Christmas vacations
Trade the shovel for sand, or lean into the lights and markets. Warm escapes and festive breaks for the season, handpicked and ready when you are.
Where to go for Christmas
A curated set of destinations that come into their own over the holidays, from reliable winter sun to cities that do the season properly.
Why travel at Christmas
Reliably warm. Sun destinations are typically at their best in December, with dependable heat while home is frozen.
Time that actually counts. School and work both pause, so it is the one long stretch most families can travel together.
Two holidays in one trip. Many escapes run straight through to New Year, so you can book the whole window once.
Escape the cold or lean into it
There are two kinds of Christmas traveller, and both do well here. Want out of winter? Winter-sun escapes to the Caribbean, Mexico and beyond trade grey skies for a beach and dependable heat. Want more of the season? Festive city breaks bring markets, lights and cold-weather charm. Whichever way you lean, the trips below are ready when you are.
More seasonal getaways
Christmas vacations FAQ
Where can I go for a warm Christmas vacation?
Winter-sun favourites over the holidays include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and much of the Caribbean, where December brings dependable heat and dry, beach-ready weather.
When should I book a Christmas vacation?
The holiday window is one of the busiest of the year, so the best value and the best rooms tend to go to travellers who book two to four months ahead. If you are travelling over the exact holidays, earlier is safer.
Are Christmas vacations more expensive?
Peak holiday dates do carry peak pricing. Travelling in the days just before or after the holidays, or choosing an all-inclusive so most costs are fixed upfront, are the two easiest ways to keep it in check.
Can one trip cover both Christmas and New Year?
Yes. Many packages run through the full late-December window, which often works out better value than two separate short trips. See our New Year's getaways for that side of the window.
What should I pack for a warm Christmas escape?
Beach basics, reef-safe sunscreen and light layers for cool evenings. If you are connecting through a winter airport, keep a warm layer handy for both ends of the journey.