Best family Christmas holiday destinations
From Christmas markets to winter sun escapes, the festive holiday isn’t just about polishing off boxes of Quality Street in front of the TV. Here are Family Holiday Deals’ top destinations for a Christmas escape.
Travelling at Christmas has never really been fully embraced, at least not by most people. The traditional festive break is still seen as a time to spend at home or with family in their homes. And while it’s true that margaritas and palm trees might feel out of place when you’re expecting mulled wine and Christmas trees, we wouldn’t discount the idea of packing your bags and taking the family away during the festive break.
The Christmas school holidays (usually mid-December to early January in England, Wales and Scotland) are one of the few times families can get a proper two-week window to travel. With a bit of planning – and a few smart destination choices – you can avoid the worst of the crowds and still find great value.
If you’re one of those families that need Christmas to feel festive, you could consider a staycation, a ski holiday or a Christmas market break. But if you’d rather swap frost for flip-flops, there are plenty of short-, mid- and long-haul winter-sun destinations in full swing come late December.
So, where should you go for a Christmas holiday? From snowy cities to sunny beaches, here are Family Holiday Deals’ picks of the best family destinations for the Christmas school holidays – all chosen with value, comfort and family fun in mind.
Best for affordable skiing: Bansko, Bulgaria
If you’ve always fancied a ski holiday but baulk at Alpine prices, Bulgaria’s Bansko is the answer. The resort is family-friendly, with modern lifts, easy-going slopes and English-speaking instructors – all at a fraction of what you’d pay in France or Austria.
By mid-December, snow cover is reliable and the pistes are quiet enough for beginners to find their feet. The old town adds a bit of charm too, with cosy taverns serving hearty stews and hot wine after a day on the slopes.
Lift passes, ski hire and lessons all cost substantially less than in the Alps, and family hotels often include breakfast and dinner without a big price jump. Dining out is also surprisingly affordable. Expect daytime temperatures hovering around freezing and plenty of powder for snowball fights.
Flight time from the UK: Around 3.5 hours (to Sofia, then a 2-hour transfer)
Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGN)
Safety: Generally safe; the resort area is family-friendly and relaxed, though roads can be icy in winter
Best for Christmas markets: Kraków, Poland
For a proper Christmas market without the premium price tag, Kraków is hard to beat. The vast main square fills with wooden stalls from late November until at least 26 December – and often through to New Year’s Day – selling handmade gifts, mulled wine and Polish treats like pierogi and smoked cheese.
Flights from the UK are cheap and short, and family hotels in the Old Town cost a fraction of what you’d pay in Vienna or Munich. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, and cafés serving hot chocolate and hearty Polish food offer plenty of cosy pit stops.
There’s a good chance of snow, and the atmosphere feels wonderfully festive without the crowds or cost of Western Europe. For families wanting Christmas market magic on a budget, Kraków is the smart choice.
Flight time from the UK: Around 2.5 hours
Currency: Polish złoty (PLN)
Safety: Very safe for families; low crime rates and a walkable, well-policed city centre
Best for short-haul sunshine: Gran Canaria, Spain
For reliable warmth, just five hours from the UK, Gran Canaria is the go-to. The south of the island – around Maspalomas and Puerto Rico – stays sunny and dry through December, with temperatures in the low 20s and beaches that stay lively even on Christmas Day.
Resorts here know their family market. Expect big pools, kids’ clubs, buffet breakfasts and entertainment that keeps little ones occupied while parents can relax. It’s warm enough for shorts by day and a light jumper at night, and while the sea can be brisk, most hotels have heated pools.
Christmas decorations and special dinners add a hint of festive spirit, so you get the best of both worlds: sunshine by day and fairy lights by night. And while Gran Canaria prices are higher than those of Egypt, it’s still one of the top destinations for value for money.
Flight time from the UK: Around 4.5 hours
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Safety: Very safe; tourism-focused with good healthcare and reliable infrastructure
Best for value all-inclusive resorts: Hurghada, Egypt
If warmth and affordability top your wish list, Hurghada is hard to beat. December days are sunny and dry, with highs in the low 20s and warm seas perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Most families come for the Red Sea resorts – sprawling all-inclusive hotels with waterparks, kids’ clubs, buffets and entertainment included in the price. Many have coral reefs right off the beach, so you can snorkel with colourful fish without leaving the hotel grounds.
Excursions add variety, from desert quad-biking to day trips to Luxor’s ancient temples. The value is exceptional.
Flight time from the UK: Around 5.5 hours
Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)
Safety: Tourist areas are secure and well-patrolled, though travel outside resorts should be arranged through trusted operators
Best for tropical beaches: Goa, India
Goa in December offers the kind of winter sun you dream about: golden beaches, palm trees and gently lapping waves. It’s lively but not overwhelming, with a relaxed mix of Indian and Portuguese influences that feels unique.
