Some of us are old fashioned and like nothing more than cosying up in front of the fire with our family, a tipple or two and plenty of chocolate and leftover turkey when it comes to celebrating Christmas. But if you’re looking to spice up your Yuletide experience, we might have got just the thing for you.
Many like nothing more than a perfect excuse for a trip aboard, and the bank holidays as well as last remaining days of annual leave make Christmas the optimum time to enjoy an overseas break, so if you’re looking to change up your festive season, read on to discover five incredible places you really should consider visiting.
This guide is intended for inspiration. You should check the latest government advice for visits to individual destinations before attempting to travel, and be aware of any local guidelines or restrictions when holidaying in a different country.
Germany
Christmas markets have long been a popular pastime during December for British Chrimbo-lovers up and down the country, but did you know that the influence of such stalls and general festivities comes from Germany?
You’ll often find a selection of delicious German snacks and treats available such as bratwurst and frankfurter hot dogs, as well as cute handmade crafts made by natives, but making the trip over to Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg (or one of the many others!) gives you the chance to enjoy the real Xmas market experience and a pretty city all in one go.
Maldives
If you aren’t a fan of having to wrap up warm when the winter weather on these shores really starts to bite, perhaps turning up the heat not just on the Christmas turkey, but also on your back might be a better option for you. Maybe the feast of festivities is more of an annual annoyance to you rather than a month of pleasant madness, and if so, a trip to the tranquil setting of the Maldives might be right up your street.
With crystal clear blue seas, clear skies and golden sand, you’ll be far away from the wet and wind of the UK and instead slapping on the sun cream in the blistering heat with views aplenty to gaze out onto. If you really want to treat yourself, go for one of the amazing beach huts for a holiday experience truly like no other!
Reykjavik
Special pretty much all year round, Iceland’s capital city of Iceland really comes into its own at Christmas time when there’s a chill in the air but no end of glorious sights to see. During its long December nights, sparkling Xmas lights illuminate the streets, and keep an eye out for The 13 Yule Lads -a group of holiday trolls you see around that are the Icelandic equivalent to Santa Claus.
On clear evenings, you’ll also be able to see the Northern Lights so take a good camera and prepare to be amazed!
Lapland
A firm family favourite, Lapland holidays are quite possibly the most magical type of break to enjoy with your little ones. As with Iceland, the Northern Lights can also be seen here, and Lapland has the added Santa Claus Village experience & office, where kids can see the big man himself, plus other super-fun things such as ice karting, Angry Birds Park and Santa Claus’ Secret Forest – a journey of discovery about St Nick’s elves as well as countless amazing activities.
Sydney
Swap turkey and potatoes for ‘another shrimp on the barbi’ in Australia’s wonderful city of Sydney for a truly unique festive experience in the sunshine. The local Christmas lights are something to behold and the celebrations themselves last for a whole month – talk about getting into the Yuletide spirit!
December 25th falls right in the middle of the Australian summer, so once you’ve opened a few presents and filled up on food, head to a rooftop bar for a sun soaked afternoon and a festive season like no other
Would you consider a trip to one of these destinations for a Christmas break? Or perhaps somewhere else takes your fancy? Let us know by tweeting @icelollyholiday!
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