Unwrap these hidden holiday gems: Festive destinations you’ll love
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Article lists lesser-known holiday destinations offering festive events and calm crowds.
- Featured spots include Jekyll Island, Grapevine, Vienna, Budapest, Carlsbad and Newport.
- Travelers can expect light shows, markets, thermal baths, coastal events and family fun.
So, you’ve marked off classic holiday haute-spots like New York, Chicago, London and even Germany’s famous Christmas markets. Now it’s time to unwrap some hidden holiday treasures. We’ve curated a list of lesser-known holiday destinations that promise enchanting experiences, cozy vibes and Instagram-worthy moments — mostly without the usual crowds.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Maybe you want a low-key holiday where the Christmas spirit mingles with the calmness of the sea. Jekyll Island, located on the southeastern coast of Georgia between Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, oozes Southern charm and wild beauty from beaches to marshes. Every year, the island is draped in 2 million lights and more than 500 handcrafted light displays for Holly Jolly Jekyll, which runs from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4. Think pretty peacocks, twinkling sea turtles, and towering toy soldiers dreamed up and crafted on the island. One of the best ways to experience the light show is a ride on the Holly Jolly trolley, or a private tour in a vintage Model T. There are also tons of activities, from meet and greets with Santa, mini golf at Peppermint Land, fireworks and more.
Grapevine, Texas
Ever heard of Grapevine, Texas? It may be small, but it’s big on Christmas spirit. Located about 30 minutes from Dallas and an easy 10-minute drive from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, it’s the official “Christmas Capital of Texas” with more than 1,400 holiday events over 40 days. The town’s mile-long Historic Main Street is the centerpiece of the holiday extravaganza, with all the independent shops and restaurants dressed in a classic Christmas vibe and serving everything from hot chocolate to specialty holiday spirits at pop-up bars. There’s a 60-foot live tree, ice skating at Peace Plaza, Santa’s North Pole Express on a glamorous historic train, and movies and tribute shows (think Frank Sinatra-type crooners) at the Palace Theatre. Pack your most festive sweaters and Christmas pajamas, as everyone gets in on the holiday spirit.
Vienna, Austria
If you love Christmas markets, Vienna, Austria, knows how to dazzle at the holidays. Fun facts: The snow globe was actually invented there by accident in 1900, and the city boasts bragging rights to the world’s first Christmas market, dating to 1298. Around 20 official holiday markets start popping up in mid-November and some go into the first of the year. One of the can’t-miss Advent markets is the Vienna Christmas Market on Rathausplatz (City Hall Square), one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. It’s where the red heart famously jets across the top of the market to the glee of the crowd, and a tree decked out with illuminated red hearts sets the stage for photo ops. There’s also a huge ice-skating rink that weaves around a park and a gorgeous Christmas tree. Another popular market is the Christmas Market At Schönbrunn Palace, which holds court in front of the grand Imperial palace with more than 90 stalls selling traditional crafts and specialty foods. Make time to tour the palace, and you can even take a culinary class to make apple strudel.
Budapest, Hungary
While other European cities get all the holiday praise, Budapest often gets overlooked. The city, divided into two sides, Buda and Pest, is a winter fairytale with numerous holiday markets and activations. (Most activities shine brightest on the Pest side.) Two of the most impressive markets are the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, and St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market, where there’s a skating rink and a light show on the church that happens every half-hour at night. You’ll want to sample Hungarian classics like sugary chimney cakes cooked over an open fire, sausages, and mulled wine. The city’s major shopping street, Fashion Street, is lit up with over-the-top illuminated sculptures like gift boxes and handbags. While you’re there, indulge in one of the local traditions of soaking in one of the thermal baths, like Széchenyi Baths. Take a river cruise down the Danube at night — we promise seeing the Parliament glowing in the dark is a treat for the eyes.
Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad, California, at the holidays? Hear us out. The seaside gem, Carlsbad, located near San Diego, transforms into a coastal storybook worthy of the Hallmark celebrity residents who live nearby. And with mild weather, you don’t have to bundle up or freeze while soaking up the seasonal fun. Think tree lightings, Santa sightings, holiday markets and activities like glass blowing sessions at Barrio Glassworks to shape your own custom ornament. Resorts like the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and Omni La Costa Resort & Spa host their own holiday activations too, from caroling to holiday teas, pop-up bars and even nightly snowfall. And a family favorite is Holidays at LEGOLAND California, where you’ll be in awe of hulking LEGO trees, a live show and epic photo moments.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is dreamy in the summertime — you know, the famous Cliff Walk, lobster rolls and sailboats on the water — but it’s also an under-the-radar choice during the holidays, too. The historic Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms are dressed in their festive best, which makes the home tours even more beautiful. Shop for gifts on Thames Street and swanky Bellevue Avenue, and you can still get out on the water, thanks to a warm and cozy holiday cruise on the Coastal Queen. While it can be cold in Newport, the tradeoff is experiencing the popular seaside town without the crowds.
Orlando, Florida
For many, Orlando can be the happiest place on earth at the holidays, with 70 days of festivities that kick off in November. And it’s not just the theme parks that go all out with holiday parades and experiences, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Book a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea at the ette Hotel, known for its refined tea service. The hotel offers a luxe package that includes a fancy car service to a ballet performance at the Dr. Phillips Center and more perks. If you enjoy light shows, loop the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to see larger-than-life scenes aglow in more than 10,000 LED lights. Or watch an epic drone show paired with a symphonic score at the 2025 Holidays in Space at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
This story was originally published November 18, 2025 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Unwrap these hidden holiday gems: Festive destinations you’ll love."
