Christmas while traveling — This is how I celebrate on the go
Christmas while traveling — How I celebrate the holidays on the go
Since I started traveling full-time in 2017, I've spent Christmas in eight different countries—from beaches in Brazil to snowy mountain cabins in Switzerland to tropical islands in the Philippines. And every year I get asked the same question: "Don't you miss Christmas at home?" The honest answer: No. Because for me, Christmas isn't a place anymore—it's a feeling. And I can find that feeling anywhere in the world.
In this article, I'll tell you about my most beautiful Christmas experiences while traveling, give you practical tips for your first Christmas abroad, and reveal why I would never celebrate in a traditional way again.
Why I celebrate Christmas while traveling
It was 2019 when I spent Christmas Eve away from Germany for the first time. I was in Colombia, it was 32°C, and instead of gingerbread, we had arepas. At first, it felt wrong—like breaking a rule. But then something amazing happened: Without all the stress—buying presents, organizing family dinners, answering 200 WhatsApp messages—I was able to truly breathe for the first time in years.
Since then, I've consciously chosen Christmas as my travel time. Not out of spite, but because this time of year is perfect for traveling. Most tourist destinations are in the off-season (yes, really—South America in December is significantly less crowded than in the European summer), flights are often cheaper than you'd think, and the atmosphere in other cultures is incredibly welcoming.
Christmas on the beach — Brazil 2020
My absolute highlight was Christmas in Rio de Janeiro. 35°C, Copacabana, and the whole city celebrating "Natal" with an energy I'd never experienced in Germany. On December 24th, Brazilians take to the streets from 10 pm onwards, fireworks over Guanabara Bay, samba music from every bar — and there I was, right in the middle of it all, a caipirinha in my hand.
What impressed me most was how Brazilians celebrate Christmas as a communal event. Complete strangers invited me into their homes. A family in Copacabana served me a plate of tender (roast turkey) and farofa as if I were an old friend. This generosity—without ulterior motives, without expectations—was the best Christmas gift for me.
The costs in Rio were surprisingly moderate: My hostel in the Santa Teresa district cost the equivalent of 28 euros per night, dinner on the beach about 12-18 euros, and the view of Sugarloaf Mountain on Christmas Eve was free.
Practical tips for Christmas in Brazil
- Book your hostel or hotel at least 6 weeks in advance — Rio is popular with Brazilians from the south at Christmas.
- Organize everything in advance on the evening of December 24th — restaurants close early, then the party continues in the street.
- Don't forget sunscreen — 35°C in December is no joke
- Be open to invitations — „Vem cá!“ (Come here!) almost always means: food, drinks, celebration.
Christmas in the mountains — Switzerland 2021
A completely different setting, a completely different feeling: I spent Christmas 2021 in a mountain hut above Grindelwald in Switzerland. Snow-covered peaks, minus 12°C, and a silence that was almost surreal. I had rented the hut through a platform for 85 francs per night—nothing luxurious, but a wood-burning stove, a window with a view of the Eiger, and a bottle of mulled wine.
On December 24th, I got up at 7 a.m., photographed the sunrise over the Alps with my Sony A7 IV, and then went on a 3-hour winter hike. Not a soul in sight. In the evening, I made raclette on my camping stove (Swiss cheese and potatoes—that's all I needed) and watched a movie.
What I learned: Spending Christmas alone in the mountains sounds lonely—but it isn't. It's the opposite of lonely. It's deliberate. You decide every moment yourself, without compromises, without expectations. That's a luxury most people never experience.
Christmas in a camper van — Black Forest 2023
In the Black Forest, covered in snow, with candles in the van and mulled wine on the camping stove. Minimalist, cozy, and somehow the most perfect Christmas Eve in years. No stress with gifts, no family drama—just nature, silence, and gratitude. I had parked my van at a small campsite near Triberg, right next to the famous Triberg Waterfalls.
The campsite was almost empty—just an older couple from Holland and a solo traveler from France. We spontaneously got together on Christmas Eve, everyone brought something (I brought mulled wine, the Dutch couple brought speculoos, the Frenchman brought an incredibly good cheese platter), and we sat around the campfire until midnight. No small talk, just real conversations. About life, about traveling, about letting go.
Costs for Christmas in a camper van
| Position | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parking space per night (winter) | 12-18 € |
| Gas for heating (per day) | 3-5 € |
| Food (Christmas dinner) | 25-35 € |
| Mulled wine & snacks | 10-15 € |
| Total per day | 50-73 € |
Christmas in Southeast Asia — Philippines 2024
The Philippines is the most Christmassy country in Asia—no joke. From September onwards, Christmas decorations are up, every mall plays "All I Want for Christmas," and "Noche Buena" (Christmas Eve) is the most important night of the year. I was on Siargao, a surfer's island in the Pacific, and experienced the most intense Christmas of my life there.
