Top 11 Spectacular Christmas Trip Ideas for an Unforgettable Holiday Season

As September comes to a close, the festive season is already making an early appearance on supermarket shelves, with Christmas products beginning to spread their holiday cheer. It’s got us thinking it’s never too early to start planning the perfect Christmas getaway. With festive treats and decorations setting the mood, now is the ideal time to get ahead on booking your dream holiday. Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland, yearning for a cosy escape, craving a solo adventure or seeking some sun to beat the winter blues, we’ve gathered some fantastic ideas to inspire your Christmas plans this year. Here are our top recommendations for where to celebrate the most magical time of the year!

NEW: Experience a Christmas and New Year walking trip in the Algarve, with Solos Holidays
Experience the charm of the Eastern and Western Algarve and Southern Spain on Solos Holidays’ two-week Christmas and New Year walking tour. Explore stunning coastlines, pine forests, and nature reserves with 11 fully guided walking days through the Algarve. Highlights include a boat tour along the scenic Ria Formosa, stopping at Tavira Island for lunch, exploring the serene beauty of the Castro Marim Nature Reserve, and visiting the spectacular cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente. A 14-night Christmas and New Year Algarve Walking holiday leaving on 20 December 2024, on a half-board basis, costs from £3,675 pp, this includes return flights and transfers, airport taxes, welcome drink, on a half board basis, breakfast and dinner daily, two lunches, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve gala dinner, drinks included with evening meals, 11 fully guided walking days, three boat trips, and an accompanying Solos tour leader.
Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.co.uk)

Spend an unconventional Christmas in Japan with Glamping Villa Hanz
Imagine celebrating Christmas in an entirely new way—surrounded by nature, nestled in the luxurious comfort of Glamping Villa Hanz in Japan, with the majestic Mount Fuji in the backdrop. Located in the serene mountains, this cosy hideaway offers a unique blend of modern luxury and natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to escape the usual holiday rush and embrace a more peaceful, reflective season. In Japan, Christmas is less about religious traditions and more about joy, illumination, and gathering with loved ones. While Christmas Day isn’t a national holiday, the lead-up to the season is filled with sparkling light displays, romantic dinners, and even a quirky tradition—enjoying fried chicken on Christmas Eve, a popular custom thanks to clever marketing by KFC. At Glamping Villa Hanz, you can enjoy an unconventional Christmas by relaxing under a sky full of stars, indulging in a feast of local Japanese cuisine, and warming up by an outdoor firepit. Whether roasting marshmallows, gazing at the festive lights, or admiring the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji from the privacy of your villa, Christmas here becomes a tranquil, one-of-a-kind experience. Accommodation prices at Glamping Villa Hanz start from ¥32,128 / £176 per Pao, sleeping two people, per night on a room only basis.
Glamping Villa Hanz: https://gv-hanz.com/?lang=en

Get in the festive spirit in Megève, France
Christmas in Megève doesn’t wait for December 25 to begin. From the first weekend of December, the village comes alive with the traditional Fir Tree Lighting festival. This popular event marks the start of winter, attracting thousands of visitors each year to see the large conifer light up, signalling the festive season ahead. Following the lighting, a variety of activities and events take place throughout the village, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Santa’s village, parades, and sparkling decorations fill the streets, offering plenty for families and visitors to enjoy. The scents of cinnamon, gingerbread, and hot chocolate add to the festive feel, bringing a touch of nostalgia. With its illuminated streets, diverse shopping opportunities, and plenty of seasonal activities, Megève is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit early. A seven-night stay at Au Coin du Feu, arriving 01 December 2024 is priced from £505 pp based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.
Megève: www.megeve-tourisme.fr/en/

Try Husky Rides in Vaujany, with Ski France
Located in front of the magnificent Grandes Rousses Massif, at an altitude of 1,250 m, Vaujany has all the charm and character of an authentic mountain village, with easy access to 250 km of spectacular pistes, reaching an altitude of 3,300 m. From Vaujany, guests can directly access the Alpe d’Huez ski area by cable car, where families can go dog-sledding. Guests will take control of their sledge while the rescued husky dogs run through the snow. After this, children can head to Marcels Farm and the more advanced skiers and snowboarders can try the iconic 16 km long Sarenne the longest black piste in the Alps. Vaujany itself has escaped over-development and retained its original vibes. Once the skis are off, guests can spend their evenings exploring its winding lanes home to traditional restaurants serving fondue and other local specialities. Plus, there are many activities to choose from, such as ice skating, dog sledding, swimming, bowling, paragliding, and snowshoeing. Hôtel Les Cimes offers peaceful, warm and modern rooms, some with balconies showcasing spectacular views of the mountains. The hotel can be booked on a bed and breakfast or half-board basis, and once a week guests can join in with a convivial fondue evening. A week’s stay departing 21 December 2024 is priced from £1,656 total / £411.5 pp (was £2,071, saving £415) for a superior family room, sleeping four people, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Ski France (0203 475 4756, www.skifrance.co.uk)

