Search data for the 2026 holiday season points to a shift abroad: HomeToGo reports that seven of the top ten trending Christmas destinations in its US searches are outside the United States. Whatever your home market, the lesson is the same. Travellers are looking further afield for Christmas, which makes early planning more important than usual.
If You Want a White Christmas
Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is the classic choice for families, with Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer experiences and a real chance of northern lights on clear nights; see our full Rovaniemi Christmas guide. Bormio in the Italian Alps combines skiing, spa time and a festive old town.
If You Want Traditional Christmas Markets
Vienna, Strasbourg, Dresden and Bruges all deliver the lights-and-mulled-wine experience. Our Europe Christmas markets guide covers how to link them into one route.
If You Want Sunshine Instead
December is dry-season beach weather in several places, including the Maldives, southwest Thailand, Goa and much of South Africa's summer coast. Read our warm places to visit in December list, or go straight to Christmas in Goa if you're travelling from India.
If You Want a Big-City Break
London offers lights, theatre and traditions, while cities like Tokyo and Dubai give a very different, non-traditional Christmas with great food and little pressure to "do Christmas" at all.
Something Different: Skip the Markets
Some travellers deliberately avoid market cities. Seville, for example, has no traditional Christmas market, and that quiet is exactly the appeal for people who want warm weather, good food and uncrowded streets.
When to Book
Christmas week is peak pricing almost everywhere. Last year's Google Flights analysis found that Christmas flights tended to be cheapest around seven weeks out, which puts late October to mid-November squarely in the window for 2026. Book accommodation first for the popular places, because rooms run out before flights do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to spend Christmas 2026?
It depends on what you want: Rovaniemi for snow, Vienna or Strasbourg for markets, and the Maldives, Goa or Cape Town for sunshine.
When should I book Christmas travel?
As early as possible; late October to mid-November is a strong window for flights, and accommodation in popular places sells out sooner.
Is Christmas a good time to visit warm destinations?
Yes, in places with a dry season in December, such as the Maldives, southwest Thailand and Goa, though prices peak around Christmas and New Year.
What are good alternatives to Christmas markets?
Cities with fewer Christmas crowds, such as Seville, or non-traditional choices like Tokyo or Dubai.
Are family trips better in Lapland or the Alps?
Lapland suits younger children thanks to Santa-themed attractions; the Alps suit families who ski.
Is it cheaper to travel just after Christmas?
Often yes for flights and rooms outside the Christmas to New Year peak, though it depends on the destination.
