It is a true winter wonderland
The Christmas holidays are coming and that means quality time with your loved ones.
For some, the festive period is enjoyed at home while for others, it means going away.
Whether it be enjoying some sun or the cold, there are plenty of Christmas holiday destinations to think out.
You might be looking for a traditional Christmas, like visiting an authentic German market or preferring some winter sun such as Barbados.
But whatever you like, here are some ideas on how you might want to spend this festive season.
Iceland
Iceland is the perfect holiday destination to spend Christmas.
During the festive season, the country is full of lively Christmas markets, where wooden booths brimming with food, drinks and gifts shimmer.
It is a true winter wonderland made up of lava fields and craggy mountains topped with snow.
Iceland will get cold but not to worry, take a warm dip in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters.
Visit the mountains and catch the northern lights glimmering in the dark sky and don’t forget other seasonal sojourns such as trekking near the Snaefellsjokull glacier.
Germany
Christmas holidays are celebrated to the fullest in Germany as its legendary Christmas markets are packed with mulled wine and shining lights.
Hip Berlin has a huge funfair and you can get into the Christmas spirit with a ticket to the Alexanderplatz show.
History enthusiasts might want to spend the holidays at the ancient castle of Colditz.
If you plan on travelling to Germany for Christmas, make sure to pack warm clothing as temperatures typically drop well into minus figures in December and the average low is -1°C.
There is also a high chance of snow.
Barbados
For a tropical Christmas, visit Barbados.
With this island country, it is all about swimming in azure seas, relaxing on sandy beaches and sipping on rum.
Barbados is at its most relaxed between mid-September and mid-December. Hotel prices drop by up to a third.
There is a risk of rain but it never lasts long, with average temperatures of 27°C.
The island’s Atlantic side is an exhilarating whirl of dramatic shores, rolling surf, coconut palm trees and topsy-turvy hills that seem a world away from the congested beach resorts.
Visit Bay Tavern in Martin’s Bay as it is a mellow spot, perfect for relaxation.
Muscat, Oman
Muscat is a unique Christmas holiday destination but an enjoyable one.
Fifteen minutes from the airport is the beach while the five-star hotel, The Chedi, is suitable for families with small children.
Families with older kids should head for Six Senses Zighy Bay, hidden behind the Al Hajar Mountains on the sandy south coast.
You can enjoy hiking and relax in the spa before getting dressed up for a lavish dinner.
You can also take a traditional dhow boat trip from Marina Bandar al Rowhda and enjoy looking at rare marine life.
Hire a local driver and travel around Muscat to explore its frankincense-scented Mutrah Souq.
Edinburgh, Scotland
A Christmas getaway does not have to be far from home as Edinburgh is an appealing location to visit during the festive period.
Even under grey skies, you have warm, iconic museums and restaurants.
The cold North Sea winds provide the perfect excuse to visit a snug bar for a glass of Scotch whisky.
Go in early December when the Christmas markets are open but the city is still relatively quiet.
Take a ride on the panoramic big wheel above Princes Street or visit the Scottish National Gallery to contemplate winter scenes.
After dark, head to the Royal Botanic Garden to sip spiced cider and marvel at its Christmas illuminations.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a traditional city filled with authentic chocolate and beer, making for a great place when buying presents.
Walk around the Old Town streets, visit vaulted beer cellars and shop for lederhosen.
Wander along the narrow Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s glitzy shopping alley, where five-storey Renaissance houses stand out among the cold weather.
Explore its dimly lit arched passages and eventually, you might come across Balkan Grill Walter, a kiosk selling Balkan beef sausages since 1950.
After, enjoy some prosecco at Seppo’s intimate wine bar, or sit with the locals in the hidden Sternbräu beer garden.
New York City, USA
In many Hollywood films, New York City is the face of Christmas so why not travel there during the holidays?
Although the chance of snow is not certain, it is always possible as temperatures can dip to -10°C.
Shop window displays are like free galleries as you look to see what you might want to buy.
Head to the Rockefeller Centre for a glass of mulled wine and a look at the stunning tree.
For Christmas shopping, visit Bryant Park, which has been transformed into a Winter Village. Stalls sell affordable gifts such as handmade scarves and soaps.
Feel free to put your skates on and take to the famous ice rink.
The Maldives
An exotic Christmas holiday destination to visit is The Maldives.
Fly to the capital of Male then take a seaplane to a private island resort such as Medhufushi.
Enjoy a stay in a villa suspended on stilts above the jacuzzi-warm waters of the Indian Ocean and snorkel your way through the season.
On Christmas Day, many hotels in The Maldives offer traditional menus.
But if you don’t fancy a traditional dinner, you can enjoy fresh lobster, oysters and grouper, all complimented with a bottle of something sparkling.
Courchevel, France
This destination is ideal for skiing enthusiasts.
Easy-skiing pistes combine with five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants.
Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve has the biggest social buzz, with skiers slaloming down icy slopes and enjoying champagne in one of the many bars available.
But visiting Courcheval during the festive period is not cheap.
So save where you can by booking a central self-catering apartment in the Forum.
Improve your skiing skills by enrolling in a ski school and don’t wait until December 31 to start the celebrations.
Lapland, Finland
For a proper Christmas experience, visit Lapland, specifically the smaller resorts of Levi, Yllas or Saariselka.
There are a variety of activities, such as snowmobiling, skiing and reindeer rides.
Santa’s village is out in the wilderness. Children can decorate gingerbread cookies with Mother Claus, make decorations and visit Elf school to learn Finnish words such as ‘Hyvaa Joulua’ (Happy Christmas), as well as meeting Santa himself.
Lapland prioritises wholesome festive fun.
But if you want to enjoy the snow, wait until the second or third weekend in December.
It is best to book a few days in Lapland.
Lapland has just four hours of daylight, after which a green and pink glow lights up the night sky.
These holiday destinations appeal to different preferences.
A getaway mixes up your normal Christmas and gives you the chance to enjoy a whole new experience.
As the festive season draws closer, going on holiday for some sun or snow might be something to consider.
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