Christmas time doesn't have to be about mulled wine and Michael Bublé. So if you're feeling adventurous, why not try a Christmas getaway somewhere new this year?
From tropical beach holidays in the Caribbean to Christmas markets in Prague, there are endless possibilities for holiday destinations. And with last-minute deals available worldwide, it's never too late to plan a Christmas escape.
Are you looking for a Christmas celebration with diverse cultural traditions? Check out cities like Dubai or New York, where people of all backgrounds celebrate Christmas. The holiday season is the perfect time to explore new places, create lasting memories, and maybe even start new traditions.
So why not add some international flair to your Christmas this year? Pack your bags and go globetrotting for the holidays! Check out these incredible destinations for the best Christmas break you’ve had yet.
Whether you're looking for a solo holiday, an adults-only getaway, or an all-inclusive package for the whole family, our selection of holiday providers has you covered. Click below to start your holiday search!
Prague
Christmas in Prague is a true winter wonderland. The city comes alive with Christmas markets and cheer, offering the perfect destination for a festive city break.
The Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are filled with traditional goodies, including hot mulled wine and trdelnik, a type of sugar-coated cinnamon pastry.
Stroll through the markets while snowflakes dance in the air, then warm up under flickering lanterns as you listen to carolers serenade the crowd. And don't forget to check out the giant Christmas tree standing tall in front of the dazzling Prague Castle.
For older travellers, Prague offers plenty of cultural sights and quiet coffee shops to escape the bustle of the Christmas markets. Prague's charming Christmas atmosphere makes the city an unforgettable destination for holiday festivities.
Dubai
Christmas in Dubai is a winter sun lover's dream come true! The city's mix of traditional Christmas festivities and Middle Eastern culture makes for a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
Soak up some winter sun on the sandy beaches of Dubai, then explore the dazzling Christmas displays in festive malls like the Dubai Mall or the Mall of the Emirates.
Or perhaps you'd prefer to catch a performance of the Nutcracker ballet, set in a beautiful Christmas-themed stage design?
No matter what you're looking for, Dubai has it all! Yes - even if you want to go skiing or meet a penguin. Ski Dubai offers the opportunity to spend a day on the slopes, drink hot chocolate, go sledging, make a snowman, or watch penguin shows.
If you’re looking for a truly spectacular New Year celebration, look no further than Dubai for the festive season. Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, hosts a dazzling fireworks show that attracts visitors from all over the world.
And with luxurious hotel accommodation and world-class dining options, this sparkling city truly is the perfect Christmas destination. Christmas in Dubai: why not give it a try?
New York
Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience. The city sparkles with holiday cheer, from the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center to the festive lights on Fifth Avenue.
At Christmas markets, you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list and cosy up with hot cocoa in hand. Or lace up your skates and glide across the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, surrounded by glittering Christmas trees.
And let's not forget about Christmas dinner - why not splurge on a traditional feast at one of NYC's famous restaurants? There's nothing quite like a slice (or two) of rich, creamy New York cheesecake for dessert. We recommend Peter Luger in Williamsburg or perhaps Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe, a brilliant Italian bakery in East Village.
So if you're seeking a classic Christmas experience, look no further than the Big Apple. And don’t forget to add Fairytale in New York by the Pogues to your festive playlist.
Austria
Want to spend the festive break skiing? Christmas in Austria is a truly magical experience for any skiing enthusiast. The snow-covered mountains dotted with picturesque wooden chalets provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas festivities.
Picture yourself flying down the slopes on Christmas morning, then coming back to cosy up by a roaring fire with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. The après ski options are endless - from Christmas markets filled with colourful trinkets and tasty snacks to Christmas concerts and traditional Austrian holiday dinners.
And with some of the best skiing in Europe, Austria offers something for every level of skier or snowboarder. So why not make this Christmas extra special and spend it in a snowy winter wonderland in one of Austria's excellent skiing resorts? You won't be disappointed.
Lapland
Have you ever dreamt of a Christmas break in Lapland, with snow-covered pine trees and jolly Christmas tunes filling the air? Imagine experiencing the magic of Christmas with your loved ones, from a reindeer sleigh ride to sledging with husky dogs.
You and your grandchildren can also participate in fun, snowy activities like snow hockey. And the cherry on top? A private visit with none other than Santa Claus himself!
Visiting Lapland during Christmas is a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday experience, full of Christmas cheer and precious memories that will entertain the whole family.
What better way to celebrate Christmas Day than a husky ride through the snow? This will be an extra special way to celebrate the festive break.
