Where to go for Christmas 2026

If you are wondering where to go for Christmas 2026, my short answer is: Vienna for markets, Trikala with children, Pelion for villages and good food, London for action-packed days and Rovaniemi for Father Christmas. For a beach holiday, consider Dubai or Thailand. The right choice depends mainly on how much time you have: a three-day break in Greece is quite different from a ten-day trip. This year, the calendar works in your favour.

The 2026 calendar and public holidays

Christmas Day, 25 December 2026, falls on a Friday. For those working Monday to Friday, that means a three-day break on 25-27 December. New Year's Day, 1 January 2027, is also a Friday, giving you a second long weekend on 1-3 January. Epiphany, on 6 January 2027, falls on a Wednesday.

• With four days of annual leave, on 28-31 December: you get ten consecutive days off, from 25 December to 3 January.
• With six days of annual leave, on 28-31 December and 4-5 January: you get thirteen days off, from 25 December to 6 January.
• With two days of annual leave, on 4-5 January: you get six days off, from 1 to 6 January.

These combinations assume a five-day working week, weekends off and entitlement to the relevant public holidays. Confirm your leave before buying tickets. Also, do not assume the festive season and Christmas market dates are the same: many markets finish before 25 December. If they are your main reason for travelling, a trip earlier in the month often makes more sense.

Christmas in Greece

Trikala: the first choice for families

Trikala combines the Mill of the Elves with a pleasantly walkable town centre, the River Lithaios and dining in the Manavika district. I would not fill the entire three-day break with activities: leave time for a wander without a plan. The guide to Christmas in Trikala and the Mill of the Elves gives you the essentials for planning. The event dates and programme for 2026 need to be confirmed. Meteora deserves a separate day trip, rather than a rushed stop.

Pelion: villages and leisurely meals

Portaria and Makrinitsa are convenient for a short break via Volos, while Tsagarada suits a quieter trip. In Pelion, plan fewer journeys than the map might suggest: winding roads, fog and winter weather affect travel times. I would choose one base and explore nearby. The guide to Christmas in Pelion helps you plan your village visits and routes. Ask your accommodation about access, parking and heating, especially if you are travelling with young children.

Kalavryta: a good three-day break, with no promise of snow

Kalavryta offers walks around town, an excursion towards Mount Helmos and a ride on the rack railway, provided services are running. The ski resort should not be your sole reason for booking, as its operation depends on conditions. Read the guide to a festive three-day break in Kalavryta and check train availability well in advance. Set aside proper time for the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust and confirm its festive opening hours, rather than squeezing it in between other stops.

Arachova: for friends and access to Mount Parnassus

Arachova suits those who want restaurants, a night out and time in the mountains the following day. It would not be my first recommendation for budget accommodation over the holidays. If staying in the heart of the bustle is not important to you, consider the surrounding area too, factoring in daily journeys. The guide to Christmas in Arachova and on Mount Parnassus helps you plan your options. Delphi adds substance to the trip even when there is not enough snow for skiing.

Ioannina: a city with plenty to fill three days

Lake Pamvotida, the castle, the Silversmithing Museum and cafés in the centre easily fill a three-day break. Ioannina is a good choice when you want a wintry atmosphere without needing a car for every activity. Expect damp, cold weather and possible rain. The guide to Christmas in Ioannina provides a basic itinerary. If you add Zagori, allow a full day and check the weather. I would not try to fit in several villages alongside all the city's sights.

Drama: for Oneiroupoli and a convenient base

Oneiroupoli is the main reason for families to choose Drama during the festive season. The springs of Agia Varvara offer a different kind of walk, away from the activity queues. See the guide to Christmas in Drama and Oneiroupoli, but check the 2026 programme separately when it is announced. Choose accommodation within walking distance: with tired children, that is worth more than a small saving on a room further away.

Thessaloniki: festivities without a complicated itinerary

Thessaloniki works well for groups of friends, couples and families who prefer a city break. The waterfront, Upper Town, museums and food cater for different moods without long journeys. For Christmas in Thessaloniki, I would book central accommodation and leave the car parked. Plan an indoor activity for a rainy day and reserve a table for your festive meal. Spontaneous choices work better outside the busiest hours, especially with a large group.

