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Unique Christmas Vacation Destinations for 2025

Swap everything you know about Christmas for a one-of-a-kind adventure like no other. Check out some of the world's alternative Christmas vacation destinations, from Jordan to Vietnam.
Updated by: Aimee White - SEO Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Date Updated: 14 October 2024


As the most magical time of the year draws near, it's time to step away from conventional celebrations and experience a unique destination for Christmas.

For Christmas 2025, dare to explore beyond the familiar and unwrap the gift of unforgettable experiences in the most extraordinary corners of the world. From staying in Indian palaces to island hopping around Thailand, celebrate an alternative Christmas in these unforgettable destinations:

 

  1. India
  2. Jordan
  3. Kenya
  4. Thailand
  5. Vietnam
  6. Antarctica
  7. Sri Lanka
  8. Morocco
  9. Costa Rica

India

Christmas in India is all about eating delicious food - why not swap your traditional Christmas meal for aromatic Indian cuisine packed with plenty of spices? On our Taste of Southern Indian trip you'll experience Christmas through your taste buds. You'll be introduced to south Indian street food like Masala vada and Bonda, and in Kerala tuck into a traditional vegetarian banquet served on a banana leaf.


Be wowed by unique heritage architecture in Rajasthan, where you'll visit the iconic city of Jaipur (or 'Pink City') by day and sleep in ultimate comfort in magnificent palaces by night. On our Golden Triangle tour, you'll mark the final month of the year by exploring Old Delhi by rickshaw followed by watching the sunrise over the Taj Mahal.
 

Upgraded - India: Forts + Palaces of Rajasthan - Departing December 20 & 27 2025
India's Golden Triangle - Departing December 20 2025
A Taste of Southern India - Departing December 21 2025

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Jordan

Celebrate a festive and meaningful cultural Christmas by visiting Madaba, a small town with strong Christian heritage, also known as the "City of Mosaics", and Mount Nebo; referenced in the Old Testament as the place that Moses once stood to look over the Promised Land. On a clear day you'll have views of the Dead Sea, Bethlehem and Jerusalem from Mount Nebo. 

Something even more different is our spectacular walking trip where you'll camp in a beautiful desert area of Wadi Rum for part of the festive period. It's a sensational 17 kilometre/10.5 mile circular walking experience where you'll get to walk the same route Nabatean traders once walked carrying spices, silk and perfumes. Along the way, tea and lunch will be enjoyed. The evening is spent at the desert camp under the star-studded sky. A truly magical Christmas scene set out in the desert under the stars.


Upgraded - Treasures of Jordan - Departing December 20 2025
Walking Jordan's Spice Trails - Departing December 20 2025

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Kenya

A Kenyan Christmas makes for a good alternative - although there are some things you'll recognise. As a largely Christian country, festivities are in full swing throughout December: think twinkling Christmas trees, a camel-riding Santa Claus and a traditional barbecue for Christmas Day. That said, spending Christmas in Kenya can still be a world away from everything you know.
 

On our Highlights of Kenya tour, swap snow for safari and elves for elephants! Embark on a safari through Nakuru National Park in (hopeful) search of endangered black rhino, and spend Christmas Eve on a game drive through the world-famous Maasai Mara game reserve. Come evening, soak up the magic of the night sky above from your lodge along the Talek River. There's more game drives on the card for Christmas Day - with enough time to relax, take a dip in the lodge's swimming pool and celebrate with your fellow Explorers.


Highlights of Kenya - Departing December 20 2025
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Thailand

As Christmas is not recognised as a bank holiday in Thailand, this allows most attractions to remain open, offering you the opportunity to explore and experience a unique Christmas in the country. The majority of our Thailand trips start in Bangkok, where every mall in Bangkok is lit up with lights and decorations as the city recreates the magic of Christmas.
 

Thailand is one of the best places to visit during the festive season, because the weather at its coolest and therefore more comfortable, making it an ideal time of the year to explore the various islands. Experience a tropical Christmas adventure as we cruise between Thailand's idyllic islands in the southern Andaman Sea, swimming and snorkeling in warm tropical waters and eating deliciously fresh and fragrant Thai food.
 

There are fewer travelers in Thailand during Christmas - Thailand provides a budget friendly tropical visit, and you can also consider exploring northern Thailand for another uncrowded Christmas destination.

Simply Thailand - Departing December 17 2025
Thai Island Hopping - Departing December 14 2025

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Vietnam

The vast majority of Vietnam is Buddhist – but that doesn’t stop them from celebrating Christmas. In Vietnam, Christmas Eve is a more important celebration than Christmas day. Midnight Mass services are held on Christmas Eve where people go into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City to a Catholic Cathedral.

From cycling and walking to simply just exploring the cities, you'll get to experience a festive Christmas trip packed with loads of adventure. Similar to Thailand, Vietnam offers great weather over the December period.