It's worth noting, though, that Lapland tends to be an expensive Christmas destination. There are cheaper (and warmer) options on this list if you're hoping to go away for Christmas.
Tenerife
Christmas is a time for giving, eating, drinking, and spending time with loved ones. But it's also a time when holiday prices skyrocket, and everyone is searching for the perfect Christmas destination.
That's where Tenerife comes in! This beautiful Spanish island offers cheap Christmas holidays that are often all-inclusive, meaning you don't have to worry about buying extra meals or drinks during your stay.
And Christmas Day in Tenerife is extraordinary - imagine sipping champagne on the beach surrounded by palm trees as Christmas carols play in the background.
Plus, Tenerife offers plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy throughout your Christmas break - visit the Icod de Los Vinos dragon tree, ride cable cars to Mount Teide, or spend an afternoon wine tasting at a local vineyard. And if you’re in the Canary Islands already, why not check out Fuerteventura or Lanzarote as well?
So why not escape the freezing temperatures and spend Christmas in sunny Tenerife?
Dominican Republic
Christmas in the Dominican Republic? Count us in! Trade in your winter coat for a swimsuit, and imagine Christmas morning spent lounging on one of the country's beautiful beaches. The average December temperature hovers around a balmy 29°C, making it the perfect time to soak up some sun and take advantage of all the fantastic water activities available.
And when you need a break from the beach, why not enjoy a round of golf on one of the many world-class courses?
So why not escape the cold this Christmas and visit the Dominican Republic for a truly unforgettable holiday experience?
Costa del Sol
Christmas on the sunny Costa del Sol may sound like a departure from tradition, but it could be just the Christmas break you've been dreaming of.
Rather than bundling up against the cold and trudging through snow, imagine Christmas Day spent lounging on a mild Mediterranean beach or enjoying an outdoor Christmas lunch.
And for those looking for festive traditions, the Costa del Sol delivers. Christmas in miniature features breathtaking nativity scenes, and the Three Kings Parade in early January is a colourful celebration involving a procession of floats based on children’s characters.
So why not switch things up this year and spend your Christmas break in Costa del Sol? You're sure to have a unique and memorable holiday season.
Take a cruise trip!
Want to visit more than one amazing location? Then try a cruise!
We spoke to Laura Pedlar from Cruise Lifestyle, who told us: "If you’re looking for some warm winter sun over the festive period, a Caribbean cruise is a very good option. Christmas decorations start appearing on cruise ships at the end of November and you can enjoy a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, without any of the cooking and washing up.
"The Dominican Republic is a regular port of call for cruise ships, with Amber Cove in Puerto Plata being a popular stop. Here you can enjoy a little shopping for Christmas gifts or simply laze by the pool with a cocktail. For thrill-seekers, there’s a zipline and an optional excursion to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua.
"Winter is the perfect season to visit Caribbean islands like the Dominican Republic and a cruise offers the chance to visit a number of islands in one trip. You only need to unpack once and you can do as much or as little as you please. Onboard, you can enjoy daily activities such as quizzes, dance classes, crafting and enrichment talks. There is entertainment throughout the day with theatre shows to watch most evenings.
"A cruise holiday is a fantastic option for the whole family to enjoy. There are activities onboard to suit all ages, with children’s clubs and activities to keep the little ones busy. It’s a chance to spend some quality time with one another, making happy memories together."
Our tips for a truly unforgettable Christmas break
Nothing beats the excitement of jetting off to a distant destination during the Christmas break. But before you start getting those travel Insta snaps, remember to be travel aware!
And don't forget that it's also peak travel season, so be prepared for crowded airports and busy tourist attractions.
If you're looking to escape the winter chill, remember that certain countries may have different weather patterns during this time of year. So be sure to pack appropriately for any outdoor activities and check for government travel advisories related to extreme weather events.
By taking extra care in planning your winter sun holiday, you can ensure an unforgettable (and safe!) Christmas break adventure.
The best places to holiday at Christmas: An overview
Christmas is a perfect time to go on a festive break and explore new destinations. While Christmas Day may be spent sitting by the fireplace or enjoying delicious food with loved ones, there's still plenty of time during Christmas break to escape the cold weather and soak up some sun.
Plus, travelling during Christmas means that you can enjoy Christmas markets, experience different holiday traditions, and maybe even sneak in a proper white Christmas! So if you have an empty nest this year or want a little adventure, why not consider spicing things up with a Christmas holiday?
