Festive Christmas Escapes: Magical Islands and Destinations for Holiday Getaways
Iconic songs by Ella Fitzgerald, the Andrews Sisters, and Bob Dylan famously ask: 'How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?' These timeless lyrics conjure images of remote places with names as merry as the holiday season. Ready to make the dream a reality? Treat yourself to an unforgettable trip to these enchanting, far-flung destinations.
Christmas Island, Canada
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Nova Scotia's Christmas Island delivers abundant snow. This small township on the edge of Bras d'Or Lake in Cape Breton has two compelling origin stories. One practical explanation: government surveyors completed mapping the district on December 24, naming the final unnamed area Christmas Island. The other honors an indigenous chief named Noel, buried on the island.
Festive Fun?
For a winter wonderland experience, there's nowhere quite like it. December temperatures rarely exceed freezing, often dipping much lower. Wade through knee-deep snow along the frozen lake shores, and spot resilient birds gathering at open water patches—a truly magical sight.
Winter quiets the area, with most hotels and shops closed except the post office. It buzzes year-round, processing global mail for Christmas Island postmarks and letters to Santa Claus.
The closest hub is Sydney, Cape Breton's capital (not Australia's—double-check flights!). It's 60km away, with Sydney airport offering rentals equipped with snow chains.
Stocking Island, The Bahamas
Experience a 'white' Christmas with powdery sand on Stocking Island, just off Great Exuma. This 4-mile paradise suits relaxed escapes: hike marked trails in the morning, then lounge on turquoise beaches. Skip the roast dinner for Chat 'N' Chill's famous Sunday suckling pig BBQ.
Festive Fun?
Christmas Day is serene as businesses close, but Boxing Day ignites with Junkanoo parades—vibrant costumes, music, and dancers. Join locals in George Town or ferry from Nassau for the spectacle.
Christmas Island, Kiribati
Deep in the Pacific, Kiribati's Christmas Island (Kiritimati locally) is the world's largest coral atoll, featuring white sands, shallow silvers, and deep lagoons. Captain James Cook named it after landing on Christmas Eve 1777, restocking seabird provisions despite its isolation.
Legacy settlements bear names like London, Poland, Paris, and Banana from failed European plantations.
Festive Fun?
Celebrations are simple, blending Kiribati traditions and Christianity. Join open-air services with singing, chanting, and shell-flower decorations—visitors welcome.
Fish the flats and lagoons for lunch; homestays and the lone hotel will prepare your catch. Stay through New Year's Eve to be among the first worldwide to ring in the new year—with weekly Honolulu flights, there's no rush to leave.
More Festive Spots on the Map
- Cold Christmas, England – Rumors swirl of lingering Christmas ghosts in the ruined church of this hamlet.
- Ho Ho Hollywood (Tinseltown), USA – A festive double-name bargain, capturing Hollywood's holiday sparkle.
- Carrot Hill, Scotland – Hikers spot sheep on grass, not reindeer on carrots.
- Rudolf Island, Russia – A remote outpost for scientists and Santa en route to the North Pole.
- Santa Claus Village, Finland – Meet Father Christmas year-round in this Arctic Circle park.
- Christmas, Florida, USA – A top spot for holiday mail with the perfect postmark.
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