Do Christmas island-style in sun-kissed Barbados.
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You’ll find this independent island, a former British holding, transitioning from wet season to dry season during December. While some rain may fall during your stay, you’re pretty well promised a warm Yuletide — no roaring fireplace needed.
Businesses and homes love to decorate for Christmas here.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The ‘B’ and ‘A’ in downtown Buenos Aires are adorned with a Santa hat and presents for Christmas.
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Buenos Aires is a city of four seasons, but because of its Southern Hemisphere location, Christmas is the beginning of summer here. That may bring some rain, but the city doesn’t typically see huge downpours.
Kolkata, India
A group of young people takes a selfie during Christmas Eve celebrations on Park Street in Kolkata.
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December brings blessed relief to Kolkata — it’s typically the driest month and in a tie with January for the coolest. But what may be “winter weather” to a Kolkata native will feel pleasingly temperate to a visitor from truly cold climes.
Kolkata can offer the best of both worlds in one place — a chance to celebrate Christmas and a chance to experience other religions and cultures.
Medellin, Colombia
People look at the spectacular Christmas lights in Medellin.
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Colombia lies firmly in the tropics, but Medellin, situated at an elevation of about 1,475 meters (4,840 feet), is high enough to enjoy springlike temperatures all year.
Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida, often has some of the warmest temperatures in the continental United States around Christmas.
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Your odds of a warm Christmas on the continental United States can swing wildly, but the lovely Gulf Coast city of Naples in Southwest Florida will be one of your best bets. Even in a massive cold weather outbreak like in late December 2022, it’s at least relatively warmer.
San Fernando, Philippines
This Asian hot spot is one the warmest destinations on average in our roundup. And what can you expect besides a wonderful balmy feeling in this city north of Manila?
In a word: Lanterns. Giant, colorful, mesmerizing Christmas lanterns that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
The Giant Lantern Festival, which goes back more than 80 years, has earned San Fernando the title of “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” It started as a smaller celebration by locals for locals, but it’s gotten increasingly bigger and garnered more travel interest in recent years.
And this part of the Philippines is usually exiting its rainy season by December, so there’s a good chance rain won’t dampen the festivities.
Seville, Spain
If you want a warm-as-possible Christmas while staying on continental Europe, Seville is one of your best bets.
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We go from the warmest location on average in the roundup to the coolest with Seville. But for people who want to spend a memorable Christmas on continental Europe without freezing, this is one of your best options.
You might find night lows down to 7 degrees C (45 F), but this is nothing a sweater or light coat can’t handle.
This article was first published in 2019 and updated for 2022.
