Solo travel destinations for Christmas can be difficult to choose and a puzzle to plan–but such a pleasure to enjoy!
Some people just want to get away. Others have time off built into their schedules, like Alison. “I worked in big corporate sales environments whose clients shut down over Christmas so taking leave then was sometimes mandatory. It was great to escape the commercialism, sympathetic looks, and the tricky family members and experience lots of different cultures’ celebrations.”
Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be tricky holidays for solo travelers. That’s what makes the recommendations that follow so special: they are all from members of the Solo Traveler community who have personally spent the holidays alone in destinations around the world. Each year, we reach out to readers and add even more destinations.
Over the last few years, we have compiled recommendations for over 45 solo travel destinations for the holidays. Some are from our own travels, but most are from members of our Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Please keep in mind that none of the recommendations below are endorsements from Solo Traveler, as we have not visited them all ourselves.
Let’s start with an enthusiastic holiday travel reminiscence from Linda.
?I love being away for Christmas to escape the family festivities.? I can’t remember when I was home last time over the Christmas holidays. I’ve been to Namibia, Kenya, Ivory Coast, India, Taiwan, Florida, Australia, China, and so on. I’m still looking for a travel destination for this year. I might not want to go that far, so I’m thinking Europe or the Middle East, or maybe a yoga holiday.
What To Do On the Actual Holiday Dates
Travel in the holiday season in countries that celebrate Christmas and New Year’s can be festive and beautiful, with lights and other decorations, events, music, markets, parades, and more. People are often especially friendly and chatty and the air is filled with the scents of baked goods, seasonal drinks, and evergreens.
But what about the actual days, December 24-26, And December 31-January 1? What does a solo traveler do when the destination shuts down? I have had a number of people tell me that nothing is open in their city, there is no transportation available, and nothing to do.
Here’s the thing: that isn’t entirely true. While it’s true that many of the things we might make use of as locals will be unavailable, there are still options for travelers. We wouldn’t necessarily know about them as locals, because we’ve never really needed to know. Here are a few options that may be available to you in a solo travel destination you choose for Christmas or New Year’s.
- Day Tours I once spent a week in London over Christmas. On Christmas day, I took a bus tour of Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge. There were lots of solo travelers on the tour, which included Christmas lunch by a roaring fire in a historical pub in the English countryside.
- Volunteering What could be more in keeping with the season than to help serve dinner to people in need? Homeless shelters, churches, or community centers might welcome an extra pair of hands and in return, you will be fed both physically and spiritually.
- Dine Out Hotel restaurants are a good bet for a Christmas dinner. Almost everyone staying there will also be away from home, so you’ll have a natural conversation starter if you feel like meeting people. Plan ahead, though – these dinners can fill up quickly. Look for a list of restaurants that will be open on Christmas day in your destination, like this one for London.
- Dine In Pick up your favorite foods – or try new ones – before the stores close, and treat yourself to whatever your heart desires on the holiday. With no pressure to engage in sightseeing, relax and indulge. Watch a movie, take a bath, cook yourself a meal if you’re in an apartment, take a swim if you’re in a hotel. Dive into that book you’ve been meaning to read. Take a nap. It’s all up to you!
- Take a Walk See the destination in a new light. With far fewer people and vehicles on the streets, get a good look at the architecture and scenery, not to mention the Christmas lights. Take photos, including selfies, if you’re so inclined, with no pressure to be quick about it and fewer obstacles in your way.
- Make It a Travel Day Flying on Christmas or New Year’s Eve or Christmas Day has its benefits. Since most people want to be in their destination for those dates, fewer people will be in transit. That means more room, potentially lower prices, and possibly better moods or even a chance for an upgrade.
- Enjoy a Choir Check to see if churches in the area are holding special Christmas services. Whether you observe the day or not, it can be a beautiful thing to be a part of someone else’s traditions.
- Take a Tour or Cruise If you just want to get away and don’t want to have to do all the planning and organizing, leave it all to someone else! Just show up and enjoy. Participate in the things you like, forgo the rest.
Christmas in London or Paris? A Difficult Choice
Below are dozens of holiday season destinations for solo travelers listed by continent.
