December Holidays

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).

More great deals

Whether you're looking for a last-minute beach break or planning ahead for the summer hols, we've got you covered.

Holidays throughout the year

• January Holidays

• February Holidays

• March Holidays

• April Holidays

• May Holidays

• June Holidays

• July Holidays

• August Holidays

• September Holidays

• October Holidays

• November Holidays