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Best Winter Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s

Iglu Cruise

• 8 min read
Best Winter Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s
Snowy streets in Amsterdam during January

Top Snow Holidays and Best Winter Sun Destinations

Updated: November 2024

Where is the best place to travel in the winter? Well, that all depends on the type of winter break you’re after; whether you’re hunting winter sunshine or after a magical white Christmas, you’ll find fantastic destinations offering both on itineraries throughout December and into January. So, whether December cruises have caught your eye, or you’re looking for an escape after Christmas aboard one of our January cruises, here are our Christmas cruise destination recommendations for December holidays and the best places to visit in January – with a cruise, beating the winter blues has never been easier!

Contents:

  1. New York City
  2. Amsterdam
  3. Paris
  4. Norway
  5. Sydney
  6. Caribbean

New York City

For a lot of people, New York City is the perfect Christmas cruise destination – and it’s easy to see why. With movie classics like Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life alongside modern festive flicks like Elf and Scrooged (yes, we know this is an eighties movie, but it’s too good not to mention) taking advantage of New York City’s magic for their warm Christmas tales, there’s no denying that this metropolis on the east coast has become synonymous with the joy of the holidays.

New York
Rockerfeller Plaza during Christmas in New York City

Whether you’re thinking about a cruise to New York in the build-up to the big day, or planning to be there for New Year’s Eve and this city’s iconic celebrations, the Big Apple will undoubtedly provide you with everything you need to enjoy your winter break. From the buzzing atmosphere of the City That Never Sleeps and the dazzling lights of Times Square and New York City’s skyline to a frosty moonlit carriage ride in Central Park, this destination is home to countless memorable experiences – not to mention some of the top museums to visit on a cruise.

Top New York City Winter Cruises

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If you're thinking about sailing to New York City, you can find out more about all the upcoming Transatlantic cruises right here, and be sure to check out our packing guide for Transatlantic cruises too!

Amsterdam

If you want a change of scenery, but you don’t want to travel too far from home, Amsterdam is a fantastic destination to visit come Christmastime and into January. With it being so close, and a destination on numerous cruises from Southampton, you’ll find a variety of no-fly cruises sailing to this stunning spot in the winter months.

Amsterdam
Christmas lights in Amsterdam

When it starts to get colder, the city itself comes to life with bright lights, wonderful music, and decorations aplenty – all while the friendly residents welcome you in with open arms. For example, when you visit, you’ll have the chance to see the stunning Amsterdam Light Festival – an event where artists from around the world ignite the streets and canals of this remarkable city with light-focused artworks featuring a common theme. As inspiring as this is, you’ll also find Christmas markets to enjoy throughout December and fantastic fireworks when New Year’s Eve rolls around. So, don’t worry if you’re looking for something traditionally festive – Amsterdam definitely has you covered.

Top Amsterdam Winter Cruises

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Want to know more before your break? Here are seven important frequently-asked cruise questions answered!

Paris

Paris, the famous French capital and City of Lights, is – of course – a truly stunning destination to visit during December and January; a hub of illumination and bustling activity throughout the winter months, Paris boasts stunning views, fantastic food, and festive fun for everyone who visits. Much like Amsterdam, cruises to France and Paris are popular throughout the festive period as they’re often included on itineraries for short breaks and mini cruises – both of which are great options for a getaway in and amongst the onslaught of family meet-ups and festivities that come with Christmastime.

Paris
Paris blanketed by snowfall

When it comes to Paris specifically, though, you’ll have the chance to revel in the Christmas spirit saturating this city with visits to the incredible Christmas markets along the stunning Avenue des Champs-Elysees, ice-skate by some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, and even enjoy a decadent dinner at Moulin Rouge – the world-famous cabaret venue that becomes even more dazzling during December. If you have time during your visit, a visit to Disneyland Paris is an absolute must. No matter your age, a bit of Disney magic at Christmastime is never a bad thing – and, if you’re struggling to get yourself into the Christmas spirit, you’ll find yourself feeling merry and bright in no time!

Top Paris Winter Cruises

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Whether you're worried about sea-sickness or more concerned with the views from your stateroom, you'll find more on the best cabin positions on a cruise ship here!

Norway

Okay, we know having an entire nation on this list is cheating a little, but Norway is a veritable Winter Wonderland and it’s impossible to pick just one place when it comes to Fjords and Norway cruises. Sailing to Norway during the winter months is a fantastic option, and not just because the snow adds a dusting of magic to everything; when you’re on a cruise ship sailing through the Norwegian Sea, you’ll have a great chance to see the Northern Lights – a magical natural phenomenon that cameras can’t quite capture the beauty of. In northern Europe, you’ll find a higher number of clear nights throughout December and January, meaning that the vibrant lights of the aurora borealis are more likely to be visible.

Norway
Bergen, Norway, during the winter months

From admiring the sparkling scenery and serene ambience during a shore excursion to star-gazing with a hot chocolate from the top deck, a winter break to Norway really is the stuff of dreams. You’ll also find some of the best cruise destinations for walking and hiking enthusiasts on itineraries to Scandinavia – and a hike is far from a bad way to stay warm when the weather gets colder.

Top Norway Winter Cruises

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Norway is a fantastic destination if you have mobility issues, despite what you might think; if you're planning an adventure, check out the top 5 accessible Norwegian cruise ports right here!

Sydney

If you’re looking for some winter sun, Sydney is a fantastic option for December and January – we would argue it’s actually one of the best winter sun holiday destinations out there! A popular port of call on a lot of world cruises, you’ll also find a variety of specific Australasia cruise itineraries available throughout the winter months, meaning you’ll have no trouble taking full advantage of the warmer weather this sensational city enjoys while it’s cold and grey at home.

Sydney
A clear night in Sydney during British winter

Beyond a variety of festive events, you’ll find Sydney a fantastic place to see in the New Year. In particular, the New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Sydney Harbour sees visitors flock to the city every year; and, the iconic Sydney Opera House hosts glamorous celebrations throughout, too. If you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up and indulge in some luxury during your getaway, it doesn't get much better than this!

Top Sydney Winter Cruises

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The destination is always the highlight, but that doesn't mean you'll spend your time at sea bored! Here are the nine best shows on cruise ships and where you can find them.

Caribbean

Island hopping in the Caribbean is a great way to enjoy a cruise holiday any time of year, but it really is one of the best places to go when you’re chasing winter sunshine – not to mention the fact that it’s home to some of the top underrated cruise destinations out there. It might not feel like a traditional Christmas holiday destination, however Caribbean cruises are fantastic for families too – and what is the festive period about if not spending time with loved ones?

A beach in the Dominican Republic

Don’t let that put you off if you’re looking for a solo cruise, though; the Caribbean can cater to everyone, with white-sand beaches, glistening seas, and stunning sights at every stop. From Antigua to Anguilla, Barbados to Bonaire, itineraries sailing through the Caribbean Sea are packed with unforgettable adventures and you won’t regret spending your holidays soaking up the sunshine.

Top Caribbean Winter Cruises

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Did you know that several major cruise lines have their own private islands in the Caribbean? To find out more, read up on the best cruise line private islands right here.

Book Your Next Winter Getaway with Iglu Cruise Today

There’s no time like the present, and certainly no time to waste as time ticks onwards; check out the latest cruise deals right here – including family cruises, all-inclusive escapes, and luxury getaways – ahead of the holidays to find the perfect cruise for you!

If you’re looking for more information about cruising, though, be sure to browse the latest blogs from the Iglu Cruise team below:

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