Whether you’re escaping a Christmas at home for the first time or are a seasoned traveller, enjoying the festive season abroad is the gift that keeps on giving for the whole family.
What’s not to love? Say Sayonara to the supermarket queues! Have someone else cook the Christmas dinner (and do the washing up!). Avoid Boxing Day traffic jams whilst doing the rounds of relatives. And no need to nag about too much screen time with SO many exciting activities to choose from!
Here, our experienced travel team has chosen their favourite festive destinations, which our customers agree provide the perfect alternative to a family Christmas holiday at home. Whether you are after guaranteed winter sun and beach fun or, conversely, want to turn the winter dial-up to the max we’ve got you covered. Whatever you prefer, here’s our winter wishlist for fantastic, festive escapes.
Top destinations for tailor-made family Christmas holidays
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1. Where? Costa Rica for wildlife, beach & adventure
Probably our best-prepared guests ever, enjoying their family Christmas holiday in true, festive spirit!
What will the weather be like in Costa Rica at Christmas?
Costa Rica is tropical and is covered in rainforest. But Christmas is one of the best times to visit and there should be plenty of sunshine. Bring a mac or a brolly just in case, but don’t forget your sun cream and sun hat.
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
Exploring the quiet waters of the Peñas Blancas river by boat, keeping watch for caiman, bats, monkeys and snakes. See our Costa Rica with Kids feature and customer photo gallery for examples of activities our customers have loved.
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
Walking across giant hanging suspension bridges in Arenal and whooshing down the volcano’s multiple-stage zip line. Exhilarating!
How? Best Costa Rica itinerary for families
Costa Rica Easter & Christmas
2. Where? Cambodia for temples, jungle & beach
Swim in waterfalls and explore ancient ruins on a family Christmas holiday in Cambodia
What will the weather be like in Cambodia at Christmas?
Cambodia experiences its peak season over Christmas and the New Year, when temperatures are at a wonderfully pleasant 26˚ Celsius. With almost no rainfall and clear blue skies, there’s plenty of sunshine to top up those vitamin D levels. When better than to explore the Angkor temple complex by bike or on foot, or to hang out on the southern beaches?
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
Having flown into the charming town of Siem Reap, you’ll be ready to explore what is arguably the highlight of any trip to Cambodia, Angkor Wat. It’s a vast temple complex and is best explored by bike or with your driver guide, and you can easily spend a few days doing it justice, perhaps Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, too. Watching the sun set over the complex is a Christmas present our customers tell us the whole family loved!
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Staying in a floating eco-resort in the Cardamom Mountains, kayaking through the mangroves, swimming in waterfall pools, or taking a boat ride to see the monkeys and birdlife that live in the jungle canopy. Alternatively, you could hang out on the idyllic islands of Koh Rong. Hammock, anyone? Check out our Cambodia with Kids feature for more inspiration.
How? Best Cambodia itineraries for families
Cambodia Highlights or our combo trip, Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights
3. Where? Egypt for pharaohs, felucas & camels
The kids will never forget visiting the world-famous pyramids on a family Christmas holiday
What will the weather be like in Egypt at Christmas?
Despite December being the first month of winter, the south of the country will be bathed in lovely, sunny weather, with highs of 23˚- 24˚, ideal for sightseeing. Do bring a sweater for evenings, though.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
It’s one of the quintessential Egyptian experiences: taking a felucca (a traditional sailboat) down the Nile, stopping at temples en route. Not only do you feel immersed in the culture, but it’s also slow travel at its best.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Taking a camel ride around the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and coming up close and personal with the Sphinx. For more ideas on family-friendly activities that families tell us they love, see our Egypt with Kids blog and our customer photos of Egypt gallery.
How? Best Egypt itinerary for families
Highlights of Egypt
4. Where? Norway for dog sledding, snowmobiles & Northern Lights
Dog-sledding is exhilarating, huge fun and a Stubborn Mule favourite
What will the weather be like in Norway at Christmas?
Quintessential, quite magical, Christmas weather: snowy, dark and refreshingly cold (from just above freezing to just below in the daytime, around minus 7 at night). Perfect!
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
Prepare for possibly the most active, yet festive, day you’ve ever had. Whether that’s dog-sledding with a team of huskies or going on a guided snow-shoe excursion keeping your eyes peeled for willow grouse or red fox. There’s also cross-country skiing, snowmobiling (min age 8 as passenger and 18 to drive), or learning about reindeer herding from the local Sami people.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Could there be a better way to see in the New Year than watching the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights? We can’t think of one! Get some tips on how to capture this stunning light show on camera.
