will host a huge Christmas market brought directly to the city from New York. Urbanspace, the company behind New York City’s largest Christmas market, will open the highly anticipated Lincoln Road Christmas Market on November 15th.
Where to Stay in Miami.
Cannes
Head to France to enjoy warm Christmas festivities, delicious traditional cuisine and some incredible Christmas markets. If you’re looking for some winter sunshine, Cannes is a great choice.
With the average temperature in December being around 14 degrees, Christmas in Cannes is an experience not to be missed. Take a look at the Cannes Christmas Village to see what surprises are in store this winter.
Where to stay in Cannes.
barcelona
Barcelona is a great place to celebrate Christmas. Enjoy the most delicious Spanish festive food, take part in traditional celebrations and beat the cold in December temperatures of around 15 degrees.
In Barcelona you will find many great Christmas markets, such as La Fira de Santa Llucia, Fira de Reis, Fira de Nadal del Port Vell and Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família. These four incredible markets make Barcelona one of the best destinations to enjoy the winter sunshine during Christmas.
Where to stay in Barcelona.
ibiza
The average temperature in Ibiza in December is around 16 degrees, making it another popular destination for those seeking refuge from the cold. There’s no shortage of great ways to celebrate Christmas. The Ibiza Town Christmas Market is not to be missed, with 24 stalls selling everything you need to celebrate in style.
Where to stay in Ibiza.
Milan
Temperatures in Milan in December are slightly cooler than some of our other top picks, at about seven degrees. But when it comes to Christmas markets, this destination really packs a punch.
Milan has seven markets to choose from, each with a beautiful atmosphere that will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit. Choose Mercatino di Natale, Fiera degli Oh Bej in Piazza Duomo! Oh Bej!, Piazza Portello Magic Christmas, Wunder Mrkt and many more.
Where to stay in Milan.
Jerusalem
Nowhere in the world celebrates Christmas quite like Jerusalem, so if you’re looking for something a little different this year, why not book a trip to the holy city?
Jerusalem is home to beautiful Christmas markets, where you can find incredible souvenirs, delicious food and great entertainment for the whole family. The temperature here in December is about 14 degrees.
Where to stay in Jerusalem.
dublin
Dublin spoils locals and visitors alike with its wide variety of Christmas markets, making it another one of our top picks for festive travel.
While December temperatures in Dublin aren’t as pleasant as those in Dubai or Ibiza, its average high temperature is around nine degrees, so it’s not too cold to enjoy the festivities here.
Christmas markets in Dublin this year include Dublin Castle Christmas Market (Christmas in the Castle), Missiltown, Swartz Castle Christmas Market, Trenoor Christmas and Bumper Craft Market, Guinness Storehouse Winter Festival and Dun Laoghaire Christmas. Learn more about options here.
Where to stay in Dublin.
Florence
Italy is a very popular destination during the festive season. If you’re looking for winter sunshine and stunning Christmas markets, Florence can’t be beat. There are five Christmas markets in Florence, and the temperature in December is around 11 degrees.
Visit the markets in Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, or head to Giardino della Fortezza to see Europe’s longest ice rink. Palazzo Corsini also houses the Florence Winter Park and the Christmas Market (Mercato Natale).
Where to stay in Florence.
OK
There is only one Christmas market in Nice – but it’s a great one! The French city of Nice always goes all out for Christmas, creating an entire Christmas village for residents and visitors to explore.
Nice Christmas Village has 60 fully themed cabins selling all kinds of festive treats, as well as a Ferris wheel, ice rink and, of course, Santa’s grotto. With temperatures reaching 13 degrees in December, it’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the winter chill. Find out more about Christmas in Nice here.
Nice place to stay.
This Christmas, escape the cold with a trip to one of the warmest and most festive destinations in the world. With so many amazing Christmas markets everywhere from Jerusalem to Dubai, the options are truly endless. Book your next vacation today and start planning a winter vacation like no other.
Methodology: The average temperature data of each city in December is taken from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Information about the Christmas markets is listed below. Temperature and number of markets per square kilometer are scored separately (out of 10), which is equivalent to an overall average score out of 10.
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