Discover the best Christmas holiday destinations
Sparkling lights, dazzling decorations, and the magical aroma of festive cheer—Christmas is truly in the air! It’s no surprise that so many of us call it the most wonderful time of the year. But while you’re busy sipping hot cocoa and singing carols, millions of travellers are plotting their perfect holiday escape. After all, doesn’t the season just fly by? One moment, you’re untangling fairy lights; the next, you’re popping champagne to welcome the New Year.
As one of Europe’s largest online travel agencies, eDreams is here to make your festive travel dreams come true. To help you sleigh (pun intended) your holiday plans, we’ve crunched the numbers from an internal study to reveal the most booked destinations for Christmas 2025 among UK travellers. Whether you’re enchanted by twinkling European markets overflowing with mulled wine and gingerbread or daydreaming of a sunny escape where a “white Christmas” means soaking up the rays, we’ve got all the inspiration you need for your next adventure.
So, are you the sentimental snow globe type, longing for family traditions and cosy nights by the fire? Or the bold globetrotter, eager to swap sleigh bells for off-the-beaten-path adventures that turn the holiday season into your next great story? Whatever your style, this Christmas is your moment to create new unforgettable memories. Let eDreams whisk you away to the best Christmas holiday destinations in 2025. Ready to unwrap your perfect holiday? Let’s dive in and make this season one to remember!
Top destinations for Christmas holidays
Using our booking data for 2025, we’ve put together an exclusive list of the most visited Christmas destinations to spark your wanderlust and help you get inspired. Discover where travellers are heading this year and get inspired for your own magical journey!
Amsterdam
Dreaming of a charming winter escape? Amsterdam is pure magic during the Christmas season, with its twinkling canals, cosy cafés, and festive markets. Stroll through the illuminated streets of the Amsterdam Light Festival, ice skate in front of the Rijksmuseum, and warm up with traditional Dutch oliebollen (fried doughnuts). Whether you’re sipping mulled wine or soaking in the holiday charm, Amsterdam promises a memorable festive getaway.
Barcelona
For a warmer Christmas holiday, Barcelona delivers! This Mediterranean gem pairs festive cheer with mild weather, offering the best of both worlds. Wander through the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market near the stunning Sagrada Família, enjoy traditional Catalan treats like turrón, and marvel at the city’s twinkling lights. Barcelona also celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks, live music, and the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight—one for each chime of the clock!
Lisbon
Portugal’s sun-kissed capital blends festive charm with pleasantly mild winter days. Stroll through the twinkling Wonderland Lisboa market in Parque Eduardo VII, savour seasonal favourites like pastéis de nata fresh from the oven, and soak up the city’s golden lights reflecting off its iconic hills. When New Year’s Eve arrives, join the crowds at Praça do Comércio for fireworks, live music, and the Portuguese tradition of toasting with raisins and sparkling wine as the clock strikes midnight.
Madrid
Madrid comes alive with festive spirit during Christmas and New Year! The city’s squares are decked out with dazzling lights, and the Plaza Mayor hosts one of Spain’s most beloved Christmas markets. Treat yourself to churros with hot chocolate, explore Nativity scenes across the city, and join the lively celebrations in Puerta del Sol as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Madrid is the perfect mix of tradition, culture, and holiday cheer.
Bangkok
Thailand’s bustling capital swaps winter chill for tropical breezes, creating a festive season that feels energizing and bright. Wander through dazzling holiday displays at Iconsiam or CentralWorld, snack on street-food favourites like mango sticky rice or grilled satay, and admire the city’s skyline glowing with seasonal lights. On New Year’s Eve, join the lively countdown at Asiatique or along the Chao Phraya River, where fireworks, music, and nonstop celebrations keep the night buzzing.
Why book your Christmas holidays with eDreams
eDreams makes planning your festive getaway easy, affordable, and stress-free—because the holidays should be about joy, not juggling travel headaches. With a stellar Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5, millions of travellers trust us to deliver unbeatable deals, a seamless booking experience, and exceptional service from start to finish.
Here are some other reasons why eDreams can be the best choice for your Christmas holiday:
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Unbeatable savings
Comprehensive options
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Best price guarantee
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Trusted by travellers
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Stress-free booking
Unbeatable savings
Save £100s on flights and up to £220 on accommodation, making your holiday budget go even further.
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The destination insights featured in this article are based on a comprehensive analysis of booking and search data from eDreams and its associated brands.
This analysis includes all bookings and searches made between 1 April and 16 October 2025 for travel during the peak festive season—Christmas trips between 19–28 December 2025 and New Year getaways between 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026.
By examining this dataset, we identified traveller preferences and emerging trends for the Christmas and New Year period.
This approach ensures that the findings accurately reflect how travellers are planning their holidays during one of the busiest times of the year.