December 2025 Brings a New Era of Travel Beyond the Standard Christmas

It is mid-December 2025. The festive lights are already flickering on high streets across the UK, and the familiar rush of the season is well underway. For many, the default plan is the usual: turkey at home, fighting over the remote, and hoping the heating bill doesn’t spike too high. But for a growing number of savvy British travellers, this year has been about breaking tradition.

The travel landscape in late 2025 has shifted. We are seeing a distinct move away from the “visit the relatives” obligation toward “experience-first” festive breaks. Whether you are looking for a last-minute booking or simply curious about where everyone else seems to be jetting off to this month, the data is clear. Brits are trading grey skies for the Northern Lights and replacing mince pies with Greek meze.

Here is a look at 5 of the best Christmas holiday destinations in 2025 that are defining travel this December, along with the operators making it happen.

1. Lapland, Finland: The Solar Maximum Spectacular

This year is not just any year for Arctic travel. Scientists predicted that 2025 would be a peak year for solar activity, known as the “Solar Maximum,” and they were right. The auroras have been brighter, more frequent, and more vivid than they have been in over a decade.

Why it wins in 2025: Lapland has always been the quintessential Christmas destination. It is the home of Santa Claus, reindeer sleighs, and snow-dusted forests. But in 2025, the primary draw is the sky. Northern lights holiday packages have seen a massive surge in demand this winter, with travellers eager to witness the enhanced auroral displays.

Unlike the cloudy uncertainty of Scottish sightings, Finnish Lapland offers high probabilities of clear, dark skies. Resorts like Rovaniemi and Levi are currently bustling, but the real magic is found further north in glass igloos designed for all-night sky watching.

Who to book with: For reliable package deals, high-street giants like TUI and Jet2Holidays have dominated the family market this year, offering direct flights from regional UK airports like Manchester and Gatwick. However, for a more tailored “event” feel—think private husky safaris and luxury log cabins, specialist operators are often the better choice. Companies like Transun or Canterbury Travel (competitors in the event/experience sector) offer deep expertise here.

2. The Greek Islands: A Self-Catering Sanctuary

Greece is typically associated with blazing August sun and crowded beaches. However, December 2025 has seen a quiet revolution in how Brits view the Mediterranean winter.

Why it wins in 2025: The appeal lies in “authentic living.” As hotel prices in traditional winter hubs like the Alps have skyrocketed this year, families are turning to self-catering holidays in  Greece. It is cost-effective, but more importantly, it is culturally rich.

Imagine Christmas Day in a stone villa in Crete or a cosy apartment in Nafplio. The weather is mild—often touching 15°C or 16°C—which is perfect for hiking ancient ruins without the summer heatstroke. You can cook your own festive feast using fresh local olive oil, feta, and honey from the village market. It is a slower, more deliberate way to spend the holidays.

Who to book with: For this type of trip, you need specialists who understand the local housing market, not just hotel beds. Sunvil and Greeka are the heavyweights here. Sunvil, in particular, has a reputation for finding hidden gems away from the tourist traps. Olympic Holidays is another strong contender for island packages. If you are looking for alternatives, Loveholidays has been aggressive on price this year for self-catering options, while Booking.com remains a staple for DIY travellers.

3. The Canary Islands: The Reliable Winter Warmer

Sometimes, you just want vitamin D. The Canaries—Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria—remain the UK’s favourite backyard for winter sun.

Why it wins in 2025: Reliability. In a year where global weather patterns have been unpredictable, the Canaries have maintained their “eternal spring” status. December 2025 is seeing temperatures in the low 20s. The shift this year, however, is toward “luxury wellness.” We are seeing fewer bookings for loud party strips and more for high-end spa retreats and eco-lodges.

Who to book with: Jet2Holidays is the volume leader here, with unmatched flight frequency. However, for a more refined experience, look at Kuoni. As a premium competitor in the hospitality space, Kuoni excels at curating 5-star packages that feel exclusive. They compete directly with the luxury arms of TUI but often offer a more bespoke service touch.

4. Vienna, Austria: The Old World Charm

If you cannot escape the cold, you might as well embrace it in style. Vienna in December 2025 is the definition of festive elegance.

Why it wins in 2025: The Christmas markets (Christkindlmarkt) in Vienna are legendary, but this year the city has leaned heavily into its musical heritage. 2025 marks significant anniversaries for several classical composers, and the city’s concert halls are offering special Christmas galas that are attracting culture lovers from across the UK. It is less about buying trinkets and more about the atmosphere: the smell of roasting chestnuts, the sound of choirs, and the grandeur of imperial architecture.

Who to book with: City breaks are often best handled by flexible operators. Lastminute.com and EasyJet Holidays are great for quick, impulsive trips. However, for a structured cultural tour, Trailfinders is an excellent alternative. They offer a level of concierge service that ensures you get tickets to the opera, not just a flight and a bed.

5. New York City: The Cinematic Christmas

The exchange rate in late 2025 has stabilised enough to make the US attractive again. New York at Christmas is a bucket-list item that feels particularly vibrant this year.

Why it wins in 2025: It is the energy. From the Rockefeller Centre tree to the window displays on Fifth Avenue, NYC delivers a high-octane holiday. This year, there is a renewed focus on “retail tourism,” with UK travellers flying out specifically to shop the post-Thanksgiving sales, which have extended deep into December.

Who to book with: Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a key player here, often bundling flights and hotels with added perks like lounge access. They compete vigorously with British Airways Holidays. For a more curated “event” style trip, perhaps including Broadway tickets or VIP skating passes, Hayes & Jarvis is a strong competitor to consider alongside the mainstream.

Who’s Who in 2025 Travel?

Navigating the operators can be as complex as choosing the destination. Here is a quick breakdown of the key players mentioned, helping you decide who fits your style.

• Sunvil: Best known for Greece & the Azores. Their strength lies in deep regional expertise and authentic self-catering villas.

• Greeka: The local specialist for Greece, ideal for ferry hopping and custom island itineraries.

• Jet2Holidays: The volume leader for sun & ski. They offer a huge flight network from regional UK airports and generous baggage allowances.

• TUI: The all-rounder. From budget breaks to luxury ‘Sensatori’ resorts, they offer a massive variety and reliable service.

• Olympic Holidays: Island specialists with a strong focus on Cyprus and the Greek Islands.

• Kuoni: The go-to for luxury and long-haul. Expect premium service, honeymoon expertise, and high-end tailor-made trips.

• Trailfinders: Experts in tailor-made travel. They offer exceptional customer service and handle complex itineraries with human expertise.

• Hays Travel: The high street trusted name. They provide independent advice and access to deals from multiple operators.

The Final Verdict for the 2025 Traveller

The common thread this Christmas is “intentionality.” British travellers in 2025 are not just going on holiday; they are seeking a specific feeling.

If you want the celestial awe of the northern lights holiday packages, Lapland is your winner. If you crave the quiet autonomy of self-catering holidays in Greece, the southern Peloponnese or Crete awaits. And if you just need reliable warmth, the Canaries will never let you down. It is not too late to salvage the festive season. The deals are there, the planes are flying, and the world is open. You just need to decide which version of Christmas you want to wake up to this year.