Christmas Holidays 2025: 10 Great Destinations & Smart Travel Tips
Planning your Christmas holidays can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You want somewhere that feels festive, fits your budget, and avoids the last-minute rush. Whether you’re dreaming of snowy forests or a cosy UK break close to home, the options are broader than they seem. This guide walks you through ten standout destinations and offers practical tips to help you travel with less stress and more time to enjoy the season.
Top 10 Christmas Holiday Destinations
Choosing where to spend your Christmas holidays can feel like a big decision. To make things easier, here’s a hand-picked mix of ten brilliant destinations.
Whether you want crisp winter walks, cosy markets, playful family time or a complete escape to the sun, you’ll find a spot here that fits your mood and your plans.
1. London: big-city sparkle and Winter Wonderland
London goes all out for Christmas holiday breaks. The streets glow with huge light displays, markets pop up across the city and there’s always a show, event or quirky neighbourhood walk waiting for you. You can plan a full weekend of festive fun without spending much, thanks to free lights, museums and plenty of good spots for winter strolls.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Wander through world-class light displays around Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden.
Explore several famous Christmas markets in one trip, from the Southbank to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland for the rides, stalls and hot chocolate.
Take winter walks through Hyde Park, Green Park and along the Thames.
Catch a West End show or cosy up in a pub when the evenings get chilly.
2. Edinburgh: crisp air, castle views and huge festive markets
Edinburgh feels made for winter. The dark evenings, stone buildings and castle skyline make the city look even more dramatic in December. Its main Christmas market fills the centre with rides, stalls and food, and the whole place has a warm, cheerful buzz. If you enjoy short scenic walks, views, and the mix of both culture and calm, it’s a great fit.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Browse one of the UK’s biggest Christmas markets, set right below the castle.
Enjoy city views from Calton Hill or warm, easy strolls around Princes Street Gardens.
Dip into cosy pubs, cafés and small local shops when you need a break from the crowds.
Stay on for Hogmanay if you want a lively New Year celebration.
3. Bath: Georgian charm with a classic festive feel
Among the best Christmas holiday destinations, Bath has a slower, softer pace. Its Christmas market spreads through the pedestrian streets, so you can wander without rushing. The city is compact, which keeps travel simple, and the mix of warm spas, pretty Georgian architecture, and gentle hills around the edge makes it easy to switch between relaxing and exploring.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Shop and snack your way through Bath’s well-loved Christmas market.
Soak in the rooftop spa while the city lights come on below you.
Walk the quiet paths around Bath Skyline for easy views of the countryside.
Enjoy festive concerts, candlelit services or simple evenings in historic pubs.
4. The Cotswolds: cosy villages and gentle countryside
If you picture a classic Christmas scene, the Cotswolds comes close. Villages sparkle with small, tasteful lights; pubs lean into the season with fires and warm food; and the countryside offers simple walks that feel refreshing rather than intense. It’s great for couples, families or anyone who wants calm over crowds.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Discover picture-perfect places like Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold dressed for the season.
Enjoy short village-to-village walks or quiet rambles along the Cotswold Way.
Visit local shops, craft fairs and small festive markets for handmade gifts.
Settle into cosy cottages, where slow mornings and relaxed evenings feel part of the holiday.
5. Lake District: fresh air, frosty mornings and relaxed village life
For a more active break, the Lake District gives you wide views, crisp air and villages that feel warm and welcoming in winter. You don’t need to tackle big hikes to enjoy the scenery. Low-level lakeside routes are beautiful at Christmas, and the quieter winter season makes the popular spots feel more peaceful.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Wake up near lakes and fells in places like Keswick, Ambleside or Hawkshead.
Take gentle winter walks around Grasmere, Buttermere or Ullswater.
Spend evenings in pubs with log fires, hearty food and a slower pace.
Browse small local events, winter trails and village markets without the summer crowds.
6. Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland: snow, Santa and northern skies
Rovaniemi gives you the full winter fantasy. The town sits right on the Arctic Circle, and once you arrive, it’s all snow, forests and soft, quiet light. Families love the Santa link, but it’s just as fun for adults who want a proper white Christmas. Days are short, but that makes the evenings feel even more magical.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Visit Santa’s Village with its year-round lights and Arctic Circle crossing.
