Best Places to Spend Christmas: Top Festive Travel Ideas
For many people, Christmas is a time rooted in tradition — family gatherings, familiar routines and the comfort of being at home. But for others, the festive period brings a rare stretch of annual leave and an opportunity to do something completely different. Some want to escape the cold, some want to avoid the pressure altogether, and others simply want to make the most of time off by seeing the world rather than staying put.
Because Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, planning usually starts far earlier than people expect. Flights, family-friendly resorts and standout experiences sell out quickly, especially in December. So, if you’re wondering where the best place to spend Christmas might be, it pays to think ahead.
From adventurous safaris and epic road trips to laid-back beaches and festive family escapes, here are some of the best places to spend Christmas, depending on how you want to experience the season.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular festive escapes, offering warm temperatures, palm-lined beaches and a relaxed atmosphere that feels worlds away from traditional Christmas routines. December brings dry weather, calm seas and a lively but not overwhelming buzz, with plenty of luxury resorts offering festive dinners and activities.
Beyond the beach, visitors can explore waterfalls, temples and nearby islands, making it easy to balance relaxation with light adventure. It’s a particularly appealing option for those wanting sunshine without sacrificing comfort.
Ideal for: Couples, solo travellers, families with older children
Have a look at our Thailand itinerary for some inspiration.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Oman
For travellers seeking guaranteed sunshine, luxury and variety, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman offer a compelling Christmas escape. December brings warm but comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for beach days, desert adventures and city sightseeing without the intense summer heat.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi combine world-class resorts, shopping and family attractions, while Oman offers a more understated experience with dramatic landscapes, historic forts and unspoilt coastline. Together, they provide options ranging from high-energy city breaks to slower, more cultural escapes.
Ideal for: Families, couples, luxury travellers
Our suggested itinerary for Oman and the UAE offers an unforgettable Arabian experience.
African Safari (Kenya or South Africa)
Spending Christmas on safari is a truly unforgettable experience. Instead of winter coats and shopping queues, your days are filled with game drives, wide-open landscapes and close-up encounters with wildlife. December is an excellent time for safaris in parts of Kenya and South Africa, with lush scenery and active animals.
Many safari lodges embrace the festive season with special meals and events, while still keeping the focus on nature and adventure. It’s a unique way to mark Christmas while creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Ideal for: Couples, adventure seekers, multi-generational family trips
There are so many options when it comes to a once in a lifetime safari experience so we’ve put together a separate blog post to go through the options.
New Zealand Road Trip
Christmas falls in the height of summer in New Zealand, making it perfect for a road trip packed with beaches, national parks and dramatic scenery. From the mountains of the South Island to the coastal routes of the North Island, the freedom to explore at your own pace is a major draw.
While Christmas Day itself is often low-key, the festive atmosphere comes from outdoor barbecues, long daylight hours and a relaxed, welcoming culture. It’s ideal for travellers who want variety rather than a single base.
Ideal for: Couples, families with older children, adventure travellers
Here’s our suggested New Zealand itinerary but we’ve also put together a separate blog on other recommended road trips.
Vietnam
Vietnam is an excellent Christmas destination for travellers wanting variety. December weather is ideal in central and southern Vietnam, with destinations such as Hoi An offering lantern-lit streets, cultural experiences and a relaxed festive feel, while Phu Quoc delivers tropical beaches and luxury resorts.
Food plays a huge role in a Vietnam trip, with vibrant street food scenes and fresh local cuisine adding to the experience. It’s a great option for those who want culture, beaches and adventure in one trip.
Ideal for: Couples, solo travellers, families with older children
We’ve put together a combined itinerary for Vietnam and Cambodia, but we’ve also created a separate blog looking at other locations in South East Asia.
Lapland, Finland
For those who want to embrace Christmas rather than escape it, Lapland delivers the ultimate festive setting. Snow-covered forests, reindeer sleigh rides and the chance to see the Northern Lights create a magical atmosphere, particularly for families with young children.
Visits to Santa’s village, winter activities and cosy cabins make this one of the most immersive Christmas destinations in the world. Due to its popularity, Lapland trips often sell out well over a year in advance.
Ideal for: Families with young children, couples seeking a festive break
Dive into our Lapland guide for all the festive fun.
The Caribbean
If your idea of Christmas involves turquoise seas and warm evenings, the Caribbean is hard to beat. December offers some of the best weather of the year, with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Many islands combine festive celebrations with a laid-back beach lifestyle.
Resorts cater well to families during the holiday period, while couples can enjoy quieter boutique stays and sunset dinners by the sea. It’s a classic option for those wanting guaranteed relaxation.
Ideal for: Families, couples, solo travellers
With so many islands to choose from we’ve put together a separate blog to go through the options.
Florida, USA
Florida offers a festive family holiday with a difference. Theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios go all out for Christmas, with decorations, parades and seasonal shows throughout December. The mild winter weather also makes it comfortable for exploring beaches and attractions.
With a huge range of accommodation options and activities for all ages, Florida remains one of the most popular Christmas destinations for families.
Ideal for: Family holidays, especially with younger children
We’ve mapped out a family friendly Florida itinerary to help you get started (there’s also a Florida itinerary for those without kids if you want to have a look).
Planning Your Christmas Escape
When deciding on the best place to spend Christmas, it’s worth thinking about what you want from the break — whether that’s adventure, sunshine, quality family time or a complete change of pace. Many destinations overlap categories, offering something for everyone, but availability and pricing are key factors during this peak period.
Planning early not only secures better choice and value, but also ensures you can focus on enjoying Christmas your way, wherever in the world that may be.