Head to the Maldives with Tropical Sky for a sunny Christmas Day
Escape the winter blues and head to paradise with Tropical Sky’s Maldives getaway at SAii Lagoon Maldives. Nestled on a tranquil private island in the Emboodhoo Lagoon, just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male, this serene retreat offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and seclusion. The resort’s Maldivian charm shines through in its over-water villas, providing direct access to the lagoon and stunning ocean views—a true must for those seeking privacy and tranquillity. Enjoy exquisite dining with fresh Mediterranean flavours, succulent seafood, and Thai cuisine, or unwind at SAii Beach Club, complete with a swim-up bar and infinity pool. For those looking for more excitement, the resort connects by footbridge to The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an entertainment hub with shopping and dining options. You can even explore the nearby Hard Rock Hotel Maldives for a change of pace. Book a stay at SAii Lagoon Maldives by 30 September 2024 and receive savings of up to £800 pp for travel between now and 10 January 2025. A seven-night stay at SAii Lagoon Maldives is priced from £2,139 pp (was £2,939 pp saving £800 pp) based on two sharing a sky room on an all-inclusive basis. This includes return flights and transfers.
Tropical Sky (01342 331795, www.tropicalsky.co.uk)

Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of the Christmas market in Kitzbühel, Austrian Tirol
From 20 November to 26 December 2024, a magical Christmas market fills the historic city centre of Kitzbühel for the annual Advent Market. The centre will be transformed with festively decorated stalls inviting visitors to stroll, try local produce and purchase artisan gifts for their loved ones. There will be live performances from local bands to create a festive atmosphere. Those who want to warm themselves from the inside will find something at the numerous mulled wine stands, which offer the ever-popular classics as well as specialties such as mulled gin. Of course, hungry people are also catered for – from doughnuts to crêpes and Tyrolean delicacies, there is something for every taste. The advent market will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 2pm to 8pm and is free to visit. Return flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck for this period are available from £69 with easyJet. A seven night stay at Hotel Garni Entstrasser, arriving 21 December 2024 is priced from £792 pp based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.
Kitzbühel: www.kitzbuehel.com/en/
Austrian Tirol: www.tyrol.com/

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula in Depth, with Swan Hellenic
The Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey is a round-trip from Ushuaia, navigating the infamous Drake Passage to uncover the frozen wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests will spend their Christmas sailing through crystal-clear fjords, gliding past towering icebergs and glaciers, and delving into Antarctica’s rich history of explorers, whalers, and scientists. Be prepared to witness a diverse array of wildlife, from kelp gulls and breaching humpback whales to Adélie penguins and snoozing leopard seals. Antarctica’s untouched environment offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature. The 10-night Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey cruise, departing on 15 December 2024, on SH Vega, costs from £8,480 based on two-sharing (with no single supplement). Price includes return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation, group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port, accommodation in an Oceanview stateroom, all meals onboard plus most drinks, 24-hour room service, lecture programmes by experienced expedition team and guest speakers, one selected shore excursion per port of call, standard Wi-Fi, and onboard gratuities and port taxes.
Swan Hellenic (0207 846 0271, www.swanhellenic.com)

Say yes to Ski-joering in Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil
Originating from Scandinavia, Ski-joering is a sport in which competitors wear skis and clutch reins attached to a wooden harness fitted onto one or more horses.. The sport can take various forms, namely precision-based events, obstacle races, or flat races around an oval track. This is the perfect combination of skiing and horse riding. Guests can admire the beauty of the forests around them! Meet with the instructor, and horse, before taking the reins and walk, trot, canter and then gallop off into the snowy sunset. Prices range from £34 pp for an introduction, £50 pp for a stroll and £71 pp for an advanced level. A seven night stay at Pierre & Vacances Residence Electra arriving 21 December 2024 is priced from £1,971 / £492.75 pp based on four sharing a one bedroom apartment. Flights and transfers extra.
Avoriaz: www.avoriaz.com
Portes du Soleil: https://en.portesdusoleil.com/
Pierre & Vacances (0870 0267 145, www.pierreetvacances.com/gb-en)

