Christmas is for many the most magical time of year, with families coming together to spread joy and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. However, everyone's vision of the perfect Christmas is different and it doesn't have to all take place inside the family home.
From snowy adventures in the Arctic Circle to relaxing days beneath the Caribbean sunshine, there are countless ways to enjoy a memorable Christmas holiday without adhering to the same old traditions year after year. Whether you would prefer to ditch the winter cold for winter sun, looking for an atmospheric city in which to celebrate the season or would prefer to a romantic couples break to a large scale family gathering, our Luxury Travel Specialists are on hand to help you find the best place to go on holiday at Christmas to match your perfect vision and desires.
To help get the process started, our Luxury Travel Specialists have put together a list of the best places to go on holiday for Christmas for various different types of holiday maker. With suggestions for families, sun worshippers, city dwellers and loved up couples, these destinations offer something special for varying types of Christmas holiday maker.
The Best Christmas Holiday Destinations for Families
For families hoping to make Christmas especially magical this year, few destinations can compare with Finnish Lapland. Situated within the Arctic Circle, this enchanting winter wonderland provides the perfect setting for a festive family adventure and is widely regarded as one of the best Christmas holiday destinations for families with children of all ages.
A holiday to Finnish Lapland offers the little ones the chance to meet Father Christmas in his homeland, creating memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. Families can also visit enchanting elves' workshops, where the magic of Christmas is brought to life, while snowy forests and frozen landscapes provide an extraordinary backdrop to the festive celebrations.
Traditional reindeer sleigh rides are another highlight. Wrapped up warmly beneath the Arctic skies, you can glide through peaceful snow-covered landscapes behind a team of reindeer, creating a wonderfully atmospheric experience for the whole family. Depending on your chosen resort and itinerary, there are also opportunities to enjoy husky sled rides, snowmobile adventures and other exciting winter activities.
With its combination of festive celebrations, snowy scenery and genuine Christmas magic, Finnish Lapland is an excellent choice for families with children who are looking to enjoy the festive season somewhere truly unforgettable.
Best Places to Go on Holiday at Christmas For Sun
If your idea of the perfect Christmas involves sunshine rather than snow, Barbados is unquestionably one of the best places to go on holiday at Christmas. Rather than wrapping up against the winter cold, you can spend the festive season enjoying warm temperatures, beautiful beaches and the famously laid-back Caribbean lifestyle.
Temperatures in Barbados tend to hover around the high 20s during this time of year, making it ideal for relaxing beside the pool, swimming in warm Caribbean waters or simply enjoying the soft sands on the island's beautiful beaches. There are countless luxury resorts here which add to the experience with elegant accommodation, exquisite restaurants and opportunities to spend the festive season being thoroughly pampered in tranquil spas.
For those who are chasing winter sun but would prefer a shorter journey, the Canary Islands are another excellent option. With pleasant temperatures of around 21 to 24 degrees during the Christmas period, destinations such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote offer an appealing alternative to a traditional cold-weather Christmas.
The Canary Islands combine warm weather with beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, luxury resorts and plenty of activities, making them particularly appealing for couples, families and any other traveller who wants to enjoy Christmas somewhere a little different this year.
Best European Cities to Visit at Christmas
For travellers who love the atmosphere of Christmas markets and festive city breaks, Helsinki is one of the best places to go on holiday over Christmas. Finland's capital becomes especially enchanting in the run up to the big day, with its streets and squares taking on a magical festive atmosphere.
Helsinki's Christmas markets provide an opportunity to find unique gifts, decorations and local delicacies while soaking up the sights, sounds and aromas of the festive season. The city's northern location also means that a visit can feel distinctly wintry, with a strong possibility of snow adding an extra layer of magic to your Christmas getaway.
There's plenty to appeal to the more active holiday maker too, with skiing, snow mobile treks and scenic hikes adding to the list of experiences available, combing the joys of a festive city break with exploration of the great outdoors. Whether you are visiting for the Christmas markets, the winter activities or the local culture, Helsinki provides a memorable alternative to a traditional European Christmas city break.
The Best Places to Go on Holiday at Christmas for Couples
For couples searching for the best places to go on holiday at Christmas, Paris is difficult to beat. Known around the world as the capital of love, the French capital becomes particularly romantic during the festive season, when its streets and landmarks become illuminated with Christmas lights.
Christmas in Paris provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality time together. Couples can take romantic walks beside the Seine, explore the city's thriving neighbourhoods and admire the beautifully illuminated streets. The Paris Christmas Markets add another festive dimension, offering opportunities to browse seasonal treats, gifts and decorations while enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
Food lovers can make their Christmas escape even more memorable by reserving a table at one of Paris's Michelin-starred restaurants. From sophisticated French cuisine to intimate dining experiences, the city provides an unrivalled setting for what could potentially be the best festive fare you have ever experienced.
Whether you are planning a romantic Christmas break together or a pre-Christmas getaway before reuniting with the rest of your family, Paris provides the perfect platform from which to enjoy culture, gastronomy and festive charm by the bucketload.
Create Your Perfect Tailor Made Christmas Holiday
There is no single right answer when it comes to finding the best places to go on holiday for Christmas. For some, the excitement of meeting Father Christmas in Finnish Lapland will make Christmas unforgettable, while others may prefer relaxing beneath the Caribbean sun in Barbados. From the festive atmosphere of Helsinki to the romance of Paris, the perfect Christmas destination ultimately depends on the kind of experience you want to create.
At Elegant Resorts, our Luxury Travel Specialists can help you turn that dream into a reality. Using their first-hand destination experience and extensive contacts around the world, our Luxury Travel Specialists can create a tailor made Christmas holiday that is completely bespoke to your requirements.
Whether you are planning a magical family adventure, a luxurious winter sun stay or a romantic Christmas break, speak to Elegant Resorts today and let our specialists create an unforgettable festive holiday designed entirely around you.