Can't Be Home For Christmas? Best Destinations For Merrymaking

Source: Tim Grist Photography / Getty

There’s a reason Christmas is considered the most wonderful time of the year. The jolly tunes, the glorious lights, the cozy vibes with friends and family.

But sometimes you don’t want to be in a familiar location when trying to get in the holiday spirit. Sometimes it’s better to just get away.

Whether with the significant other of your dreams or via solo traveling, check out one place to explore below. Then hit the flip for some more wishful destinations that Santa needs to come through on immediately.

Mammoth Lakes, California, U.S.A.

Live the life of a Lifetime Christmas protagonist with a romantic getaway filled with snowy mountains, stunning village lights that align the streets, and lodges that are great for resting and, ahem…merrymaking.

London, England

Another cold climate that’s made warm thanks to the many bright displays across the city. You can also take in some last minute shopping then head to the courtyard of Somerset House for a scenic iceskating session with that special someone.

Cape Town, South Africa

Not about that cold life? Then head to South Africa for the beautiful beaches surrounded by mountains or experience Christmas in a unique way thanks to the local culture and restaurants. You can even have some picture-perfect moments when the official lights go up on Adderley Street. Deuces to a white Christmas.

Tokyo, Japan

Bright lights just don’t reside in your lover’s eyes. They’re also all around Tokyo during Christmas time. Different districts even compete with each other to put on a gorgeous light display. Yebisu Garden Place is one place you and bae can go for a stroll in winter wonderland.

Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Sill don’t understand the cold language. Dip to Rio de Janiero, Brazil for the holidays. Again, beaches for days. The city also hosts the world’s largest display of full-sized nativity scenes during its annual Festival de Presépios (“Crib Festival”), found at Jardim de Alah between Leblon and Ipanema.

Noel Noel! Amen.

Park City, Utah, U.S.A.

Let everyone know that you have vocals like Mariah Carey as you sing along to Christmas tunes at Utah’s iconic Egyptian Theatre. You can also catch the snowy views by partaking in Santa’s ride down the Town Lift into Town Lift Plaza in the Main Historic District. Park City also has a 16-day Snowfest, which includes live music, ice sculptures and yes, s’mores.

Calabar, Nigeria

Again. Cold. You don’t do it. Got it.

Head over to Calabar, Nigeria where they have the famous Calabar Carnival, which is often known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party. There are also lots of parties, street performances, concerts and competitions to go to for a good ol’ merry time. By the way, The Carnival lasts the whole month of December. Merry Christmas!

Santa Clause, Indiana, U.S.A.

Yes, there’s actually a place in the U.S. named after Santa Clause. With a population of fewer than 3,000 people, the Indiana location features wonderful lodges, and a Land of Lights display, which is a 1.2-mile drive around the Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. Folks even send thousands of letters a year to the location in hopes of reaching St. Nick. A group of volunteers called Santa’s Elves are there to answer each letter. So the question is…what do you want for Christmas?

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