There's something magical about spending Christmas somewhere completely different. While your mates are sweating through another 35-degree December day, you could be watching snow fall in Japan or exploring ancient temples in Bali. If you're thinking about ditching the backyard barbie this year, here are some brilliant destinations that make Christmas travel worth it.
Bali and Indonesia: Tropical Christmas Done Right
Bali's been the go-to escape for Aussies forever, and December's actually one of the best times to visit. Yes, it's wet season, but that usually means short afternoon storms followed by stunning sunsets. The crowds thin out compared to July, and you'll find better deals on accommodation.
Skip the chaos of Seminyak and head to Ubud for a quieter Christmas. Think yoga retreats, rice terraces, and excellent coffee. Or if you want beach vibes without the Kuta madness, Sanur's perfect for families. The water's calm, there's a long beachfront path for morning walks, and you're close enough to everything without being in the thick of it.
Beyond Bali, consider the Gili Islands for incredible snorkelling or head east to Flores to see the Komodo dragons. Indonesia's massive, and December's a great time to explore beyond the usual tourist trail.
Japan: White Christmas and Winter Festivals
If you've always dreamed of a proper white Christmas, Japan delivers. The ski fields are starting to get good snow by December, and places like Niseko and Hakuba are world-class. But even if you're not into skiing, Japan in winter is something special.
Tokyo does Christmas lights better than almost anywhere. Shibuya and Roppongi turn into winter wonderlands, and the whole city has this cosy, festive energy. Head to Kyoto for temple visits without the crushing summer heat, or go to Hokkaido for the Sapporo White Illumination festival.
The food alone makes Japan worth visiting. Hot ramen on a freezing day, fresh sushi, and those convenience store snacks that are somehow amazing. Plus, the onsens (hot springs) are perfect when it's cold outside.
Europe: Christmas Markets and Cobblestone Streets
Europe at Christmas is exactly what you picture: fairy lights, mulled wine, and centuries-old Christmas markets. It's cold, sure, but that's part of the charm. Grab a thick coat and dive in.
Germany's Christmas markets are legendary. Nuremberg, Munich, and Berlin all do it brilliantly, with wooden stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to bratwurst. Prague's another winner with its gorgeous old town square and less tourist-heavy markets in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
If you want something different, head to Scandinavia. Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens at Christmas looks like something out of a fairy tale, and Stockholm's old town (Gamla Stan) is beautiful in winter. Yes, it's expensive, but if you've been saving up, it's worth every dollar.
New Zealand: Summer Christmas Close to Home
Not keen on long flights? New Zealand gives you summer Christmas without leaving the general neighbourhood. The weather's brilliant in December, and you've got everything from beaches to mountains within a few hours' drive.
The South Island's where most people head, and for good reason. Queenstown's perfect for adventure stuff (bungy jumping, jet boating, hiking), while Wanaka's a bit quieter if you want to chill out. The West Coast is stunning if you don't mind a bit of rain, and you'll have the beaches pretty much to yourself.
The North Island's often overlooked but it's brilliant too. The Coromandel Peninsula has beautiful beaches, and the Bay of Islands is perfect for sailing. Plus, you can actually swim in the water without needing a wetsuit.
Staying Connected While You Travel
Here's something worth sorting before you leave: how you'll stay connected. International roaming from Aussie telcos gets expensive fast, and hunting for WiFi every time you need directions is annoying.
The easiest fix is grabbing an eSIM before you go. They work like a normal SIM but you don't need a physical card. You just activate it on your phone and you're sorted. The trick is choosing one that covers your specific destination properly.
If you're heading to Asia, look for an Asia eSIM that covers multiple countries so you're not buying a new one every time you cross a border. Same deal with Europe, where you might be bouncing between a few countries. For somewhere like Japan, a dedicated Japan eSIM usually gives you better data speeds and coverage.
It's worth spending a few minutes comparing options before you leave. Being able to use maps, translate menus, and message home without thinking about it makes travel so much easier. Not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible? Check out our eSIM compatible phone guide.
Making It Happen
Christmas travel takes a bit more planning than a random weekend away, but that's half the fun. Flights and accommodation get pricey close to the dates, so booking early saves you money and stress.
Whether you're after snow, sun, or something completely different, December's a brilliant time to explore. Your family might give you grief for missing Christmas lunch, but they'll get over it when you show them the photos.