How and Where to Have a Wonderful Christmas Alone
From movies like It’s a Wonderful Life to Home Alone, the festive period has traditionally been associated with joyful gatherings, communal celebrations, and annual reunions. But what if this isn’t how it has to be?
Spending Christmas or the holiday season alone has gotten a bad rap in recent years as the pandemic forced us into isolation and travel was at a standstill. But travel’s roared back in a big way and being in a new place, surrounded by new people, is a great way to celebrate the season.
So go ahead and break the ‘Christmas rules’ & make your own: Plan a solo trip and get out there!
Break the ‘Christmas rules’ & make your own: Plan a solo trip and get out there!
9 Great Places to Go for a Solo Holiday
Our community of local women shared their favorite Christmas holiday experiences: From sipping mulled wine to hitting up a street party, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable time.
1. Brussels, Belgium
“At Christmas, there's a light show that begins around 5pm at The Grand Place. It’s absolutely insane! The whole area around it is really small pedestrian streets. They're amazing to walk around and lose yourself in the heart of Brussels. Petit Sablon is another nice area to go on a walk: there are lots of very beautiful churches and Christmas markets around.” - Irina’s Brussels List
2. Georgetown, Guyana
“I personally love Christmas in Guyana, there's an entirely different feeling in the air. I love the craziness of the whole season, random street parties, endless shopping and partying through to Christmas morning. However, the food is my favourite part of all the festivities.... Pepperpot and fresh homemade bread, the black cake (rum cake), garlic pork, sorrel, ginger beer, and the way you have enough leftovers from Christmas to last through the next week!” - Anika’s Georgetown Travel List
Exploring Christmas Markets and checking out holiday decorations are great ways to spend a solo Christmas.
3. Hong Kong, China
“It’s best to visit in autumn or from the beginning of December to the first week of the New Year. During the last week of December you’ll see the fireworks in Victoria Harbor and Christmas lights.” - Candice’s Hong Kong Travel List
4. Washington D. C., USA
“D.C. is really great to visit during the winter. During the Holiday season, the large National Christmas Tree is lit in front of the National Mall.” – Dana’s Washington DC Travel List
5. Cologne, Germany
“The Christmas-Market-Express train is such a fun way to get around the biggest markets, especially after some mulled wine.” – Giulia’s Cologne Travel List
6. Warsaw, Poland
“Christmas time is cute. It’s best to go before New Year’s Eve to see all the Christmas lights and various markets. If you’re lucky you might even get snow.” – Ola’s Warsaw List
7. Accra, Ghana
“Christmas is probably what we are most known for, with the most activities, concerts and festivals. If you like a dynamic and busy time, there is so much to do.” – Leonie’s Accra Travel List
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
“There is a fab Christmas market in the Princes’ Street Gardens, similar to Southbank (with wheelchair access). There are usually Scottish musicians playing near here too, if you want to hear bagpipes.” – Hebe’s Edinburgh Travel List
9. New York City, USA
“The holidays here are magical. The festive atmosphere starts around Thanksgiving (in late November) and runs through New Year’s Eve. I go see the windows at Bergdorf Goodman every year.” – Arabella’s New York City List
5 Tips for Spending Christmas Alone
Don’t leave it to the night before and find yourself with nothing to do. Follow these tips to to make your own Christmas cheer, wherever you go.
Pamper Yourself
Knowing others are tucking into a turkey, black cake, or braised sauerkraut doesn’t help with FOMO. Acknowledge it’s Christmas and pamper yourself in your favorite ways, like a self-care day at one of the Thai spas Frederique recommends in her Phuket List.
You can create your own holiday cheer in your hotel room or Airbnb.
Buy Yourself a Present
You can also buy yourself something, wrap it up ahead of time, and gift it to yourself on Christmas morning. After all, who knows what you need or want better than you do! Or, buy something special wherever you’ve chosen to go. If you find yourself in Paris, Tanisha recommends ‘La Boutique de Louise’: You can pick up fashionable French staples and the owner, Louise, will help you pick out an outfit—perfect for your solo drinks or dinner date later that evening!
Cook Up a Local Treat
For many, sharing a meal is a fundamental part of Christmas and eating alone can feel awkward. Consider booking a cooking or cocktail class instead. In New York, Jessie recommends a pizza school. Headed to Mexico City or Hanoi? Romita & Tasha have both shared their favorite food classes to discover the unique culinary scene of each city. Cooking from scratch will give a sense of accomplishment and enjoying the food with your teacher and classmates will forge the communal bond so many of us seek around the holidays, plus memories to last a lifetime.
Decorate Your Hotel Room or Airbnb
Pack a few decorations in your suitcase to make your room festive during your stay. You can also peruse local Christmas markets, like Marché aux Poissons in Brussels, for souvenirs—that way, when you decorate your home next year, you’ll have a little memory of your solo getaway.
Go for a Walk
A walk in a park, a visit to a Christmas Market, and checking out holiday windows will fill you with a sense of warmth and purpose. You’ll also meet other people in a festive mood and exchange ‘Happy Holidays.’ Plus, walking is often a fantastic way to get to know a new place. And, it’s free.
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