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Best Locations To Experience A Warm, Sunny Christmas in 2022

Puerto Vallarta in Mexico
Mexico at Christmas [Image by Yair Cerón from Pixabay]

OK, we agree, a white Christmas can be beautiful, with all the colorful lights reflecting on the snow. However, for anyone who has had enough of the winter chill by that stage, there are a number of destinations where you can equally enjoy a traditional Christmas, but with warm, sunny weather. Read on and start planning your festivities in one of these three sunny, warm locations.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in the holidays

Puerto Vallarta festivities
Puerto Vallarta [Image Wikimedia Commons]

Mexico goes all out during the Christmas holidays, with plazas lit with fairy lights, elaborate nativity scenes and festive piñatas. In other words, all the trimmings of a traditional Christmas but with warm sunshine and glorious beaches. While the Caribbean coast can get a bit too busy, the Pacific coast of Mexico and Puerto Vallarta is more laid-back and family-friendly.

Meanwhile, the city offers something for everyone: Christmas shopping, snorkeling and scuba diving, exploring botanical gardens, or just lying on the beach. Dine in the best waterfront restaurants or take in a traditional dance show with a sunset boat ride to Las Caletas.

Moreover, head to The Malecón, Puerta Vallarta’s beach promenade, or visit craft markets for unique gifts. The pleasures are endless in this beautiful place over the holidays.

Cape Town, South Africa at Christmas

Christmas at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town [Image Derek Keats/Flickr]

Cape Town is a beautiful city at any time of year, but at Christmas, the city is full of festive cheer, excellent shopping and dining, and more. Head to the V&A Waterfront for its restaurants and shops, or to visit the Aquarium, or take an evening booze cruise. The waterfront puts on a selection of holiday activities for the kids, including face painting and puppet shows.

Summer concert Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Summer concert, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens [Image by Jean van der Meulen from Pixabay]

Meanwhile, while it is winter up north, in Cape Town it is mid-summer with warm sunshine and gorgeous beaches strung along the Atlantic Seaboard. In fact, spending Christmas at the beach is ideal. Alternatively, head to the Cape Winelands and spend time visiting the wineries in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. One of the best experiences is to enjoy carols by candlelight at the Kirstenbosch Gardens or a music concert during the day.

Festivities in St. Lucia, Caribbean

Beach vacation in December in St. Lucia
St. Lucia beaches [Image by Jolyne D from Pixabay]

The Caribbean is a magical place to spend a warm, sunny Christmas. However, one of the most romantic islands is St. Lucia. What with the idyllic beaches, scenic views of the Pitons and chocolate plantations, you can’t go wrong. Imagine taking chocolate-making classes, experiencing chocolate spa treatments, or just eating delicious chocolaty treats.

Christmas parade in St. Lucia
Christmas Parade, St. Lucia [Image by Mr.TinMD/Flickr]

Meanwhile, as a Catholic culture, St. Lucians celebrate Christmas with a traditional red sorrel drink, crafted from cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Dinners see traditional roast turkey, but with plantains and sweet potatoes instead of sprouts and parsnips. Meanwhile, in the streets, a Christmas parade is sure to bring out the best in anyone.

Make a change this year and spend Christmas with family or friends in a warmer location, celebrating with the locals and having a marvelous time!