Christmas Holidays

December Holidays

Deals from £159 per person

December holiday? Don't just book it. Thomas Cook it.

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December Holidays 2026 / 2027

December holidays 2026/2027 are a great way to break up the UK’s wet, windy winter. Whether you want a snowy escape or a sunshine break far from the festive rush, December has plenty of options. You can head somewhere cosy and wintry or choose a warm destination if you’d rather swap the cold for blue skies and sunshine.

Book your December trip with Thomas Cook and your flights and hotel are all in one price.  Plus, enjoy deposits from £39pp, without any extra fees.

Best destinations in December

Where to go on holiday in December

If you’re deciding where to go on holiday in December, you’ve got three strong options: winter sun, festive cities, or snowy escapes.

  • For warm December sunshine - try Gran Canaria or the Costa Blanca for gentle sunshine and easy beach days. If you prefer quieter coastlines, the Algarve stays mild and calm, though it’s not full summer heat. You can explore more destinations on our winter sun holidays page.
  • For festive charm - pick Prague, easily one of Europe’s most atmospheric cities with snow-dusted rooftops and Gothic spires.
  • For full winter magic - Lapland brings snow, huskies and Santa experiences. Hello, Christmas memories.
  • For hot holidays in December (26-31°C) - think long-haul. Barbados, Jamaica, Riviera Maya and Dubai offer reliably hot weather in December.

All inclusive December holidays

If you’ve never experienced December holidays, what are you waiting for? This is a great way to end the year on a high. Wherever you want to go, we’re here to help you find the best value holidays in December. Remember, All Inclusive packages are a brilliant option if you’re on a budget; it makes it easy to keep track of what you spend, as your food is paid for in advance and you can focus on relaxing.

December family holidays

December family holidays mean choice: swap sleet for the beach. Family holidays to the Canary Islands mean reliable warm weather (19°C) just a few hours’ from the UK. Dubai see's average highs of 26ºC on the coastline and the city is packed with family attractions. Or how about Orlando? The weather is good, and you’ll get to see the festive decor at the theme parks. Then there’s Lapland for the ultimate winter wonderland.

Adults Only holidays in December

December, but make it adults only. Think infinity pools in Tenerife, rooftop bars in Dubai, or spa days in the Maldives. Whether it’s a couples’ escape or a friends’ getaway, swap wrapping paper for white sand, hot tubs, and late, lazy breakfasts. Because grown-up holidays hit differently when the only thing on your to-do list is nothing.

Canary Islands holidays in December

The best beaches aren’t necessarily in summer - they’re right here, still warm when Britain’s shivering. The Canary Islands deliver. Expect around 20ºC days, blue skies and barely a drop of rain - that’s why winter sun seekers flock here. Tenerife is perfect for beach days and Mount Teide hikes, Gran Canaria blends dunes with city buzz, Lanzarote flaunts volcanic vineyards, and Fuerteventura wins for windsurfing.

December city breaks

If you’d prefer a December holiday that’s more festive - try a Christmas market in one of these popular destinations. Berlin is a mix between a traditional market, a funfair and a party venue. Budapest lights up its Basilica with 3D projections and riverside views. Vienna is all fairy lights and classical music drifting through cobbled streets. And New York? Ice rinks, skyline sparkle, and serious shopping. Want to make your trip go further? We’ve shared a few smart ways to save money on your Christmas market break.

Short haul December holidays

Seeking short flights? You’ll find a superb choice of cheap and warm holidays in December to choose from. Only a short flight away from the UK, the sun-soaked beaches of the Canary Islands are ready and waiting for you.

December holiday deals

Make the most of our latest holiday deals in December, and you’re in for a treat. Whether you want a romantic break with your other half, a fun-filled trip with the kids or a getaway with your friends, it’s worth exploring our latest December holiday deals. Take your pick from all kinds of destinations, flying from a range of local airports.

December ski holidays

There’s no better way to get yourself in the festive spirit than booking a trip to somewhere chilly. This could be the year you give your family the ultimate Christmas present and whisk them away on a Ski holiday.

Long haul December holidays

Thinking beyond Europe? For long-haul December holidays, pick: Mexico for white-sand resorts, cenote swims and Mayan sites. The Maldives offers overwater stays and easy snorkelling. Thailand’s Andaman coast means boat trips, street food and island-hopping. Mauritius brings coral beaches, waterfalls and Creole flavour.

Tips for booking December holidays 2026/2027:
  • Check the weather: Dry season in one place might mean monsoon in another.
  • Book early: December fills fast, especially around Christmas and New Year. Prices rise the longer you wait.
  • Booking sweet spots: Early Dec and mid-Jan (outside school hols) + midweek flights = best prices.
  • Look for packages: All Inclusive in Egypt/Cape Verde; go self-catering in the Canaries + ATOL-protected holidays for better value and peace of mind.
Useful links for December holidays

December holidays FAQs

December holidays FAQs

What are the hottest holiday destinations in December​?

