45+ Top Solo Travel Destinations for Christmas & New Year's

Celebrating Christmas and New Year Solo

Choosing where to spend Christmas or New Year’s on your own can feel tricky to plan—but it’s incredibly rewarding once you’re there. Many travelers love using the built-in time off to escape seasonal pressures and experience how other cultures celebrate. Each year, solo travelers share their favorite holiday destinations and traditions, making it easier to pick a place that fits your mood—festive lights, quiet coastal breaks, winter markets, or warm-weather escapes.

“I love being away for Christmas to skip the family frenzy. I’ve spent the holidays in Namibia, Kenya, India, Taiwan, Australia, China, and more. This year I’m thinking Europe or the Middle East—maybe even a yoga retreat.” — Linda

A solo Christmas in Prague once delivered everything from towering trees to cozy markets—proof that the season can feel magical anywhere.

What To Do On the Actual Holiday Dates

December 24–26 and December 31–January 1 can feel unnerving if you expect everything to close. In reality, travelers often find great options—just different from what locals use. Here are ideas that reliably work when the city slows down.

• Join a day tour: Think scenic bus tours, festive city cruises, or countryside escapes with a special holiday lunch. You’ll likely meet other solo travelers.
• Volunteer: Some shelters and community organizations welcome extra hands. It’s a meaningful way to share the spirit of the season.
• Hotel dining: Many hotel restaurants serve special meals. Reserve ahead—they fill quickly.
• DIY celebration: Stock up on favorite treats before closing time. Watch a film, read by the window, soak in a bath, or enjoy the hotel pool. Give yourself permission to relax.
• Holiday walk: With fewer cars and crowds, holiday lights and architecture shine. Stroll, take photos, and savor the quieter streets.
• Travel on the holiday: Flying on Christmas or New Year’s can mean lighter crowds, smoother connections, and sometimes better fares.
• Music and services: Seasonal choir performances and services can be a beautiful cultural experience, whether you celebrate or not.

Spotlight: London or Paris for the Holidays?

Both cities feel iconic year-round, but December gives them extra sparkle. If you’re torn between the two, here’s what travelers love about each.

London Over Christmas and New Year’s

• Covent Garden: Car-free browsing, street performances, and seasonal decorations in the West End.
• Kew Gardens at night: Tunnels of light, reflections on the lake, and a glowing fire garden.
• St. Paul’s: Inspiring services and concerts, even if you’re simply there for the music.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Shows, rides, and food stalls from mid-November through early January.
• Light trails: Wander Oxford Street, Regent or Argyle Street, and Carnaby for classic and contemporary illuminations.
• City tours: Open-top buses and Thames cruises show off London’s festive best.

Travelers report a friendly, cheerful vibe, and quieter streets between Christmas and New Year when many locals leave the city. Night tours feel especially magical with the lights aglow.

“On Christmas Eve I saw the Nutcracker at the Coliseum and walked home through frosty, silent streets. It felt like Dickens’ London come to life.” — Ann, Londoner

Paris Over Christmas and New Year’s

• Champs-Élysées lights: A classic stroll framed by millions of sparkling bulbs.
• Tuileries Garden Magie de Noël: The city’s largest Christmas market with an artisan village, festive food, and a winter fun fair.
• Skating scenes: Lace up or watch with hot chocolate in hand.
• Window displays: Haussmann department stores pull out all the stops—and their rooftops deliver stunning views.
• Performing arts: Concerts, ballet, and opera feel special in December—even if your French is limited.
• City tours: Bus or river cruises are a cozy way to take in the lights.

Arrive a day or two before the 24th to get your bearings, then savor walks through lit streets and hotel restaurant dinners on Christmas Day. Many travelers recall Christmas services and concerts as highlights.

December Holiday Destinations Around the World

From icy skies to sunlit shores, solo travelers have put these regions at the top of their holiday list.

Antarctica and Arctic Regions

Iceland (including Reykjavík): Think Blue Lagoon soaks, Golden Circle road trips, hardy Icelandic horses, and bonfires to ring in the New Year. Heated streets in Reykjavik help keep walks safer after snowfall, and New Year’s fireworks can last well past midnight—especially around Hallgrímskirkja. First-time “white Christmas” memories are common here.

Solo Holiday Destinations in Africa

Botswana: Safaris in the Okavango Delta and Chobe are a spectacular way to spend Christmas Eve and Day under vast skies and with a close-knit “safari family.”

Cape Town, South Africa: Winelands, beaches, forests, and mountain views—December is a crowd-pleaser.

Djibouti and Ethiopia: Lakes Assal and Abbe tours make a memorable Christmas Eve/Day, while trekking Dallol Volcano in Ethiopia is a dramatic New Year’s experience.

Marrakech, Morocco: Souks, camel rides, Atlas day trips, and sunshine even in December make this an energetic, culture-rich choice.

Tunisia: A restful sunshine escape with resort downtime and coastal strolls.

