Get festive your way in one of these top destinations for a Christmas getaway in 2024.
There’s no denying the festive season can get a little overwhelming. If you fancy shaking things up this year, you’ll find plenty of nice places to visit for Christmas around the globe. Whether you want festive fun in a new setting or to simply lie on a beach in the Indian Ocean, there are so many destinations to consider. Plus, for those after a bargain, travelling in December has its advantages.
Magical Christmas getaways in 2024
Top places to escape to this Christmas
If you’re feeling the itch to go abroad at Christmas the year, you’ll be inundated by brilliant and unique destination options. Savour sun-soaked festivities in dreamy locales like Mauritius, Dubai or Gran Canaria. Or ramp up the cosiness with a Xmas getaway in the atmospheric Scottish Cairngorms. Prefer to escape the Christmas vibes altogether? Many places – from Kyoto to Kerala – treat 25 December like any other day of the year. All you need to do now is check your chosen location’s visa requirements, buy travel insurance and start packing!
The 10 best Christmas holiday destinations for 2024
Craving adventure or sunshine? Want festive madness or prefer to avoid it altogether? Forget about family debates and overeating this December with a last-minute trip to one of these incredible destinations:
Dubai, UAE
Christmas in the desert
December couldn’t be a better time to visit this dazzling city. The temperatures drop to a more bearable 23-30˚ C and there are plenty of festive things going on. Swap your annual Christmas Day stroll in the forest for a desert safari or some dune bashing. For an equally beautiful but less high-energy activity, head to Al Qudra Lake for a spot of exotic birdwatching. It may be Boxing Day back home on 26 December but in the UAE, it’s the beginning of Dubai’s Shopping Festival where you can grab up to 90% off clothes, gifts and more.
Look out for:
- Festive food and decorations at Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market.
- Great shopping deals during Dubai Shopping Festival.
- Handcrafted gifts from around the world at Global Village.
Nepal
Adventure in the mountains
If watching endless Christmas films on the sofa isn’t your style, an active getaway might be. And where’s more adventurous than the Himalayas? It may be cold but guided winter trekking in Nepal is cheaper than peak season, there are fewer people on the trails, and the sky often remains clear during the day. Just be careful to stay at low altitudes (maybe take a rain check on Everest!). Treks in the Annapurna region are recommended for spectacular views and more comfortable conditions. Planning to be in Kathmandu on Christmas Day itself? While government offices close, everything else stays open – including the city’s Christmas market.
Look out for:
- Nepal is home to nearly four million Christians who celebrate Christmas.
- Major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are lit up with festive lights.
- Dishes eaten at Christmas in Nepal include Sel Roti, Dal Bhat Tarkari and Momos.
Cultural Fact File
Nepal is home to nearly four million Christians who celebrate Christmas.
Major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are lit up with festive lights.
Dishes eaten at Christmas in Nepal include Sel Roti, Dal Bhat Tarkari and Momos.
Gran Canaria, Spain
An island Xmas
If you don’t want to travel too far afield, the Canary Islands will still offer you warmth in December – with temperatures staying in the low 20˚ Cs. Gran Canaria is a great option for families. Stay away from the busy capital Las Palmas and stick to the quieter parts of the island like Puerto de Mogan, a small port in the southwest. Many bars and restaurants stay open as usual over Christmas and outdoor activities are still on offer – how does a jeep safari on Christmas Day sound?
Look out for:
- Christmas sand sculptures at Las Canteras beach.
- A Christmas Day jeep safari.
- Gran Canaria’s alternative Christmas markets.
Istanbul, Turkey
Sightseeing and spa days
Enjoy a different kind of Turkey this year and book a Christmas holiday in Istanbul! December falls within the off-season winter months, so you’ll likely bag a great deal on flights and hotels. Plus, the city’s museums and shops are open throughout, so there’s lots to keep you busy. Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are must-sees and much quieter at this time of year. Plus, you can finish your sightseeing with a rejuvenating spa session at one of several iconic hammams like Kiliç Ali Paşa Hamami or Cagaloglu Hamami.
Look out for:
- Christmas shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
- Sightseeing around Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
- The city’s stunning Christmas lights and decorations.