How? Best Norway itinerary for families
Norway Fjords in Winter
5. Where? New Zealand for geysers, scenery & adrenaline activities
Enjoy long summer days on family Christmas holidays in New Zealand (photo Anna Saunt-Lord)
What will the weather be like in New Zealand at Christmas?
Located in the Southern Hemisphere, if you are travelling during the Christmas holidays, you’ll be exploring Aotearoa (Māori for New Zealand) in peak summer. Expect hot, dry, sunny days as standard, but be prepared for more inclement, changeable weather too. See our Photos of New Zealand to whet your appetite.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
Forget lounging around in dressing gowns opening the stockings, why not go for an explosive Christmas morning on the North Island? At Rotorua, there’s no shortage of bubbling mud and erupting geysers. Take a soak in the (very smelly) thermal pools before indulging in a traditional Maori hangi feast, watching the powerful Haka routine – beats turkey and carols.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
See in the New Year with a bang in the adventure capital of Queenstown. There’s something exciting here for all the family, from the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, reaching Bo’s Peak, or, not for the faint-hearted, taking a luge.
How? Best New Zealand itineraries for families
Highlights of New Zealand in 2 weeks or our 3-week New Zealand Grand Tour
6. Where? Belize for snorkelling, diving & Mayan ruins
Family Christmas holidays in Belize offer incredible beaches, water sports and ancient ruins
What will the weather be like in Belize at Christmas?
Warm, dry, and sunny.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
As family Christmas breaks go, this is fairly hard to beat: waking up to the sound of howler monkeys (we admit, it’s a very loud, guttural roar) in a gorgeous Eco Lodge in Lamanai, Belize’s answer to the Amazon Rainforest. Go crocodile spotting, listen to and watch the colourful wildlife, or walk to a local Mayan ruin.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Snorkelling in Shark Ray Alley. This channel, where rays, sharks, and turtles gather in crystal clear waters, is undoubtedly one of the best places to snorkel in the world. See our Belize with Kids Top 10 feature and our customer photos of Belize and Mexico.
How? Best Belize itinerary for families
Belize Adventure Highlights
7. Where? Thailand for kayaking, elephants & jungle rafts
Soak up the sunshine surrounded by spectacular scenery on a family Christmas holiday in Thailand
What will the weather be like in Thailand at Christmas?
With average temperatures of 27 degrees, peak water visibility, and very little to no rain, we think it’s perfect for kids of all ages. It was the first Asia holiday of Stubborn Mule’s Sinead Bailey’s teenage son and he was blown away by the experience. Temperatures are hotter in the south than in the north.
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
Enjoy an action-packed day in Kanchanaburi, home to the Bridge over the River Kwai. The afternoon is spent helping to care for elephants at a sanctuary, while the evening is spent on a floating jungle raft on the banks of the River Kwai.
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
After a busy trip touring the country’s key sites, it’s time to head for some R&R at the beach. Chill by the pool or head out on kayaks through the beautiful karst formations of the Andaman Sea before returning for a mouth-watering celebration meal. See our Customer photos of Thailand and Thailand with Kids Top 10 features for more ideas.
How? Best Thailand itinerary for families
Southern Thailand Adventure
8. Where? Mexico for haciendas, cenotes & tacos
The kids will love Mexico’s Yucatan beaches – perfect for a family Christmas holiday
What will the weather be like in Mexico at Christmas?
Christmas time is one of the best times to visit, when the weather will be hot, sunny, and gorgeous, but not too humid. You’re looking at average temperatures of around 25 degrees, perfect for family Christmas breaks.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
You’re staying in a beautiful hacienda surrounded by lush plantations. The air is warm, the skies blue, and, after a lazy morning opening presents and enjoying a fresh fruit breakfast, you’ll head out to spend the afternoon swimming in an azure-blue cenote. What better way to end the perfect festive day than enjoying dinner on the terrace, sipping cocktails whilst listening to chirruping cicadas? See our Mexico with Kids Top 10 feature for more activity ideas.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Whilst Mexico is famed for its beaches, why not see in the New Year doing something different? Lake Bacalar is a 42km-long, 2km-wide lake renowned for its clean, turquoise waters. Make the most of the balmy temperatures, maybe stand-up paddle boarding or swimming, before partying in the evening.
How? Best Mexico itinerary for families
Best of Mexico Yucatan Peninsula
9. Where? Sweden for the saunas, dog sledding & Sami reindeer
Experience Swedish Lapland, inside the Arctic Circle, on a family Christmas holiday
What will the weather be like in Sweden at Christmas?
