All-inclusive Christmas holiday

The Christmas holidays are one of the most popular times for an all-inclusive holiday. The year is drawing to a close, many schools are closed and lots of travellers want to get away one last time. Some are looking for winter sun, whilst others opt for snow, wellness, Christmas markets or a comfortable hotel where everything is taken care of. That’s exactly why all-inclusive holidays are such a perfect fit for the Christmas holidays. You’re not just booking a hotel, but above all some peace and quiet during a busy time of year.

An all-inclusive holiday during the Christmas holidays works differently to a summer holiday. In summer, it’s often all about the sun, the swimming pool and long days outdoors. During the Christmas holidays, comfort plays a greater role. You want to be sure that the hotel is good, that there are plenty of facilities and that you don’t have to keep searching for restaurants that are open. Especially around Christmas and New Year, it’s nice when food, drinks, festive dinners, spa treatments, children’s activities or evening entertainment are already sorted.

The Christmas holidays are also much more international than, for example, the autumn half-term. In the Netherlands, for instance, the Christmas holidays for the 2026–2027 school year run from 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. In Flanders, the Christmas holidays in 2026 run from Monday 21 December to Sunday 3 January 2027 inclusive. France has the ‘vacances de Noël’ during the same period; for the 2026–2027 school year, the holidays begin on Saturday 19 December 2026 and end on Monday 4 January 2027. In Germany, the ‘Weihnachtsferien’ vary by federal state, whilst school holidays in the United Kingdom may differ depending on the local council.

This makes the Christmas holidays a popular time to travel for many European travellers. The exact dates vary by country, but almost everywhere, people are looking for holidays, family time, sunshine, snow or relaxation around Christmas and New Year.

Why choose an all-inclusive holiday over the Christmas break?

The Christmas holidays are a busy time. Lots of people travel at the same time, popular hotels fill up more quickly, and flights or accommodation can become more expensive. That’s precisely when it’s nice to have a holiday that’s easy to organise. With an all-inclusive hotel, you know exactly what to expect in advance. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and often snacks are included. In many hotels, this is complemented by Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinners, entertainment, kids’ clubs, spa or sports facilities.

This is very practical for families. Children are on holiday; they want to swim, eat, play and have fun. Parents don’t want to spend every day dealing with shopping, restaurant bookings or additional costs. A good all-inclusive hotel takes a lot of that pressure off. You can let the day unfold at a leisurely pace: have breakfast, go for a swim, head to the beach or the snow, have lunch, take a little rest, go out again and then sit down for dinner.

For couples, all-inclusive holidays over the Christmas break are appealing because you can really switch off. No packed schedule, no hectic festive season at home, but a trip together to the sun, a wellness hotel or an adults-only resort. Hotels with a spa, heated swimming pool, sauna, hammam or a good restaurant are particularly attractive at this time of year.

All-inclusive holidays also work well for groups of friends and families. Around Christmas and New Year, you want to be together, but without having to organise everything yourselves. A hotel with a programme of festivities, including dinner and drinks, makes it easier to travel with a group of people.

Winter sun during the Christmas holidays

If you’re looking for some sun during the Christmas holidays, you need to choose carefully. Not every European destination is warm enough in December and January for a proper sun holiday. Southern Spain, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus and the Turkish Riviera can be mild and pleasant, but you can’t always count on beach weather. Within Europe, the Canary Islands are usually the most logical choice for winter sun.

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are popular because many hotels operate all year round. You’ll find all-inclusive resorts with swimming pools, buffets, children’s facilities, wellness centres and entertainment. For families, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are often practical choices due to the wide range of hotels on offer. Lanzarote is lovely for its tranquillity, volcanic landscape and uncluttered seaside resorts. Fuerteventura is ideal for beaches and open spaces.

Cyprus can also be a lovely choice if you’re looking for mild winter sunshine. Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Protaras are ideal for travellers who want to combine sunshine with culture, harbour towns and quiet hotels. Bear in mind, however, that the atmosphere is different from that in July or August. Some beach facilities operate on a more limited basis, making a hotel with an indoor swimming pool, spa or good restaurant all the more important.