The two cities in this section could have been included there as well but they are worth some special attention. The charm of London and Paris can be experienced all year round, but during the December holidays, they each dress up in a special way and offer more magic than ever. Hence, they get some extra profile.
London Over Christmas and New Year’s
Special London activities for Christmas and New Year’s include:
- Covent Garden. Covent Garden is a car-free area for shopping, dining, and entertainment located in London’s West End. Learn more about Christmas in Covent Garden here.
- Kew Gardens. Their annual after-dark festivities include sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and the fire garden. Learn more.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral. Whether you’re Anglican or not, St. Paul’s Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. They hold concerts throughout the year. Here’s what they have going on over the holiday season.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. It starts mid-November and ends January 2nd and tickets must be purchased online, in advance. There are shows and rides.
- Oxford Street to Carnaby Street. Oxford Street is always done up for Christmas. From there, wander down Argyle Street (you can take Regent Street, but on Argyle you’ll pass the London Palladium) to Liberty London (their famous prints are making a nice comeback). Then head down Carnaby Street, which is for pedestrians only, for trendy, Soho shopping.
- City cruises and tours. A quick google search will deliver open-top buses and cruises on the Thames to take you through London to soak in the Christmas spirit.
For more options, read Solo Travel London on a Budget.
Where to stay in London for Christmas? Janice says, “I suggest making it special. My top recommendation is Montague on the Gardens, located in Bloomsbury near the British Museum and walking distance to the West End and Covent Garden. It is cozy and very, very British. Have dinner there and you won’t have to search for what is open on Christmas and New Year’s in London.” For more options read Best Places to Stay in London: Accommodation for Solo Travelers.
What our readers say:
Suzanne, who spent the holidays in London last year, says that the city nicely celebrates the holidays with food festivals, carnivals, ice skating, and more. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve fireworks, the largest annual fireworks display in the UK, go on sale in October, and Suzanne says it is an amazing experience to see in person.
Hot tip from Kathy: If you get on the mailing list for Mayor of London, usually around September they send the info to order NYE tickets. It’s required to see the fireworks but it’s been a very reasonable price. They’re spectacular!
London also comes highly recommended as a solo travel destination for Christmas by Bev, who has spent the holidays there five times. A little 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 “take a night tour of London and see it all lit up, especially the lovely tree at Buckingham Palace.”
We even have some insider tips from Ann, a very enthusiastic local!
I admit I live here, but one of the best times of the year to be in London is between Christmas and New Year as there are next to no tourists and lots of the locals leave the city to stay with relatives outside of the city or abroad. Last year I saw the Nutcracker ballet in the Coliseum on Christmas Eve and walking home afterwards was magical, so quiet and just a hint of frost in the air. Should we be lucky enough to get a white Christmas, it is even better as the snow muffles all the sounds and with all the old buildings and alleyways in the city, it truly feels like you are in Dickens’ London in A Christmas Carol. You almost expect to run into Scrooge and Cratchit!
Paris Over Christmas and New Year’s
Special Paris activities for Christmas and New Year’s include:
- Champs Élysées. Naturally, this is a required stop as the boulevard is lit with millions of sparkling lights in celebration of the season.
- Tuileries Garden Magie de Noël. This is Paris’ largest Christmas market. It includes a Christmas-themed carnival–a continuation of the tradition of “fun fairs” in Paris since Medieval times–an “Artisan Village,” and, naturally, delicious food and drinks. Starting in November, Christmas markets pop up all over Paris.
- Skating. While at the Tuileries Garden, participate or just watch the skating.
- Holiday window displays. Paris’ famous department stores put on the Christmas ritz in their window displays. Go to Printemps Haussmann or Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann for the displays. Go to their rooftops for great views of Paris.
- The arts. This is a great list of concerts, operas and ballets in Paris over the holidays. The wonderful thing about music and ballet is that you don’t need to understand French.
- City cruises and tours. A quick google search will deliver open-top buses and cruises on the Seine to take you through Paris to soak in the Christmas spirit.
