Your Ultimate Guide to December 2025 Getaways
As winter approaches, travellers seeking memorable December 2025 holidays have an exciting array of options, from snow-covered Alpine slopes to sun-drenched Indian beaches. Whether you're dreaming of festive markets, adventurous hikes or luxurious beach retreats, this comprehensive guide offers inspiration for every type of holidaymaker looking to end the year in style.
European Festive Escapes
For those craving traditional Christmas charm, Europe delivers magical experiences. Rome transforms into a winter wonderland during December, with the Eternal City's Christmas markets in Piazza Navona and Villa Borghese creating unforgettable festive atmospheres. The historic Donna Camilla Savelli hotel, a converted 17th-century convent in the picturesque Trastevere district, offers the perfect base from £582 per person for four nights including flights and breakfast through Citalia.
Meanwhile, Cyprus provides milder Mediterranean celebrations with eight official Christmas villages operating from late November to early January. The mountain village of Lefkara, just 20 minutes from the coast between Larnaca and Limassol, sparkles with illuminated market stalls throughout the season. Sunvil offers week-long stays in traditional Blue Arches apartments sleeping up to four people from £656 per person, including flights and transfers.
Winter Adventure and Relaxation
Adrenaline seekers can welcome 2026 in style at Mayrhofen, Austria's buzzing ski resort. SNO has availability for New Year's Eve week at the centrally located Hotel Strass, positioned beside the Penkenbahn gondola with access to three pools, spa facilities and nightlife. Seven-night packages from 27 December start at £1,855 per person including flights and breakfast.
For complete winter sun escape, Goa offers the perfect antidote to traditional Christmas holidays. The luxurious five-star Alila Diwa Goa resort, surrounded by coconut groves, provides serene relaxation with a large outdoor pool, spa and easy access to Gonsua Betalbatim Beach. Goa Experience offers week-long stays from 21 December starting at £2,545 per person, reduced from £2,615, including flights and transfers.
British Countryside Retreats
Closer to home, the UK offers spectacular winter experiences. HF Holidays provides week-long guided walking tours through the North York Moors, based at the handsome Grade II-listed Larpool Hall in the Esk Valley. The itinerary includes coastal highlights like Whitby, Old Saltburn and Staithes, with prices from £995 per person between 5-12 December including all meals and guided walks.
For an exclusive New Year celebration, Stancliffe Hall in Derbyshire sleeps 18 guests across nine en-suite bedrooms on a 52-acre estate near Matlock. The property features an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, steam room, gym and billiards room, with week-long bookings from 27 December costing £19,099 (£1,061 per person) through Big Domain.
Long-Haul Adventure Holidays
For those wanting to truly escape British winter, Australia delivers summer sunshine through Wexas Travel's 17-day Sydney, Sunshine Coast and Great Barrier Reef itinerary. The comprehensive tour includes Sydney stays, Blue Mountains exploration, Sunshine Coast visits and three nights on Hamilton Island from £6,305 per person including flights and excursions.
Alternatively, China's high-speed rail network provides fascinating cultural discovery on Cox & Kings' 11-day China in Style by Rail tour. Starting in Beijing with Great Wall exploration at Jinshanling, the journey continues to Xian, Nanjing and Shanghai, staying in luxury hotels throughout. Prices begin at £5,595 per person including flights, transfers and guided tours of highlights like the Terracotta Warriors.
With such diverse December 2025 holiday options available, from European Christmas markets to tropical beach escapes, now is the perfect time to plan your unforgettable winter getaway and end the year with remarkable experiences.
