5 Ultimate Destinations in the World to Celebrate the Holiday Season

Some antipodeans dream of a snowy festive season with all the trimmings while others yearn for sun, sand and beach novels during the festive season. For kids (or the young at heart), the fantasy might resemble a Home Alone 2 scenario in New York City. Whatever your celebratory style, we’ve found the best destinations in the world to visit for an unforgettable Yuletide.

The ultimate Christmas market: Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

From mid-November until early January, downtown Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens’ comes alive with one of the world’s most spectacular Christmas markets. The 181-year-old Tivoli theme park (inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disneyland) is bedecked with Yuletide decorations, including 70,000 baubles and more than 1000 Christmas trees glittering with lights. Join families rugged up in warm coats and woollen hats as they wander through a quaint snow-frosted village and shop for handmade gifts such as spiced mulled wine (glögg) and gingerbread-flavoured treats. Kid-friendly rides, an ice-skating rink and a meeting with Santa Claus complete the experience.

Getting there: Fly Sydney to Copenhagen return using Classic Flight Rewards, Classic Plus or Points Plus Pay via our one world alliance member airlines.^

The ultimate feast: The Balmoral, Edinburgh, Scotland

Overlooking the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle, The Balmoral has been a landmark in the Scottish capital for more than a century. During the festive season, the five-star hotel’s grand façade is illuminated by golden lights. Kilted doormen welcome guests into the foyer, where a towering fir tree decorated with shiny tinsel and baubles immediately draws the eye. In the suites, you’ll even find stockings hung by the fireplace. The elegant stay is famous for its Christmas lunch, served at each of its two restaurants with champagne and canapés on arrival. At fine-diner Number One, the menu features hand-dived Orkney scallops, black-truffle risotto and free-range turkey with cranberry, while Brasserie Prince offers casual versions of Christmas classics. Toast the festive season with a celebratory dram – Scotch bar’s “whisky ambassador” will help you select one that’s perfect for your palate.

Getting there: Fly Sydney to Edinburgh return using Classic Flight Rewards, Classic Plus or Points Plus Pay via our one world alliance member airlines.^

TIP: Re-create the fine-dining atmosphere at home with your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card and receive complimentary Qantas Wine Premium Membership. Not only will you get access to exceptional wines and exclusive events, you’ll also earn 3 Qantas Points per dollar spent on all Qantas Wine purchases.⁶

The ultimate ski resort: Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Dolomites, Italy

Actress Sophia Loren made Cortina d’Ampezzo her home base during the 1956 Winter Olympics  – a sure sign of the glamour of this chocolate-box Italian ski resort, where you’ll find designer shopping, a refined après ski scene and grand alpine-style hotels. This town in northern Italy’s Dolomite Alps takes Christmas seriously, with the historic former town hall’s advent calendar revealing a charming new installation each day leading up to 25 December. Between ski runs, wander Corso Italia to browse the snow-topped wooden market stalls and breathe in the crisp mountain air as the scent of roasted chestnuts beckons. 

Getting there: Fly Sydney to Milan return using Classic Flight Rewards, Classic Plus or Points Plus Pay via our one world alliance member airlines.^

TIP: If this getaway leaves you wanting to try more legendary ski resorts, enjoy the $450 Qantas Travel Credit² that comes with your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card to put towards your next trip. Each year, you’ll receive a $450 Qantas Travel Credit to use on eligible domestic or international Qantas flights when booked through American Express Travel.

The ultimate hotel stay: The Plaza, New York City, United States

The Plaza is the jewel of New York – just ask Home Alone 2’s Kevin McCallister, whose solo adventure to NYC, complete with ice-cream-filled stay at the iconic hotel, is the stuff of childhood dreams. Make it a reality with The Plaza’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York package, which includes a four-hour limo ride around the city visiting the film’s famous locations while snacking on a cheese pizza. To complete the experience, return to The Plaza to enjoy a decadent ice-cream sundae in bed complete with whipped cream, M&M’s, brownie bits.

Getting there: Fly Sydney to New York (via Auckland) return for one person for 110,400 Qantas Points, plus A$489 taxes, fees and carrier charges.^

TIP: Add more moments of luxury to your trip with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. You’ll receive two complimentary Qantas Club Lounge Invitations each year after your first Card spend on selected Qantas products and services⁴ and two complimentary Centurion® Lounge entries to use at Sydney or Melbourne international airports⁵. Lounge access entitles you to complimentary food and beverages, plus enjoy free and fast wi-fi and more.

The ultimate tropical escape: Rarotonga, Cook Islands

If a cold festive season is not your cup of eggnog then Rarotonga’s clear turquoise water, platinum-coloured sand and swaying palm trees could be just the getaway to fill you with festive joy. At this time of year the Cook Islands’ capital, Avarua, is decked out in Christmas trees made from coconut-palm fronds, the open-air Punanga Nui Market becomes festive and locals participate in traditions such as Teretere, when villages come together to celebrate with food and songs. Visitors will feel equally welcome in this hospitable South Pacific nation, especially at the Muri Beach Club Hotel, which hosts a Christmas buffet lunch with live entertainment. After the big day, stretch your legs with a daytrip to the island of Aitutaki, where you’ll cruise the lagoon aboard a 21-metre-long catamaran, stopping to snorkel, swim and explore tiny motu (islets).

Getting there: Fly Sydney to Rarotonga return using Classic Plus or Points Plus Pay via Qantas airline partners.^

TIP: As you’re dining, shopping and soaking up the Cook Islands’ stunning scenery, tap your way closer to your next trip around the with your Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. You’ll earn up to 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases¹ so you can continue to grow your points balance. You’ll also enjoy uncapped Qantas Points earning potential for every dollar you spend on your Card.

Have fun getting there

Make your ultimate festive season abroad happen with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card. Earn 50,000 bonus Qantas Points* when you apply online for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card by 14 January 2025, and you are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.

You’ll also receive:

• An annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit² to use on eligible domestic and international Qantas flights booked through American Express Travel.
• The potential to earn more Qantas Points, with up to 4 Additional Cards for family or friends for no extra fee⁷.
• Two Qantas Club Lounge invitations each year after purchasing select Qantas products and services⁴, plus two complimentary entries to The Centurion® Lounge⁵ at Sydney and Melbourne international airports.
• Complimentary Qantas Wine Premium Membership⁶, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food, exceptional wines and exclusive access to events around Australia.
• Domestic and international travel insurance³ (for you, your partner and dependent children) when you pay for the return trip with your Card. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply (such as maximum age limits, pre-existing medical conditions and cover limits).

The Card offer, benefits and features mentioned throughout are subject to Exclusions, Terms and Conditions. Click here to learn more.

SEE ALSO: 11 Ultimate Moments to Have in New Zealand’s South