9 perfect Christmas travel destinations, according to the Michelin Guide
From European markets to idyllic beaches, the Michelin Guide compiled a list of nine places it recommends traveling for Christmas
Deciding where to take a trip for the holidays usually comes down to a choice between embracing the cold or chasing the sun.
The Michelin Guide is trying to make your decision easier, recommending nine destinations it’s deemed perfect for a Christmas full of great food. It included locales ranging from beautiful Mexican beaches to picturesque European markets.
Continue reading to see which cities made the list and why.
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9. Helsinki, Finland
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Finland’s capital is a prime destination for Christmas. Its Senate Square transforms into a bustling market with more than 100 different vendors. And the city’s restaurant scene is the real draw: Palace holds Two Michelin Stars, Grön holds one, and there’s plenty of other Michelin-recommended destinations.
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8. Tallinn, Estonia
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Tallinn is a sight to behold at Christmas with its ancient defensive towers and medieval UNESCO-protected walls. The main square hosts a great Christmas market known for local staples like blood sausage and sauerkraut. For a more refined dining experience, Michelin recommends NOA and Lore Bistroo.
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7. Nuremberg, Germany
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Nuremberg is home to the Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world's most famous holiday markets. The city is also the spiritual home of bratwurst; for a taste of history, Michelin recommends visiting Bratwursthäusle, which has been grilling sausages over a beechwood fire for centuries.
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6. Tokyo, Japan
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Tokyo may not be on your mind for Christmas, but it’s beautiful in December with winter illuminations lighting up multiple districts. The city is also a perfect place for hungry travelers, boasting hundreds of Michelin-rated establishments.
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5. Zermatt, Switzerland
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Guaranteed snow makes this village at the base of the Matterhorn a perfect place to have a white Christmas. After a day on the mountain, the après-ski scene is vibrant, and the dining is surprisingly diverse. Michelin recommends a slew of restaurants, including the Peruvian-Japenese La Muña and the plant-centric The Omnia.
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4. Valkenburg, Netherlands
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The Netherlands’ "Christmas Town," Valkenburg is great for those who want to max out on holiday cheer. The city features an underground market in a cave, enchanting light shows, and a "Route d’Amuse" culinary walk that lets you sample bites at various local eateries. Michelin recommends eating at Ambrozijn, a restaurant known for its French cooking that’s located inside a former church.
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3. Alsace, France
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Eastern France’s Alsace region has a high concentration of Michelin Stars and some of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe. In Strasbourg, you can try some bredele biscuits before dining at the One-Starred institution Au Crocodile. In the town of Kaysersberg, they suggest Two-Starred La Table d’Olivier Nasti. And if you go to the Riquewihr market, Michelin recommends booking a table at La Table du Gourmet.
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#2: Cancún and Cabo, Mexico
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Michelin recommends swapping snow for sand on Mexico’s coasts for Christmas. In Cancún, the One-Starred Le Chique has a tasting menu that spans Mexico’s various regions. And on the Pacific coast, Cabo San Lucas is known for remarkable views and even better seafood. Michelin recommends visiting the One-Starred Cocina de Autor Los Cabos or enjoying the more relaxed, Bib Gourmand-awarded Metate.
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#1: Gdańsk, Poland
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Located on the Baltic Coast, Gdańsk hosts a holiday fair recently voted Europe’s Best Christmas Market. It has a much-praised Venetian carousel and a great food scene. Michelin recommends Arco, which has sea views and one-starred cooking that blends Polish ingredients with Spanish influence.