For more options, read Solo Travel Paris on a Budget: Great Wallet-friendly Options.
Where to stay in Paris for Christmas? Janice recommends, “I suggest treating yourself for a night or two at the Parisienne boutique hotel Hotel Saint-Louis en l’Isle. It’s in the exciting Marais district in the 4th Arrondissement and just 250 m from Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris and the Latin Quarter. Newly renovated, it’s modern but with old world character. However, while it offers breakfast, it does not have a restaurant.”
Another option is Hôtel l’Echiquier Opéra Paris. It’s located on a side street in the 10th Arrondissement away from the crowds and noise but close to Paris’ highlights. Built in the 1850’s and decorated in a beautiful Belle Époque style, it has a full restaurant and bar.
For more options, read Best Hotels in Paris for Solo Travelers: Reader Recommendations.
What our readers say:
Paris is recommended as a wonderful solo travel destination 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 also recommended 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
Iceland is the choice of solo travel destinations for Christmas for Shaneel. “I had a wonderful time doing the standard tourist excursions like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle and of course the Northern Lights and seeing the Big Dipper so clearly. I loved the Icelandic Horses. My hotel was in downtown Reykjavik (Midborg), right near Laugavegur, thrift shops (to obtain an Icelandic sweater for a discounted price), restaurants, galleries, and the punk music museum. I walked up and down Laugavegur a few times. It also snowed lightly but the streets are heated which is really cool, no worries about slipping. There’s a tradition of lighting a bonfire for the New Year, there were small bonfires every street I walk through. I loved it and wanted to go back.”
Iceland is also recommended 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!”
Reykjavik at New Year’s is absolutely incredible, 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.”
Solo Holiday Destinations in Africa
Botswana was a hit with this reader. “My last solo Christmas away was in Botswana, and I happened to be on safari in the Okavango Delta and Chobe around Christmas. It was a spectacular way to to spend the holidays – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fell towards the end of the trip, with my little safari family, the epic African wildlife, under a magical Botswana sky. Highly recommend!”
Cape Town, South Africa is recommended by Lize. “For the winelands, beaches, forest, and mountains.”
Djibouti and Ethiopia are the destinations where Catherine spent last Christmas and New Year. “In Djibouti on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day I was on a two-day trip to Lakes Assal and Abbe, which was fantastic. I spent New Year’s Eve in Ethiopia climbing Dallol Volcano in the Danakil Depression as part of a 3-day tour. Both were excellent experiences and yielded great memories to mark the days.
Marrakech, Morocco is recommended 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 Nancy says, “I spent Christmas and New Year’s on my own in Japan a few years ago. It was wonderful! I saw a motorcycle parade of Santas, a train crew with gifts for kids, a beautiful light display in Hiroshima, heard the bells rung 180 times at a temple in Kyoto, and met lots of great people.”
Aaron tells us that Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, so everything is open, which is great for travelers. 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 recommended by Nancy for Christmas solo travel destinations. “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.”
Brian says, “I enjoyed Ky?to on Christmas, as it felt like a regular Monday when I visited. Lots of places were open. (Do mind though that the first days of January are a Japanese national holiday where some attractions and most small businesses are closed from New Year’s Eve until typically the fifth of January.)”
Tokyo is recommended by T.C. “There are decorations everywhere, but everything is much more low key and uniquely Japanese.”
Korea is recommended 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 chose Singapore as one of her solo holiday destinations. “As it is a Buddhist country, they weren’t too bothered by December 25th. I was! The best places I found were actually 5* hotels as they were full of tourists celebrating Christmas. We had such fun as there were lots of other solo travelers there too.
Southeast Asia is suggested 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 recommendation. “I’d go just about anywhere in Vietnam solo, but specifically Hoi An & Hue are lovely.”
Solo Holiday Destinations in The Americas
Eleuthera, Bahamas is recommended by Eva. “Every year I used to rent a different beach house on the island of Eleuthera. Sometimes I still do. Often friends and family joined, but if they did not that was alright, too. Deserted beaches, a kayak, and I was in heaven. The aim was to miss all the Christmas and New Year’s hoopla.”
