December Holidays

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December is a magical month - the streets are twinkling with fairy lights, the Christmas markets are popping off, and the kiddos are counting down the days until Santa pays a visit. But for those of us dreaming of a winter getaway, December holidays are the perfect time to break free from the daily grind and jet off to somewhere truly special. Whether you’re wondering where's hot in December for a sizzling beach break, dying for a snow-kissed winter wonderland, or a fancy a cultural Christmas in a city that’s lit up like Blackpool Illuminations, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best December holiday destinations, tips on when to book, and how to make your holibobs proper good!

Top December Holiday Destinations

Now, let’s get into the good stuff - where to jet off to for that dream December getaway. We’ve done our research, comparing the top destinations from all over the world. And guess what? We’ve even thrown in a few cheeky tips below to give you the ultimate edge when planning your holibobs.

The Canary Islands – The Winter Sun Classic

If you’re looking for a bit of winter sun without the whopping long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are an absolute topper. But, what's the best Canary Island for December holidays? Truth is, we love 'em all. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are all bangin' options for those seeking warmth in December. You’re talking highs of 22°C to 26°C - just right for topping up that tan while everyone else back home is bundled up. Plus, flights are frequent and reasonably priced, making it ideal for a last-minute holiday in December.

Vienna – A Festive Fairytale Come to Life

If you’re after a December holiday that’s as classy as it is Christmassy, Vienna should be top of your list. This city absolutely pops off in December, turning into a festive wonderland that’ll make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a Christmas movie. The iconic Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is a proper good place to start, with twinkling lights, cosy stalls selling mulled wine (Glühwein, if you want to sound fancy), and all sorts of festive goodies.

Vienna Christmas market holidays are great but Vienna holidays aren't just about the Christmas markets. When you’re done soaking up the festive vibes, there’s plenty more to explore. Warm up inside the Hofburg Palace, catch a bangin' classical concert at the Vienna State Opera, or grab a slice of Sachertorte in a traditional Viennese café - because nothing says "treat yourself" like chocolate cake in a city that knows how to do it right. And if you’re hanging around for New Year’s Eve, you’re in for a right mahoosive celebration - the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Trail) is pure magic, with fireworks, live music, and plenty of chances to toast to the New Year in style.

New York – Christmas in the Big Apple

Feeling a bit boujee? New York December holidays are a must for those who want a proper good mix of Christmas charm and big-city excitement. This is the ultimate city break. Stroll through Central Park with a hot chocolate, ice skate at the Rockefeller Center, and of course, don’t miss the iconic Christmas tree lighting. NYC is an all-time festive favourite, and it’s perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers looking for a buzzing city break. Pro tip: book your flights and accommodation early because New York’s December holidays fill up fast.

Thailand – Tropical Getaways for the Adventurous

If you're hankering for a true escape from the British winter, Thailand should be top of your list. Imagine trading frost and fog for palm trees, golden beaches, and sizzling street food. December is the perfect time to visit, as the monsoon season has ended, and temperatures are comfortably in the high 20s. Koh Samui, Phuket, and Krabi offer the ultimate island-hopping experience with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, whilst Bangkok is the ultimate place to go for temple exploring and legendary nightlife. Whether you’re backpacking or going all-in on a swanky resort, Thailand is a 10/10 option for a December holiday.

December holiday booking tips

Booking a December holiday can be exciting, but with festive demand, it can also feel like a bit of a scramble if you don’t plan ahead. Not to worry though - we’ve pulled together some top-notch booking tips to make sure you land the best deals, avoid the stress, and still bag that dream destination. Whether you’re after a sunny escape or a winter wonderland, follow these tips and you’ll be ready to book with confidence.

Book early for popular festive destinations

If you’ve got your heart set on a holiday in the likes of New York, Lapland, or Europe’s top ski resorts, booking early is key. December is prime time for holiday travel, and these hotspots can fill up quicker than your Christmas shopping list. For destinations where the festive atmosphere is a major attraction, like the Christmas markets of Vienna or the magical appeal of Lapland, early bookings mean you’ll have the pick of the best hotels, tours, and flights at reasonable prices. Plus, when you lock in those early bird deals, you’ll beat the price hikes that tend to happen closer to Christmas.

Last minute holidays are still an option

If you’re not one for planning months in advance, don’t fret! While early birds might nab the top-tier deals for popular destinations, there are still some mega last-minute December holiday deals to be had. Some places, like the Canary Islands, Portugal’s Algarve, or even sunny Thailand, offer great last-minute availability as they don’t face the same Christmas rush. These sunny escapes are perfect if you’re flexible with dates and looking to avoid hefty price tags.

