Ever fancy going away at Christmas?
And we don’t mean to escape the chill.
We’re talking about log cabins, festive food and drink, markets, winter sports and cosiness! Crisp fresh air!
City lights and local festive traditions!
According to research carried out by Admiral Travel Insurance there is a growing appetite for people wanting to get out of their comfort zones and try something different.
In a survey of 2000 people, 43% felt a snowy trip could help them find the Christmas spirit.
So, if you’re searching for the festive spirit and are prepared to wrap up well, check out these recommended Christmas holiday destinations:
1. A Christmas holiday to Iceland
This is becoming a very popular winter holiday destination for us Brits.
And it’s one of the most festive times of the year there!
Fancy ice-caving, whale watching, glacier hiking?
Seeing natural hot pools, waterfalls and lakes and the many dramatic natural sites?
Visiting vibrant Reykjavik?
And of course, the Northern Lights! This is the ideal time!
How about a weekend break in the capital – 3 nights in a 4* hotel and experience the Northern Lights tour, the classic Golden Circle tour and the blue lagoon tour, flights incl? Check out icelandholidays.com for more details.
With its stunning waterfalls, glaciers and the chance to see the Northern Lights, Iceland is an extremely popular winter holiday destination. Photo by Benjamin Suter.
2. A festive getaway to Germany
Such a Christmassy place to visit. Markets galore throughout and of course the wonderful Alps!
In the Bavarian Alps enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing and indulge in Gluwhein, crepes and stollen fruitcake.
If skiing’s not your thing take a tour of castles or glaciers.
In history-steeped Berlin there are over 100 Christmas markets and there are plenty of hotels situated well for visiting them. Try the 5* Regent Hotel on Gedarmenmarket Square or the Mercure Hotel in the heart of the city and only 3 minutes from Checkpoint Charlie.
3. A Christmas trip to Vienna
A truly magical place to visit.
Wonderful festive markets, Christmas lights and because of its musical heritage, an amazing variety of concerts, operas and choirs.
Enjoy ice-skating and exhibitions of history, art and science.
Indulge in the delicious Weihnachtpunsch or Christmas Punch!
Stay near Karlsplatz to be near the popular markets ….perhaps try Hotel Kaiserhof for its elegance and comfort.
4. A Christmas holiday to Lapland
A remote spot in the far north of Finland, 200km above the Arctic Circle, you surely can’t get more Christmassy than that!
Superb for families.
Sleigh rides, huskies, reindeer, elves, igloos, quite apart from all the winter activities (like snowmobiling!)
Kids will love following a magical trail to find Father Christmas’ secret log cabin – just one of the many activities available to visitors.
Check out activitiesabroad.com or visit santaslapland.com for a great variety of family holidays.
Meet reindeer, Santa and explore a unique landscape with a Christmas trip to Lapland. Photo by Francesco Ungaro.
5. A festive trip to Slovenia
Beautiful, interesting and traditional, Slovenia in the winter has much to offer.
Stay in a Boutique hotel in the scenic Bohinj Valley from where you can visit the famous Lakes Bled and Bohinj and surrounding ancient castles and medieval towns.
So many activities available...walking, snow-shoeing, ice-skating and cross-country skiing.
See inntravel.co.uk for a lovely selection of Slovenian winter trips.
6. A Christmas getaway to Norway
Norway is great for both skiers and non-skiers.
Wonderful for all levels of cross-country skiing, it also offers curling, dog sledding, reindeer safaris, snow-shoeing and more!
There’s so much natural beauty to explore and appreciate, not least the Northern Lights!
Check out inntravel for an interesting selection of holidays in Norway around the festive period.
Winter sports are a popular pastime in Norway, so this is the ideal Christmas holiday destination for you if you want to explore the great outdoors. Photo by Gustav Lundborg.
These are our top suggestions for Christmas holiday breaks.
Are you tempted?
No beaches or cocktails here but guaranteed to fill you with the festive spirit!
Creating memories to last a lifetime!
Make your festive trip even more special with a Christmas food hamper for the whole family to share.
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