As Christmas approaches, airports and train stations fill with festive travellers – and not all of them are heading home for the holidays.
“The rise of Christmas tourism has people searching out the most iconic festive locations, from enchanting snow-covered villages to bustling Christmas markets and even tropical escapes to beat the winter chill,” says Al Alof of Chicks Gold, an online virtual goods marketplace.
Using Google search data, Alof and the Chick’s Gold team analysed terms related to Christmas destinations, to see where Americans are planning to head when December rolls around.
Table 1: The Top Ten Destinations Brits Want To Visit This Christmas
| Rank | Place/Destination | Monthly Google Search Volume |
| 1 | Vienna | 15600 |
| 2 | Switzerland | 5600 |
| 3 | France | 3050 |
| 4 | Australia | 2900 |
| 5 | New York | 2400 |
| 6 | Rome | 2400 |
| 7 | Germany | 2000 |
| 8 | Scotland | 1600 |
| 9 | Spain | 1300 |
| 10 | Japan | 900 |
Vienna
15,600 Brits have been dreaming of Christmas in this ancient city, 10,000 more than the second-place destination on the table. Vienna, the capital city of Austria, comes alive in November and December with elegant Christmas markets, classical concerts, and sparkling lights across grand palaces. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air as the nights draw in, adding old-world charm to this enchanting city.
Switzerland
5600 Brits have been searching for Christmas holidays in peaceful, beautiful Switzerland. Snow-covered mountains, cosy chalets, and holiday markets make Switzerland feel like a Christmas postcard. Cities like Zurich and Lucerne are beautifully decorated, while the Swiss Alps offer endless options for outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
France
3,050 Brits per month have been searching for fantastic French festive getaways. From the fairy-tale markets in Alsace to Paris’ shimmering holiday lights, France mixes tradition with elegance, delivering both classic and chic Christmas vibes. We’d expect nothing less from the French!
Australia
Have you ever cooked your turkey on the barbie? 4,900 Americans are thinking of having a summery Christmas in Australia this year. More traditional activities like festive holiday parades and fireworks sit side by side with sunny beach barbecues. Christmas Down Under is something truly special and unusual!
New York
From the iconic Rockefeller Center tree to Fifth Avenue’s enchanting window displays and skating rinks, New York City turns into a dazzling Christmas wonderland as soon as November begins. 2,400 Brits per month have been searching for Christmas holidays here.
Al Alof of Chicks Gold commented:
“Each country brings its own blend of customs, foods, and gatherings to the festive season. For example, you might find yourself wandering a Christmas market in Germany, sipping mulled wine and admiring handcrafted ornaments, while in Scotland, you could dance the night away at a festive ceilidh.
“Each tradition has a story that invites travellers to witness and participate. Travel is all about appreciating the local flavour, from the food to the festivities, and that’s no different when travelling during the festive season. Whether you’re in a snowy mountain town or getting away from the cold in a tropical paradise, the joy of Christmas travel is discovering all the ways people come together to make this time of year meaningful.”
