Tour added to wishlist!
Support Centre
Call us, we're open today 10-6pm EDT/ 7-3pm PDT Open today 10-6pm EDT/ 7-3pm PDT 1 888 216 3401 1 888 216 3401
My Explore
Wishlist
Trip Search
Menu
Discounted trips
Save on 100s of selected 2026 dates -
Explore our discounted trips

Top Christmas trips for 2026

Discover magical Christmas travel ideas from snowy escapes and festive city breaks to far-flung cultural adventures. Plan your perfect festive getaway for 2026 with our top Christmas destinations.
Updated: 30 July 2026
Updated by: Aleesha Sharma, Copywriter at Explore Worldwide


Swap mistletoe for tropical rainforests, crowded shops for colourful souks, and mince pies for sweet baklava. Many of our December departures take place during Christmas, allowing you to step away from conventional celebrations.

 

Over the festive season this year, dare to explore beyond the familiar and unwrap the gift of unforgettable experiences in the most extraordinary corners of the world. From staying in Indian palaces to stargazing in Jordan, here are some of our best Christmas trips:

 

  1. India
  2. Costa Rica
  3. Vietnam 
  4. Morocco 
  5. North Cyprus
  6. Baltic States
  7. Jordan 
  8. Sri Lanka
  9. Antarctica
 

1. India

To experience a completely different culture this Christmas, India is a top choice. Mark the final month of the year by exploring Old Delhi by rickshaw followed by watching the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, tick the highlights of Northern India off your bucket list including the Golden Triangle, or search for the majestic Royal Bengal tiger in Bandhavgarh. No matter where you travel in India, Christmas is all about eating delicious food, so swap your traditional Christmas meal for aromatic Indian cuisine packed with plenty of spices.

View all India tours

2. Costa Rica

Make the most of dry days and plenty of sunshine on a winter wildlife adventure in Costa Rica this Christmas. Delve deep into the cloud forest to spot resplendent quetzal birds perched high up in the canopy and sleepy sloths hanging out in the undergrowth on our Costa Rica Wildlife tour. Or feel like an intrepid explorer as you navigate five diverse countries on our Central American Highlights tour. As a Certified B Corporation™, we make sustainability the heart of everything we do by supporting small, locally owned businesses with plenty of local interactions along the way.

View all Costa Rica tours

3. Vietnam

The vast majority of Vietnam is Buddhist, but that doesn’t stop them from celebrating Christmas. In Vietnam, Christmas Eve is a more important celebration than Christmas Day. Midnight Mass services are held on Christmas Eve in Catholic cathedrals across Ho Chi Minh City. Celebrate the end of 2026 and kick-start 2027 on our Cycle Saigon to Hanoi tour. As well as pedalling from south to north, you'll get to experience a Christmas trip packed with lots of adventure. With affordable prices and warmer weather, Vietnam is an excellent option for a festive getaway.
View all Vietnam tours

4. Morocco

Make this Christmas one to remember with out-of-the-ordinary celebrations in vibrant Morocco. As a popular destination during the festive period, it offers tantalising dishes full of aromatic spices, captivating cultural landmarks, and centuries of rich history. Wander through traditional souks (and pick up a present or two), sip fragrant mint teas, take in the best of Morocco, and spend Christmas Eve in Fes, where you'll drop by the Royal Palace and stop by the North Borj viewpoint for panoramic city views. 

View all Morocco tours

5. North Cyprus

Spend Christmas in Europe on a walking tour in Northern Cyprus. In the days leading up to Christmas and on the big day itself, you'll set out on a series of leisurely and moderate walks, returning to your hotel each evening, which serves as your comfortable base for the week. Discover flower-rich mountain trails and castle ruins on this idyllic Mediterranean island. Did you know that all of our trips have a carbon label showing the estimated carbon footprint? We work with Klimate to support verifiable carbon removal projects, which help lower the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

View all Cyprus tours

6. Baltic States

Home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, there's no way we could exclude Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from this list! Take in each of the magical Baltic States' capital cities on our eight-day discovery trip, and you'll be rewarded with Old Town delights, local produce tastings, and stunning medieval architecture. We operate a special Christmas Markets 2026 departure date for this trip, where you'll spend Christmas Eve in Riga (where the tradition of trimming the tree began) and celebrate Christmas with a three-course meal among new friends in Tallinn.

View all Baltic States tours

7. Jordan

Elevate your festive experience with a culturally rich, meaningful, and adventure-packed visit to Jordan this Christmas. Explore Jordan's ancient wonders, from uncovering tombs in the breathtaking city of Petra to discovering Byzantine-era mosaics in Amman. Enjoy premium accommodation on our Upgraded - Treasures of Jordan tour, where you'll visit Madaba, a small town with strong Christian heritage, also known as the "City of Mosaics". On a clear day, you'll have views of the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem from Mount Nebo. 
View all Jordan tours

8. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the best alternative Christmas destinations for families. This teardrop-shaped island promises exhilarating activities for adults and kids alike. Whether you're travelling solo or with friends or family, our Sri Lanka in Depth tour lets you experience the highlights of the island at a relaxed pace. For families, our Family Highlights of Sri Lanka (suitable for ages 7+) combines searching for Asian elephants, relaxing on tropical beaches, and white-water rafting – that's a Christmas you'll never forget!

View all Sri Lanka tours

9. Antarctica

Experience a trip like no other on an extraordinary polar adventure in the Antarctica Peninsula. Your festive getaway starts on board the M/V Greg Mortimer, where you'll spot countless seabirds and check out vantage points from the snow-covered ridgelines. Another Antarctic Christmas odyssey awaits on our Antarctic Circle Expedition. After crossing the Drake Passage, you'll reach the Antarctic Peninsula on Christmas Day! Spending Christmas in the Antarctic Peninsula offers an unparalleled adventure in a truly unique and unforgettable holiday destination.

View all Antarctica tours

 

What our customers have to say

Don't just travel, Explore!

Are you ready to experience the Christmas of a lifetime?

Whether you're looking to get away from the crowds for a spot of winter sun, or simply want to scratch beneath the surface of an exciting new destination, start planning your winter break now. 

View all December 2026 departures

Love this? Now read:

5 top trips to travel solo this Christmas and New Year
Solo travelling over December and into January? We've got you covered. Take inspiration from these unique festive and New Year adventures, from Vietnam to Patagonia.

Responsible giving: gifts with a difference at Christmas
Stuck in a present-buying rut? If you’re looking to donate instead of give Christmas presents, or want something longer lasting, we have a few ideas that will bring

10 places to go in December
Wondering where is best to go in December? Whether you want some warm winter-sun or a festive adventure, we’re sure you’ll find something to inspire you.
VIEW ALL BLOGS