Try reindeer or husky rides that take you into deep, peaceful snow.
Join a northern-lights outing for the chance to see the sky shift and glow.
Pick cabins or apartments if you want extra space and a calmer, more private stay.
7. Prague, Czech Republic: fairytale squares and great value
Prague feels like a classic winter city: cobbled lanes, warm bakeries, glowing market stalls and old stone buildings dusted with frost. It’s easy to walk, easy to navigate and usually kinder on your wallet than many other European capitals. It’s a lovely choice if you want plenty to see without needing a packed schedule.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Wander through big Christmas markets in the main squares.
Nibble on chimney cake or sip mulled wine as you explore.
Walk across Charles Bridge for postcard-perfect views.
Look at stays just outside the main tourist area; it’s an easy way to enjoy cheap Christmas holidays.
8. Cape Verde: warm beaches and relaxed island life
Cape Verde is ideal if you want to leave coats, rain and early sunsets behind. December usually brings warm, sunny weather and long, easy beach days. Some islands are perfect for doing very little, while others have trails, small towns and scenic spots to explore at a steady pace.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Enjoy proper winter sun without flying halfway around the world.
Spend slow days on wide sandy beaches with room to unwind.
Try water sports or short island walks if you want a bit of movement.
9. Tenerife, Canary Islands: blue skies and outdoor days
Tenerife is a classic winter-sun pick for a reason. The weather is mild, the scenery is dramatic, and you can shape the trip however you like: lazy, active or somewhere in the middle. Beaches, small towns and volcanic landscapes all sit within easy reach.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
Swap winter chill for warm days and reliable sunshine.
Explore Mount Teide’s volcanic scenery by cable car or gentle trails.
Combine beach time with low-key festive dinners and fireworks.
10. New York City, USA: big-screen Christmas energy
For many people, Christmas in New York is already in their head thanks to films and TV. In real life, it’s just as full-on. Everything gets dressed up for the season: trees, windows, parks, even entire streets. It’s busy, of course, but that’s part of the charm. You can see the famous sights, wander through markets, then escape to a quiet bench in Central Park when you need a breather.
Why you’ll like it at Christmas:
See the giant Rockefeller Center tree and watch skaters on the famous rink.
Wander through Bryant Park Winter Village for skating, food and a big range of stalls.
Walk Fifth Avenue to see department store windows and light shows.
Balance the big moments with calm outdoor time in Central Park or along the High Line.
Tips for a Joyful and Stress-Free Christmas Holiday Trip
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be chaotic. Here are some smart tips to make your Christmas holiday feel smoother from the moment you book to the moment you unpack.
Book early, but stay flexible
Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Flights, trains and accommodation fill up fast, especially in popular city and winter-sun destinations. So, book as early as possible!
That said, try to give yourself some wiggle room:
Look at midweek travel dates when prices usually dip.
Compare nearby airports or stations rather than sticking to one.
Choose bookings with fair cancellation terms so you can adjust plans if something changes.
Pack for the weather you actually expect
December looks different depending on where you’re going.
Cold and snowy? Pack proper layers, warm boots, gloves and a hat. You’ll enjoy outdoor time much more.
Mild or rainy? Bring a lightweight waterproof and shoes you don’t mind getting damp.
Winter sun? Keep it simple: sunscreen, a light jumper for evenings and plenty of breathable clothing.
A small tote or daypack makes markets, city walks and day trips easier.
Sort your essentials before you go
A few tasks done early can save you stress later.
Make sure passports, IDs and travel insurance are up to date.
Download boarding passes, tickets and reservation emails to your phone.
Double-check opening hours, especially around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Bring a power bank so you’re not hunting for plugs in busy airports or stations.
If you travel with the whole family, spend long days out exploring, or plan winter walks where you’ll be taking lots of photos, it helps to bring a larger backup power source. A compact unit like the EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station is an easy middle ground between a normal power bank and a heavy power unit.