Turkey is particularly appealing during the Christmas holidays thanks to its large resorts and good value for money. On the Turkish Riviera, the weather can be mild, but it is not the height of summer. You should therefore choose a hotel with a heated swimming pool, indoor pool, wellness centre, hammam and plenty of indoor facilities. That way, it won’t matter so much if a day is cloudy or a bit chilly.

Spain and Portugal during the Christmas holidays

Spain is one of the most popular choices for all-inclusive holidays during the Christmas holidays. The Canary Islands are the safest bet for sunshine, but Andalusia, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca and some cities are also worth considering. Don’t expect a summer beach holiday on the mainland, but do expect sunshine, terraces, culture and comfortable hotels.

For families, the Canary Islands are the most obvious choice. Many resorts have children’s pools, family rooms and entertainment. Do check whether the swimming pools are heated, though. In December, the pool water can be a bit chilly, especially if it isn’t heated. For couples, adults-only hotels, spa hotels and resorts with sea views are appealing.

Portugal is a good choice for travellers seeking peace and quiet, nature and mild temperatures. The Algarve is ideal for the coast, walking, golf and relaxing hotels. Madeira is better suited to nature, scenery, wellness and walking than to a classic beach holiday. For an all-inclusive Christmas holiday, Madeira is particularly appealing to couples and those seeking peace and quiet. The Algarve is a better fit for travellers who want to combine the coast with hotel comfort.

Greece, Malta and Cyprus around Christmas

Greece is less of an obvious choice as an all-inclusive sun destination during the Christmas holidays. Many islands are quieter and not all resorts are open. Nevertheless, Greece can be an interesting option for travellers seeking culture, tranquillity and mild weather, particularly in larger towns or on islands with year-round activity such as Crete and Rhodes. In that case, do make sure to choose a hotel with adequate facilities.

Malta is a good choice for those looking for short distances, culture, sea views and charming towns. Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and Mellieħa are ideal for a winter break. It’s not a tropical destination, but it’s lovely for walking, sightseeing and relaxing in hotels. An all-inclusive or half-board hotel can be handy, especially during the festive season.

Cyprus often offers more winter sunshine than many other Mediterranean destinations. The island combines coastline, culture, nature and hotels that are worth visiting even outside the summer season. Paphos is a good choice for couples and culture lovers. Protaras and Ayia Napa are quieter in winter than in summer. Limassol and Larnaca offer more of a city buzz.

Winter sports and all-inclusive Christmas holidays

Not everyone is looking for sunshine during the Christmas holidays. For many travellers, December is all about snow, mountains, Christmas markets and winter sports. Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are interesting options at this time of year.

In winter sports destinations, ‘all-inclusive’ often means something different to what you’d find by the sea. You usually book half-board, full-board, a wellness package or a hotel package including breakfast, dinner, a sauna, a swimming pool or, sometimes, a packed lunch. This suits winter sports well. After a day’s skiing or snowboarding, you don’t want to have to organise much else. You come back, have a shower, perhaps enjoy a sauna, and sit down for dinner.

Austria excels in family-run hotels, mountain hotels, wellness facilities, ski resorts and charming villages. France is appealing for its large ski resorts and serviced apartment complexes. Italy combines winter sports with good food and often a more laid-back atmosphere. Switzerland is more expensive, but excels in luxury hotels, mountain scenery and wellness. Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia are good options for those looking for a smaller-scale or often more affordable winter sports holiday.

For families with children, a winter sports holiday during the Christmas holidays is popular, but also busy. Choose a hotel close to the slopes, a ski school or a ski lift. A swimming pool or play area is lovely after a day’s skiing. For couples, a wellness hotel in the mountains is ideal, especially if you don’t need to hit the slopes every day.

Wellness during the Christmas holidays

Wellness fits in perfectly with the Christmas holidays. The days are short, the weather can be changeable, and many travellers want to round off the year in a peaceful way. A hotel with a sauna, spa, hammam, indoor swimming pool, massage facilities or thermal baths adds extra value to your holiday.

