Let’s face it, TikTok controls so many trends in the world today that it was only a matter of time before it was dictating where people travel for the holidays as well. According to the Unforgettable Travel Company, TikTok says these are the top 10 holiday destinations this year.
The data for these findings were compiled by the company based on the hashtag #Christmasin and the destinations that got the most views when attached to this tag. Top contenders included #ChristmasinKorea and #ChristmasinGreece.
10/10 Greece
In the tenth spot for TikTok’s top ten holiday destinations is Greece, with over 380K views. Greece has a massive Orthodox population, so Christmas is widely celebrated across the country, beginning on December 24 and lasting for 12 days (Epiphany) until January 6th.
On mainland Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, etc.), there are holiday markets, festivities, and great food to enjoy over the holidays.
Then, travelers can head to the island of Crete for a relaxing Mediterranean getaway. Temperatures in Crete remain comfortable even during the winter, with highs of 15-16 °C.
9/10 Philippines
The Philippines may not immediately come to mind as a Christmas destination, but it takes the ninth place spot with nearly 550K views on TikTok under its respective “Christmasin” hashtag.
San Fernando, Pampanga is the top spot to visit in the Philippines for Christmas, specifically for the lantern festival called Ligligan Parul.
The festival takes place in mid-December and has earned San Fernando the nickname of Christmas Capital of the Philippines.
8/10 Austria
Austria earned the eighth place slot on the top 10 list of TikTok holiday destinations with its hashtag garnering over 670K views. Austria is a fantastic European Christmas destination.
There are an abundance of Christmas markets and festively decorated towns. T
he Belvedere Palace Christmas Market is a must-visit for holiday treats and a concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna is sure to inspire feelings of warmth and nostalgia during the Christmas season.
7/10 Germany
Germany secured the seventh spot in the top 10 list with over 800K views on TikTok for its hashtag. It’s no surprise that Germany is a popular Christmas destination because it’s famous for the many holiday markets that pop up throughout the country during the month of December.
There are more than 2500 Christmas markets in Germany each year and Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to 1434.
6/10 Dubai
In the sixth spot on the list is Dubai, with 1.5 million views on TikTok for the hashtag “ChristmasinDubai”. Residents of the UAE are primarily Muslim, however, Dubai is an extremely international city with many expats and foreign tourists.
Although Christmas is not a national holiday, this works to the advantage of travelers visiting on Christmas Day because businesses remain open, ensuring there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy.
5/10 Mexico
Christmas festivities in Mexico
Mexico receives close to 2600 hours of sunshine annually, so it’s no wonder it’s a popular destination during the winter months for Americans and Canadians. Ranking fifth on the list, the hashtag “ChristmasinMexico” achieved 1.7 million views on TikTok.
Celebrations for Christmas in Mexico are a month-long affair, commencing on December 12th and carrying on until January 6th.
Candlelit processions, beautiful nativity scenes, dancing in the streets, and fireworks displays all add to the festivities.
4/10 Australia
Celebrating the holidays in Melbourne, Australia
Australians know how to celebrate Christmas in style, although it looks a little different from North Americans might be used to. In Australia, Christmas falls in the middle of summer, but the Christmas spirit remains strong with decorations and festive celebrations taking place in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Cairns.
Whilst visions of snow drifting from the sky and wintery landscapes may not be what comes first to mind for this Southern Continent, Australia comes fourth on the list of the most popular Christmas destinations in the world.
#ChristmasinAustralia got more than 1.9 million views on TikTok, securing it the fourth spot in the top ten. The Moomba Festival in Melbourne is one of the top attractions when visiting Australia for the holidays with fireworks and parades.
3/10 Canada
The Canadian Rockies covered in snow
In the third place spot with over 2.1 million hashtag views is Canada, a winter wonderland! It’s a dream destination for travelers who have always wanted to experience the stereotypical “white Christmas” with snow-covered trees and Christmas carols by the fireplace.
In the Western part of the country, travelers can see alpine forests, crystal blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains as they venture through the Canadian Rockies.
Heading East to the city of Toronto, travelers will find plenty of festive events, exceptional food options, and the iconic Toronto Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District.
2/10 Finland
Rovaniemi, Finland in winter
In second place is the Scandinavian nation of Finland, with 3.5 million views on TikTok for the hashtag “ChristmasinFinland”. There are more than 90 days of snow each year in the northern part of the country and the reindeer add to the magical atmosphere during the Christmas season.
Rovaniemi, Finland, is the place to be for the holidays with a chance to experience Santa Claus Village. Families will love staying here and introducing their little ones to Santa while enjoying adventurous activities like dog sledding, crossing into the Arctic Circle, and witnessing the Northern Lights.
1/10 Korea
Christmas in South Korea
#ChristmasinKorea was the most popular holiday hashtag on TikTok with more than 10 million views. It’s perhaps a surprise that Korea earned the top spot when the country is not known for celebrating the holiday.
Many residents of South Korea are not of the Christian faith, but Christmas is still observed as a national holiday. Rather than celebrating for religious reasons, many people in Korea spend Christmas day with family and friends.
It is a magical destination with plenty to do for the holidays including a visit to Santa Haraboji, the Herb Island Light Festival in Pocheon, or simply ice skating at one of the many scenic rinks around the country.