Athens: more than a stroll around Syntagma Square

If you are visiting from another city, Athens offers museums, theatres, neighbourhoods to explore and a wide range of dining options. Combine the centre with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, checking its seasonal programme. The guide to Christmas in Athens helps you plan routes without unnecessary journeys. Stay near a metro station and do not assume museums, archaeological sites or shops will be open on Christmas Day. For families, a midday break at the hotel makes a big difference.

Christmas markets in Europe

For markets, I would favour early or mid-December, after first confirming the dates. Your choice should not be based on photographs alone: transport, distances and things to do when you need to warm up all matter. Get an initial feel from Europe's most Christmassy cities and these famous Christmas markets. Schedules vary even between markets in the same city.

Vienna: the best all-round first choice

Vienna combines markets, major museums, coffee houses and efficient public transport. You do not need to spend all day outdoors to enjoy the trip. The guide to Christmas in Vienna gives you a framework for a three-day break, while these five reasons to visit Vienna at Christmas can help you decide. I would spread the markets across different afternoons, with museums and coffee stops in between.

Prague: walking and the Old Town

Prague is a good fit for a first festive trip abroad, particularly if you enjoy walking. The Old Town, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle can be combined without constant journeys. The guide to Christmas in Prague organises the main stops. I would avoid eating around the main square all the time and visit the busiest spots in the morning. Bring shoes with good grip for the cobbled streets.

Budapest and Krakow: for budget-conscious travellers

These two cities are worth comparing before turning to more expensive capitals, without assuming accommodation will be cheap over the holidays. Christmas in Budapest combines the Danube, markets and thermal baths, though you should check age restrictions for children. Christmas in Krakow suits those who want a compact historic centre and walks around Kazimierz. For a short break, the best direct flight often determines the choice.

Nuremberg: when the market is the main attraction

Nuremberg is a classic choice for a traditional German market, stalls selling decorations and local flavours. Pay particular attention to the calendar here, as the main market traditionally ends on Christmas Eve. Confirm the 2026 dates before booking. The guide to Christmas in Nuremberg helps you make the most of three days. If crowds bother you, visit on a weekday and return briefly after dark.

Strasbourg and Colmar: one region, not a race

Alsace deserves time on foot, rather than a succession of villages seen through a windscreen. Choose Strasbourg or Colmar as your base and travel by train where convenient. The guide to Christmas in Strasbourg and Colmar offers a practical starting point. Market dates are not necessarily the same. For popular evenings, book a table as well as a room.

Salzburg: smaller in scale, with plenty to fill your days

Salzburg suits those who want a historic centre, music and mountain views without the scale of a capital city. Combine the markets with the fortress and a concert, if you find a programme that appeals. The guide to Christmas in Salzburg helps you organise your stops. With three days, I would stay mainly in the city rather than adding lots of excursions in unpredictable winter weather.

Riga and Tallinn: for those who can handle the cold

Their old towns are ideal for walking, but December's limited daylight affects your plans. Schedule outdoor routes early and save museums and cafés for later. The guide to Christmas in Riga and Tallinn helps you compare the two. For a three-day break, I would choose just one. Snow is possible, not guaranteed, while waterproof shoes and warm gloves are essential.

Bruges and Brussels: easy to combine by train

Brussels offers more transport connections and city activities, while Bruges wins for walks beside the canals. You can combine the two, but avoid changing hotels on a short trip. Read the guide to Christmas in Bruges and Brussels. Personally, I would allow time in Bruges after sunset too, rather than making a day trip spent constantly watching the clock.

Bucharest and Transylvania: depending on how much time you have

Bucharest works for a three-day city break, while Transylvania needs more days and careful transport planning. Brasov and Sibiu are appealing winter bases, but I would not squeeze everything into one trip. The guide to Christmas in Bucharest and Transylvania clarifies the options. If you hire a car, check winter equipment and road conditions. Mountain routes are no place for an overly tight schedule.

Big cities for the festive season

London: plenty of choice, but plan carefully for 25 December

Museums, shows, illuminated shopping streets and neighbourhoods make London a strong choice even if markets are not a particular interest. The guide to Christmas in London helps with planning. Public transport generally does not run on Christmas Day, so plan activities nearby and book your meals in advance. Also check the UK entry requirements for your passport.

Paris: for museums and long walks

I recommend Paris more for the city itself than solely for its markets. Plan your days by neighbourhood and book timed entry for the attractions that interest you. The guide to Christmas in Paris gives you the essentials. Staying near a metro station matters more than an impressive room photograph, especially when you are returning tired and wet.

