Rio de Janeiro
Forget Christmas Eve down the local pub – if you’re looking for a real party, head for Rio. Brazil’s capital throws a fiesta better than anywhere else on Earth, and Christmas is no exception. Trade your mulled wine and woolly mittens for some teensy swimwear and a caipirinha on Copacabana Beach, where the celebration of life never stops. Unlike Carnival, Christmas in Rio isn’t chaotically overwhelming, but it’s still a whole lot of fun.
If that’s not enough, Rio is home to the world’s largest floating Christmas tree. Yes really. Rising from Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the legendary tree twinkles with over 900,000 Christmas lights and Papa Noel pops down to visit on weekends. On top of that, it’s summer in Brazil, so when you need a break from the city, head for one of the idyllic offshore islands to get your breath back.