Sri Lanka
Snorkelling, safaris and more
If an escape from reality is on your Christmas list this year, Sri Lanka won’t disappoint. This breathtaking country offers great value, warm weather and plenty of culture to boot. If you fancy a sun-soaked, fly-and-flop break, head for Hikkaduwa in the southwest – a two-hour drive from Colombo. There, you’ll find sandy beaches and fantastic snorkelling and surfing conditions. Next, visit the historic town of Galle to tour its 16th-century fortress before venturing onwards to Yala National Park. Combining affordable safaris with an abundance of wildlife, you have a high chance of seeing elephants, crocs and even the mysterious sloth bear.
Look out for:
- Native animals at Yala National Park.
- Incredible surfing and snorkelling in Hikkaduwa.
- Sri Lankan dishes to eat at Christmas, like pork black curry and devilled chicken.
Mauritius
A tropical paradise
Not fussed about festive traditions and just want a break? Mauritius is one of the best countries to visit at Christmas. With a mostly Hindu population, Christmas celebrations are kept to a minimum in this slice of paradise. Hire a car so you can see all this island has to offer. Hotspots to check out? The beautiful Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, Grand Baie – with its sheltered sandy beaches and glistening blue shores – and Belle Mare, that’s famed for its kaleidoscopic coral reefs. Just make sure you travel home before New Year as this is when prices of hotels and flights start to rocket.
Look out for:
- The Christmas decorations and lights in shopping malls.
- The beautiful beaches of Flic en Flac.
- Snorkelling at Belle Mare.
Beijing, China
Legendary sights and scenery
If ticking off a Wonder of the World was your goal for 2024, there’s still time to do just that when you book a Christmas holiday in Beijing. As well as being a gateway to the Great Wall of China, the city is full of other incredible attractions. Check out the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and Jingshan Park before stopping off at the Panjiayuan antique markets for a different kind of Christmas shopping. Looking for some evening entertainment? Swap the pantomime for the Beijing Acrobat Show. And if you want to go further afield, you’re in luck – domestic flights across the country tend to drop in price in December.
Look out for:
- An iconic walk along the Great Wall of China.
- Christmas shopping with a difference at the Panjiayuan antique markets.
- The Bird’s Nest Ice and Snow Festival.
Kerala, India
Coastlines and carnivals
Take a step back from the madness back home and set yourself up on a sandy beach in Kerala. Temperatures hover around 30˚ C in December, so you can guarantee you’ll be just as toasty as your friends in front of the fire back home. Varkala, a vibrant beach shadowed by strikingly colourful cliffs, is an idyllic spot – whether you want a scenic stroll or an enviable photo backdrop. For accommodation, why not snooze on one of Kerala’s iconic houseboats and enjoy life on the water? You can also make the most of the carnival in Kochi which runs until 31 December. Stick around for the last day to see an impressive traditional procession.
Look out for:
- The beautiful beach at Varkala.
- The carnival in Kochi.
- Christmas shopping at Chalai Market and Palayam Market in Trivandrum.
Cultural Fact File
A quarter of Kerala’s population are Christians, so expect some festive activities.
The 10-day Kochi Carnival features beach games, fireworks and a grand carnival.
Seek out Keralan Christmas plum cake – a traditional treat.
The Cairngorms, Scotland
A cosy Scottish escape
If you want a change of scene but without hopping on a flight, the Cairngorms are a great Christmas holiday destination. This remote region is brimming with beautiful winter scenery – plus a ski resort or two if the snow is good enough. You can also fly through the trees at the Zip Trek Park: a series of 14 zipwires on the corner of the Cairngorms National Park. Once you come down to earth, drive to Loch Morlich and revel in the peace and quiet of the Caledonian pine forest.
Events to attend:
- Phuket Red Cross Fair.
- Hungry Ghost Festival.
- Loy Krathong festival.
Kyoto, Japan
Culture and tradition
Tokyo may have bright lights and robotic Santas – but Kyoto is ideal for experiencing a more traditional and calmer side of Japan. Christmas Day is not a public holiday; shrines, temples, restaurants and shops are all open. New Year is a bigger event in Japan, so visiting for a Christmas holiday just before will feel quieter (and likely be cheaper). It’ll be a cool trip – temperatures often fall below 3˚ C – but don’t let that stop you from getting outdoors. Kinkaku-ji Temple, a World Heritage site, looks even more beautiful dusted with snow.
Look out for:
- Kyoto Station illuminations.
- The incredible winter views at Amanohashidate sandbar.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Groves for epic scenery.
Whether you fancy a complete change of scene this festive season or simply want to grab a bargain on flights, hotels and more, you’ll find no shortage of incredible spots for a trip at Christmas.
Travelling in December? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
