Holiday Romance Around the World
It’s undeniable that Christmas inspires romance. Whether it be kissing your sweetheart under the mistletoe or exchanging special gifts in an intimate setting, there’s something about the Christmas season that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Booking a romantic vacation over the Christmas holidays is a great way to celebrate the season and fuel the fire between you and that special someone. Check out our picks for some of the best places in the world for Christmas getaways for couples.
You’ll find a bit of everything from Christmas on the beach in South Africa to exploring the famous Viennese Christmas markets to a traditional Christmas retreat in the Colorado Mountains.
Traditional Christmas in Colorado
With world-class skiing, snow play areas, cozy cabins in the mountains and hot springs retreats, Colorado is a veritable winter wonderland. It’s one of the best places in the world to get that postcard perfect Christmas you’ve always dreamed of and to encourage romantic memories that will last a lifetime.
If you like city life, Denver offers plenty of exciting entertainment, shopping and activities, and is less than an hour from the mountains. However, if you are looking to really tuck away, there are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts and cozy mountain cabins far away from the lights and sounds of civilization.
A Southern Christmas in Asheville
Asheville is a small, artsy town in North Carolina best known for its historic architecture, including the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence and the massive Biltmore Estate. The downtown Arts District is filled with galleries and museums that are perfect for strolling hand-in-hand with your love, making this the perfect Christmas vacation idea for couples.
The Biltmore Estate is a must-see. For the top romantic experience in Asheville, book a spot on the Biltmore’s Candlelight Christmas Evening tour and stay for live music in the Winter Garden in the evening. The Inn on Biltmore Estate is one of the most romantic places to stay and will certainly be decked out for the festive season.
Looking to get away with your special someone? These vacation ideas for couples are the perfect blend of romance and intrigue, promising a great trip.
Shopping Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna is world famous for its December markets which have been happening year after year since 1254. The most beautiful squares around the city are transformed into magical Christmas markets full of baked goods, warm drinks, Christmas ornaments and other decor.
Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz has around 150 stalls and is the most famous, but you will find stalls selling Christmas goodies scattered throughout Vienna. After you’ve shopped til you’ve dropped, wander through the Belvedere Palace Christmas Village for even more festive fun.
An English Christmas in London
Explore the homeland of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and other charming old standbys as well as newer sights in London for a romantic English Christmas. Fill your stay with Christmassy afternoon teas and carriage rides through Richmond Park.
Take a stroll among the Christmas lights in central London and Richmond Park, attend festive book readings and explore a number of Christmas festivals spread around the city. London certainly offers plenty of romance and charm during the holiday season, making this one of the best Christmas getaways for couples.
Summertime Christmas in Capetown
This is a romantic Christmas getaway you will need to pack the bathing suits and sunscreen for. Christmas falls right in the middle of summer in the southern hemisphere and the beaches are the perfect reprieve from the ice and snow back home.
Capetown’s beaches are great for relaxing and soaking up the rays. When you are ready for a break from the beach, try a romantic meal at Buitenverwachting or Catharinas. Or pack a picnic basket and some bubbly and head up Chapman’s Peak Drive to watch the sunset over Hout Bay.
You're probably familiar with the main Paris attractions, but these points of interest will help you skip the crowds and get a more in-depth experience.
An Urban Asian Christmas
Christmas falls at the coolest time of year in Bangkok, which means it is a great time to visit this popular Asian city. The temperatures still sit in the 70s and 80s most days, but without the sweltering sunshine that comes in the hot season or the monsoon rains of the rainy season.
There’s plenty of Christmas cheer in the Big Mango, with many of the malls decked to the nines in Christmas decor and plenty of hotels offering fabulous Christmas brunches and Christmas Eve dinners. Check out the Christmas display at Central World and the brunch at Anantara Riverside.
For more inspiration and things to do in Bangkok, check out this round-up of popular attractions along the riverfront.