November 6, 2026, 4:03 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Christmas doesn’t have to be all about festive meals, gift-giving, and the same family rituals. Those looking to escape holiday stress can use the festive days for travel, whether to the snow, under the sun, or to another city. But which destinations are particularly suitable for Christmas, what do they cost, and how do you explain to your family that you won’t be celebrating with them this time?
Why a Christmas Trip Can Be Beneficial
For many people, traditions are part of Christmas. At the same time, the holidays are often associated with expectations, obligations, and stress. A trip can be an opportunity to break away from familiar routines and celebrate Christmas according to your own preferences.
Psychologist Christina Miro sees definite advantages in this: “It offers the chance to experience Christmas in a completely different and conscious way—according to your own needs.”
A change of scenery also helps. Those who actually travel can more easily leave behind the usual Christmas structures than if the holidays are simply spent differently at home.
Also interesting: How do you say “Merry Christmas!” in French?
Ski Vacations Over Christmas Are in High Demand
The idea of spending Christmas traveling is not unusual. Ski resorts, in particular, experience peak season during the holidays. At Snowtrex, a tour operator specializing in winter travel, booking rates reach their highest level at this time.
As a result, availability can be tight. Hotels and vacation homes in high-altitude areas of the Alps are often booked well in advance. However, those flexible with the location of their accommodation and willing to accept longer distances to the valley station can still find options at short notice. Such accommodations can also be significantly cheaper.
Looking beyond the classic Alpine regions can also be worthwhile. According to Jonas Meister from Snowtrex, there are usually longer availability periods in the German low mountain ranges and in the mountains of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Christmas in Lapland: Northern Lights Instead of Ski Slopes
Finland’s north offers an alternative to the classic ski vacation. In Lapland, short days and long, cozy nights set the winter rhythm. Instead of as many runs as possible, the program includes Northern Lights, husky safaris, and reindeer sleigh rides.
However, such a Christmas vacation is not cheap. Tours through Lapland become significantly more expensive over the holidays. Aage Dünhaupt from the tour operator Tui provides a specific example: “An eight-day stay in Ylläsjärvi over the holidays costs from 2,830 euros per person in a double room with flights from/to Berlin to Kittilä and half board.”
Egypt and Turkey as More Affordable Sunny Destinations
Those who prefer sun over snow and cold will also find plenty of options. According to Tui spokesperson Dünhaupt, Egypt is particularly attractive in terms of price and performance.
In vacation spots like Hurghada, Marsa Alam, or Sharm El Sheikh, “you get a lot of vacation for your money,” confirms Dennis Schrahe, managing director of Alltours. He cites a hotel in Hurghada as an example: Seven nights over Christmas in a bungalow with all-inclusive catering and flights from Frankfurt are offered from 851 euros per person.
Turkey can also be an alternative for budget-conscious travelers. Although Christmas does not hold the same cultural significance in Egypt and Turkey as in Christian countries, many hotels cater to their guests, decorate festively, and offer Christmas menus.
Another option for a sunny Christmas vacation is the Canary Islands. Their popularity is high: “They are by far the most popular sunny destination for our guests over Christmas and New Year’s,” says Tui spokesperson Dünhaupt.
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Long-Distance Travel for Christmas: From Thailand to the Caribbean
Those planning a larger trip for the holidays also have a wide selection. Anke Budde, operator of a travel agency in Bretzenheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, and president of the Alliance of Independent Travel Companies, mentions South Africa and Namibia, among others. Islands in the Indian Ocean like Mauritius and the Seychelles, as well as Thailand and Vietnam in Asia, are also options.
Caribbean destinations are also available. “Of course, the Caribbean should not be missing,” says Budde. The hurricane season ends there in late November. Afterward, many regions in the Caribbean enter an attractive travel period with high temperatures and relatively little rainfall.
This, however, is reflected in travel costs. A Christmas vacation in the Caribbean is likely to cost several thousand euros per person.
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Madeira for Hikers, Cruises for Christmas Fans
Not everyone wants to spend Christmas on the beach or ski slopes. For these travelers, Aage Dünhaupt suggests another option: “Madeira is a hidden gem for those who need neither skiing nor the beach,” says the Tui spokesperson. The Portuguese Atlantic island offers spring-like weather and good conditions for hiking at this time of year.
Cruises are also in high demand over the Christmas holidays and are offered extensively. Families don’t necessarily have to miss out on a traditional gift-giving on board. According to the cruise line, Santa Claus distributes gifts brought by parents to the children on Aida Cruises, along with his angels.
According to Budde, the choice of destination is primarily determined by whether the vacation aligns with personal preferences. Christmas and New Year’s hold special emotional significance for many people. “Accordingly, expectations for a trip during this time are also high.”
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Christmas Without Family: How to Talk About Travel Plans
Those who usually spend the holidays with family and want to travel for the first time should not announce their plans just before Christmas. Psychologist Miro recommends informing family and relatives early: “So they can prepare and the change doesn’t come as a surprise.”
Using “I” statements that focus on personal desires can be helpful. A possible example: “I feel the need to experience something special for Christmas.”
At the same time, it’s important to show that spending time with family is still valued. For instance, those who cherish the traditional festive meal can offer to meet before departure or celebrate after returning.
However, not all family members may approve of the decision. Such reactions may need to be endured. “You can’t always meet everyone’s expectations. That’s just how it is,” says Miro.
With material from dpa