Check out these fantastic post-Christmas destinations for the ultimate relaxation!
Just because Christmas ends on December 25th doesn’t mean the holidays have to end. If you’re a traveler looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, you should know that the period after Christmas offers a fantastic window to explore the world.
Whether you’re searching for traditional holiday-themed winter fun or sun and sand, keep these post-Christmas destinations in mind for a final getaway for the year.
Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly escape or a luxurious retreat, Must See Places found the best places to travel after Christmas! We’ll help you discover the perfect destination to continue your celebrations.
The best part? Some of our favorite post-Christmas destinations are right here, in the US!
Not sure where to go? Ditch the crowds and enjoy a stress-free getaway with our round-up of the 5 best laid-back destinations for a post-festive recovery.
Post-Christmas destination: Salzburg, Austria: Best for continuing with the holiday magic
Not ready to say goodbye to Christmas just yet? Well, in Salzburg, you won’t have to! This charming Austrian city keeps its Salzburg Christkindlmarkt open until January 1st.
So you can stroll around and sip mulled wine in the warm glow of twinkle lights to your heart’s content. But this year happens to be extra special because it’s the Christkindlmarkt ‘s 50th anniversary.
And since you’re already here, make sure you stop and see where renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756. You can learn about his legacy at the Mozart’s Birthplace Museum.
Then bundle up and take yourself on a self-guided tour of historical sites and filming locations depicted in The Sound of Music. After that, join the city’s culinary history and grab a table at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.
It has been welcoming travelers for at least 1200 years, making it the continent’s oldest restaurant. And when you get tired, check into the Hotel Schloss Mönchstein. It’s a real-life castle that’s been converted into an upscale hotel.
So you’ll feel like royalty! Now, it may be chilly when you visit this post-Christmas destination. But the good news is that there are lots of places to warm up, including the spa, which has a Finnish sauna and a steam bath.
Post-Christmas destination: Leadville, Colorado: Best for outdoor adventures and snowy landscapes
While everyone else heads to Aspen or Vail around this time, you should consider taking a detour to Leadville instead. This historic Colorado mountain town sits 10,200 feet above sea level, making it the highest city on our continent.
Towering peaks surround it, and the winter outdoor opportunities are endless. While visiting this post-Christmas destination, you can shred the slopes of Ski Cooper, a local mountain with fluffy white snow and epic vistas of some of the state’s tallest peaks.
When you need to warm up, hop on board the Leadville Railroad for a picturesque journey through the snow-dusted Pike-San Isabel National Forest or explore the National Mining Hall of Fame to learn about the area’s history.
Those not into skiing can catch a show at the glamorous Tabor Opera House, constructed in 1879. When you get hungry, head to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, where dinner is more than just a meal… It’s an adventure!
To get here, you’ll have to strap on a pair of snowshoes and then travel about a mile into the forest. Once you get there, you’ll be ushered into a toasty yurt heated by a wood stove and illuminated by lanterns and candles.
You’ll be served a hearty, multi-course dinner before you head back out under the stars. But if you don’t feel like leaving, you can stay overnight by reserving a sleep yurt.
Otherwise, head back in time to when Leadville was a prosperous mining town in the late 19th century with a night at the Delaware Hotel. Constructed in 1886, this property has over 130 years of history within its walls.
It’s cozy and centrally located on this post-Christmas destination’s main street… And, according to legend, it even has a resident ghost named Mary!
Post-Christmas destination: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada: Best for beautiful gardens and architecture
With its cozy spaces, waterfront views, and Victorian architecture, the capital of British Columbia is an excellent place to mellow out between Christmas and New Year’s.
Even though you won’t find summer blooms in this post-Christmas destination, that doesn’t mean the Butchart Gardens are any less spectacular.
Take a meditative walk in the fresh air along the 55 acres of spiraling paths, then stop by the Blue Poppy Restaurant for a warm spring preview… complete with waterfalls and tropical flowers.
And since you’re already here, make sure you spend at least an afternoon sipping tea at elegant spots like the Fairmont Empress, Abkhazi Garden, and the Pendray Inn.
You can also grab a quick bite on the waterfront at Red Fish Blue Fish for lunch, then warm up with a delicious bowl of pasta at Zambri’s at dinnertime.
And when it comes time to lay your head down for the night, why not try a new experience at Fisherman’s Wharf Floating Bed & Breakfast?
It’s a tiny but efficient floating home with a front-row seat to the harbor and the seals, swans, and other adorable creatures who call it home.
Post-Christmas destination: Cleveland, Ohio: Best for urban adventures and arts and culture
You don’t have to fight off huge crowds for a much-needed dose of culture and arts. Located on the edge of Lake Erie, Cleveland rivals much bigger cities for performing arts venues, museums, and entertainment.
This mid-sized, friendly city in the Midwest also has a booming culinary scene, perfect for when you need a much-needed break from daily life. While here, be sure to stop by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, fresh off a $150 million expansion and renovation.
Admire masterpieces at the Cleveland Museum of Art, then contemplate the legacies of some of the most incredible musicians who ever lived at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
And although Christmas may be in your rearview, you can still keep the spirit alive by visiting the house where “A Christmas Story” was filmed.
And when you get hungry, hit up LJ Shanghai for Shanghainese, L’Albatros for French, Ginko for Japanese, Amba for Indian, or Batuqui for Brazilian.
After a busy day of running around, head over to Hotel Cleveland, a landmark property that overlooks Public Square, which recently got a $90 million makeover.
Remember to look for quiet nods to this post-Christmas destination’s history throughout the space, including murals and vintage photos.
Post-Christmas destination: French Polynesia: Best for tropical weather and gorgeous scenery
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to tolerate the cold! Give the “winter blues” a whole new meaning by visiting this tropical paradise in the South Pacific.
As you explore the 118 islands of this post-Christmas destination, you’ll be amazed by nearly every shade of blue under the sun: turquoise lagoons, azure skies, cerulean waves, and iridescent teal fish. French Polynesia is a little farther away. So you’ll need your passport.
But while here, you’ll get the chance to take a surfing lesson, go snorkeling, enjoy a sightseeing cruise, learn to scuba dive, watch for whales, or just lounge around on the beach with a fruity cocktail in hand.
And when you get hungry, pick up some fresh fruits, veggies, and fish at the market in PapePapeetee, the capital of French Polynesia. This bustling, colorful spot is also a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture and support Tahitian farmers and artisans.
After you’ve tried all the local delicacies, stay near Mount Otemanu. You can wake up from your private overwater bungalow at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.
You can take a dip in the aquamarine lagoon off your private terrace before strolling over to the beach to take advantage of the free standup kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear.
On the other hand, you can also treat yourself to a couple of nights at The Brando, the eco-chic resort on Marlon Brando’s private island.
With just 35 bungalows, this secluded retreat is perfect for recharging your batteries for the coming year. Just remember to pack your sunscreen!
Now it’s YOUR turn. What do you think of our favorite post-Christmas destinations? Let us know in the comments below.
And if you’re looking for some more ideas for your next trip, we recommend also reading: 10 Most Scenic Winter Train Rides in North America