Quebec, Canada is recommended 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 recommended 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 recommended 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 recommended 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
Here are some of the best places to spend Christmas alone in the US.
Chicago, Illinois gets two votes from readers. The first is from Robin, who says, “I have traveled to Chicago in the US twice for Christmas. The first year it was very cold and snowy but last year it was much warmer. The city is beautiful with decorations. They have a small Christmas market similar to the German markets. I went to church on Christmas Eve to a beautiful historical church on Michigan Ave. It was beautiful walking back to my hotel. The only thing that I found a bit challenging was dinner on Christmas day.not many restaurants were open except the very expensive. I did find a good Italian place that was reasonable and went there for both trips.”
Chicago also 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.”
Disney World, Florida is recommended by Tania, “for a magical experience – hands down.” Read Solo to Walt Disney World: Your Complete Planning Guide.
Arizona
Sedona Betty travels solo every Christmas holiday, usually for a week to 10 days, sometimes through New Years. “This year I’ve reserved a gorgeous suite in a mountain view boutique hotel in Sedona, where I’ve never been. I’m so excited! I have dinner reservations for Christmas and Christmas Eve, which are my most vulnerable times, and tours to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, etc. It will be an adventure but it is always a challenging holiday to navigate solo.”
Phoenix/Scottsdale is recommended 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.”
Tucson Miraval Resort & Spa in the Santa Catalina Mountains in northern Tucson is recommended 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!”
Hawaii is where Delma has spent the holidays for the last 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!”
New Orleans, Louisiana is the solo travel destination Jenny chose for Christmas on her last pre-pandemic international trip. “I loved the Christmas spirit all over this vibey City with most of the stores, buildings, hotels, etc. decked and all adorned with tree trimmings. The night markets and activities were interesting and entertaining. The brass bands with their variety of musical instruments strutted along the streets, and the nightclubs as well as the street corner buskers kept the spirit warm as nightfall was a bit on the cold side! I loved the Creole food and their beignets and coffee were a favorite of mine at Cafe du Mont!”
New Orleans is the place to be, according to Micheline. “Throughout the holidays, restaurants hold Reveillon Dinners, which are prix fixe, festive dinners with special dishes. The weather is mild, decorations are up and people are incredibly friendly. Because it’s a Catholic city, there are lots of services with great music. Bonus: if you can stay through Jan. 6, carnival season officially begins.
San Juan, Puerto Rico is recommended 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 recommended by John for people looking for a solo travel destination 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.”
Washington, DC is recommended 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, adding that during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, she found “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 year, indulging in some of my favorite things: food, wine, and art.
European Solo Travel Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s
A Grand Tour Greta spent this past 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 really enjoyed a European river cruise during the holiday 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 recommended by Cheri.
Last year, I did Germany (Triberg-the black forest, Frankfurt, and Hamburg for the Christmas markets). I had a lot of fun, and enjoyed good food and decor. I also went to Denmark, Copenhagen area at Christmas and enjoyed the food and markets there also. I took the train to “Hamlet’s castle” and took the ferry to have lunch in Sweden. I finished up my trip in Holland, seeing the festival of lights from the canals, a country tour of windmills, and enjoying cheese and biscuits. I had a great time. The prices were lower than in the summer, the decorations were great, and there where fewer people–except maybe in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, Netherlands “I went to Amsterdam for Christmas,” says Kelti. “It was so lovely with the lights on the canal. Not too cold for me, as a Canadian. A bit warmer than here. Lots of museums.”
Budapest, Hungary is recommended 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 also recommended by Alison, along 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 recommended by Karla. “I go every year to the Christmas Markets. I absolutely love them–and I’m never lonely.” See Exploring Christmas Markets in Germany and France.
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 recommended by Shannon. “The traditional Christmas market is an amazing experience.”
Ireland I spent a week traveling around Dublin, Cork, and Galway just before Christmas last year. It was very festive and welcoming, and in spite of the fact that I am accustomed to snowy Canadian winters, the rain didn’t bother me one bit. I attended Christmas concerts in churches in two different cities, admired the twinkling lights in the streets of Dublin, and enjoyed a pot of tea by the fire in the glow of the Christmas tree lights at my hotel. It was the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit! You can read about my trip in Dublin, Cork & Galway: Exploring Ireland Solo.
