Christmas with a difference: The five best spots for a festive getaway in 2025
Look ahead to the most wonderful time of the year and secure your special Christmas celebration at one of these five close-to-home hotspots.
The year might be winding down, but there’s still a world of unmissable travel experiences which are worthy of a place on any holiday wish-list. From road trips through North America’s fiery fall colours to tours taking in Norway and Iceland’s spectacular northern lights, we’re looking forward to the unique experiences that the colder weather brings.
It's hard not to acknowledge the Christmas-sized elephant in the room, and our team has been thinking about their favourite hotspots to spend the festive season. Whether you’re after a warm weather escape, or would rather come face-to-face with Santa Claus himself, our festive tours have something for everyone. With that in mind, here are five of our favourite cheer-inspiring destinations across Europe.
Lapland – for memories with the family
Ask anyone who’s braved the cold, Christmas in Europe doesn’t get much more magical than breath-taking Lapland. Nestled on the border between Sweden and Finland, on the edge of the Arctic Circle, this magnificent region is home to snow-dusted landscapes, cosy log cabins, and charming local wildlife, including wild huskies and reindeer. With exhilarating cold-weather activities and, of course, a meeting with the big man himself, there’s fun for the whole family to be had in this delightful region. Experience traditional husky-drawn sled rides, meet the local reindeer, and tuck into some freshly baked festive treats before bringing your day trip to a close with a flight back home later in the evening.
Our recommended tour: Lapland Santa Experience Day Trip
Vienna – for gift shopping
While charming Christmas markets can be found across the world, few compare to the Austrian capital’s renowned Christkindlmarkt, which dominates Vienna’s Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square) every winter. Here, you’ll find hundreds of stalls, serving warming traditional treats, artisanal handicrafts and festive-themed souvenirs – the perfect way to get in the mood for the big day. It’s not just the Rathaus that is swept over by Christmas cheer, too, and you’ll find special seasonal attractions at the city’s other major landmarks, including the Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces.
Our recommended tour: Vienna Christmas Markets
Kranjska Gora – for solo travellers
Positioned in the Slovenian Alps, the charming resort town of Kranjska Gora is a fine spot to enjoy a relaxing Christmas holiday away from the noise of the busy festive period back home. With a wide range of first-class spa facilities available in the town, and some of the most impressive alpine vistas in Southern Europe at your fingertips, relaxation is sure to be front of mind with a stop in this exquisite region. If you’d prefer a more active winter getaway, Kranjska Gora also offers easy access to nearby Ljubljana and picturesque Bled, home to its lakeside Winter Fairytale festival, so there’ll never be a dull moment in the Slovenian Alps.
Our recommended tour: Christmas in the Slovenian Alps – Exclusively Solos
The Algarve – for winter warmth
The colder temperatures aren’t for everyone, and if you’d prefer a warm-weather escape to the south, there aren’t many destinations that can beat the idyllic Algarve for its delightful year-round weather. With a number of charming Portuguese towns and major coastal centres within easy reach, this memorable region offers an authentic taste of the country’s favourite festive traditions. Try a bolo rei as you peruse Lisbon’s impressive light displays, take in Lagos’ Christmas Village, and admire Olhao’s intricate nativity scenes – however you choose to spend your holiday, a stop on the Algarve promises to be memorable.
Our recommended tour: Christmas on the Algarve
The Pyrenees – for a white Christmas on the rails
Rail enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to mark the festive period with a truly memorable train ride through the Pyrenees’ exquisite frozen landscapes. With a journey across this winter wonderland, you’ll enjoy rides aboard the famous TPFC Little Red Train and the Nuria Rack Railway, the highest running route in Southern Europe. What’s more, with stops at a number of charming French and Spanish towns en route, you can enjoy local traditions to get you in the festive spirit. Stopping in the famed Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, why not try a glass of Muscat de Noel for an indulgent start to your celebrations?
Our recommended tour: Little Trains of the Pyrenees at Christmas
Treat yourself to a wish-list festive escape with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’d prefer to make Christmas memories closer to home or are keen to experience the holiday season further afield, our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help you find your ideal getaway. Give them a call today to get the ball rolling or check out our full range of festive escapes on our dedicated Christmas and New Year breaks page. If you’d prefer an earlier escape, our Christmas Market tours offer the perfect start to the holiday season.
