As the holiday season approaches, the usual suspects like New York, Paris, and Vienna are likely already dominating your feed. While these cities are undeniably magical, they also come with sky-high prices and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that can dampen the festive spirit.

In 2025, the savviest travelers are looking beyond the clichés. From medieval Baltic capitals to vibrant South American cities of eternal spring, the world is full of hidden holiday gems that offer authentic traditions, delicious seasonal treats, and better value for your money.

Here are five of the most underrated Christmas destinations you should explore this year.

1. Tallinn, Estonia

The Medieval Winter Wonderland

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a snow globe, Tallinn is the place to go. Often overshadowed by the larger markets in Germany, Tallinn’s Christmas Market in the Town Hall Square is arguably more atmospheric. Surrounded by authentic medieval architecture, the market is intimate, cozy, and famously voted one of the best in Europe.

• Why it’s underrated: It offers the quintessential European Christmas charm—cobblestones, snow, and ancient spires—without the overwhelming commercialism of bigger western capitals.
• Local Flavor: You must try Verivorst (blood sausage) served with sauerkraut and lingonberry jam. Wash it down with Glögi, a local mulled wine often spiked with Vana Tallinn liqueur and served with a spoonful of almonds and raisins.
• Don't Miss: The massive Christmas tree in the center of the square. Tallinn claims to be the site of the world’s first public Christmas tree, a tradition dating back to 1441.

2. Medellín, Colombia

The City of a Million Lights

Forget the snow—how about a Christmas in the "City of Eternal Spring"? Medellín transforms into a dazzling spectacle in December with its world-famous Alumbrados Navideños. The city lights up millions of LED figures along the river and parks, creating an immersive light show that rivals anything in the world.

• Why it’s underrated: Most travelers think of cold destinations for Christmas, missing out on the electric energy of a Latin American holiday.
• Local Flavor: Christmas in Colombia tastes like Buñuelos (salty cheese fritters) and Natilla (a sweet, cinnamon-dusted custard).
• Don't Miss: Plan your trip around December 7th for Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles). It marks the unofficial start of the season, where locals place thousands of candles and paper lanterns on streets, porches, and balconies in a breathtaking display of unity.

3. Wrocław, Poland

The Fairytale Alternative to Kraków

While Kraków gets the tourist buses, Wrocław (pronounced Vrots-wav) quietly hosts one of Poland's most beautiful and expansive Christmas markets. The city's unique architecture, influenced by Bohemian, Austrian, and Prussian history, provides a stunning backdrop to the festivities in the Rynek (Market Square).

• Why it’s underrated: It’s a true hidden gem where you can enjoy luxury-level festivities at a fraction of the cost of Berlin or Prague.
• Local Flavor: Warm up with a mug of Grzane wino (mulled wine) and snack on Oscypek, a smoked cheese from the Polish mountains served grilled with cranberry sauce.
• Don't Miss: The Gnome Hunt. Wrocław is famous for its hundreds of small bronze gnome statues scattered across the city. Finding them hidden in snowy corners adds a whimsical layer of fun to your holiday shopping.

4. Madeira, Portugal

The Island of Eternal Festivities

If you prefer mild temperatures to freezing blizzards, Madeira is your ideal escape. This Portuguese island takes Christmas seriously, with celebrations starting early in December and culminating in one of the world's largest fireworks displays on New Year's Eve. Funchal, the capital, is draped in thousands of lights that reflect beautifully off the Atlantic ocean.

• Why it’s underrated: It’s often seen as just a summer destination, but the island comes alive in December with a unique blend of tropical vibes and traditional European catholic heritage.
• Local Flavor: Try Bolo de Mel, a dark, rich sugar cane honey cake that is traditionally made to be eaten during Christmas. Pair it with Poncha, the island’s signature citrus and rum punch.
• Don't Miss: A Noite do Mercado (Market Night) on December 23rd. The streets around the Mercado dos Lavradores fill with locals singing carols, drinking, and buying last-minute seasonal fruits and flowers.

5. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The Sustainable Fairy Tale

Ljubljana is frequently cited as one of the greenest and most livable cities in Europe, and its December festivities reflect that eco-conscious spirit. The light displays here are unique; instead of standard snowflakes, you’ll often find artistic, galaxy-themed, or geometric light installations designed by local artists.

• Why it’s underrated: It is small enough to explore on foot but punches above its weight in charm and beauty, sitting comfortably between the Alps and the Mediterranean.
• Local Flavor: Stroll along the Ljubljanica river with a bag of roasted chestnuts and a slice of Potica, a traditional rolled pastry filled with walnuts, tarragon, or poppy seeds.
• Don't Miss: The festive boat ride. Viewing the lights from a wooden boat on the river offers a magical perspective of the city’s Triple Bridge and the castle looming above.

Planning Your Trip

Choosing an underrated destination often means better availability and more authentic interactions with locals. However, flight routes to these hidden gems can sometimes be trickier to navigate than direct flights to major hubs.

To make sure you're getting the best flights deal on your winter getaway, it’s worth using a flights comparison tool like CompareWings. It can help you visualize flight prices at one place from different travel sites and airlines, ensuring you spend less on finding the best deals.

Whether you choose the snowy cobblestones of Estonia or the warm, light-filled streets of Colombia, stepping off the beaten path this Christmas guarantees memories that will outlast the season.