Fly over the slopes of Verbier with Adrenaline
Why not take an helicopter instead of ski lifts this winter and discover virgin terrain far away from the groomed slopes? A once-in-a-lifetime experience! Aside from being the Alpine capital of off-piste skiing, Verbier is also a major heliskiing destination in the Alps. Petit Combin, Rosablanche, Trient Glacier or Pigne d’Arolla are some of the heliskiing landing zones around Verbier which allow long unforgettable runs in authentic mountain scenery, far away from the crowds. The guide will adapt the run according to the guests’ wishes and abilities. Best of all, guests have it all to themselves. They will ski the best run from Petit Combin to Trient Glacier and La Rosablanche. These three peaks are located about 10 to 15 minutes by helicopter from Verbier. The minibus picks guests up at their hotel or chalet in Verbier and drives them to the helipad, where safety equipment is available directly at the meeting place. The minimum age for participation is seven. A seven night stay at Hotel Mirabeau arriving 12 December 2024 is priced from £1,671 pp based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.
Verbier: www.verbier.ch

Enjoy festive family fun in La Plagne France
Spending Christmas in La Plagne is like stepping into a snowy fairytale. Nestled in the French Alps, this charming ski resort transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. From 23–25 December, the resort becomes an enchanting haven for families, with surprise elf parades popping up throughout the villages. Children can visit Santa’s grotto, where they can hand-deliver their Christmas letters to the elves, who make special mail deliveries straight to Father Christmas. Adding to the magic, Father Christmas himself, along with his cheerful elves, can be seen gliding through the snowy streets on his sled fitted with skis, creating unforgettable moments. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, cosy up by a roaring fire in a traditional chalet, savouring hearty Savoyard dishes and sipping mulled wine. This winter, La Plagne unveils an exhilarating new experience set to take adventure seekers to new heights—quite literally. Introducing Aérolive, a world-first and exclusive to La Plagne, this breathtaking journey lifts you 3,080 meters above sea level in a way that defies convention. Aérolive features two extraordinary open-air cabins, newly added to the Glaciers gondola, which ascend to Live 3000, the highest point of the resort. A seven night stay at Residence Les Constellations, arriving 21 December 2024 is priced from £1,225 total or £306.25 pp for a one bedroom apartment sleeping four people. Flights and transfers extra.
La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com/

Feel the ultimate adrenaline rush with a Christmas snowmobile ride in Jackson Hole, USA
Spending Christmas in Jackson Hole is like stepping into a winter wonderland, where snow-capped peaks and twinkling holiday lights create the perfect festive atmosphere. Amid the cosy charm of this mountain town, one of the most thrilling ways to embrace the season is with a snowmobile adventure through Yellowstone National Park. A private snowmobile tour offers a chance to explore Wyoming’s untamed winter beauty, starting with a 45-mile trail ride that winds through breathtaking landscapes. The journey includes stops at natural wonders like Moose Falls, the dramatic Lewis Canyon, and the steamy West Thumb Geyser Basin. Along the way, the adventure builds with the chance to glimpse Wyoming’s wildlife—bison, elk, and other big animals—roaming freely against the snowy backdrop. But the highlight comes when the trail leads to Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s iconic geyser. Watching it erupt against the winter sky is a memory to last a lifetime. Every moment is filled with the thrill of the ride, the magic of the winter wilderness, and the joy of experiencing Christmas in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring settings. A seven night stay at Flat Creek Inn, arriving 21 December 2024, is priced from £405 pp based on two sharing a double room on a room only basis. Flights and transfers extra.
Jackson Hole: www.jacksonhole.com

Hopefully these destination ideas have sparked some inspiration for the perfect Christmas holiday this year. Whether you’re seeking a snowy adventure, a sun-soaked escape, or a unique cultural experience, the festive season offers endless possibilities for memorable getaways. From the serene landscapes of the Maldives to the enchanting lights of European Christmas markets, there’s a holiday for every type of traveller.

If you’d like more information or need high-quality images, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For more information please contact Emma Berg at emmab@heavenpublicity.co.uk or Rachel Johnston at rachel@heavenpublicity.co.uk