Prague, Czech Republic is one of the most popular solo travel destinations for Christmas. I have only been away from home at Christmas twice in my life, and one of those years it was to spend A Solo Christmas in Prague.
Gabriella also spent Christmas in Prague a few years ago. “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 also highly recommends Prague as a solo holiday destination.
I stayed in a hotel suite in the city center for comfort and short distances. On Christmas Eve, I enjoyed the Mozart dinner at the Grand Hotel, sharing a table for socializing. The food was little to write home about, but the red and white rococo cake surroundings were! On December 25th, I took in a classical concert at the Rudolfinum. On the 26th, I went to the Baroque castle Zamek Liblice, 1 hour by train from Prague Central Station. Back in Prague again, another night was spent indulging in culture, though I don’t remember if it was in the National Theatre or a cheesy pub crawl! Needless to say, I did visit the Christmas markets, and really felt the spirit of Christmas despite the lack of snow (normally a must for a Scandinavian).
Prague is also loaded with events. There is hardly a day without palace concerts. Some things are closed during Christmas, but the city is full of internationals, and sites like Tripadvisor, MeetUp, InterNations, AirBnB (events) and Couchsurfing (events) offer a wide selection of things to do. Public transportation functions well, and I personally recommend the tram if you’re not walking. Enjoy your trip – I surely did!
Norway is recommended by Sandra.
I do the Norwegian Coastal Ferry (Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen) on Hurtigruten. They normally do not charge a single supplement and it’s a beautiful cruise. Dining is excellent and excursions are offered. Just remember the coastal ferries are working ships and not cruise ships. Some stops are just for a few minutes while others are several hours. There’s plenty to do and everyone is friendly. And besides, if you do it over winter you will probably see the northern lights.
I appreciated how Hurtigruten docks their ships on Christmas Eve so the crew and passengers can attend church. The other nice thing was all the passengers were told the crew would not be available for a few hours on Christmas Eve so that they could enjoy dinner together. I don’t know that I would want to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas in a hotel because everything would be closed. I have no problems being onboard ship even if all I do is watch the beautiful scenery pass by.
Annabel adds, “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
Andalucia is Stephanie’s choice. “I love to travel during Christmas. Andalucía is great over the holidays, as weather is nice during the day (bring warm clothing for the nights) and pretty much everything as open, as Spaniards celebrate Christmas mostly around 6 January.
Seville is the Christmas solo travel destination recommended by Sarah. “I went last year and loved it. So tapas Christmas for us!”
Barcelona is recommended 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 recommended 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 in the Middle East
Istanbul is on Stephanie’s list. “”While weather can be gloomy and London-ish, Istanbul is a great escape for those who don’t want to see too much christmassy stuff, but not travel far from Europe. As a European, I’ve found that many places outside Europe do a too plasticky, consumerist version of Christmas, even if it’s not a Christian country.”
Jordan is the Christmas solo travel destination recommended 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 train is recommended 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 feel for this iconic train trip, read Solo Aboard the Ghan.
Melbourne is recommended 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 recommended 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 recommended 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 common and perfectly valid question: putting aside how wonderful all of these solo travel destinations for Christmas are, will you feel lonely traveling during 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.”
Have a read of this post for more: How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips and 6 Short Stories.
The final word on solo travel destinations for Christmas goes to Carrolyn, who, after spending holiday seasons in China and New York, says, “I think you can find the Christmas spirit nearly everywhere you travel.“
While you’re contemplating solo travel destinations for the holidays, don’t forget to browse our Tours Especially for Solo Travelers page or narrow your search on our Trips for Solo Travelers page for no or very low single supplement options or click here to receive our new list by email each month.
One last thing: don’t forget your travel insurance! The last thing you want is to start 2025 with a hefty bill because you slipped on the ice or fell by the pool. Here’s what you need to know: A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers.
Last updated: 18th August, 2024