Turkey is renowned for its hammams, large spas and resorts with a wide range of facilities. Austria and Switzerland are ideal for wellness with mountain views. Germany has plenty of health resorts, thermal baths and spa hotels. Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are attractive destinations thanks to their thermal baths and wellness hotels. The Netherlands and Belgium are also good choices for short Christmas breaks featuring a spa and dinner.

When booking a wellness break, check carefully what’s included. Sometimes access to the swimming pool and sauna is included, but treatments aren’t. Sometimes you pay extra for a bathrobe, slippers, massages or a private spa. That’s normal, but you’ll want to know in advance. During the Christmas holidays, popular spa experiences can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.

Christmas holidays with children

The Christmas holidays are a lovely time for families, but they do require choosing the right hotel. Children have boundless energy, especially if the trip lasts longer than a few days. A hotel without children’s facilities can then be a let-down, even if the food is good. You should therefore opt for accommodation with a swimming pool, family rooms, a children’s buffet, entertainment, a play area or nearby activities.

For a winter sun holiday with children, the Canary Islands, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt (outside Europe) and, occasionally, Malta or southern Spain are worth considering. Within Europe, the Canary Islands are a particularly strong choice if you’re looking for plenty of sunshine and resort facilities. For snow, Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are popular.

An all-inclusive hotel with children needs, above all, to be practical. How far is it to walk from the room to the restaurant? Is there a children’s pool? Is the swimming pool heated? Are there snacks available? Is there food that children will like? Are there quiet rooms? Is there entertainment during the Christmas period? Are there activities in case of bad weather? These kinds of details often matter more than the destination itself.

Christmas holidays for couples

For couples, the Christmas holidays are a lovely time to get away together. You can opt for winter sun, wellness, adults-only resorts, a romantic mountain hotel or a comfortable city break. Many couples specifically want to escape the hustle and bustle of their responsibilities at home. A hotel where food, drink and relaxation are all taken care of offers peace of mind.

Good choices for couples include adults-only hotels in the Canary Islands, wellness resorts in Turkey, Madeira, Cyprus, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Cities such as Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Kraków, Tallinn, Riga, Paris, London and Berlin are also attractive around Christmas, especially if you opt for a hotel with breakfast, dinner or a spa.

Those seeking peace and quiet should avoid large family resorts during the school holidays. Those looking for a festive atmosphere should opt for Christmas markets, city hotels or mountain villages. Those seeking sunshine should choose a destination where hotels offer ample facilities even in winter.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve in an all-inclusive hotel

Many all-inclusive hotels organise special events around Christmas and New Year. These might include a Christmas dinner, a gala dinner, live music, an evening programme, a festive buffet or a New Year’s Eve countdown with champagne. Sometimes this is included, sometimes you pay a compulsory surcharge. Always read the details carefully before booking.

A Christmas dinner at a resort can be great fun, especially with children or family. You don’t have to cook, tidy up or act as host. For couples, a festive dinner can be a relaxed way to spend the festive season together.

New Year’s Eve is often busier and more expensive than the days leading up to it. Hotels may offer special packages, and popular resorts fill up quickly. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s better to choose a smaller hotel or a wellness retreat. If you’re looking to party, choose a resort or city with a clear programme of events.

When should you book your Christmas holiday?

For the Christmas holidays, it’s often wise to book early. The period is short, many travellers are tied to school term dates, and popular hotels fill up quickly. Family rooms, sea-view rooms, adults-only hotels, winter sun resorts and hotels near ski slopes are often the first to sell out.

Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but mainly if you’re flexible – flexible with your destination, departure date, airport, room layout and hotel type. For families with children, waiting for a last-minute deal is usually riskier. For couples without specific requirements, it can sometimes be a good option.

Also bear in mind how the holiday period is structured. The first week of the Christmas holidays may be priced differently from the week around New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is often more expensive, particularly in popular hotels and cities. If you’re mainly looking for sun or wellness and don’t place much importance on New Year’s Eve, it can sometimes be smarter to travel outside the most expensive nights.

