Top Christmas holidays destinations in 2025
Celebrate the magic of the festive season your way, with hot chocolate under twinkling lights or a bit of sunshine at the beach. Need ideas for your next festive escape? Opodo reveals the top Christmas holiday destinations for 2025, based on real travel trends and insights.
Get inspired by where travellers are heading, how long they stay, and when they start planning their Christmas getaways.
Amsterdam
- Why visit: Twinkling canals, charming markets, and the Amsterdam Light Festival make the city shine even brighter in winter.
- What you shouldn’t miss: Ice skating at Museumplein, browsing festive stalls at Leidseplein, and admiring the light installations along the canals.
- Climate: Chilly, with average December temperatures around 3°C.
- Ideal for: Magical city strolls and picture-perfect festive moments.
- Practical tip: Pack warm layers and waterproof shoes! Winter in Amsterdam is as cosy as it is damp.
Barcelona
- Why visit: Enjoy festive cheer without the frost! Barcelona blends Christmas traditions with Mediterranean sunshine and style.
- What you shouldn’t miss: The Fira de Santa Llúcia market by the cathedral, dazzling lights along Passeig de Gràcia, and a walk through the Gothic Quarter.
- Climate: Mild and pleasant, with average December temperatures around 13°C.
- Ideal for: Culture lovers and sunseekers looking for a Christmas with a twist.
- Practical tip: Visit in mid-December for fewer crowds and beautifully lit streets.
Lisbon
- Why visit: The Portuguese capital glows with festive charm, from illuminated streets to cosy cafés serving sweet treats and hot chocolate.
- What you shouldn’t miss: The Christmas market in Rossio Square, the giant tree in Praça do Comércio, and scenic views from São Jorge Castle.
- Climate: Mild winter weather, averaging 12°C in December.
- Ideal for: Relaxed getaways filled with warmth, lights, and local flavours.
- Practical tip: Bring a light jacket — it’s one of Europe’s best cities for an outdoor winter stroll.
Madrid
- Why visit: The Spanish capital dazzles with sparkling lights, bustling markets, and festive energy at every corner.
- What you shouldn’t miss: The Plaza Mayor Christmas market, the dazzling Gran Vía lights, and an evening of churros and hot chocolate at San Ginés.
- Climate: Cool and dry, with average December temperatures around 6°C.
- Ideal for: Families and friends seeking a lively, culture-filled Christmas escape.
- Practical tip: Don’t miss the post-Christmas celebrations — Madrid stays festive well into the New Year.
Bangkok
- Why visit: Trade snow for sunshine! Bangkok offers warm weather, glittering decorations, and a unique tropical take on Christmas.
- What you shouldn’t miss: The light displays at ICONSIAM, festive shopping at Siam Paragon, and rooftop dinners with a view of the city skyline.
- Climate: Warm and dry, with average December temperatures around 26°C.
- Ideal for: Travellers who prefer palm trees over pine trees.
- Practical tip: Book early, December is one of Bangkok’s most popular months for international visitors.
How to choose the next Christmas holidays destination
Choosing where to travel at Christmas depends on the kind of festive experience you’re dreaming of. Whether you’re craving snowy winter magic, sunshine, or an all-inclusive Christmas break, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you. From Christmas holidays for families to romantic winter escapes or Christmas market breaks, here’s how to find the one that fits you best.
Winter escapes vs. Warm getaways
Winter escapes
Cosy up in Europe’s most magical festive destinations, like Vienna, Prague, or Lapland, where Christmas markets sparkle, choirs sing carols, and snow turns every street into a postcard. Ideal for Christmas ski holidays, festive city breaks, and travellers who love a traditional winter wonderland.
Perfect for: Lovers of snow, lights, and traditional Christmas charm.
Tip: Winter destinations and ski resorts often sell out early. Book your flight + hotel in advance to secure the best festive deals.
Warm getaways
Prefer sunshine to snow? Chase the sun this December in Tenerife, Dubai, or Sydney. Swap jumpers for swimsuits, enjoy beachside Christmas dinners, and explore cities lit up with tropical flair. Great for all inclusive holidays or Christmas holidays for singles who love to explore new places solo.
Perfect for: Travellers who prefer sunshine, outdoor adventures, and warm escapes.
Tip: Look for all-inclusive holiday packages, they often include festive meals and activities, making your Christmas break totally stress-free.
Family trips vs. Romantic getaways
Family trips
Make the holidays magical for everyone with Christmas holidays for families in Copenhagen or Munich. Explore Christmas markets, enjoy theme park celebrations, or take in sparkling lights and festive parades that delight both kids and adults.
Perfect for: Families with kids, multi-generational travellers, and festive fun-seekers.
