The holidays are coming! In between gift shopping and wrapping up things for work, have you been planning your Christmas travels, too? As fun as the yuletide season is in the Philippines, seeing the world can be just as rewarding. And some destinations show off their best side during the holidays: sparkly streets decked out in dazzling lights, giant illuminations, festive European-style markets, and even jaw-dropping pyrotechnics. We’ve rounded up these magical places to visit for Christmas below. As a bonus, all of these places are visa-free! All you’ll have to bring is your holiday spirit.
Also read: ‘Tis the Season for Stays: 8 Airbnbs in the Philippines Perfect for the Holidays
The world’s most magical Christmas destinations that you can visit without a visa
1. Hong Kong
Is New York too far for your end-of-the-year getaway? Hong Kong is a fantastic alternative for a sparkly city destination. While it doesn’t recognise December 25 as an official holiday, it’s one of the world’s most dazzling places to visit for Christmas celebrations, anyway. As soon as the holiday season rolls around, the city goes all out: holiday markets, Christmas events, and the extravagant Symphony of Lights show over the Victoria Harbour skyline combine for an action-packed vacation.
Don’t miss passing by Christmas Town in the West Kowloon Cultural District for snaps of the giant Christmas tree and illuminations. And of course, you’ll have to stop by Hong Kong Disneyland, too. Come the holiday season, the world-class theme park lights up with Christmas-themed activities and performances! Not to mention, you’ll be able to visit Hong Kong Disneyland’s newest attraction: World of Frozen with beloved Frozen characters like Elsa and Anna.
Also read: Solo Travel Guide: 16 Travel Tips You Should Know Before Travelling to Hong Kong
2. Taipei, Taiwan
Like Hong Kong, Taiwan doesn’t officially celebrate Christmas. But you won’t believe it when you land in Taipei! The city turns up the voltage during the holiday season with brilliant illuminations, massive Christmas trees dressed up completely in sparkling ornaments, and fun-filled events for locals and tourists. Even taking a stroll around the city will leave you filled with festive Christmas cheer!
When in Taiwan for Christmas, one of the places we recommend tourists to visit is Christmasland in Banquiao District, New Taipei City. The district transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights and yuletide carols — and if you’re still cramming for presents, the bustling local bazaars are the perfect place to shop. Fireworks shows at Taipei 101 are also not to be missed, especially during New Year’s Eve.
3. Sapa, Vietnam
For Filipinos, there aren’t a lot of visa-free places to visit for a white Christmas. If you’re eager to experience the holidays in a winter wonderland, why not fly to Sapa? The mountain town in the northwestern region of Vietnam promises holiday photos against a scenic backdrop of snow, pine trees, and majestic slopes — it’s almost as if you’re celebrating somewhere in Europe.
Looking for the best views around? Make the journey to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam, known as the Roof of Indochina. It’s a short trek following a train and car ride to Tram Ton Pass; non-trekkers can even take the cable car to the top!
Also read: Filipinos Can Experience Snow in These 12 Countries Without a Visa
4. Singapore
We can’t skip out on Singapore when it comes to spectacular places to visit for the Christmas season. Not only is it such a short flight away — and thus, perfect for short spontaneous trips with the barkada — but the Lion City during the holidays has timeless appeal: brilliant illuminations along Orchard Road, mini Christmas villages throughout the city centre, fireworks over Marina Bay, and the breathtaking Christmas Wonderland at the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
Not to mention, we love how family-friendly Singapore is, with kid-centric attractions, seamless public transport, and wholesome holiday activities. It’s definitely one of the best Christmas destinations to enjoy with the entire family — lolo and lola included!
Also read: Why Singapore Should Be Top of the List for Your Next Family Vacation
5. Jeju Island, South Korea
Most places in South Korea may require a visa from Filipino tourists but you don’t need one to visit Jeju Island for Christmas. And lucky for you — the picturesque island is extra magical come the holiday season! Travellers who are up for a winter adventure can climb Mount Hallasan for a chance to ski, trek, and play in a snowy landscape. Snowfall is never guaranteed outside of the mountain, but when it does come, the ice transforms iconic tourist spots like Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest and Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest into even more stunning postcard-worthy sceneries.
Meanwhile, festive decorations and holiday-themed activities inspire Christmas spirit in places such as Jeju Folk Village. Not keen on the cold? Opt for indoor activities; Jeju Island is home to over a hundred museums, so you really won’t run out of things to do! Plus, fewer tourists tend to visit the tropical island in winter, so you may be able to score great discounts and less busy attractions during this season.
Also read: How to Get a South Korean Tourist Visa for Philippine Passport Holders 2023
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Perhaps you have more vacation leaves stocked up, so you’re ready and willing to take a long-haul flight. In that case, how does Christmas by the beach sound? Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro promises a sun-soaked holiday on iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema.
The festivities don’t stop at the coast, of course. Rio de Janeiro explodes with festive cheer every December, from the famously massive floating Christmas tree at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to the Festival de Presépios showcasing dozens of life-sized nativity scenes painstakingly created by local artists. Shopping malls, Christmas markets, and other public spaces will also typically be decked out with ornaments with holiday carols playing in the background.
Also read: 10 Best Christmas Festivals in the Philippines Worth Catching
7. Medellin, Colombia
Here’s another South American country that’s definitely worth the long flight: Colombia. If your idea of dazzling places to visit for Christmas includes millions of tiny twinkling lights, then you’ll fall right in love with Medellin. Every year, the Colombian city celebrates the arrival of Christmas with an extraordinarily blinding festival of lights. The most extravagant are in and along the Medellin River but these illuminations lie in parks and streets all over the city — there are so many, you won’t know where to look first!
Also read: 14 Fairytale Christmas Towns & Villages Around the World
There you have it! When you’re looking for places to visit for Christmas, consider this list of visa-free destinations your cheat sheet. So, where are you off to for the holidays?
Featured image credit: shawnanggg | Unsplash