In a word, cold! Visiting Swedish Lapland during Christmas and New Year is a magical Arctic experience, with long polar nights lit by the Aurora Borealis. It’s also well below freezing, between -10˚ and -20˚ Celsius, so wrap up in thermals and keep everything covered. Anticipate snowy eyelashes.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
Sweden offers some of the most exciting Christmas Day activities, from dog sledding and snowmobile safaris to visiting Sami reindeer camps. Cosy up in front of a roaring fire in the evening to enjoy the julbord, a Christmas buffet featuring pickled herring, gravlax, ham (julskinka), meatballs and prinskorv sausage washed down with plenty of glögg.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Swap the fireworks for nature’s most incredible nighttime display, the Aurora Borealis. Heading out into the pitch-black night sky means the experience is even more spectacular.
How? Best Sweden itinerary for families
Swedish Lapland
10. Where? Nepal for the momos, trekking & tigers
Enjoy some festive family bonding in the Himalayas – both gentle and challenging treks available
What will the weather be like in Nepal at Christmas?
Crisp, clear with beautiful skies – the perfect time of year to see the Himalayas at their best, when they’re not covered by the clouds and mists of the rainy season. It’s cold of an evening, so pack your cardi!
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
Spend the day doing what Nepal is best known for, trekking – but it’s superior trekking. After being brought tea and breakfast in your trekking lodge – a step up from the more ubiquitous tea houses – you can walk along the valley paths, being awed by the world’s most iconic mountain scenery.
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
It may be hard to tear yourself away from the luxury safari lodge in Chitwan National Park but rise early, and you’ll be rewarded by wildlife galore as you go on safari on the lookout for rhinos and tigers. As you are on the banks of the River Rapti, you can also head out by boat looking for crocodiles and other water-based wildlife in the afternoon, before being treated to a candlelit banquet back at the lodge. Check out our Nepal with Kids blog for more ideas on child-friendly activities.
11. Where? Sri Lanka for elephants, blissful beach & tea plantations
A Sri Lankan safari is a popular activity on family Christmas holidays
What will the weather be like in Sri Lanka at Christmas?
Plenty of sunshine, dry days and peak beach conditions. Average temperature: 30 degrees.
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
Exploring the largest National Park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu, on a search for leopard, crocodile and sloth bear. The day starts with a relaxing breakfast and time to open a present or two. In the afternoon, you will take a safari in search of wildlife before returning to an African-style safari camp for a slap-up supper. (See our Sri Lanka with Kids Top 10 for an inspiring overview of what you can do on family Christmas breaks, along with our customer photo gallery.)
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
Enjoying the picturesque tea plantations of Ella, either relaxing by the pool or taking a hike through the plantations with superb views. The evening entertainment will be relatively low-key, but you can join other guests for a celebratory dinner.
How? Best Sri Lanka itinerary for families
Sri Lanka Christmas Tour
12. Where? Colombia for street food, city tours & Caribbean beaches
There’s such a lot to explore in Colombia over the Christmas break
What will the weather be like in Colombia at Christmas?
It is the dry season in December so the ideal time to visit this up-and-coming ‘hot’ destination (it will be reasonably hot too!). But remember Bogota, the capital is over 2600m in the Andes and many regions are tropical so, basically, pack for all climates.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
Recovering from Christmas Eve! In Medellin, they go to town with the lights. Take an evening tour to add some real sparkle to your pre-Christmas Day celebrations and enjoy a snacking food tour of traditional buñuelos (dough balls) and natilla (caramel pudding) amidst all the razzle-dazzle. On Christmas Day, go on a fascinating tour into the city’s infamous narco past, retold through some incredibly colourful street art. You could also visit a local children’s foundation that our partners support and become a real Father Christmas.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Christmas is a really important holiday for Colombia, and for the whole of December, there are celebrations and dancing in the streets, culminating in New Year celebrations. What better spot to bring in the New Year than the Pearl of the Caribbean, Cartagena? Enjoy a magnificent fireworks display, then escape to a Caribbean island for some R&R. Most hotels have a minimum stay and should be booked far in advance. Quirky New Year Colombian tradition – at midnight, walk around town with a suitcase, which should bring you luck for lots of travelling in the following year. We like this!
How? Best Colombia itineraries for families
Best of Colombia or the more adventurous Colombia Off The Beaten Track. See our Colombia with Kids round-up to get a feel of what you can do on a holiday here.
