The ULTIMATE Guide to Christmas Travel with ToursByLocals

Exploring holiday traditions in other countries is a surefire way to make memories this Christmas. With so many incredible destinations and festive themed attractions to choose from, it can be an overwhelming task to scour all of the possibilities. A classic Christmas market experience in a traditional location or something more off-beat and unique? Fortunately, as always, we are on hand with an eclectic and inspiring mix of yuletide tours for festivity seekers this Christmas!

Explore Bavarian Christmas Markets with a Local

Join local guide Stefanie as she takes you on a Bavarian winter adventure through snowy mountains and traditional markets. You'll be able to ride a chairlift up into the snowy alpine, and enjoy a gentle walk in the winter wonderland before feeling like a kid again on a toboggan ride to the base.

Bavaria is the spiritual home of the Christmas Market with ‘Christkindlmarkt’ originating in the region in the 15th century. After your mountain adventure, you'll head to the fairy-tale Christmas market in Bad Tölz. Sample delicious sausages, mouthwatering sweets, and mulled wine and take care of your Christmas shopping. Move over Amazon...this is the perfect place for gifts and stocking fillers!

Spend the Holidays Feeling Danish Hygge in Copenhagen

The days are short and the nights are long in Denmark at Christmas time, but Copenhagen is aglow with warmth and light, as the Danes truly know how to embrace the winter season. The famous amusement park of Tivoli might be the epicenter of all things Christmas in Copenhagen. With what seems like a million twinkling lights, steaming pots of mulled wine and hot chocolate, and the coziest of Christmas markets, it's a true winter wonderland.

Long time local guide Ivan has created a tour that shares his "love affair" with Christmas in Copenhagen. You'll taste, smell, see and hear a true Danish Christmas. As Ivan says: "We will experience joyful Christmas decor and Christmas markets and I'm going to make sure that you get to both taste and feel the Danish "Hygge" Christmas spirit."

Wander through a Fairytale in Tallin, Estonia

Christmas time can bring magic to any place in the world, but in Tallin, the city is truly at its best. Local guide Davide will show travellers some of the most beautiful places in Tallinn Old Town including the ancient Toompea Castle and the architectural marvel that is Nevsky Cathedral, usually dusted with crisp white snow. The idyllic setting of Tallin makes for a fairy-tale landscape which Davide helps travellers explore with stops at family run handicraft stalls, local art galleries and boutique shops.

The tour then routes to the iconic Town Hall Square, where a towering 20m Christmas tree greets all those in the vicinity. This has been a tradition since 1441, the first of its kind in Europe. Travellers can wander through the numerous chalets sampling the very best Estonian food and drink including local desserts, marzipan, and Vana Tallinn liquor. The locals are extremely friendly and welcome visitors to join the festive activities including carolling and spins on the Christmas carousel.

Expore the home of Silent Night in Salzburg, Austria

Step into a winter wonderland with local guide Michaela as Salzburg transforms into a festive dream! Imagine a 100-year-old Christmas tree standing proudly in Residence Square, surrounded by nearly a hundred charming market stalls offering handcrafted Austrian gifts. Stroll through the snow-dusted old town, where the scent of mulled wine and the sounds of Christmas carols fill the air.

Did you know that the beloved song "Silent Night, Holy Night" originates from Salzburg? Inside the majestic Salzburg Cathedral, uncover its fascinating history, admire the nativity scene, and visit the baptismal font of Joseph Mohr, the man behind the song’s timeless lyrics. Wander through Salzburg’s enchanting narrow streets, explore its rich history, and discover how the city’s Christmas markets evolved over time.

You'll find unique, locally made crafts and get to indulge in seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and spiced punch - it's Christmas spirit come to life!

Stroll through Wintery Oslo

Christmas is a magical time of year in Oslo, as it is in much of Scandinavia. The short, dark days are brightened with candles inside, while twinkling lights adorn the trees, Christmas markets fill the streets, there is an undeniable buzz of cheer in the air and so many delicious Norwegian treats to try. The Norwegians love their cookies!

Ever heard of julegrøt, lutefisk, pinnekjøtt or pepperkake? After spending time with local guide Diana on her Christmas tour of Oslo, you'll have tasted all of them. You'll hopefully also have indulged in a delicious drink of mulled wine at one of the city's festive Christmas markets, and learned some stories of Oslo's history as you walk through streets decorated for the season.

Soak up the Christmas Spirit in London

London attracts millions of people each year during the Christmas period to view the city's legendary light displays and browse its flagship department stores, which get decked out with the magic of the holidays. You can stay warm and enjoy a panoramic tour in the comfort of an iconic London Black Cab with its glass roof that showcases London's Christmas lights decorations at their very very best.

Among the highlights will be Regent Street, Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, but you and your guide Paul will also get to some spectacular decorations in other locations where you can soak up the seasonal atmosphere such as Bond Street, Marylebone High Street and of course the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

Take a Trip to Twinkling Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island

Canada at Christmas time evokes ideas of snow-capped houses and festive cheer in abundance. However, for those in the know, it will also conjure up images of the lushly green Butchart Gardens in more temperate Victoria, BC.

These stunning gardens are available year-round to the public but really come into their own over Christmas. Local guide Melanie has been visiting for years and now runs private tours through the gardens. Bundle up for a festive stroll along pathways festooned with traditional garlands, view the illumination of thousands of lights, and enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas displays.

Melanie knows the best spots for a hot chocolate and seasonal treats amongst the colourful lights and festive music. Travellers can observe the ice skaters in full flow at the fully decorated outdoor rink and can even join in on this favourite Canadian pastime themselves before returning to the quaint city of nearby Victoria (and more fabulous light displays!)

Enjoy a Classic Christmas in New York City

Nowhere in the world does Christmas quite like New York. Iconic sights, world-class shopping and extravagant decorations make this one of the most admired destinations for festive travel each year. Being such a popular location, travellers will want to ensure they can tick off as much as they can during their trip. Local guide Ronald has been touring in New York City for the last 15 years and it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about the Christmas experience.

On this delightful tour of the Big Apple, travellers will visit the most celebrated sights such as the Union Square Christmas Market and Rockefeller Centre, known for its giant tree and skate rink. Visitors to the city will also be able to see the filming locations of iconic festive movies over the years such as Miracle on 34th Street and Elf.

Ronald also allows enough time for personal shopping and even routes past the famous window displays of Macy’s and Fifth Avenue for travellers to peruse at their leisure. After a fun-filled day exploring the city, groups are escorted back to their hotel by private transport, capping off a classic Christmas experience in New York.