Families tend to gravitate to North Goa, around Calangute and Candolim, where beaches are wide and calm. Kids can paddle safely, and beach shacks serve fresh seafood and smoothies straight to your sunbed. Beyond the beach, you’ll find spice farms, colourful markets and dolphin-spotting trips.
December is peak season, so the atmosphere is buzzing and the weather is reliably sunny. Resorts often throw Christmas parties with a tropical twist, and prices, while higher than other months, still undercut Southeast Asia or the Caribbean. For families wanting somewhere exotic yet laid-back, Goa is a brilliant compromise between adventure and relaxation.
Flight time from the UK: Around 9.5–10 hours (direct seasonal flights)
Currency: Indian rupee (INR)
Safety: Generally safe for tourists; usual precautions apply, particularly with road travel and beach safety
Best for adventure and relaxation: Sri Lanka
Few places tick as many boxes for families as Sri Lanka does in December. The south coast is dry and sunny, with beaches perfect for swimming, plus wildlife parks, tea plantations and temples all within a couple of hours’ drive.
Base yourself in resorts like Bentota or Hikkaduwa for calm seas and family-friendly hotels. When you’ve had your fill of the beach, you can take a safari to see elephants, hop on a scenic train through the hills, or visit a turtle sanctuary.
Food is mild, fresh and child-friendly, and locals are famously welcoming. Prices are far lower than in the Maldives or Thailand, yet the beaches are just as beautiful. For families after tropical sun with a dash of culture and plenty to explore, Sri Lanka is a superb all-rounder.
Flight time from the UK: Around 11 hours (direct to Colombo)
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
Safety: Welcoming and safe for families; exercise standard care when travelling long distances or in crowded areas
Best for long-haul luxury at mid-range prices: Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is a family favourite for good reason: great weather, excellent food and resorts that pack in a lot for the money. By mid-December, the monsoon has gone, and the skies are reliably blue.
Kata and Karon beaches are the best bets for families – clean, calm and lined with hotels that range from good-value to five-star fancy. The sea is warm, the food is fresh and mild, and there’s enough to do beyond the beach: boat trips to nearby islands, elephant sanctuaries, night markets and cooking classes.
It’s long-haul, yes, but flights are direct and prices remain reasonable compared to the Caribbean. For a sunshine Christmas with cultural flavour and kid-pleasing beaches, Phuket makes a persuasive case.
Flight time from the UK: Around 12 hours (direct seasonal flights)
Currency: Thai baht (THB)
Safety: Safe and family-friendly; beaches are patrolled and tourism services are reliable, though road traffic can be hectic
Best for UK breaks: Northumberland, England
Northumberland’s dramatic coastline, castles and national parks are picture-perfect in winter. Families can explore Bamburgh Castle, wander Holy Island, or enjoy stargazing in Europe’s largest Dark Sky Park.
Accommodation is good value, with family-friendly cottages and B&Bs from around £100–£150 per night. Cosy pubs and seasonal menus make it easy to warm up after brisk walks along the coast or through forests.
For families wanting a festive UK break without flying, Northumberland delivers space, scenery and seasonal charm at a fraction of international prices.
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Making Christmas travel work for families
Travelling over Christmas doesn’t have to mean overspending or missing out on festive magic. With the school holidays offering two clear weeks to play with, it’s a chance to experience something new – skiing, sunshine or a new culture – without sacrificing the traditions that make the season special.
Whether you fancy hot chocolate in a snowy square or a barbecue on the beach, the best family Christmas holidays combine value, ease and a sense of wonder. And isn’t that what Christmas is supposed to be about?
FAQs about family Christmas holidays
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Dates vary slightly by region, but most schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland break up around 20–23 December and return around 3–6 January. In Scotland, holidays often start a little earlier, from around 18 December. Always check with your child’s school before booking, as term dates differ between councils.
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It depends on where and when you go. The week of Christmas itself (around 22–29 December) is one of the priciest times to travel, especially for ski or long-haul destinations. But prices can be much lower in the days leading up to Christmas, or if you fly home before New Year’s Eve.
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Eastern Europe (like Kraków or Bansko) offers classic Christmas markets and snowy fun for much less than Austria or Switzerland. For warmth, Egypt and the Canaries are strong value options with family-friendly resorts and plenty of winter sunshine.
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In many European cities, some attractions and shops do shut on 25 December, though Christmas markets often run right through until Boxing Day or later. In winter sun destinations such as Gran Canaria, Hurghada or Phuket, it’s largely business as usual – beaches, tours and restaurants stay open.
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Ideally, three to six months ahead for the best flight and hotel prices. Christmas week fills up quickly, especially for ski and long-haul holidays. But if you’re flexible with dates – for example, travelling before 20 December or returning just after New Year – you can still find last-minute bargains.
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