Edinburgh: a particularly good choice for New Year's Eve

The Old Town, castle and pubs suit winter, provided you are prepared for wind and rain. Hogmanay makes New Year particularly appealing, but the programme, tickets and restrictions need to be confirmed for that year's event. Read the guide to Christmas in Edinburgh. Do not leave accommodation until every event has been announced: look early for options with flexible cancellation.

Amsterdam: for art and a more relaxed pace

Amsterdam would not be my first choice purely for Christmas markets. It is, however, good for museums, canals and short café stops. The guide to Christmas in Amsterdam helps you plan your days. Book popular museums early and leave room to rearrange outdoor walks. In winter, cycling is not necessarily the most comfortable option for every visitor.

Copenhagen: family-friendly, but demanding on the budget

Copenhagen combines Tivoli, during its Christmas opening season, with museums and easy-to-use public transport. The short days lend themselves to an itinerary with frequent indoor breaks. For Christmas in Copenhagen, budget carefully for accommodation, food and activity tickets. With children, check height and age restrictions and what each ticket includes, so you do not buy a package you cannot make full use of.

New York: allow more time

Rockefeller Center, window displays, shows and major museums justify a longer trip. Although the guide to Christmas in New York includes a basic three-day itinerary, I would opt for more nights when travelling from Greece, given the flights and time difference. Check the final hotel charges, entry requirements and show bookings. If you are considering Times Square for New Year's Eve, think carefully about the long wait and restrictions.

Snow and Father Christmas

For a trip centred on Father Christmas, Rovaniemi is the clearest choice. Lapland in December has very little daylight, intense cold and high demand. The guide to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi helps you prepare. Before booking excursions, check age limits, how long you will be exposed to the cold and whether thermal clothing is provided. The Northern Lights are not guaranteed, however appealing they sound in a package.

For mountains with rail travel, consider Christmas in Switzerland, including Zurich and Lucerne. Snow-covered streets are not guaranteed in the cities: your chances increase at higher altitudes. Check lift prices and operating schedules separately. In Greece, Mount Parnassus, Mount Helmos and the higher parts of Pelion offer options, but snowfall cannot be predicted when you book. I would choose a destination worth visiting even without a white landscape.

Christmas warmth: exotic destinations and milder alternatives

Dubai: city and beach

Dubai suits those who want milder weather, beaches and plenty of organised activities. December is a popular period, not a low-demand opportunity. Read the guide to Christmas in Dubai and choose an area based on what you will spend most of your time doing. Distances are considerable. If the beach is your priority, do not book a hotel far from the coast simply because it looks cheaper. Also check whether a festive dinner is compulsory.

Thailand: make the most of a ten-day break

Thailand is far better suited to the ten days you can get by taking annual leave than to a short trip. Combine Bangkok with one seaside base, without constantly changing hotels. The guide to Christmas in Thailand helps you choose an area. Seasonal conditions vary between coasts and islands, so do not treat the whole country as a single weather destination. Allow plenty of time between separately booked flights.

Canary Islands: a mild winter, not a tropical promise

Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer opportunities for walking, beach time and exploring nature. Christmas holidays in the Canary Islands are an option for more daylight and generally milder conditions than central Europe. That does not mean everyone will want to swim every day. The sea may feel cool, and the wind changes how warm it feels. For families, a genuinely heated pool is valuable, provided you confirm it will be in use.

Suggestions by type of trip

For couples

I would choose Pelion for a slower pace, Bruges for walking or Vienna for a combination of markets and culture. Book one evening you are really looking forward to, whether a good dinner or a show, and leave the others more open. A central room often adds more to the trip than an impressive property that requires daily driving.

With children

Trikala and Drama are practical choices in Greece, while for a trip abroad, see the dedicated guide to Christmas in London with children. Keep to one main activity a day. If you are considering a hotel with a heated pool at Christmas, confirm access for children, opening hours and any extra charge. The word 'spa' does not automatically mean children are allowed in the pool.

With friends

Thessaloniki, Arachova and Budapest offer an easy combination of food and nightlife. Also consider Christmas in Belgrade, bearing in mind that the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 7 January. Agree on an overall spending limit in advance, not just a room price. For shared apartments, check the actual beds, bathrooms and distance from your evening plans.

