Christmas School Holidays: A Time for Meaningful Family Travel

Christmas is one of the most special times of year to travel as a family. With schools closed for two to three weeks, it offers something rare: the chance to slow down, travel further, and create experiences that are memorable rather than rushed.

Whether you’re escaping winter entirely, blending festive celebration with culture, or immersing yourselves in nature and adventure, a longer Christmas holiday allows for fewer hotel changes, time to settle in, and space for memories to unfold naturally.

Below is carefully considered inspiration for Christmas family holidays, organised by travel style. Each destination works particularly well over a two to three week break, allowing families to travel at a pace that keeps children happy and engaged.

Winter Sun & Relaxed Escapes

Australia (2–3 weeks)

• Celebrate Christmas with beach days, barbecues, and sunshine

• Combine Sydney with the Great Ocean Road, Queensland beaches, or inland wildlife experiences

• Safe cities, outdoor living, and relaxed culture make it highly family-friendly

• Extended time allows slow travel, exploration, and genuine downtime

Thailand (2–3 weeks)

• Warm weather, welcoming culture, and excellent value

• Combine Bangkok or Chiang Mai with island stays for a mix of culture, food, wildlife, and beach time

• Travelling slowly keeps the trip manageable for children

• Perfect for a festive escape without rushing between destinations

Adventure & Winter Nature Holidays

Iceland (5–7 days)

• Explore Reykjavik’s Christmas markets, festive lights, and seasonal traditions

• Visit the Golden Circle: geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes

• Enjoy geothermal pools and hot springs — fun for all ages

• Chance to see the Northern Lights, adding magic to the festive break

• 
  

  

  
  

Lapland, Finland (5–7 days)

• True Christmas magic: snow, reindeer, Santa experiences, winter activities

• Husky sledding, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights (if conditions allow)

• Family-friendly resorts with cosy accommodations

• Ideal as a shorter festive adventure within a longer Christmas break

Wildlife & Adventure Holidays

Southern Africa (2–3 weeks)

• Christmas safari: family-friendly lodges with wildlife experiences

• Combine safari with coastal stays for a mix of adventure and relaxation

• Lush landscapes and newborn animals in December make it extra special

• Pacing is key to keeping it enjoyable for children

Costa Rica (2–3 weeks)

• Rainforests, wildlife, beaches, and outdoor adventure activities

• Balanced itinerary between adventure and downtime

• Perfect for children and teens

• Two to three weeks allows slow travel without fatigue, ensuring a genuinely immersive experience

Where not to go at Christmas — and why

Even with two to three weeks, some destinations are best avoided or carefully timed:

• Extremely hot destinations: Northern Africa, the Middle East, or parts of India can be uncomfortably warm in December

• Monsoon or rainy-season regions: Certain parts of Southeast Asia and South America experience heavy rainfall that can limit outdoor activities

• Overly ambitious multi-country trips: Even extended breaks are best spent in fewer destinations with deeper experiences, rather than rushing from place to place

Christmas travel works best when families choose the right destinations, pace their journey, and focus on experiences that will stick in children’s memories.

Making Christmas Travel Work for Your Family

Two to three weeks of holiday is a rare opportunity. It allows families to travel further, move more slowly, and engage more meaningfully than at any other school holiday.

Whether you’re dreaming of winter sun, festive markets, wildlife, or adventure, Christmas is the perfect time for transformative family travel.

If you’d like guidance on planning a Christmas holiday that fits your family, timeframe, and budget, I’d be happy to help you create an itinerary that feels effortless, memorable, and just right.

Start Planning