🌞 For reliable December heat (places in their dry season): Cancún (28°C), Barbados (29°C), Dubai (26°C), Mauritius (29°C) - all warm enough for the beach, with lower rain risk than many tropical spots.

💛 Best warm picks for December (temperatures listed are average highs):

  1. Dubai, UAE: 26°C. The weather in Dubai will be comfortably warm without the extremes of summer.
    Best time to visit: November to March.
  2. Cancún, Mexico: 28°C; classic beach weather in December. 
    Best time to visit: November to April.
  3. Barbados (Caribbean): 29°C; warm, dry-ish, winter sun. 
    Best time to visit: Mid-December to mid-April.
  4. Mauritius (Indian Ocean): 29°C; tropical island in full summer in December. 
    Best time to visit: December to March.
     

💭 “Warm” doesn’t always mean “perfect beach” - some places may have higher rainfall or humidity. Looking for guaranteed heat? Here’s our round-up of 12 holiday destinations that are always hot.

Best holiday places to visit in December 2026/2027​?

If you can’t decide, these are our top picks right now for 2026/2027:

Egypt: Brilliant winter sun escape, with warm seas. 

  1. 🌡️ Temperature: Average highs of 31°C in December (warm, but not tropical).
  2. ☀️ Weather: Very dry and sunny - you’ll get clear skies most days.

❓ Why it’s on the list:
It is one of the warmest mid-haul destinations from the UK, especially around Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada on the Red Sea. Great for snorkelling, sunbathing, and guaranteed vitamin D.

Morocco: Warm, yes. Hot, no. Perfect for exploring, not for sunlounger marathons.

  1. 🌡️ Temperature: Average highs of 20°C in Marrakech and Agadir during December.
  2. 🌤️ Weather: Generally sunny, with cool mornings and evenings.
  3. 💛 Why it’s loved: Short flight from the UK, atmospheric souks, desert sunsets, mountain day trips - all without long-haul prices.

❓ Why it’s not in the “hottest” list: It’s pleasantly warm, not beach-hot. You’ll need a jumper at night, and coastal areas can feel breezy. Great for culture and light sun, but not for guaranteed swim-weather

Where is hot and cheap in winter?

If you’re after December holiday packages that won’t blow the budget, try these:

🔥💸 Hot & cheap (short-haul/mid-haul)

  1. Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura): average highs of 19 - 21°C in Jan - Feb, 4 - 5 hrs from the UK, heaps of last-minute deals and self-catering steals.
  2. Morocco (Agadir for beach, Marrakech for city): 20°C average highs, 3.5 - 4 hrs. Sunshine, souks, and budget-friendly stays.

☀️💸 Cheapest All Inclusive & hot

  1. Egypt (Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh): average highs of 31°C, warm Red Sea, tons of great All Inclusive packages.
  2. Cape Verde (Sal, Boa Vista): average highs of 26°C. Feels like the Caribbean without the long haul.

🌤️💸 Mild & cheap (not hot, still sunny)

  1. Algarve (Portugal): average highs of 17°C; bargain hotel deals and low-cost flights.
  2. Malta: average highs of 18°C; compact, walkable, good winter prices.
  3. Cyprus: average highs of 19°C; beach walks, ancient sites, and savings.
  4. Tunisia: average highs around 17–18°C; bright days, cooler evenings, great value for culture-packed winter escapes.

🏙️💸 Budget city breaks (cool temps, low costs)

  1. Central/Eastern Europe: Kraków, Prague, Budapest. Cold, yes; but flights, hotels, and eating out are cheap.

✈️💸 Long-haul on a budget (higher flight costs)

  1. Thailand: 28 - 34°C (Phuket/Krabi), great street-food prices and value hotels.
  2. Mexico (Cancún/Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta): 28°C, affordable local costs once you’re there.

Which European country is the cheapest to visit in December?

  1. 📍 Bulgaria: Hotels, meals, and transport cost a fraction of Western Europe, and you still get the good stuff: Sofia’s twinkly Christmas markets, snow-dusted mountains and cosy cafés - without the spend.
  2. 📍 Hungary: Budapest's thermal baths, riverside lights and big festive markets, minus big-city prices.
  3. 📍 Czech Republic: Prague's fairy-tale squares, low winter rates and easy, walkable sightseeing.

💡 Money-savvy tip: Avoid Christmas week and aim for midweek flights. Early December often brings the calm after the market-opening rush - and usually unlocks the best prices.

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