On a budget

Start your comparison with Krakow, Bucharest and Belgrade, but let the final total decide. A cheap flight with expensive baggage or transfers can lose its advantage. In Greece, sharing a car helps groups keep costs down. Try different dates, compare weekdays and weekends, and avoid compulsory festive packages that do not interest you.

By road from Athens

Kalavryta and Arachova are sensible choices for a three-day break, while Pelion is more worthwhile when you have extra time. For a shorter getaway, also consider Nafplio, without expecting snow. Factor in stops, tolls and possible holiday traffic. For mountain destinations, check traffic police guidance and the required anti-skid equipment before setting off, not when you reach the first difficult stretch.

By road from Thessaloniki

Drama and Trikala suit families, while Ioannina and mountainous Epirus need more time for local exploring. If a shorter journey is the priority, consider Edessa or Naoussa. For travel outside Greece, check vehicle documents, insurance cover and winter driving requirements. Border waiting times vary, so do not book an activity immediately after your expected arrival.

For New Year's Eve

Edinburgh for Hogmanay, Vienna for music, and Athens or Thessaloniki for easier planning are my first choices. Decide whether you want an outdoor event, a restaurant or a night out. Then book accommodation you can return to safely. Do not rely on finding a taxi on the spot just after midnight, and check night-time public transport schedules separately.

When to book flights and hotels

For Christmas and New Year, start as soon as your leave and destination are confirmed. There is no single 'right Tuesday' to buy, nor a guaranteed window of low prices. Lapland, popular mountain accommodation and family rooms need particularly early research. If you are planning in autumn 2026, focus on actual availability rather than waiting for a hypothetical major deal.

• Compare the total cost, including baggage, transfers, taxes and any compulsory dinners.
• Read the cancellation terms and note the last date for free changes.
• Check arrival times: a cheaper ticket may require an expensive night-time transfer.
• Before making a non-refundable booking, confirm the official dates of the markets or events you want to attend.
• Budget separately for travel insurance and winter sports cover if you plan to ski.

For more ideas, there is also an older selection of Christmas holiday destinations for 2024. Use it only for inspiration, not as a source of this year's dates. For 2026, programmes, tickets and opening hours need to be checked afresh with the official organisers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I go abroad for Christmas?

For a first festive trip, I would suggest Vienna or Prague. For museums and shows, London or Paris. For Father Christmas, Rovaniemi, with a larger budget. If you only have three days, favour a direct flight at convenient times over a destination that requires spending much of your trip making connections.

Which destinations are cheap at Christmas?

Krakow, Bucharest and Belgrade are worth comparing, but they are not guaranteed to be cheap over the festive dates. Costs depend on flights, accommodation and last-minute bookings. For groups of friends, a Greek destination reached in a shared car may work out cheaper. Compare the whole trip, not just the initial ticket price.

Where should I go in Greece for snow at Christmas?

Look at areas around Mount Parnassus and Mount Helmos, as well as mountainous Pelion or other high-altitude destinations. No village can guarantee snow at Christmas. If you want to ski, check which slopes are operating shortly before travelling. Choose accommodation and an area you will enjoy even without skiing.

When do Christmas markets open?

Many open from mid- to late November, while others start in December. Several close on 23 or 24 December, while others continue after Christmas or into early January. Exact 2026 dates need to be checked for each market, along with special public holiday opening hours.

Where should we go for Christmas with children?

Trikala and Drama are good choices in Greece thanks to their seasonal events, though checking the programme is essential. Abroad, London and Copenhagen offer plenty of family activities. Rovaniemi requires more preparation for the cold and the cost. With young children, choose one base, short journeys and time to rest every day.

Which Christmas destinations are close to Athens?

For a three-day mountain break, Arachova and Kalavryta are among the most practical choices. For a milder getaway without snow as the goal, consider Nafplio. Pelion involves more time on the road and is better suited to a longer stay. Allow for heavier traffic when setting off and check weather conditions on mountain routes.

Where should I go for New Year 2027?

Edinburgh for organised Hogmanay events, Vienna for music and a festive city atmosphere, or Thessaloniki for food and nightlife. New Year's Day, 1 January 2027, falls on a Friday, giving you a three-day break without extra leave if you work a standard five-day week. Book your New Year's Eve plans early, along with accommodation that is easy to return to after midnight.