It seems opposite of what folks in the northern hemisphere want–a warm spot for Christmas–they’re thinking about Santa, hot cocoa and white Christmas. But how about for this year, you jet off to the warm spots and enjoy a margarita on the beach with a Sandy Santa, seashells in your stockings, and snuggling up on a beach towel instead?
Feel free to click on the city name or the picture to get more information about each place.
8 Warm Spots for Christmas to Jet Away
Akumal, Mexico
Akumal, Mexico. You can stay in a beach resort in the Yucatan between Cancun and Tulum, but why not go a bit off the beaten path and save yourself tons of money? Stay in the quaint locals-only town of Akumal Centro. Rent yourself a little place and then bike to the snorkel spots? You’ll be hanging seashells on your Christmas tree.
Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru. A bit further south, why not try out Lima, Peru? Grab a place in Miraflores for the week and take the bus into downown. You’ll find Christmas markets selling items to make your own Nativity scenes. The weather will be perfect and the flights aren’t that bad from Los Angeles.
Puerto Natales, Chile
Puerto Natales, Chile. Granted it won’t be warm, but it won’t be as cold as Chicago, either. From this gateway to Patagonia, you can plan you great hiking escape into the mountains featured on the Patogonia logo, Mount Fitz Roy, and maybe sneak up on a guanaco for a holiday pic!
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Iguazu Falls, Argentina. You can pick up three countries for the price of one by scooting over to Iguazu Falls, including Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The outstanding beauty of the falls will have you forgetting about Rudolph and Santa. Grabbing a guide might ease your navigation with the border crossing and logistics.
Bondi Beach, Australia
Bondi Beach, Australia. Santa wears board shorts and his elves where red bikinis on Christmas. The Ozzies know how to sunburn on Christmas, and joining them is a fun time down under. Stay for the New Year’s fireworks over Sydney Harbour.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Like malls? No one does malls like Kuala Lumpur. It’ll be a sticky 80 degrees, but the cool malls invite you in with over-the-top Christmas decorations. They’ll blow your mind; stay for Chinese New Year’s for even more spectacular decorations that include dancing dragons!
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand. Grab your snorkel gear and stay for a week on Koh Phi Phi in Thailand. You can snorkel right from your hotel after having a beachside breakfast with Thai Iced Tea.
Arcosanti, Arizona
Arcosanti, Arizona. Hidden in the Arizona desert an hour north of Phoenix, you’ll find the futuristic, concrete conclave on Arcosanti. Famous for their bells, you can visit and get your own for Christmas. Although the site is close for Christmas, you can stay in one of its on-site rooms, enjoy the vegan cafe, stargaze from the Sky Theatre, and let your creative visions flow.
Enjoy your holidays in warm temperatures for Christmas around the world.
Chris Englert, the Walking Traveler, believes walking is the platform for life. Wanderlusting since the age of 5, she’s since traveled all 50 US states and 62 countries. Chris shares her love of walking while traveling via blogs, books, and presentations. A natural storyteller, she invites you along as she explores the world, one walk at a time.
Currently, Chris and her husband, Steve, travel the world, full-time as nomads, with just their two carry-ons. They’ve been traveling since May, 2021.