Christmas getaways for a unique festive season with (or without) the family

Santa Claus can't be the only one that gets to travel for Christmas! We've picked the best Christmas getaway destinations to make the most of the festive season.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way… to a holiday. Christmas is a wonderful time of year that brings families together and puts smiles on children’s faces, but it can also be a stressful time that makes you crave a holiday. So, why not head off on a Christmas getaway?

Send your Merry Christmas text messages from the comfort of a sun lounger on the beach, an in-room Jacuzzi or even from a cool cafe in a city you’ve been meaning to visit and explore. So if you’ve been contemplating where to go for Christmas, let us tempt you with some amazing hotel experiences for a memorable festive season.

Christmas getaways in the UK

If you don’t want to stray too far from home, a Christmas staycation might be right up your alley. If family tradition is unbreakable, these UK breaks will have you spending Christmas Eve with the nieces and nephews and Christmas Day at a holiday spot of your choosing.

The classic Christmas getaway is always London (well, at least for those who aren’t from London). Stroll down the festively-lit Carnaby and Oxford streets for some last-minute shopping before heading to the always entertaining Winter Wonderland spectacle in Hyde Park. After winning your partner a stuffed teddy bear and eating one too many currywurst, a romantic hotel might be calling your name.

We’ve got plenty of great ideas for a Christmas getaway for couples. Why not combine your Christmas getaway with a spa break? Wake up on Christmas Day to spectacular views of charming Bath or Brighton‘s seaside before heading off for an hour-long massage as a stress relief after reading one too many Christmas greetings.

Christmas family holidays

Even though you might be tempted to head off on a Christmas holiday all by your lonesome, there are some pretty cool places to visit with the family in tow.

If you’re keen on a traditional White Christmas, why not take the family to a real Winter Wonderland (though the one in Hyde Park is lovely) in Lapland. Spend Christmas Eve sleeping in a glass igloo under the stars so the kids can try and catch a glimpse of Santa Claus flying high in his sleigh. Family adventures in the Arctic are pretty magical—reindeer and husky safaris, snowmobile rides through forests and of course, a visit to Santa Claus’ Village.

Or, head off on a family city break and soak up that Christmas spirit. You and the family can recreate scenes from Home Alone 2 (but don’t forget any of the kids at home) and explore the sights and sounds of New York City. Make sure to visit the famous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre or book tickets to watch the Nutcracker for a classic NYC Christmas.

Where to go for Christmas sun

The temperature has dropped and winter has only just started, so it only makes sense that you utilise the Christmas break as a time to improve your vitamin D levels on a winter sun getaway.

Swap your eggnog for a Sangria and your Christmas sweater for a bikini and head off on the search for some Christmas sun. Head to the Canary Islands for a Christmas day swim in the warm-ish Atlantic Ocean followed by delightful Churros for breakfast.

If the Atlantic Ocean isn’t warm enough for you, pack your sunscreen for a holiday to the United Arab Emirates. Regardless of whether you prefer Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it’s safe to say your only concern is deciding whether Christmas Eve is best spent by the pool or by the beach. Families can also make the most of the winter holidays here with a stay near one of the city’s spectacular water parks.

Feature image courtesy of Dangubic / Fotolia