The TRAIL 200 DC model weighs about 1.8 kg, so it’s easy to carry, and its 192Wh battery has enough capacity for phones, cameras, tablets and small lights throughout a full day. It delivers up to 220W of pure DC output across four ports (two USB-A and two USB-C), so you can charge several devices at once. Its LiFePO₄ battery handles outdoor use well, and the 140W USB-C fast charging means you can refill it in roughly an hour before you head back out again.
EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station
Plan for low-power or off-grid stays
Some Christmas trips take you away from towns and into quieter places: forest cabins, remote cottages, coastal campsites or campervan routes. These breaks are peaceful and fun, but plug sockets can be scarce. For these stays, a bigger portable power station makes a real difference.
If you’re thinking about off-grid cabins or self-drive holidays, a unit like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station gives you enough capacity to cover lights, cooking gadgets, and everyone’s devices on a longer stay.
It carries a 1024Wh LFP battery and delivers up to 1,800W of AC power, with room for brief surges up to 3,600W. With 11 outlets, including AC sockets, fast USB-C, USB-A and a 12V car outlet, it can support essentials like a small fridge, a coffee maker, a hair dryer, an induction hob or a portable heater (within its limits).
Charging this best portable power station for camping is flexible too: wall charging up to 1,500W can take it from empty to full in about 56 minutes, and it accepts up to 1,000W of solar or 800W of car charging on the move. The low-noise operation (around 30 dB under light use) also means it won’t disturb a quiet night in a tent or cabin.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Build a simple, realistic plan
It’s easy to overfill your itinerary at Christmas, especially in places with markets, shows and special events. Aim for a rough outline rather than a tight schedule.
Pick two or three “must-do” activities and leave the rest open.
Allow time for queues, slow-moving crowds and early sunsets.
Add pockets of downtime — a long lunch, a spa hour, a beach break — depending on your destination.
Conclusion
Your Christmas holidays can look however you want them to: snowy, sunny, busy or blissfully slow. With the right destination and a bit of thoughtful planning, the season feels lighter and far more enjoyable. Whether you stay close to home or head abroad, aim for simple moments, relaxed days and a pace that actually suits you. In the end, it’s those small, calm memories that make a festive trip feel special.
FAQs
Where is best to go on holiday for Christmas?
From the UK, you’ve got great options both at home and abroad. In the UK, cities like London, Edinburgh, Bath, York, Winchester and Manchester are famous for their Christmas markets, lights and cosy pubs, making them ideal for a festive short break without long flights.
If you’d prefer a bit of winter sun, the Canary Islands and Madeira offer mild to warm weather and easy direct flights from many UK airports over Christmas, so you can swap woolly jumpers for T-shirts while still enjoying plenty of festive cheer.
Where to go for Xmas cheaply?
If you’re hoping for an affordable Christmas trip, a few destinations often give you the best value. Cities such as Krakow, Budapest and Prague are known for low prices on food, hotels and festive markets, especially when you book ahead. These spots offer plenty of charm without stretching your budget.
You can also save money by being flexible with your travel dates or flying midweek. Sometimes even a quick break in UK cities like Liverpool or Birmingham can be cheaper than travelling far, especially if you choose simple accommodation and book early.
Where is the warmest place to holiday at Christmas?
If warmth is your priority, the Canary Islands are one of the best options close to the UK. Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote often reach the low 20s in December, giving you bright days and comfortable evenings. Madeira is another mild choice, offering fresh sea air and gentle sunshine.
If you’d like something hotter, long-haul destinations such as Mexico or the Caribbean deliver proper beach weather, though they come with longer flights and higher prices. Wherever you choose, it’s worth checking typical December temperatures so you know exactly what to expect.
How many days is Christmas holiday?
For official UK bank holidays, the Christmas holiday is typically two days: Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th). However, many people take annual leave to create an extended break, often starting from the last workday before Christmas Eve (December 24th) and lasting until the New Year’s bank holiday.
Therefore, a typical planned UK Christmas trip often lasts anywhere from three nights (Dec 24th - 27th) for a short break to a full week (Dec 23rd - 30th) to fully experience the festive period and the lead-up to New Year.