Christmas markets in Munich, dazzling lights in Seoul, summer celebrations in Melbourne and beachside festivities in the Maldives. Here's where to spend the holidays this year
Across countries, Christmas takes many forms – from festive lights and mulled wine in historic squares to rooftop dinners and celebrations on tropical shores. For travellers planning a year-end escape, these four destinations offer distinctive ways to celebrate the season
Melbourne
Dance, dine and celebrate outdoors
In Melbourne, Christmas means long evenings, warm weather and the easy-going pace of an Australian summer. Festivities spill outdoors across parks, riverside promenades, rooftop bars and public squares.
Celebrate at Federation Square: Start at Federation Square, which transforms into a festive hub with decorations, family activities and seasonal events. Then stroll to Southbank or South Wharf for waterfront dining and drinks as the city lights come on.
Sing along at Carols by Candlelight: On Christmas Eve, join thousands at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, a beloved Melbourne tradition of music under the stars.
Hit the laneways and markets: Explore the cafés, boutiques and street art around Flinders Lane, or browse the independent shops of Fitzroy. From Dec 13, head to the National Gallery of Victoria for the NGV Triennial 2026, a major showcase of contemporary art, design and architecture.
Make time for the iconic Queen Victoria Market, too, where stalls brim with fresh produce, gourmet treats, local specialities and souvenirs.
Party away: Make the most of Melbourne’s long summer evenings with a packed calendar of concerts and music festivals. Catch international acts such as Harry Styles and Guns N’ Roses in the city, or venture further into regional Victoria for festivals such as Meredith Music Festival and the New Year’s Eve favourite Beyond the Valley.
Maldives
Beach barbecues, island escapes and ocean adventures
For those who prefer turquoise waters and white-sand beaches to snow-covered piazzas, the Maldives offers a tropical take on Christmas – think overwater villas, crystal-clear lagoons, and festive celebrations far from the bustle of city life.
Celebrate Christmas on the beach: Resorts like JOALI Maldives embrace the season with stunning Christmas decor, festive dinners, children’s activities, and New Year’s Eve celebrations beneath the stars.
Reset by the ocean: Start with breakfast overlooking the sea, then swim, escape to an uninhabited island, or unwind with a spa treatment or wellness session.
Explore above and below water: Snorkel with colourful marine life, look out for whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins, or kayak and paddleboard across the lagoons. Come sunset, cruise aboard a traditional dhoni (multi-purpose watercraft). Divers can venture deeper into the Maldives’ spectacular reefs and channels, while a visit to a local island offers a glimpse of Maldivian life beyond the resorts.
Munich
Christmas markets, palaces and beer halls
Munich takes on a gentler charm during Christmas. At the heart of the festivities is the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, the city’s classic Christmas market set against the neo-Gothic New Town Hall. Browse stalls filled with ornaments, candles, woodcrafts and festive sweets as Advent music drifts from the Rathaus balcony.
Discover Bavarian Christmas traditions: A short walk away, the Kripperlmarkt celebrates Munich’s centuries-old nativity tradition with carved figures, cribs and decorative pieces crafted for elaborate Christmas scenes. The English Garden also gets into the festive spirit with a Christmas market, while families can hop aboard the Christkindl Tram for a musical ride through the old town.
Feast on Bavarian favourites: Between markets, warm up in a traditional beer hall such as Hofbräuhaus or Augustiner, Munich’s oldest brewery, over hearty Bavarian fare and freshly poured beer.
Step into Munich’s royal past: Explore the Munich Residence, the lavish former seat of Bavaria’s rulers, or venture to Nymphenburg Palace, particularly atmospheric when its sprawling grounds are dusted with frost. Back in the old town, climb the tower of St. Peter’s Church for sweeping views over Marienplatz, or visit the Frauenkirche, whose twin domes define Munich’s skyline.
Seoul
Festive lights, shopping and winter cafés
Vibrant and aglow with Christmas lights, Seoul brings a distinctly modern energy to the festive season. Despite December’s sub-zero temperatures, the city buzzes with dazzling light displays, lively shopping districts and seasonal events.
See Seoul in lights: Come Christmas, Cheonggyecheon Stream transforms into one of Seoul’s most atmospheric winter walks, with lanterns and light installations turning the waterway into a glittering spectacle. Nearby, Gwanghwamun and City Hall offer easy access to Christmas markets, public squares and seasonal displays.
Shop the Christmas spectacle: For an extravagant dose of Christmas cheer, head to Seoul’s department stores. Around Myeongdong, flagships such as Shinsegae and Lotte transform their façades and interiors with elaborate displays, while seasonal pop-ups offer gifts and festive treats.
Cosy up with winter flavours: Seoul’s café culture comes alive in winter. In Seongsu, Ikseon-dong and Hannam, design-led cafés offer cosy retreats with seasonal drinks and pastries. As night falls, head to N Seoul Tower for sweeping views of the sparkling skyline, before warming up over Korean barbecue, hotpot or samgyetang.
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Melbourne, Munich, Maldives and Seoul, visit singaporeair.com.