All inclusive holidays are a gamechanger

If you’re the type who prefers to have everything sorted before you even leave the house (hello, stress-free travel!), consider all-inclusive holiday packages. These are perfect for December, especially if you’re travelling with the kiddos or want to avoid the hassle of planning meals and activities during peak festive season. Like, who really wants to do that? Not only do all inclusive holidays make budgeting easier, but they also give you peace of mind knowing that all the extras - like food, drinks, and entertainment - are taken care of. For places like the Canary Islands or even far-flung destinations like the Maldives, all-inclusive deals can save you both money and time, letting you focus on the most important things - like squeezing in one more poolside cocktail before dinner.

Mid-December and post-Christmas travel

Timing is everything when it comes to booking your December holiday. While travelling over Christmas itself can get pricey, if you can go earlier in the month or just after Christmas, you’ll find better deals and fewer crowds. Mid-December can be the sweet spot for scoring cheaper flights and accommodation, as the big holiday rush usually kicks in around the 20th of the month. Similarly, travelling just after Christmas- especially around New Year - can help you avoid the inflated festive prices. It's also a great excuse to jet off somewhere and start the new year in style.

Make the most of package holidays

Package holidays are an absolute winner for December travellers looking to keep things simple and cost-effective. With packages, you can bundle your flights, accommodation, and sometimes even transfers into one handy deal. Plus, with fewer moving parts to organise, there’s less risk of hiccups along the way. Whether you're jetting off for winter sun or planning a snowy escape, travel packages are a smart way to get more beach for your buck. Oh, did we mention that we offer some pretty great package holidays? With super-low £30pp deposits. And flexible payments. And ATOL protection. You get the jist.

Upgrade to a special experience

December holidays are the perfect time to treat yourself or your loved ones to something extra special. Whether it’s an upgrade to a business-class flight for long-haul trips or opting for a luxury hotel that offers festive extras like Christmas Eve dinners or New Year’s Eve parties, these little touches can take your holiday to the next level. You’ll often find that hotels and resorts pull out all the stops during December, offering festive packages that include everything from spa treatments to private tours of Christmas markets. If ever there was a time to go all out, it’s now!

Why Book a December Holiday?

You might be asking, why December? Simple: it’s the best of both worlds. You get to soak up all the festive vibes and escape the inevitable post-Christmas slump. December holidays offer everything from snowy city breaks perfect for sipping hot cocoa by the fire, to beach escapes where Fanta Lemon sizzles in the sun. Think sunshine, sandy toes, and Lays crisps as your mid-swim snack, rather than another mince pie (although we won't say no to those either).

Probably not at home, let's be honest. But we've gotta give a nod to our ever-reliable Canaries, always serving up that year-round warmth. Having said that, don't sleep on Portugal - especially Madeira - which also keeps things pleasantly mild at this time of year. If you're craving somewhere toastier, you might want to try somewhere long haul. Think...soaking up the sun on a Caribbean beach, or basking in the desert vibes of Dubai. Adventure awaits, no matter your heat preference!

Of course, you don't have to keep it toasty on your December holiday! If you're in the mood to wrap up and enjoy the festivities, then city breaks like Rome, Prague, Copenhagen and Budapest are great picks for some of the ol' Christmas market action - mulled wine mandatory, of course 🍷

Cape Town in South Africa is actually deemed one of the cheapest places to travel in December. Not only do you get to bask in those beachy vibes and soak up the summer warmth, but you'll also dodge those peak price tags. Yep, Cape Town is kind of a December steal, offering all the sizzle without burning a hole in your pocket.

Absolutely! Loads of resorts and hotels do special Christmas programmes with festive meals, entertainment, and even Santa visits for the kids. The Canaries, Egypt, and Dubai are all popular for Christmas holidays. Just check what your resort actually offers - some go all out with Christmas dinner and decorations, while others basically ignore it. It's worth asking before you book so you know what to expect. Many families love spending Christmas Day by the pool rather than stuck in the kitchen cooking.

Most UK schools break up around December 18th-20th, though it varies by region and school. The Christmas holidays typically run for two weeks, with kids going back in early January. Some schools don't return until later in the first week of January. If you're planning a December family holiday, check your specific school's term dates - travelling just before the official holidays start can save you hundreds of pounds, though you'll need to get absence authorised (or be prepared for a fine).

Egypt and Turkey are absolutely brilliant for December all-inclusive holidays. Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada) is hotter with guaranteed sunshine (24-28°C), warm seas, and resorts packed with facilities - pools, water parks, kids' clubs, evening entertainment, the lot. Turkey's slightly cooler (18-22°C) but the all-inclusive resorts are massive with incredible food and tons of activities. The Canaries also do great all-inclusive deals and are closer to home. All three offer fantastic value with everything sorted once you arrive.

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December School Holiday Destinations

The December school holidays - that glorious two-week stretch when the schools break up and suddenly you've got to entertain your own children for what seems like a lot of time through Christmas and New Year. If the thought of two weeks cooped up indoors with restless children and the leftover Quality Streets is making you sweat, it might be time to consider jetting off somewhere.