What should you look out for with all-inclusive holidays over the Christmas break?

First, consider the type of holiday you want. Do you want sun, snow, spa facilities, a city break or a family-friendly holiday? Only then should you choose your destination. A hotel in the Canary Islands is very different from a mountain hotel in Austria or a spa hotel in Germany.

Next, check the facilities. In December, heated swimming pools, indoor pools, spas, children’s activities and restaurants are more important than in the summer. Ask yourself what you’d do if the weather turns out to be disappointing. If the hotel still feels right then, you’ve usually made the right choice.

Read recent winter reviews. Reviews from July don’t tell you much about December. Pay particular attention to comments about heated swimming pools, food, how busy it is, the Christmas programme, staff, rooms, air conditioning or heating, spa facilities and opening hours of facilities.

Also be aware of additional costs. Gala dinners, drinks, spa treatments, Christmas programmes, ski passes, transfers, luggage, parking and children’s activities may sometimes be charged separately. A competitive price is great, but only if you know what is and isn’t included.

Christmas holidays in practice

An all-inclusive holiday over the Christmas period is all about comfort at just the right time. It’s a busy, festive and sometimes expensive time of year, but also the perfect opportunity to really unwind. With a well-chosen hotel, you’ll have less to organise and more time to enjoy yourself.

For families, winter sun resorts, hotels with heated swimming pools and family-friendly ski hotels are ideal. For couples, adults-only hotels, wellness resorts, mountain lodges and charming cities are appealing. For families and groups, hotels offering festive dinners and clear package deals are handy. For those seeking peace and quiet, spa hotels, nature hotels and destinations away from the main crowds are often the best choice.

The best destination depends on what you’re looking for. For winter sun, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Turkey, Madeira, Malta or southern Spain are the top choices. For snow, opt for Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic or Slovakia. For wellness, choose Turkey, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic or the Netherlands. For city breaks, choose cities with atmosphere, festive lights, restaurants and comfortable hotels.

If you choose wisely, you can turn the Christmas holidays into more than just a hectic week of travelling. You’ll get time together, less hassle and a lovely way to round off the year.

FAQs about all-inclusive holidays during the Christmas holidays

Are the Christmas holidays suitable for all-inclusive holidays?

Yes, the Christmas holidays are ideal for all-inclusive holidays. As many restaurants, hotels and destinations can be busy, it’s nice when food, drink, facilities and, sometimes, festive dinners are already taken care of.

Where is it warm during the Christmas holidays?

Within Europe, the Canary Islands are a particularly good choice for winter sun. Cyprus, Madeira, Malta, southern Spain and the Turkish Riviera can also be mild, but the weather is less certain for beach holidays than in summer.

Is an all-inclusive holiday during the Christmas holidays expensive?

The Christmas holidays are often more expensive than quieter weeks in November or January. The period around Christmas and New Year is particularly popular. It’s wise to book early if you have specific requirements.

Which destinations are good for families with children?

For winter sun, the Canary Islands, Turkey and Cyprus are popular. For snow, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are worth considering. Be sure to choose a hotel with a swimming pool, family rooms and child-friendly facilities.

Which destinations are good for couples?

For couples, adults-only hotels in the Canary Islands, spa hotels in Turkey, mountain resorts in Austria or Switzerland, and city breaks to Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Tallinn, London or Berlin are good choices.

Are Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners included?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many hotels organise special dinners or gala evenings around Christmas and New Year. Always check whether these are included or if there is a compulsory surcharge.

Is an all-inclusive winter sports holiday available?

Yes, but it’s often referred to as half-board, full-board or a ski package. Breakfast, dinner, spa facilities and sometimes a packed lunch or extras are then included. This suits a winter sports holiday well.

What should you look out for when booking?

Look out for heated swimming pools, indoor facilities, spa facilities, children’s activities, Christmas programme, gala dinner, recent winter reviews, location, transfers, additional costs and exactly what’s included in the all-inclusive package.