Travelling during Christmas has its own charm, and many countries celebrate the festive season in ways that feel entirely different from what we see in India. While European markets, large decorated trees and snowy landscapes are usually the classic image of Christmas, there are also countries where the traditions are colourful, cultural, warm and completely unique. If you are planning a Christmas holiday abroad and want experiences that can only be enjoyed in December, here are five countries that stand out for their special celebrations.
Finland: Where Santa Claus Lives Officially
Finland is often described as the world’s most magical Christmas destination. December in Lapland brings deep winter with temperatures frequently between minus ten and minus twenty degrees. Snowfall continues steadily, and daylight is short, giving the entire region a soft, bluish glow. This atmosphere is ideal for those who want a traditional white Christmas.
The Christmas spirit is strongest in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus Village becomes the centre of activity, with visitors meeting Santa, crossing the Arctic Circle, sending festive postcards and enjoying reindeer sleigh rides. Outdoor activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling and Northern Lights tours are particularly popular during Christmas week.
Food in Finland is simple and comforting. Restaurants serve baked salmon, Christmas ham, roasted vegetables, berry desserts, gingerbread biscuits, warm soups and the widely loved mulled wine known as glögi.
Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Finland. The process is straightforward but requires planning. Applications are submitted through VFS Global with a fee of around EUR 80 per adult. Processing usually takes two to four weeks, but during peak winter it can be longer. Applicants must provide bank statements for the last six months, proof of steady income, three months’ salary slips, confirmed accommodation, a detailed travel plan, return tickets and travel insurance worth at least EUR 30,000. The application is considered moderately easy if all documents are in order.
United States: New York City’s Classic Christmas Magic
Christmas in the United States is celebrated with grandeur, and New York City remains the top favourite for travellers. December weather ranges from zero to ten degrees, with occasional snowfall. The city transforms rapidly during this time, with dazzling lights, decorated avenues and large trees across public squares.
The Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree is the main attraction, drawing crowds from across the world. Ice skating beneath the tree feels like stepping inside a film. Fifth Avenue becomes an open-air gallery with luxury brands creating animated, festive window displays. Bryant Park Winter Village offers shopping, food stalls and a lively ice rink. Christmas concerts, Broadway shows and church services give travellers an authentic holiday experience.
Christmas food is warm and hearty. Most menus include roast turkey, pies, hot chocolate, cookies and seasonal drinks such as eggnog or hot apple cider.
Indian travellers must apply for a US B1/B2 tourist visa. The fee is around USD 185. The process includes completing the DS-160 form online, scheduling a biometrics appointment and attending a visa interview. Processing time varies widely. Appointments can sometimes take several weeks or even months in high-demand periods. The process is more demanding compared to many other countries, but approval is quite common for applicants with strong ties to India and clear travel purpose.
Philippines: The Longest Christmas Season in the World
The Philippines celebrates Christmas like no other country, and the season begins as early as September. December is warm and tropical, with temperatures usually between twenty-four and thirty degrees, making it a pleasant choice for travellers who prefer to avoid winter cold. Despite the warm weather, the country lights up with decorations, lanterns and music in almost every city.
One of the most culturally unique highlights is the Giant Lantern Festival held in Pampanga. These massive, brightly lit lanterns are crafted by local artists and displayed in a grand competition. Filipino Christmas traditions also include Simbang Gabi, a series of early morning church services, and lively street performances and carol singing.
Visitors spend much of their time exploring Manila’s decorated streets, shopping districts, amusement parks and local food markets. Many also choose to visit the islands, where resorts create festive programmes and beachside dinners for Christmas Eve. Filipino Christmas food is rich and family-oriented. Popular dishes include lechon (roast pork), pancit noodles, puto bumbong (purple rice cakes) and bibingka, a coconut-based cake prepared during the season.
Indian citizens can visit the Philippines for up to 14 days visa-free for tourism, provided they have a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of financial capacity. Indian passport holders with a valid visa or permanent residency from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or a Schengen country are eligible for a longer 30-day visa-free stay.
Mexico: Cultural Festivities with Vibrant Local Traditions
Mexico offers one of the most colourful and lively Christmas celebrations in the world. December weather varies across the country, but most popular destinations like Mexico City and Oaxaca remain mild and pleasant with temperatures around ten to twenty degrees.
Mexican Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in culture and community. One of the most fascinating traditions is Las Posadas, a nine-night celebration that includes candle-lit processions, songs and gatherings that re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Another extraordinary event is the Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca, where local artists carve elaborate decorations and scenes out of giant radishes. This festival takes place only on 23 December and is truly one of the world’s most unusual Christmas traditions.
Travellers spend their time visiting historic plazas decorated with large nativity scenes, markets filled with crafts, and streets covered with lights and music. Traditional Christmas foods in Mexico include tamales, pozole, buñuelos and ponche, a warm fruit punch served during the holiday season.
Indians travelling to Mexico need a tourist visa unless they hold a valid visa for the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Schengen zone or Japan, in which case separate Mexican documentation is usually not required. The visa fee is around USD 53. Documents include bank statements for the past six months, employment proof, IT returns, confirmed hotel bookings and return flights. Processing time ranges from four to ten working days depending on the embassy workload. There is no fixed bank balance requirement, but a healthy statement showing INR 1.5 lakh or more is recommended. The process is generally manageable, especially for travellers with previous international travel history.
Japan: Bright Winter Illuminations and Modern Christmas Cheer
Japan celebrates Christmas in a modern, vibrant way rather than a religious one. December weather varies across the islands. Tokyo stays between five and twelve degrees, while northern Japan, especially Sapporo and Hokkaido, experiences heavy snowfall and temperatures below zero.
Japanese cities transform during Christmas through large-scale winter illuminations. Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, Shibuya and Shinjuku create glowing installations that attract visitors throughout the month. Osaka and Kobe host some of the brightest displays in the country. Christmas markets inspired by Europe appear in several cities, offering food, desserts and crafts.