Best Destinations for December Family Holidays

When you're travelling with kids in December, you want somewhere that's either guaranteed sunshine or proper festive magic. No middle ground, really. Here are your best bets:

Canary Islands - The Reliable Winter Sun Winner

The Canaries are an absolute no-brainer for December family holidays. You're looking at temperatures around 20-24°C, it's only a 4-hour flight, and there are loads of family-friendly resorts with everything you need on-site. Tenerife's got Siam Park (one of the best water parks in Europe), Gran Canaria has brilliant beaches for building sandcastles, and Lanzarote's got those mental volcanic landscapes that'll keep the kids entertained.

Most resorts keep their kids' clubs running through December, even over Christmas and New Year, which is an absolute lifesaver when you need a couple of hours to actually relax. The weather's warm enough for the pool but not so hot that the little ones are melting by lunchtime. It's pretty much perfect.

Dubai - If You Fancy Splashing Out

Dubai in December is actually gorgeous - the summer heat's gone, leaving you with lovely 25-30°C days that are perfect for everything. And when we say everything, we mean it: beach days, water parks (Aquaventure is massive), desert safaris, the Dubai Mall with its enormous aquarium, indoor skiing at Ski Dubai (yes, really), and more soft play areas than you can shake a stick at.

Is it pricey? Yeah, especially in December. But if you've got the budget and fancy treating the family to something a bit special, Dubai goes all out for kids. The hotels are mint, everything's clean and safe, and there's honestly so much to do that you won't hear "I'm bored" once.

Egypt - All-Inclusive Family Heaven

Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are absolutely brilliant for families in December. The weather's gorgeous (24-28°C), the Red Sea's warm enough for snorkelling, and the all-inclusive resorts are built specifically with families in mind. We're talking multiple pools, water parks on-site, kids' clubs, evening entertainment, and buffets with enough variety that even your fussiest eater will find something.

Thailand - For Adventurous Families

If your kids are a bit older and you fancy something more adventurous, Thailand in December is absolutely stunning. The monsoon season's finished, temperatures are in the high 20s, and you've got incredible beaches, amazing food, elephant sanctuaries, and cultural experiences that'll actually teach them something (without them realising they're learning). It's a longer flight (11-12 hours), so maybe one for families with kids aged 8+, but it's an incredible experience and one they'll remember for years to come.

Lapland - For the Full Festive Experience

If you're after something properly Christmassy rather than beach weather, Lapland is magical for younger kids (roughly ages 3-10). Meeting Santa in his actual "home," husky sledding, reindeer rides, and staying in a proper snowy wonderland - it's the stuff Christmas dreams are made of.

Fair warning: it's expensive, it's freezing (think -5°C to -20°C), and you need to pack like you're going to the Arctic (because you basically are). But for creating those once-in-a-lifetime Christmas memories? It's hard to beat. Most Lapland trips are 3-4 day packages rather than full two-week holidays, which makes them a lot more affordable.

What to Book for December Family Holidays

All-Inclusive is Your Friend December all-inclusive deals are absolutely worth it for families. You don't want to be hunting for restaurants on Christmas Day or New Year's Eve that are actually open and not charging extortionate prices. With all-inclusive, everything's sorted - meals, snacks, drinks (including kids' drinks and ice creams), and usually entertainment too. One less thing to worry about.

Look for Resorts with Kids' Clubs Proper kids' clubs that run through Christmas and New Year are worth their weight in gold. The children make friends, burn off energy doing activities, and you get a couple of hours to actually read a book by the pool. Check what ages the kids' clubs cater for though - some stop at 12, which isn't helpful if you've got teenagers.

Check What's Included for Christmas/New Year If you're travelling over Christmas or New Year, ask what the resort actually does. Some places go all out with special meals, entertainment, Santa visits (for Christmas), and firework displays (for New Year). Others basically ignore it. Worth knowing before you book so you're not disappointed.

Consider Connecting Rooms or Family Suites December bookings fill up fast, so if you need connecting rooms or a family suite (rather than everyone crammed into one room), book early. These room types always go first, and you don't want to be stuck with the kids in a standard double room for two weeks.

Keeping Kids Entertained

Beach Destinations Pack plenty of beach toys, books, and download some films/games onto tablets for quieter moments. Most family resorts have kids' clubs and evening entertainment, but it's worth having backup plans for rainy days or when they're just tired of organised activities.

City Breaks If you're doing somewhere like New York or Vienna, plan a mix of kid-friendly activities (ice skating, Christmas markets, parks) with downtime. Kids can only handle so much sightseeing before they get proper mardy. And always carry snacks - hangry children in the middle of a city break is nobody's idea of fun.

Long-Haul For longer flights to places like Thailand or Dubai, download loads of entertainment, pack surprises (new toys, books, or games they haven't seen), and don't stress if they watch more screens than usual. It's a holiday - normal rules don't apply. Also, book night flights if you can so they might actually sleep.

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