The whole island was celebrating. Every house was decorated, pigs were being roasted (lechon) on every street, and complete Filipino strangers took me along to their family celebrations. I sat at a huge table with 25 people I didn't know, ate fresh fish and lechon, and at midnight there was a fireworks display over the Pacific Ocean, which I filmed from above with my DJI Mini 5 Pro.
What makes Christmas in the Philippines so special is that people there often have little, but they share everything. There are no gifts in the German sense—instead, they cook, share, and celebrate together. That's Christmas in its purest form.
Traveling alone at Christmas — Is that lonely?
The biggest fear I hear from people is: "Spending Christmas alone? That would be too lonely." My experience after eight Christmases traveling: It's the opposite. At Christmas, people all over the world are especially open. You'll be invited in, approached, and welcomed. Hostels hold Christmas parties, restaurants offer special menus, and other solo travelers are looking for connection just like you.
The only rule: Make plans. Don't sit alone in your hostel room. Go out, do an activity, book dinner. December 24th is like any other day—only with more opportunities to meet real people.
My top 5 travel destinations for Christmas
| Goal | Why | temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Beach party & fireworks | 32-36°C |
| Grindelwald, Switzerland | Mountain hut & winter stillness | -5 to -15°C |
| Siargao, Philippines | The most intense Christmas culture | 27-30°C |
| Cape Town, South Africa | Summer, wine, Table Mountain | 25-30°C |
| Black Forest, Germany | Campervan romance in the snow | -2 to 5°C |
Gifts while traveling — What I do instead
I've done away with gifts in the traditional sense. Instead, I give experiences—a dinner for someone I meet while traveling, a postcard to my family, or a video call with my parents where I show them where I am. My mother now has a collection of Christmas video calls from eight different countries—it's a better gift than any gift certificate.
Every year I treat myself to a special experience: in 2020 it was a helicopter flight over Rio (230 euros — expensive, but unforgettable), in 2021 a snowshoe hike in the Alps, in 2023 a tandem paragliding flight over the Black Forest, in 2024 a dive off Siargao. Christmas is my excuse to do something I would otherwise never do.
Practical tips for your first Christmas traveling
Book flights
Contrary to popular belief, flights around Christmas aren't always more expensive. The trick: fly on December 23rd or 24th—most people want to arrive beforehand, so prices are often 30-401€ cheaper on these days. Use Google Flights with flexible dates and set a price alert 8-10 weeks before Christmas.
Accommodation
Hostels are usually cheaper at Christmas than in summer—except in classic winter destinations like the Alps. For Christmas in warmer countries, I recommend booking a hostel with a common area—that's where you're most likely to find other solo travelers for a spontaneous Christmas party. On Booking.com, filter for "Free Cancellation"—in case your plans change.
Communication with the family
That's the most sensitive point. My approach: I'll call at 6 p.m. German time on December 24th—that's the most important moment for my family, and an hour-long video call is enough to show everyone that I'm okay. After that, I have the rest of the evening to myself. No guilt, no drama. Clear communication, clear boundaries.
What you should pack
- Warm target: Sunscreen, swimwear, a "festive" T-shirt (I have a red Hawaiian shirt that became my Christmas outfit)
- Cold target: Thermal underwear, gloves, a hat, and a good thermos for mulled wine or tea.
- Everywhere: A small gift for spontaneous invitations (I always bring Haribo Goldbears — a top export!)
FAQ — Christmas while traveling
Isn't Christmas lonely when you're traveling?
No—quite the opposite. At Christmas, people all over the world are especially open and welcoming. Spontaneous celebrations take place in hostels, and in many cultures, strangers are naturally invited. The key: Plan something, don't sit alone in your room.
When is the best time to book flights for Christmas?
Booking 8-10 weeks in advance is ideal. Fly on December 23rd or 24th — flights are often 30-40% cheaper on these days than on December 20th or 21st because most people want to fly earlier.
How much does Christmas cost when traveling?
It completely depends on the destination. Brazil or the Philippines: 40-60 euros per day all-inclusive. Swiss mountain cabin: 100-150 euros. Van in the Black Forest: 50-70 euros. In warm countries, Christmas is often even cheaper than a normal holiday because it's the off-season.
How does the family react?
Clear communication is key. Give them plenty of notice (at least two months in advance), offer a video call, and show genuine interest in the family celebration—even if it's from a distance. Most families adjust quickly when they see you're happy.
Which country celebrates Christmas most intensely?
The Philippines—no question. "BER months" (September to December) are Christmas time there. Decorations start up in September, Christmas music plays in every mall, and Christmas Eve is the biggest holiday of the year. If you want a real Christmas experience, fly to the Philippines.
Should I bring gifts?
Yes — but small and light. I always take a few bags of Haribo or German chocolate with me. Perfect as a spontaneous gift if you're invited to a party. It's well-received everywhere in the world.
About the author: Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here.
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