Fancy something different for Christmas this year? December is a good window to escape the cold, catch some winter sun, wander a festive city, or just spend the holidays somewhere new with the family. From Spain’s warmer islands to long-haul spots like the Maldives and Mauritius, there’s no shortage of Christmas holiday destinations worth a look for 2026.
If you’re wondering where it’s hot in December, Spain is one of the easiest options to reach from the UK, especially the Canary Islands. Want something more tropical? Egypt, Dubai, Thailand and Sri Lanka all deliver proper winter-sun weather.
Whether you’re after a luxury break, a family-friendly Christmas trip or something more affordable, the right destination comes down to what kind of December you actually want.
Christmas Holiday Destinations 2026
Christmas travel means different things to different people. Some want beaches and warmth; others want Christmas markets, twinkling lights and a proper winter chill.
Which destination suits you best really depends on the experience you’re chasing.
If it’s sunshine you’re after, southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean all deliver an escape from the cold. Spain stands out because it’s a short flight and still gives you milder December weather.
If a traditional festive atmosphere is more your thing, cities like Vienna, Prague and Strasbourg have the markets, the lights and the seasonal buzz to match.
Families tend to gravitate towards resorts with easy logistics and things for the kids to do, while couples often lean towards boutique hotels, quieter settings and a bit more privacy.
Where Is Hot in December?
If sunshine matters more to you than snow, December gives you plenty to choose from.
Spain’s Canary Islands are the most accessible European option for winter sun, while Egypt and Dubai push the temperature up further still. Go further afield and Thailand, the Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka give you a genuinely tropical Christmas.
Temperature isn’t the only thing to weigh up, though. Flight time, budget, the type of accommodation, and whether you want a beach holiday, a sightseeing trip or a city break all matter just as much.
Quick Guide to December Winter Sun
| Destination | Best For | Typical Daytime Temperature | Typical Nighttime Temperature | December Holiday Style |
| Canary Islands | European winter sun | 20–23°C | 15–17°C | Beaches, resorts and family breaks |
| Costa del Sol | Mild weather and sightseeing | 15–18°C | 7–10°C | Coastal and cultural holidays |
| Egypt | Warm weather and resorts | 22–25°C | 13–16°C | Beach, history and all-inclusive stays |
| Dubai | Luxury and sunshine | 25–27°C | 17–19°C | Beaches, shopping and city experiences |
| Thailand | Tropical escape | 28–32°C | 22–25°C | Beaches, culture and adventure |
| Maldives | Luxury relaxation | 29–30°C | 24–25°C | Resorts, beaches and water activities |
| Mauritius | Tropical family and luxury trips | 27–30°C | 22–24°C | Beaches, resorts and nature |
| Sri Lanka | Culture and beaches | 28–30°C | 21–24°C | Touring, wildlife and coastal stays |
These are typical December climate ranges rather than guaranteed temperatures. Conditions can vary according to the specific resort, city, island and year.
Is Spain Warm in December?
Spain is a diverse country, so December weather varies considerably between regions.
The southern coast and Canary Islands are generally more suitable for travellers seeking mild winter weather, while northern and inland areas can be considerably cooler.
That makes location particularly important when choosing Spain for a Christmas holiday.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are one of the most popular choices for travellers searching for winter sun in Spain.
Daytime temperatures sit around 20–23°C in December, dropping to roughly 15–17°C overnight. It varies a bit island to island, but that mild climate is exactly why Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura stay so popular over the festive period.
They can work well for couples, families and travellers looking for a relaxed Christmas break without giving up access to beaches and outdoor activities.
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is another option for a December trip to Spain.
Around the Málaga and Marbella area, typical daytime temperatures are approximately 15–18°C, while nighttime temperatures can fall to around 7–10°C. December is not typically beach-weather in the same way as the Canary Islands, but the area can offer mild conditions compared with much of northern Europe.
The Costa del Sol is especially appealing if your idea of a Christmas holiday includes restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, coastal walks and exploring Spanish cities rather than spending every day on the beach.
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca, including destinations such as Alicante and Benidorm, is another region to consider for a winter escape.
Typical daytime temperatures are around 16–18°C, with nighttime temperatures of approximately 8–10°C.
The region combines coastal scenery with restaurants, entertainment and sightseeing, making it an option for travellers who want a relaxed Christmas break without travelling to a long-haul destination.
Andalusia
Andalusia offers a different type of December experience.
Daytime temperatures in parts of the region are typically around 15–18°C, while nighttime temperatures can fall to approximately 7–10°C. Conditions vary between coastal and inland locations.
Cities such as Seville, Málaga and Córdoba combine historic architecture, Spanish culture, food and festive events with generally milder conditions than many northern European destinations.
For travellers who want sunshine alongside sightseeing and culture, Andalusia can be a strong option.
Luxury Holidays to Spain
Spain can also be an excellent choice for a luxury Christmas holiday.
Travellers looking for a more premium experience can choose upscale hotels, private villas, luxury resorts and tailored itineraries in destinations such as Marbella, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
A luxury holiday to Spain can also be built around the type of experience you want. That could mean a beachfront resort, a private villa, fine dining, spa treatments or a combination of sightseeing and relaxation.
For couples and families who want to spend Christmas away from home without travelling to a long-haul destination, Spain offers a range of luxury holiday options.
Other Winter-Sun Destinations: Best Places to Travel in December
Spain isn’t the only option for travellers looking for sunshine during the Christmas period. Several destinations outside Europe offer warmer weather and different holiday experiences.
Egypt
Egypt pairs warm December weather with beaches, resorts and serious history.
The Red Sea resorts suit anyone after a proper beach holiday, while Cairo and Luxor open up Egypt’s ancient sites for those who’d rather explore than relax.