Spend Christmas Day visiting historical sites such as a boat trip along Hue's Perfume River to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, or spend time creating your very own traditional lantern in picturesque Hoi An. Or spend the whole morning cycling around Ninh Binh, described as the countryside version of Ha Long Bay, with its lush green landscapes and towering limestone formations. Seeing as you're in Vietnam for Christmas, there's no missing Hanoi, where you can navigate the French Quarter by bicycle, or pay a visit to the pretty Hoan Kiem Lake or numerous museums.

Simply Southern Indochina - Departing December 21 2025
Cycle Saigon to Hanoi - Departing December 21 2025
Inside Vietnam: Departing December 21 2025
Upgraded - Discover Vietnam - Departing December 21 2025
Simply Vietnam - Departing December 22 2025

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Antarctica

Experience a trip like no other on an extraordinary Polar Christmas adventure in the Antarctica Peninsula. Your festive trip starts on board the M/V Greg Mortimer as you cruise along the iconic Drake Passage. A few days are spent at sea, where you'll spot countless seabirds and, once we near the South Shetland Islands, huge icebergs. By the time Christmas Day comes around, you can go ashore to stretch your legs, check out vantage points from the snow-covered ridgelines, or even sign up for a polar plunge into the icy waters - conditions permitting, of course!
 

Another Antarctic Christmas odyssey awaits on our Antarctic Circle Expedition. After crossing the Drake Passage and listening to informative talks in the lecture hall on the vessel, on Christmas Day it's the moment you've been waiting for - you'll reach the Antarctic Peninsula! Over the following days you'll see penguins, seals, whales and more wildlife, before you take the Polar Circle Crossing and wind your way back towards Ushuaia. Discover the Polar citizen science projects you can get involved with here.

Experiencing Christmas in the Antarctic Peninsula is an unparalleled adventure that offers a truly unique and unforgettable destination.

Across the Antarctic Circle - M/V Greg Mortimer - Departing December 16 2025
Antarctic Circle - Expedition - Departing December 21 2025

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the best alternative Christmas destinations for families. This teardrop-shaped island promises loads of fun and adventurous activities for adults and kids alike. From exhilarating white water rafting and staying in a jungle to enjoying pristine beaches, exploring by canoe and tuk-tuk, and embarking on a thrilling jeep safari in search of leopards, this Christmas will be an unforgettable experience for the entire family.


Whether you're traveling solo, with friends or family, our Sri Lanka in Depth tour sees you take in the highlights of the island at a relaxed pace. On Christmas Eve, you'll take a scenic train journey, winding past tea plantations and crossing the 'Bridge in the Sky' with dramatic valley views. Then, Christmas Day is like nothing you've experienced before - you'll head to Udawalawe National Park where you might spot elephants. For an elevated experience, our Upgraded Sri Lanka tour sees you stay in premium four- and five-star accommodation throughout your trip.

Sri Lanka in Depth - Departing December 15 2025
Family Highlights of Sri Lanka - Departing December 20 2025
Upgraded - Discover Sri Lanka - Departing December 21 2025

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Morocco

Celebrate Christmas a little out of the ordinary in the vibrant country of Morocco. It's makes a popular destination during the festive period, offering local cuisine and cultural dancing.

Our action-packed Morocco trips will keep the entire family entertained for hours. Families will love Morocco as a Christmas destination; take a camel ride into a desert camp where you'll camp for a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert or choose a coastal scene and ride a camel on the beach.

Christmas Day is spent in the oasis town of Tiout where you'll spend time with a local family learning how to make a traditional tagine of meat, poultry or fish with vegetables. Or you can the family can spend the Christmas break with a city tour of bustling Marrakech, a bike ride to Ouarzazate and a drive up to the Atlas Mountains.
 

Wander through traditional souks, sip fragrant mint teas and take in the best of Morocco, and spend Christmas Eve in Fes, where you'll drop by the Royal Palace and stop by the North Borj viewpoint for panoramic city views.

Family Atlas Mountains and Sahara Adventure - Departing December 21 2025
Best of Morocco - Departing December 21 2025
Family Marrakech, Atlas & Essaouira Adventure - Departing December 22 2025

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Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for a Christmas getaway. The country offers tropical warmth and festive cheer: imagine celebrating Christmas on pristine beaches, surrounded by lush rainforests and exotic wildlife. Adventure seekers can indulge in activities like white-water rafting, wildlife watching and zip-lining.
 

On our Costa Rica Wildlife Tour, you'll probably experience one of your most unique Christmas Days yet - with white-water rafting along the Pacuare River!

If you'd prefer something gentler, you can take visit a botanical garden or community-led coffee plantation, instead. Costa Rica is also a great Christmas destination for families, with nature walks in search of sloths and exotic birds and crossing canopy walkways in Santa Elena Reserve making for alternative festive fun.
 

Costa Rica truly offers a magical and diverse Christmas experience.
 

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour - Departing December 20 2025
Highlights of Costa Rica - Departing December 20 2025
Family Costa Rica Highlights - Departing December 20 2025
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure - Departing December 20 2025

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Don't just travel, Explore!

Are you ready to experience the Christmas of a lifetime? Start planning your next festive break to get away from the crowds, for a spot of winter sun or simply just to scratch beneath the surface of an exciting new destination. Contact us today with any questions - and happy planning!

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