Asian Destination Recommendations

Japan: Festive illuminations, Santas on motorbikes, and temple bells in Kyoto ringing in the New Year feel uniquely Japanese. Christmas Day is not a public holiday, so most attractions are open; many spots close for the first few days of January, so check hours.

Kyoto and Hiroshima: Winter light displays and temple bells create a serene atmosphere for the holidays.

Tokyo: Decorations are cheerful yet understated—very much its own style.

South Korea: Countdown events, like the one at Bosingak, draw big crowds and a buoyant mood.

Singapore: Hotel venues and restaurants tend to host festive meals, and the city stays lively on the 25th.

Vietnam (Hoi An & Hue): Lantern-lit evenings and historic sites set a lovely tone for the season.

Solo Holiday Destinations in the Americas

Eleuthera, Bahamas: Quiet rentals, kayaks, and deserted beaches—perfect if you’re skipping holiday hubbub entirely.

Quebec, Canada: Affordable slopes, light crowds, and a high chance of a white Christmas.

Galapagos, Ecuador: Small-ship voyages with like-minded travelers are a fantastic New Year’s option.

Antigua, Guatemala: Homestays can bring you into local traditions—Christmas Eve is especially memorable.

Guadalajara, Mexico: Many families open gifts on December 24; a homestay offers a warm view of local custom.

Cusco, Peru: On December 24, locals shop for Nativity scene elements. On Christmas Day, elaborate displays appear on church steps and in doorways.

United States highlights:

• Chicago, Illinois: Sparkling decor, a cozy European-style market, and gorgeous historic churches. Reserve Christmas Day dining early.
• Orlando, Florida: Theme parks go all-in on the magic of the season.
• Arizona (Sedona, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Tucson): Red-rock views, illuminated gardens, temperate weather, and wellness resorts make for a restful holiday.
• Hawaii: Christmas by the ocean—yes please. Beach swims and tropical drinks replace snowflakes.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: Reveillon dinners, brass bands, mild weather, and festive street life. Stay through January 6 to see Carnival season begin.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico: Old San Juan shines with decorations, food tours, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
• San Diego, California: Seaside neighborhoods, easy transit, and relaxing winter sun.
• Washington, DC: Beautifully decorated, temperate, and often pleasantly uncrowded between Christmas and New Year.

European Solo Travel Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s

Grand or River Tours: Multi-country winter routes and Christmas market river cruises are beloved—expect beautiful lights, warm drinks, and fewer summer-level crowds. Many lines offer solo-friendly cabins or occasional single-supplement breaks.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canals glow after dark, museums beckon, and the weather is often mild compared to deep winter elsewhere.

Budapest, Hungary: Snag a Nutcracker ticket if you can—Christmas Day performances feel extra special.

Germany:
Munich: Multiple markets run through the 23rd/24th; the Tollwood Festival continues to New Year’s Eve.
Nuremberg: The traditional market is a classic winter experience.

Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway): Expect twinkling streets, candlelit concerts, and roaring fires. Rain rarely dampens the spirit—bring layers and embrace the glow.

Prague, Czech Republic: Riverside walks, dawn on Charles Bridge, and pop-in classical concerts in churches create an unforgettable mood. Palace concerts and tram rides make getting around easy and atmospheric.

Norway: The Hurtigruten coastal voyage (Bergen–Kirkenes–Bergen) offers winter scenery, friendly company, and good odds of Northern Lights. Ships pause on Christmas Eve for shared dinners or local services—simple and heartfelt.

Spain:
Andalucía: Mild days and lively nights; many festivities carry into early January (Three Kings).
Seville & Barcelona: Tapas, lights, and open local eateries keep the cheer high without overwhelming crowds.

Vienna, Austria: Classic markets, elegant light displays, and the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine. Public transit is superb and easy for solo explorers.

Christmas Travel in the Middle East

Istanbul, Türkiye: A great choice if you prefer lighter Christmas themes but still want a major, walkable city with deep history and fabulous food.

Jordan: Friendly people, incredible food, and awe-inspiring sites like Petra. Visitor numbers can dip in winter, giving you (and your camera) more breathing room.

A Solo Christmas in Oceania

Australia:
The Ghan (Adelaide–Alice Springs–Darwin): An iconic rail journey that makes the day itself feel special.
Melbourne & Sydney: Long summer days, vibrant neighborhoods, and easy, plan-free wandering.

New Zealand: Warm, green, and gloriously outdoorsy. Hop-on, hop-off transport networks make meeting other travelers simple.

Will You Feel Lonely Traveling Over the Holidays?

It’s a common concern—and a very human one. Many solos are surprised by how connected and peaceful they feel when they give themselves permission to celebrate differently.

• Embrace “you time”: Quiet moments are a feature, not a flaw. Choose one special activity on the 25th to anchor the day.
• Consider a short tour: Built-in company without committing to a full group trip.
• Bring traditions: Your favorite holiday playlist, a tiny ornament, or a treat from home can make a room feel festive.
• Say yes to chance encounters: Markets, concerts, and communal dining are natural conversation starters.

“Once you realize how peaceful it is to spend time with yourself, you’re ready to go—festive season or not.” — Panache