Expect daytime temperatures of around 22–25°C at the Red Sea resorts, dropping to about 13–16°C overnight.
Dubai
Dubai offers warmer December weather, with typical daytime temperatures of approximately 25–27°C and nighttime temperatures around 17–19°C.
A December trip to Dubai can combine beaches with shopping, restaurants, attractions and sightseeing. It can also suit travellers looking for a luxury Christmas break.
Thailand
Thailand offers a much more tropical Christmas experience.
December daytime temperatures can reach approximately 28–32°C, with nighttime temperatures commonly around 22–25°C, depending on the destination.
Beaches and island resorts sit alongside Thai food and cultural sightseeing here. Phuket and Krabi are popular choices for beach-focused holidays.
Maldives
For travellers prioritising tropical weather and luxury, the Maldives offers typical December daytime temperatures of around 29–30°C, with nighttime temperatures close to 24–25°C.
It is particularly suited to couples and travellers looking for a premium escape, although families can also find resorts designed for family stays.
Mauritius
Mauritius brings warm December weather, with daytime temperatures around 27–30°C and nights around 22–24°C.
Beaches sit alongside nature and resort life here. It can suit both luxury travellers and families looking for a longer Christmas holiday in a tropical setting.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can provide warm tropical conditions in December, with typical daytime temperatures around 28–30°C and nighttime temperatures approximately 21–24°C, depending on the region.
The country offers a mixture of beaches, wildlife, culture and sightseeing. Instead of spending the entire Sri Lanka holiday at one resort, travellers can combine different parts of the country into a broader December itinerary.
Traditional Christmas Holiday Destinations
Not everyone wants to escape winter during Christmas.
If your ideal Christmas includes decorated streets, Christmas markets, historic architecture and a colder festive atmosphere, several European destinations can offer a very different experience.
Vienna is known for its Christmas markets and elegant historic setting, while Prague offers medieval architecture alongside festive markets and seasonal attractions.
Strasbourg is another strong choice for that classic Christmas-market feel, and Budapest combines markets with historic sights and thermal baths for something a bit different.
These destinations are better suited to travellers who want to experience the atmosphere of a traditional European Christmas rather than spend Christmas on a beach.
Best Family Christmas Holiday Destinations
Picking a family Christmas destination is about more than warm weather.
You’re thinking about flight times, the right kind of accommodation, things for the kids, and enough variety to keep everyone happy for a week or two.
Spain does well here because different regions suit different families. The Canary Islands bring beaches and family resorts, while somewhere like the Costa del Sol adds sightseeing and entertainment into the mix.
If you’re happy to travel a bit further, Dubai, Egypt and Mauritius all offer resort holidays built around activities for different age groups. Our full range of holiday packages makes it easy to compare family-friendly options side by side.
How to Find Cheap Christmas Holidays in 2026
Christmas travel gets pricier around peak dates so a bit of planning goes a long way.
Compare Different Travel Dates
Christmas and New Year see the highest demand. If your schedule has any flexibility, try shifting your departure and return dates and see how the price moves.
Compare Different Airports
Travelling from an alternative airport may sometimes provide more flight options or different fares. Check the total journey cost, including transport and parking before making a decision.
Consider Package Holidays
Combining flights and accommodation can sometimes provide better value than booking each component separately. Check the total package price against booking the same things individually, or browse our current special offers for ready-made deals.
Look Beyond the Most Popular Destinations
Some of the cheapest holiday destinations may not be the destinations receiving the most attention during the Christmas period.
Comparing several destinations can help you identify alternatives that fit your budget without abandoning the type of holiday you want.
Book According to Your Priorities
The cheapest option isn’t necessarily the most suitable one.
Before booking, consider the weather, flight duration, accommodation, transfers and activities alongside the headline price.
Choose by Holiday Type
| If you want… | Consider |
| The shortest flight to sunshine | Canary Islands |
| Proper tropical heat | Maldives, Thailand |
| Warm weather + luxury | Dubai, Maldives, Mauritius |
| A family-friendly beach holiday | Tenerife, Dubai, Mauritius |
| Beaches + culture | Sri Lanka, Thailand |
| Christmas in the sunshine | Dubai, Tenerife, Barbados |
| Traditional Christmas atmosphere | Vienna, Prague, Strasbourg |
| A honeymoon | Maldives, Mauritius |
| A more affordable winter-sun break | Canary Islands, Egypt |
Christmas 2026 Planning Guide
Booking early gives you more room to compare destinations, accommodation and travel dates.
Start by working out what kind of trip you actually want:
- Winter sun: Consider Spain, Egypt or Dubai.
- Tropical beaches: Look at Thailand, the Maldives, Mauritius or Sri Lanka.
- Traditional Christmas: Consider European destinations such as Vienna, Prague or Strasbourg.
- Family holiday: Prioritise convenient travel, suitable accommodation and activities for children.
- Luxury escape: Look for premium resorts, villas and tailored experiences.
Planning early makes it easier to compare destinations, travel dates, accommodation and holiday packages for Christmas 2026.
Once you’ve chosen your destination, compare flight dates, accommodation, transfer arrangements and travel requirements before booking.
Plan Your Christmas Holiday for 2026
Whether it’s Spanish sunshine, a tropical beach or a long-haul luxury escape on your mind, the right destination comes down to your priorities, your budget and the kind of holiday you actually want, and Christmas dates get booked up fast.
At Let’s Fly Now, we take the guesswork out of it. Tell us your dates, your budget and the kind of trip you’re picturing, and we’ll build a fully tailored holiday package around it, flights, hotels and transfers included, all backed by ATOL protection.
Ready to lock in your 2026 Christmas getaway?
Call us on 02035041788, WhatsApp us or get in touch and we’ll help you get your December sorted before the good availability disappears.
