The Best Places to Spend Christmas in 2025: Unique and Tasteful Holiday Escapes

During the Christmas season, the world softens, lights twinkle, and it suddenly feels easier to slow down and just… be. At layah, we believe this season should feel personal, meaningful, and full of magic!

Whether you’re dreaming of crisp air and cosy candlelight or ocean breezes and open skies, here are some of our favourite places to spend Christmas in 2025. Each one is unexpected and full of stories.

The Algarve, Portugal – Winter sunshine, done tastefully

For something slower and warm, the Algarve is one of our favourite Christmas secrets. With the summertime rush long gone, what’s left feels like your own private slice of Portugal.

Mornings start slow in your wellness-infused hotel and afternoons might mean cave exploring by private boat or wandering cobbled lanes on a food walk led by someone who knows every hidden gem. Local festivities bring a cosy, unexpected warmth. It’s simple, soulful, and just the right kind of festive.

The Cotswolds, England – Cosy, classy, and very festive

This is the Christmas of your fairytale dreams. The English countryside frosted over in the mornings and fire-lit inns with proper Sunday roasts in the evening. Behind the picture-perfect villages is a world of thoughtful experiences. Private wreath-making workshops in old barns, vintage shopping with a local style curator, or a cosy supper hosted in a 17th-century manor. Traditional, yes. Predictable? Not even close!

New York City, USA – Sparkle meets soul

New York goes all-in for the holidays, but we know how to skip the crowds and find the real magic. A rooftop jazz night overlooking Central Park, an after-hours gallery tour, or a festive food crawl through Brooklyn’s hidden gems. Take a break from the buzz and see a softer side of the city that never sleeps.

Maldives – Swap snow for stars

If your idea of festive is barefoot, calm, and quietly luxurious, the Maldives delivers. This is a chance to fully switch off. Picture sunrise yoga on your deck, seafood BBQs on a private island, and long, slow swims in warm turquoise water. Christmas here isn’t loud. It’s peace, privacy, and the kind of beauty you don’t need to dress up (but you can if you want to!)

Berlin, Germany – Tradition with a modern edge

Berlin at Christmas is a city of contrasts and that’s exactly why we love it. There’s the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine drifting through the air, centuries-old cathedrals lit by fairy lights, and snow settling softly over cobbled courtyards. The city’s traditional Christmas markets are some of Europe’s most atmospheric, from the opulent Gendarmenmarkt to the artisan charm of Charlottenburg Palace. But Berlin doesn’t just live in the past. Between historic squares and grand concert halls, we’ll show you design-forward stays, indie galleries, and restaurants serving heritage with a twist. It’s festive, but never obvious.

Alsace, France – Where every street feels like a postcard

Alsace is full of charm that comes straight from a novel. Tiny timbered houses, twinkling lights, and food that’s both indulgent and comforting. But it’s the people here that make it feel so personal. Join a local family for a holiday feast, learn to bake traditional bredele, or sip wine in a candlelit cellar that’s older than most cities. You’ll leave full of stories.

Let’s make this Christmas, make it something you’ll remember long after the season is over.

At layah, we don’t do standard getaways. We design journeys with soul, personality, and a sense of quiet wow. If one of these places sparked something in you, we’d love to help bring it to life.

Let’s make this Christmas the one you always remember. Message us today and enjoy a complimentary consultation. It’s the perfect time to start imagining something truly special.

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