Tip: Consider all inclusive family resorts, they often include kids’ clubs, entertainment, and special Christmas dinners.
Romantic getaways
Share a magical escape in Bruges, Venice, or Reykjavik. Wander cobbled streets, enjoy candlelit dinners, and watch the Northern Lights or city lights twinkle above you. The perfect plan for romantic Christmas holidays with a touch of winter wonder.
Perfect for: Couples and those dreaming of a love-filled festive break.
Tip: Look for boutique or adults-only hotels offering special festive packages with extras like wine tastings or spa treatments.
Christmas markets vs. Outdoor adventures
Christmas markets
Step into a winter wonderland with Christmas market holidays in Strasbourg, Nuremberg, or Cologne. Enjoy the scent of roasted chestnuts, handcrafted gifts, and live music in Europe’s most atmospheric squares.
Perfect for: Traditional spirits who love festive lights, crafts, and culture.
Tip: Visit markets midweek or in early December if possible. It’s quieter, and you’ll have more time to browse the stalls at your own pace.
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Outdoor adventures
Celebrate Christmas differently with active escapes in Madeira, New Zealand, or Costa Rica. From mountain hikes and rainforest treks to surfing and diving, these Christmas holidays for singles and adventurers add a burst of energy to the festive season.
Perfect for: Travellers seeking unique, nature-filled December trips.
Tip: Pack versatile gear. Layers and quick-dry fabrics are perfect for mixing adventure with relaxation.
Easy city breaks vs. Faraway adventures
Easy city breaks
Enjoy short European Christmas holidays in Edinburgh, Lisbon, or Seville. Wander through charming streets, browse local markets, and soak up the seasonal buzz — perfect for a quick festive getaway without the long-haul flight.
Perfect for: Weekend travellers, couples, and those on a budget.
Tip: Fly midweek to save, Tuesday and Wednesday departures often come with the best fares.
Faraway adventures
Make it a Christmas to remember with long-haul holidays to New York, Tokyo, or Dubai. Celebrate among dazzling lights, world-famous shopping, and unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Perfect for: Explorers seeking new cultures and once-in-a-lifetime festive experiences.
Tip: Check your passport validity and entry requirements before booking, some destinations need extra travel prep during the busy season.
💡 Planning tip: When choosing your next Christmas destination, think about the experience you want most, whether that’s wandering through Christmas markets, escaping on warm holidays, or sharing romantic getaways under the snow. With Opodo, you can easily compare flights, find festive travel deals, and plan your trip your way.
Average length of stay for Christmas holidays
How long do travellers really stay on their Christmas holidays? According to Opodo’s latest data, most UK travellers are using the festive season to enjoy longer Christmas holidays abroad. Here’s how trip lengths compare this year, based on thousands of bookings made for travel between 19 and 28 December 2025:
Quick festive getaway
Trip length
2 days
% of bookings
6%
Short Christmas city breaks
Trip length
3-4 days
% of bookings
23%
Mid-length winter escapes
Trip length
5-6 days
% of bookings
16%
Longer Christmas holidays or all inclusive stays
Trip length
7-13 days
% of bookings
55%
Who’s visiting the UK this Christmas?
Christmas in the UK continues to attract travellers from across Europe, and 2025 is no exception. According to Opodo’s latest booking data, visitors from Spain, France, and Germany are leading the way when it comes to festive getaways.
Spain
0%
France
0%
Germany
0%
Italy
0%
Portugal
0%
The most popular UK cities booked this Christmas are: London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle. Each offers its own festive charm: from London’s glittering Christmas lights and ice rinks to Edinburgh’s world-famous Christmas Market and Manchester’s cosy winter stalls.
💡 Travel insight: With so many European visitors heading to the UK during the holidays, flights and hotels in major cities tend to sell out early. If you’re planning a Christmas city break or winter staycation, book as soon as possible to secure the best deals and availability.
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Best Christmas destinations FAQs
Cities like Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Berlin are renowned for their festive Christmas markets, offering a magical atmosphere with traditional crafts, local delicacies, and holiday cheer.
Gran Canaria, Spain has been highlighted as a top-value destination, offering year-round sunshine, golden beaches, and affordable getaways for every traveller.
Lapland, Finland provides a quintessential winter wonderland experience, complete with snow-covered landscapes, reindeer rides, and visits to Santa Claus Village.
Popular family-friendly Christmas destinations include Lapland, Vienna, and Prague, offering Santa visits, festive markets, and winter-themed attractions.
Barbados is known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant Christmas celebrations, offering a warm alternative to the traditional winter holiday.
Paris, France is often dubbed the “City of Love” and offers enchanting Christmas lights, cosy cafés, and romantic ambiance during the holiday season.
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