13. Where? Guatemala for kayaking, lakes & street parties
After a day packed with activities, relax on a gorgeous terrace overlooking Lake Atitlan
What will the weather be like in Guatemala at Christmas?
It’s the perfect time of year to go, with plenty of sunshine but not too hot. The rainy season has recently ended, so everything looks lush and green.
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
At Christmas time in Guatemala, you could be out kayaking around Lake Atitlan and visiting the indigenous village of San Marco. Along the way, you could cliff jump and hike along ancient paths through some of the world’s most glorious scenery. And you could enjoy your Christmas dinner outside on a terrace, watching the sun set over the lake.
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
New Year celebrations throughout Guatemala are energetic and colourful, with all-night parties, dancing, live music, and fireworks. Any of the towns and villages that dot Atitlan’s shores should be fun – especially Panajachel.
How? Best Guatemala itineraries for families
Best of Guatemala, or combine with Belize for beach time on our Guatemala & Belize tailor-made itinerary.
14. Where? Laos for temples, river-side bungalows & waterfalls
Stroll around Luang Prabang and the temples, then tuck into a delicious Christmas dinner, Laos-style
What will the weather be like in Laos at Christmas?
Laos is gorgeous at this time of year, as late December is roughly the middle of the dry season, and you’re guaranteed warm and sunny weather – just make sure to pack some sweaters for the evenings.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
This is the perfect time for some R&R. Although Laos is not a beach destination, in the south of the country, the Mekong is wide and home to some tropical-island paradises where you can stay in riverside bungalows with pools and loungers.
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Welcome in the New Year, stroll past the sparkling golden temples of Luang Prabang down to the Mekong River, where you can enjoy an ice-cold drink as you watch life unfold on the river. Later, head to a nearby waterfall for an invigorating swim before dinner in a delicious local restaurant. See our Laos with Kids Top 10 round-up of the best family-friendly activities.
How? Best Laos itineraries for families
Laos Highlights, or combine Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
15. Where? Argentina for steak, lakes & horse riding
It’s the ideal season for Family Christmas holidays in Argentina’s Lake District
What will the weather be like in Argentina at Christmas?
As the UK shivers, Argentina is enjoying the start of the southern hemisphere summer, which lasts from December until March! Expect tropical weather in the north around Iguazu and the Ibera Wetlands, heat and humidity in Buenos Aires, climate perfection in the Lake District, and sunny, if still slightly chilly, weather in Patagonia.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
You could be taking a canoe through stilted houses and subtropical vegetation in Tigre and the Parana Delta, or be hiking amongst stunning scenery in Fitzroy, or visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier!
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Go big in Buenos Aires and enjoy the tango vibe, slap up restaurant meals (steak, wine and tango shows included), and rooftop fireworks to welcome in the New Year. If you prefer a quieter celebration, spend the day on a horse-riding ranch being hosted by an estanciero family and enjoying traditional lamb BBQ.
How? Best Argentina itineraries for families
Argentina Christmas & Easter and Best of Argentina & Chile
16. Where? South Africa for safari, penguins & vineyards
Tracking the Big Five in South Africa – safaris can be adapted to suit all ages
What will the weather be like in South Africa at Christmas?
More sunshine than you could poke a candy cane at.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
Tracking the Big Five, but also black wildebeest, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and more in the Eastern Cape, accompanied by an experienced guide adept at finding the best places to spot wildlife. It’s an early start, yes, but you’ll be able to open your stockings later in the day, perhaps when back at camp enjoying a slap-up lunch. (See our South Africa with Kids feature for lots more ideas.)
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Cape Town does New Year’s Eve exceptionally well; it’s much more of a celebration than other destinations we travel to. Saunter down to the waterfront after enjoying an evening supper washed down with wine from local vineyards to watch a spectacular fireworks display.
How? Best South Africa itinerary for families
Classic Cape & Garden Route
17. Where? Australia for BBQs, fireworks & beach
It’s hard to imagine a New Year’s firework celebration that could be better than Sydney’s
What will the weather be like in Australia at Christmas?
Hot and sunny every day… Done deal! Whilst those in the northern hemisphere are donning thermals and de-icing the car, you could be swanning around Sydney in the sunshine, sandboarding at Birubi Beach and catching the surf at Coffs Harbour.
What you could be doing on Christmas Day
Having a barbie on the beach, mate! Pack those prawns, barramundi, and snappers, and get grilling. Let the kids head out on SUPs or play beach volleyball whilst you luxuriate in the lack of washing up. And forget the Xmas Pud – it’s Pavlova all the way…
What you could be doing on New Year’s Eve
Two words: Fireworks, Sydney. That iconic sight of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House lit up beneath this spectacular display is now live in front of you rather than on TV over breakfast on yet another grey December day. An explosive end to the year – and an unforgettable start to the new one.
