These are 20 of the best places to spend Christmas this year.

Others prefer to lounge on a beach as far away from cold weather as possible.

The festivities kick off with a Christmas tree lighting and end with fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Large elk antler arches curve over Jackson Hole’s square’s four corner entrances. The antlers have been there since the early 1960s, and new arches are currently assembled to replace them. Lit up at night for Christmas-time.

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Looking for gifts in downtown Jackson?

New York City

There’s truly nothing likeChristmas in New York City.

The city lights shine brightly year-round, but holiday lights add to the magic.

Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center in New York City

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Bruges, Belgium

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Bruges' two Christmas marketsare among the best in Western Europe.

The festivities extend to a smaller market in nearby Simon Stevinplein Square.

Elevate your stay inBrugeswith a suite overlooking the picturesque canal at the luxurious and historicHotel Van Cleef.

Bruges Old Market Square decorated for Christmas

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Otherwise, you could book one of just 60 rooms atThe Pines Lodge.

Both offer ski-in, ski-out access.

This picturesque town is in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest.

Snowy Street in Winter with Christmas Lights

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Throughout December, you’ll find storefronts on and just off Main Street decorated with wintry displays.

Salzburg, Austria

It’s easy to get in the holiday spirit while visiting Salzburg.

The most luxurious place to stay?

Beautiful above view of tropical beach, sea and mountain landscape, Santa Lucia island, Caribbean

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That would beHotel Goldener Hirschright in Old Town.

Solvang typically hostsJulefest, a month-plus-long village celebration complete with outdoor gatherings and holiday decorations.

Stay atThe Lodge at Spruce Peakfor beautiful mountain views and ski-in, ski-out access.

People sitting by a fire pit at Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC

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The annualCastle of Lightevent draws crowds with spectacular displays projected onto the exterior walls of the 12th-century stronghold.

The projections typically get a refresh every year and have included everything from fire-breathing dragons to flowers.

Sip mulled wine at one of the Christmas markets and ice skate on George Street for the full experience.

This Santa Ynez Valley Danish-influenced community’s holiday season kicks off with a Julefest people walk in the decorated, festive streets

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If you’re around on New Year’s Eve, participate in Hogmanay, Scotland’s own end-of-year celebration.

Edinburgh puts on aHogmanay festivalthat includes a torchlight procession, concerts, and a disco party.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Feis a great place to visit any time of the year.

Snow Covered Trees Against Sky

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The sunny weather is perfect for sipping cocktailsand picnicking on the grassy Plaza Intendente Alvear.

London

There’s just something especially magical about London at Christmastime.

Rovaniemi, Finland

What’s the most Christmassy place in the world, you ask?

A view of the Washington Monument, National Mall and Capitol Christmas tree

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Surely it’s Santa Claus' hometown,Rovaniemi.

During the winter, the arctic landscape is covered by a thick blanket of pretty snow.

This is also the best time of the year for spotting the northern lights.

Seaside promenade in Key West, Florida

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The tropical paradise that is Maldives' 27 atolls is truly one of the best all-inclusive Christmas vacations.

Among thetop resortsareMeeru Maldives,Constance Moofushi, andLily Beach.

Bavaria, Germany

Spend your Christmas holidays in this picturesque state in southern Germany.

Pueblo-Style Loretto Hotel Christmas Farolito At Dusk

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Wherever you go,beware of the spooky Krampus, a frightening Christmas beast of local folklore.

Quebec City

Quebec Cityis about as European as it gets outside of Europe itself.

The Bahamas

Just a short flight south for East Coasters and a three-hour ferry fromFt.

Selfridges is a popular department store on Oxford Street, a busy shopping area in London.

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Lauderdale,the Bahamasis another popular choice for travelers seeking sun and sand during the holidays.

Santa Claus village at dusk, Rovaniemi, Finland

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Tropical beach with coconut palms, shortly after sunrise. Biyadhoo island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean.

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Rothenburg at Christmas

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Beach hut on the beach, Nassau, BahamasGlowimages

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