Five hot holiday destinations where Christmas is a big deal

Celebrate a warm Christmas in countries where the holiday is a big part of the culture.

Christmas preparations in Greece
Christmas preparations in Greece | Anadolu/GettyImages

For a lot of the world where Christmas is celebrated, snow is a big part of the equation. Many people dream of a white Christmas, after all. At the same time, there's no harm in dreaming of a Christmas that is warm, doesn't involve snow shoveling, and might let you get some snorkeling in.

There are more than a few hot holiday destinations out there the can incorporate the joy of Christmas alongside being able to wear shorts outside. The two things don't have to be mutually exclusive, after all. These are just a few hot holiday ideas for countries where Christmas is huge.

Mexico

Mexicans Prepare For Christmas Celebrations
Mexicans Prepare For Christmas Celebrations | Alfredo Martinez/GettyImages

When it comes to hot holidays, Mexico is the reigning champion, particularly for anyone from Canada and the United States. This is an amazing country with so much culture and history to experience, not to mention the food. The Christmas dial gets turned to 11 in Mexico as it is a full month of celebrations and traditions. It's an opportunity to dig into Christmas on another level.

Greece

There isn't really a bad time of year to explore Greece, unless it's unbearably hot or overrun with tourists. Fortunately, December is a slow month for tourism in Greece, meaning it's a solid place to spend Christmas. Plus, there are incredible Christmas-only dishes to enjoy around that time of year as well as Greek traditions such as boat decorating and pomegranate smashing.

Australia

Visitors enjoy the festive Christmas lights at Federation...
Visitors enjoy the festive Christmas lights at Federation... | SOPA Images/GettyImages

Christmas traditions in Australia actually look a lot like the ones you'll find in Canada, the US, and the UK. It's just that in Australia, there's less snow and a lot more kangaroos. While they have turkey and Boxing Day, the Aussies also have their own Christmas cuisines and traditions you should experience. Plus, it isn't likely to be -40 on Christmas Day, which is always nice.

Italy

Much like Greece, Italy is a bit cooler and rainier during the winter months. Still, it's a heck of a lot warmer than Canada or Norway in December. And it's part of that same travel off season as Greece, meaning less tourists and better deals to be found. Like Mexico, Christmas is a big deal in Italy with ongoing celebrations and feasts throughout December.

Brazil

Lighting Ceremony of the Christmas Tree in Sao Paulo
Lighting Ceremony of the Christmas Tree in Sao Paulo | Anadolu/GettyImages

When it comes to dream destinations, Brazil is on a lot of lists. Food. Beaches. Music. And that's just cities like Rio de Janeiro. The nature in this country is incredible, as well. Based on the very large statue of Jesus Christ above Rio, it comes as no surprise that Christmas is pretty serious business in Brazil. It's worth spending this magical time of year there just for the Christmas fireworks.