10 best places to spend Christmas

Make Christmas 2022 memorable and experience the festive season in a new destination. Whether you’re dreaming of a White Christmas or spending Christmas in a warmer climate surrounded by beautiful coastlines, you can make Christmas 2022 memorable and experience the festive season in a new destination. Check out some of our selection of Christmas holidays and discover the best places to celebrate Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year. 

1. Christmas in Ireland

Take a festive break in Ireland and spend Christmas in either Galway, Cork, or Belfast on a relaxing 3-night break with us. We’ll see the main highlights of each city with a panoramic tour. Explore the Connemara region in Galway, visit Blarney Castle on our Cork tour and visit the Botanic Garden in Belfast on Saint Stephen’s Day.

2. Christmas in Lake Garda

While Lake Garda is renowned for its magnificent landscape, it also has a rich culture and intriguing history. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the quaint medieval villages that dot the lake. One of highlights of our Lake Garda holiday is the many attractions of both historical and cultural significance to visit in the region, such as Venice and Verona. Enjoy Christmas in Italy’s largest lake and experience Italian hospitality and enjoy the special holiday atmosphere that only Lake Garda can offer.

3. Christmas in Austria

Experience a magical Christmas in Austria surrounded by the stunning Austrian Alps. Take a horse drawn sleigh ride through Walchsee and explore the scenic mountain region of “Kaisergebirge”. Visit the scenic city of Salzburg, famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the ‘Sound of Music'. It has a stunning Alpine backdrop and you’ll see some of Salzburg’s best attractions, like the Hohensalzburg Fortress and traditional coffee houses.

4. Christmas in Tuscany

Tuscany is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and you can celebrate Christmas in the pretty spa town of Montecatini with its picturesque winter scenery. The Tuscans are extremely warm & friendly and will ensure that you experience an unforgettable Christmas that remains etched in your memory forever. Highlights of our holidays in Tuscany also include guided excursions to Siena, Florence and Pisa.

5. Christmas in Tenerife

The largest and most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is renowned for its weather all year round, so a holiday in Tenerife is the perfect escape for this Christmas; it combines sun, scenery and fantastic beaches. You can either hike or take a cable car to Mount Teide, the third biggest volcano in the whole world. The volcano is located in Teide National Park, which was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.

6. Christmas in Greece

Although a holiday in Greece may not immediately spring to mind when you think of Christmas destinations, it's an interesting alternative to the traditional places. We suggest spending Christmas in Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece, a city bursting with over 3,000 years of history and tradition from its Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish past. Enjoy the Christmas festivities, experience the timeless history of Ancient Greece and walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great.

7. Christmas in New York City

A trip to New York is a magical experience at Christmas and there is so much to see and do in this dynamic city. Go shopping on Fifth Avenue, see a Broadway show, visit Central Park or see the Statue of Liberty. Even a few classic Hollywood Christmas films such as Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone 2, Elf and Scrooge were all set in the ‘Big Apple.’ You should also consider spending St. Patrick's Day in New York City, it has a brilliant atmosphere and it's where they have the largest and one of the longest running parades in the world.

8. Christmas on the Costa Brava

Spending Christmas in Costa Brava offers the perfect combination of superb beaches, stunning landscape and amazing food. A short journey from the Costa Brava is the Catalan capital of Barcelona, home to Gaudi’s celebrated architecture, Las Ramblas and the spectacular Gothic Quarter. Enjoy Christmas surrounded by beautiful coastlines and experience Catalan hospitality.

9. Christmas in the Algarve

The Algarve may be best known for its stunning beaches, but this Portuguese region is also home to beautiful historic whitewashed towns and atmospheric fishing ports. With its year-round superb climate, it’s a perfect break for Christmas to escape the cold winter weather. On all our Algarve holidays, you can enjoy excursions to Lagos, Silves and Sagres.

10. Christmas in Andalucía

Experience a magical Christmas in Andalucía. Discover Spain's sunniest and most vibrant region, while staying in the charming, authentically Andalucían town of Antequera. Enjoy breath-taking scenery, great weather and some of the most beautiful villages and towns in Andalucía. Visit the famous Alhambra Palace, the stunning city of Seville and the historic town of Córdoba. You'll fall in love with Andalucía, its people, history and traditions. 

Now you have some inspiration for some Christmas holiday destinations, you can start dreaming of your next festive getaway. If you want to stay close to home for Christmas, then why not check out our Christmas Market Breaks, it’s perfect for a short getaway to discover a new city and buy some gifts for your loved ones. Take the stress away and let us take care of organising Christmas this year!