How? Best itinerary for families
Australia East Coast Explorer
18. Where? Iceland for ice-caves, hot springs & glacier hikes
Wrap up warm to explore ice caves and hike in incredible snowy landscapes
What will the weather be like in Iceland at Christmas?
The clue is in the name, it’s cold, but that’s what makes Iceland a real winter-wonderland destination, ideal for a snowy, rather magical and atmospheric Christmas break. Temperatures are around zero degrees Celsius and days are short.
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
Soaking in the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon will be a selfie you can’t help but show off to the ‘folks back home’, and a memorable way to spend Christmas hanging out with the locals. You could also be taking a whale-watching tour, traversing the Golden Circle, or swapping the turkey for the infamous fermented shark. Or not.
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
Does the idea of walking across a glacier (perfect at these freezing temperatures) tempt you? Or taking a crystal ice-cave tour? Or swapping NYE fireworks for the Aurora Borealis? Alternatively, you could be seeing in the New Year with a night in the capital, Reykjavik.
How? Best itineraries for families
Iceland in 7 Days or Iceland in 10 Days, depending on how much time you have. Many activities can be done year-round – see our Iceland with Kids Top 10 round-up.
19. Where? India for houseboats, palm trees & spices
Recharge the batteries on a palm-fringed Keralan beach before returning home
What will the weather be like in India at Christmas?
There’s a smaller weather window to visit India’s southern states, after April it’s too humid ahead of the monsoon, whereas July and August are ‘peak pour’. But Kerala is at its very best from November through March, meaning Christmas is an ideal time to visit.
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
Unlike the rest of the country, Christianity is the third most practiced religion in Kerala, and as such, Christmas Day is observed by nearly 20% of the southern state. You could spend Christmas Day based amongst the tea plantations of Munnar, in Raj-style bungalows (and G & T’s a-plenty), perhaps exploring Eravikulam National Park, getting up close to some of the world’s last Nilgiri tahr (endemic Indian goat) before coming back for an evening feast.
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
Fancy seeing in the New Year hanging out on a beautiful beach in Mararikulam, its soft sands palm-fringed, swimming in the sea to cool down? What better way to recharge the batteries before returning to ‘normality’ back home?
How? Best itinerary for families
Kerala Family Holiday
20. Where? Brazil for Samba, football & Copacabana
Brazil is an exciting choice for family Christmas holidays
What will the weather be like in Brazil at Christmas?
Think of Brazil and images of beach volleyball, sipping on cooling caipirinhas, and swinging in hammocks rocked by gentle breezes come to mind. There’s a reason for that! Come Christmas time, the weather is hot, sunny and humid. In Rio, average temperatures are 24 degrees, with a maximum of 29 degrees. Heaven!
What you might be doing on Christmas Day
Hit the beaches along the glorious Emerald Coast, samba your way through a few Christmas carols on the cobbled streets of colonial Paraty, or experience the mighty Iguazu Falls. At this time of year, they are at their most powerful as rising water levels will create a huge volume of water. See our Brazil with Kids feature for more exciting activities.
What you might be doing on New Year’s Eve
Rest assured, no self-respecting Brazilian would miss an opportunity for a party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception! Join the fun-loving ‘Cariocas’ for Reveillon on Copacabana beach with live music, fireworks, and probably more than a few mojitos.
How? Best Brazil itinerary for families
Highlights of Southern Brazil
How to book a family Christmas holiday for 2026/27
If you are ready to plan a family Christmas holiday for 2026 or 2027 (it’s never too early!), ring us at 01728 752751 during office hours or send your enquiry using our website contact form. We’ll do everything we can to find a great option for you and your family, and then arrange every detail.
For more inspiration, if you’d like to research further, see our Holidays with Teenagers, Active Family Holidays in Europe, Multi-Generational Holidays, or our handy calendar, Around the World in Six School Holidays.
For a summary of all our destinations, see our post on the Best Family Holiday Destinations Worldwide. There are many exciting places to visit and things to do for every type of family.
Author: Liddy Pleasants, MD Stubborn Mule Travel
Liddy Pleasants is a recognised expert in family adventure travel. She has travelled extensively across Asia, the Middle East and Central America with her three children, shaping her deep understanding of what makes a family holiday both exciting and manageable.
