This holiday season, travelers are making their lists, checking them twice, and booking destinations that fit their vibe—whether they’re decking the halls or dodging the décor. From twinkling Christmas towns to “Grinchmas” getaways, Hotels.com has compiled a list of trending holiday stays based on search demand and reviews. 

Santa Stops Here: Top Hotels for a Magical Holiday Stay 

Travelers are flocking to destinations that embrace the holiday spirit, with reviews on Hotels.com mentioning “Christmas” up 20% compared to last year. For travelers who want a touch of luxury to go with their holiday cheer, these festive hotels are the most searched for in the month of December and have highly rated traveler reviews for their Christmas ambiance. 

• The Roosevelt, New Orleans – from $200/night: Holiday teas, ceremonial tree lightings, and teddy bear-themed events make this a family favorite.  
  • Guest reviews on Hotels.com specifically mention the stunning Christmas display in the lobby. 
• The Plaza, NYC – from $1700/night: Recreate your favorite Home Alone scenes with a limo ride or enjoy festive tea in style.  
  • Guests loved the history behind the Plaza during the holidays and described it as “The perfect place to experience NYC during the holidays.” 

• Santa Claus Holiday Village, Finland – from $750/night: At this ultimate holiday hotel, guests can sign up for Santa meet-and-greets and reindeer rides.  
  • Searches for Rovaniemi, famously known as the hometown of Santa Claus, are up 65% on Hotels.com.  

• The Ritz, Paris – from $1800/night: Dazzling décor, whimsical sledges, and poetry-adorned Christmas trees bring Parisian magic to life.  
  • This December, the Ritz Paris has seen a remarkable 670% increase in searches.  

• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, AZ – from $500/night: Over 10 million lights, an outdoor ice rink, and a four-story tree create a desert winter wonderland.  
  • Guests described the Fairmont as a “magical” place to stay during the holidays. “We were mesmerized by all the Christmas lighting and decorations as well as rides, music and amazing atmosphere for the entire family.” 

To see more festive holiday hotels check out this list by Hotels.com.  

Trending Holiday Towns: Where to Embrace the Holiday Cheer 

Some towns go all out when it comes to spreading holiday magic, making them the perfect destinations for travelers to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season. These destinations are seeing a surge in searches this season on Hotels.com.  

1. Toronto, Canada (+80%)¹: Home to the long-running Santa Claus Parade and festive markets with carolers galore.  

2. Rovaniemi, Finland (+65%): Meet Santa in his official hometown and stay in glass igloos under the Northern Lights. 

3. Marseille, France (+60%): Explore the Old Port Christmas Market or the Foire aux Santons for handmade nativity figurines. 

4. North Pole, AK (+30%): A holiday bucket-list destination, complete with Santa Claus House, a giant Santa statue, and postcard-perfect vibes. 

5. Kennebunkport, ME (+20%): Experience lobster trap trees, festive trolleys, and a classic New England Christmas. 

6. Chicago, IL (+15%): Cozy up at Christkindlmarket, skate at Millennium Park, and take in dazzling ZooLights. 

7. New York, NY (+15%): Iconic tree lightings, holiday shows, and magical markets make NYC a perennial favorite. 

For the Festivity-Free: “Grinchmas” Getaways 

Not everyone wants the fa-la-la-la-lights or tinsel-covered trees. These “Grinch-approved” destinations offer holiday vibes at a minimum, perfect for those who’d rather escape the season. 

• Utqiagvik, AK: Known for its polar nights, where the sun doesn’t rise for weeks, this remote location offers a peaceful, dark winter atmosphere. 

• Hell, Norway: While this town’s name evokes the opposite of holiday cheer, Hell actually experiences a snowy, picturesque winter. Its quirky name makes it a perfect stop for those not feeling the usual Christmas spirit. 

• Rapa Nui, Chile: Also known as Easter Island, travelers are more likely to encounter the famous statues of humans (with oversized heads) than people here, perfect for those who are avoiding the cheer of friends and family.

• Baker, NV: Nestled near Great Basin National Park, this quiet town offers peace and solitude in the heart of Nevada’s “Loneliest Road.” It’s ideal for those looking to avoid holiday crowds and instead stargaze under vast, clear skies. 

• Ebenezer, MS: With a name that conjures images of the famous Scrooge, this small town offers a low-key retreat for those who prefer a break from the holiday hype. 

1. Represents an increase in searches in December 2024 ↩︎